Progesterone Levels

[woos]

Hi everybody - after another traumatic missed miscarriage 6 weeks ago, I'm ready to start thinking about trying again.  A lot of you kindly responded to my last post and every single one of you mentioned progesterone levels.  I hadn't heard of this at all.  

Can anybody advise, do I need to have my levels checked prior to pregnancy as well as during?  Can they tell if your levels are lower than they should be before pregnancy?  Also, where do I go to have this check done?  Is it something I can do through my regular GP or pay through private healthcare?

I'd be really grateful for any responses - I've learnt more from other people who have gone through what I have than any medical person!!

Many thanks for taking the time to read.

Sue

[adgal]

My OB has done a tonne of bloodwork at different times of my cycle, and I am honestly not sure what my progesterone levels are.  My 2nd pregnancy he had me start prometrium at my first appointment with him (about 5 weeks along).  After that loss, he gave me a prescription for prometrium so that I start it as soon as I get a positive on my home test.  He said it can't hurt anything to be on it.  I also found out here that many many of us "older" expectant moms are on it.  

Best of luck to you!!

[kiaragirl]

What if you dont find out till a couple of weeks past AF due date that you are pregnant?? Is that what causes early miscarraiges??

[Lilyb]

Ive had 2 miscarriages. I insisted on getting tested, but my doc said I was fine. Now, after developing so many symtoms she sent me for blood work. I dont know the results yet, but you should definitely get tested before getting pregnant. It is very routine and i suppose most insurances cover the cost.
I'll let you know as soon as I here from my OB.

good luck and sorry about your miscarriages.

[prevatt77]

My RE never checked my progesterone levels, having having 4 miscarriage he gave me a prescribtion and told me to start taking them as soon as I got pregnant, I used them through my entire first trimester.

[aniram]

Yes, progesterone should be checked once you get pregnant. It should be checked and monitored together with HSG numbers for the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. If your progesterone numbers aren't high enough, you may want to go on Prometrium that will increase your levels. Your regular OBGYN can check those numbers from blood test.