progesterone levels

[Dawnttc]

Can you share your progesterone levels?

My hcg is doubling but my progesterone is falling, even though I'm on supps.

Thanks,
Dawn

[Donna5]

My levels have always been above 40, but I am on PIO. Was this a natural cycle, IUI, IVF? You may just need more supplementation if you normally have a P4 problem in the luteal phase.

[Carolinalsw]

My progesterone was 13 when I had my first beta drawn. I was put on supps, but wasn't tested after that. The doctor said there was no reason to test after being on supps. so I didn't worry about it too much. I am now 16 weeks, and have been off the prog. for about 4-5 weeks. Good luck with everything, and congratulations on your pregnancy!

[Dawnttc]

Thanks for your levels. Mine is very low. At 17dpIUI progesterone was 18. RE likes to see it over 20, but 18 was OK. I've been on crinone 8% since 3dpIUI, but they're not helping. So today my beta doubled but my progesterone dropped to 10. I'm now adding prometrium twice a day so that I'll be on progesterone 4x day. But I'm not hopeful. I'm scared that this is another ectopic. So sad right now.

Dawn

[wantsababy2]

Dawn, the vaginal supps won't necessarily increase your blood prog level. Vaginal supps are more readily absorbed directly by the endometrium, bypassing your bloodstream.

If your doctor is concerned, could you ask about PIO shots? These are the most effective.

If your HCG is rising appropriately, I'd say you're OK.

[BC-Sirell]

Dawn,

Neither the crinone nor the progesterone supps will register in your P4 blood levels. Only the PIO injections can be checked this way.

If you and your RE are concerned about your progesterone levels, then I suggest switching to the PIO.

Hugs,


Sirell
17w6d

[Dawnttc]

Thanks for the info on the PIO shots. I've never had a progesterone problem in other pregnancies before (a few m/c and one successful pgcy) so I had no idea about it. What is more important - having progesterone in my bloodstream or going straight to the endometrium? Or are both equally important?

Thanks,
Dawn

[wantsababy2]

Endometrium - this is where prog is "used."

The reason PIO shots are more effective than supps or oral pills is because most of the prog is absorbed by the bloodstream, which circulates around until it eventually finds its way to the endometrium. As you know, the vag supps leak out mostly, so absorption, while in the right area, is not as efficient. Oral pills are the least effective because absorption of prog by the intestines is the least efficient.

[Dawnttc]

Thank you!

I asked the nurse specifically if I should take the prometrium vaginally or orally and she said orally. I'm calling my RE right now to find out what to do.

[BC-Sirell]

Dawn,

I think you should take the prometrium vaginally and not orally, as then it will go directly where it is needed most. I've always been on both PIO and prometrium vaginally and my numbers have always been above 35 and I've never had a problem with the prometrium leaking back out.

I put the pill in as far as my fingers can reach just as I'm going to bed. It only takes about 45 minutes for the pill to melt and be absorbed. Eight hours later, when I get up in the morning, I have little to no discharge from the pill

Definitely talk to your RE about using the prometrium vaginally and not orally. I would even suggest asking him for the PIO as well. You cannot not have too much progesterone in your system.

Hugs,


Sirell
18w1d