Oral/vaginal progesterone w/DE IVF - depression side effects

[Ferdinanda]

Hi,
My partner is in the midst of her first donor egg IVF cycle -- transfer of one blastocyst was 5 days ago and less than a week till the pregnancy test!

She is doing oral & vaginal progesterone instead of PIO because she suffered from bad sciatica last year (unrelated to fertility treatments) and there is a risk of PIO bringing on another episode of sciatica.

We have read that the oral progesterone in particular has worse side effects than the other forms; however, our clinic wants her to take both oral and vaginal. The worst side effect she is dealing with is depression.

Has anyone else experienced this related to progesterone? Our question is whether this side effect will pass (for instance, the hot flashes she was experiencing the first few days are not bothering her as much anymore), or if our only option is to switch to PIO. Or does PIO also tend to cause depression as a side effect?

Of course, if it is a BFN, there are only five more days anyway. But if we are lucky, we are looking at several more weeks of progesterone at a minimum, and the sadness (also fatigue) are difficult to cope with.

She is vulnerable to depression in general and used to take an SSRI but has been off of it for nearly a year while trying to get pregnant. She is feeling lower now than she has in quite a while (not dangerously so, but it's hard for her to work and be productive).

Thanks in advance for any insights or advice!

[KimAtFertilityAuthority]

Hi Ferdinanda,

Fingers crossed for a BFP!

I can't comment specifically to the oral/vaginal progesterone vs. PIO, but I can definitely tell you from experience that PIO made me feel like I was on an emotional roller coaster. I really hope for your partner's sake that she does not run in to any side effects, but I would have her talk to her RE and therapist in the mean time. I believe there are some anti-depressants that are safe to take during pregnancy OR the therapist/psychiatrist will way the cost/benefit to taking an anti-depressant.

Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask and she may not have to suffer the emotions at all.

Good luck!

Kim

[Ferdinanda]

Thanks, Kim!

Fortunately, the depression side effect only lasted 1-2 days. She has been feeling a lot better since then. Now we just have to make it two more days till the beta!

-Ferd

[KimAtFertilityAuthority]

Hey Ferd! Great news. Hoping the next two days fly by Keep me updated!

Kim