2nd Beta Low Progesterone

[mblu]

I just got the results from my second Beta. My estrogen is now at 5805 (which is fantastic - it only needed to be above 1000), but my progesterone has droped from 22 to 14 (in about a week and a half). So the Dr. gave me a prescription for prometrium. But there is a big label on the bottle that says "DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT". Well, obviously I am pregnant and I do want to be so what is the deal?

Has anyone had low prog? and have you taken this med? Should I start taking the pills or should I wait until I can call my Dr. in the morning?

Please help - I'm freaking out!!

[Sweedie]

Isn't that weird? I've heard of that too but it's definitely suggested if your progesterone is low. Plus many many ladies here remain on progesterone for 12 weeks plus I believe all IVF'ers are on it automatically until 12 weeks.

Congratulations!

[pooh]

I don't do Prometrium, but I've been doing PIO and the suppositories since my transfer on Oct 21st and will continue on them, regardless of my prog. level until Dec. 30th. With fresh cycle, I was given the option of switching to just the supositories, but with this FET, no option, just have to do both every day plus the estrogen twice a week. I'm sure they wouldn't prescribe it if it wasn't safe and you need progesterone support for IVF to help maintain your pg. Good luck!

[Beth - Va]

I did PIO and prometrium capsules vaginally from the day of transfer until I was 12 weeks. I am now 21 weeks pregnant.

[AthenaD]

I've seen this questions a lot. It IS safe for pregnancy. I would take them and for peace of mind, call the doctor.

[mmi]

Take them, take them, take them. They are used all the time, not sure why the warning is there. It can mean the difference between miscarrying and not miscarrying. The helped me keep my last two pregnancies, both healthy girls.

[mblu]

Guys,

Thanks for all the responses. We had an ectopic in April, so I am just overly stressed out about things working better this time around.

We will have our first U/S on Monday and should hopefully hear a heartbeat. I believe that may help me to relax a bit.

[AthenaD]

Best of luck on Monday! Keep us posted!!!

[socalgal3]

Hi mblu, I had this same question, as I am taking progesterone (in oil) myself. I read the same warning in the enclosure...How it was explained to me follows:

"The package inserts do mention genital abnormalities but many of the initial studies were done on synthetic progesterone and this early prog had been syntesized from male hormones. The concern can come about that there still may be a component of the original male hormone that can affect the gentilia.

Today's progesterone is equivalent to your normal progesterone and should be of less concern."

I feel at ease with taking it now--The risk is very low and the benefit is so great--Many IVF centers, if not all, replace progesterone after an IVF cycle. While I did not do IVF, when I think about all the women/babies who have gone through IVF without this problem, I feel comforted.Take care, and best wishes for Monday!

[mblu]

Well I am just now back from the Dr and we saw a HEARTBEAT!!!! I am so thrilled and am now just anxiously awaiting my blood results to make certain the progesterone levels are OK.

I am begining to feel like it is OK to be excited! This morning was the absolute most exciting day of my life.