Low progesterone levels...

Hi,

My husband and I have been married for about 3 years now and just started trying to conceive. I just started charting my Basal Body Temperature to get a more accurate time of when I ovulate. My question is can you tell if your progesterone levels are low by your BBT? My temp yesterday was 98.40 and today it was 97.7. Since the beginning of last week I started getting sore/tender breasts, more tired/less energy than usual, moody/emotional, urinating more often and even the area around my nipples are darker than normal. I know these can be signs of PMS (with maybe the exception of the darker nipples), however I have never experiended these symptoms before my period. My period is due to start anytime now, that is if I'm not pregnant. I thought for sure that I might be pregnant this month with all of the symptoms that I started experiencing and had never had before...that is until I took my temp this morning and it dropped to 97.7. I still don't feel like I am going to start my period (no cramps, which I ALWAYS get when I start). Anyone out there know if I should just give up on hoping I could still be pregnant this month and just focus on trying again next month????? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!

Sunshine91005

Hi: I don't know if basal body temperature indicates progesterone level. I suggest you visit the Web site of the the American Fertility Association http://www.theafa.org/. They can probably answer your question.

With best wishes,
Pam
Education Dept.
March of Dimes

I'm pregnant with our second child and on the progesterone pill. Prior to our first son, Matt, we had 5 miscarriages and went through numerous tests and clomid. The specialist stated that I was "Undiagnosed Infertility". He did say that if I were to get pregnant on clomid, recommending only one more cycle then IVF, that I should take progesterone. I was never tested, to determine my level but when I did get pregnant in Sept 2006, I started the progesterone after a blood test in Oct. I was on it through 13th week. My son was born healthy with no problems. We decided to try again, and amazingly, god blessed us again. I've been taking my progesterone for almost 3 weeks and go in 1 1/2 weeks for my first ultrasound to check out growth and heart beat. Good luck to everyone in any endevours.

I am 38 and have a 12 year old and 7 year old. My husband and I have been trying to conceive since the end of December. There have been 3 or 4 times I would start with a brown mucus and the have a regular period. This month I didn't start and took a home pregnancy test that was positive. That was on Saturday. Monday I started bleebing. The doctor seen me on Tuesday and did bloodwork. Tuesday night she said I was 5 weeks and my HCG level was 38.7 and my progesterone was 0.9. She said she doesn't think I am going to be able to carry the baby and am probably in the process of a miscarriage. She put me on Progesterone 200mg 2X a day. And wants to repeat the bloodwork on Friday. I have only taken 3 doses of it. I started bleeding heavier today. Do you think there is any way I can save this pregnancy or is it to late? If it is too late, what should I do next month and the following months to try to avoid miscarring again. Which is what I think has happened the last 3 or 4 months, I just didn't realize that what was happening. Any advise would be helpful..

Hello Everyone!! I'm new to this sight and I was just wondering if anyone could calm my nerves.. I'm about 4 1/2 weeks pregnant, my husband and I are happy as can be BUT I went for blood work Friday and my Progesterone was only a 9 and my HCG level was around 856. The Dr. said my progesterone was low but I am pregnant. I went again for blood work today,but won't know untill tomorrow - should I be worried?? This is consuming my thoughts..... Can anyone relate or give me advise????

Hi and welcome to Share, I just saw your post and that you posted it yesterday. Do you have any new news? Please know I'm thinking of you and hoping that you got good news today!

Warmly
Kate

Hi everyone,

My name is Megan and I am about 6 weeks along. I started brown spotting the night before and did it for about a day. My first blood test came back with a low progesterone count but a good high hgc count. they did another blood test yesterday and an ultrasound tomorrow with a tech so i might hear something today or tomorrow.
it was my husband and mine's first month trying and we were so happy it happened so quick. i'm only 26, but its still upsetting because the nurse (who isn't my regular nurse cuz mine is on vacation) basically in so many ways said that if my levels get lower that i would have to have an abortion because progesterone treatments have defects like the hole for the urethra on lil boys ends up on the side instead of the tip and she really didn't sound optomistic at all. which is why my gf hates this nurse too, cuz she couldn't hear her 3 yearold son's heartbeat during her first us.
i'm sorry its long and wordy i'm concerned but not as concerned after reading all of your encouraging stories. much love and luck to you all.
     ~Meg~

hello everyone. i am on my 4th round of clomid. went from 4.3 to 14.9 serum progestrone level. do you or have anyone concieved at or around this level?

I am going through this same scenario and was wondering how things worked out for you. I had a miscarriage in Sep 08 and just found out I'm pregnant again. I had two cycles since my D&C, one 28 days and one 33 days so they don't know how far I am along. My levels are Hcg 44 and progesterone 1.2. The Dr said I may have ovulated late and just recently gotten pregnant but she was still expecting a little higher progesterone level. I was started on 100 mg Progesterone suppositories twice a day and get labs drawn again Thursday. I'm starting to get really nervous. Any advice good or bad would be appreciated. Thanks

Hello all, I am new to this and have never even read a forum let alone post, but after reading how great helpful and supportive you all seem to be I decided to share my story so I could get some postive feedback. My husband and I have been trying to concieve for 3 years now, dealing with irregular menstraul cycles-and even missed I was tested and diagnosed with hyperprolactenemia with a small pituitary adenoma (tumor) which caused my body to be all out of wack, well after being on the meds to get that under control- I finally have had a regular cycle for 6 months I am happy to say, and we still had not concieved so I went ot the obgyn recently got a vaginal ultra sound everything is great there, the hubby got a complete semen analysis everything is great there, not to mention we take all the recommended vitamins,and live a healthy lifestyle. Well I just went in for my lab tests for my progesterone levels and they came back scary low (0.39) So after reading what treatment posssiblities are out there and the hope that some of you have shed, I guess I am just looking for some advice in dealing with this complicating turn of obstacles it seem's we can never get over. Every time we think we are on the right track something happens I am starting to loose hope and don't want that to happen it's just very hard to deal with wanting a child so badly who knew it was so complicated, not to mention everyone around me has had a baby within the past year and they didn't even want to become pregnant. Any help/support would be great.

Hello all, I am new to this and have never even read a forum let alone post, but after reading how great helpful and supportive you all seem to be I decided to share my story so I could get some postive feedback. My husband and I have been trying to concieve for 3 years now, dealing with irregular menstraul cycles-and even missed I was tested and diagnosed with hyperprolactenemia with a small pituitary adenoma (tumor) which caused my body to be all out of wack, well after being on the meds to get that under control- I finally have had a regular cycle for 6 months I am happy to say, and we still had not concieved so I went ot the obgyn recently got a vaginal ultra sound everything is great there, the hubby got a complete semen analysis everything is great there, not to mention we take all the recommended vitamins,and live a healthy lifestyle. Well I just went in for my lab tests for my progesterone levels and they came back scary low (0.39) So after reading what treatment posssiblities are out there and the hope that some of you have shed, I guess I am just looking for some advice in dealing with this complicating turn of obstacles it seem's we can never get over. Every time we think we are on the right track something happens I am starting to loose hope and don't want that to happen it's just very hard to deal with wanting a child so badly who knew it was so complicated, not to mention everyone around me has had a baby within the past year and they didn't even want to become pregnant. Any help/support would be great.

HI Just a note to say I had very low levels of progesterone my hormone level was 2 last march. I am now 8 and a half months pregnant and due end of march. I was devasted this time last year at my results so please stay hopeful. Baby Dust to you all

Hi Bunny, I just read your post and wanted to try and give you some reassurance. I too have a microprolactinoma that really messes with my hormones. I have to take Dostinex in order to control it, I do go off the Dostinex when I get pregnant. My husband and I tried to get pregnant for a year before I found out I had the prolactinoma. Within a few months of taking the Dostinex I got pregnant, but unfortunately miscarried at 10 weeks. I got pregnant again a few months later. By six weeks my progesterone level dropped to a 10 and my doctor put me on 200 mg progesterone a day through my first trimester. My levels went back to normal and I carried my son to full term and he is a happy and healthy two year old. I am pregnant again, 6 weeks, I just go my blood work back and my progesterone is low again, 11. My doctor again prescribed the progesterone 200 mg daily. I have a lot of faith that this will work again. I think with a pituitary tumor, your hormones just need a little help. I have heard that many women start taking progesterone when they are first trying to conceive, and continue taking it through the first trimester to keep their levels high. Hope that helps.

I have been battling with bad horomone levels. Last month my level was 1. I was put on provera to start my period and femara on days 3-5. I went through numerous ultrasounds to see if I would create a sack that would release with cysts to help me ovulate(femara). It never happened. Next, I was put on metformin and femara, my doctor done more ultrasounds and we finally saw the sack.He then gave me an injection that would make the sack bust. I then had to do a progesterone test a week later, my level was 9.7. He told me they usually like to see levels between 13-15 or more. He also said if I didn't start my period by the 22nd I had to take a pregnancy test. Does anyone think I could be pregnant or become pregnant?

In response to Rosebud:

I do think it is possible for you to be pregnant because I took provera for 10 days and took Femara on days 5-9 and then had the follicle check which showed matured follicles. I then had the hcg shot and had my progesterone checked on day 21 or so. My progesterone level was 12.5. Well, my daughter is now 18 months old! Please don't give up hope, I tried for 4 years with 2 miscarriages and didn't ever think it was going to happen, but it did. It sounds like we have the same issues. Did your doctoer put you on glucophage? Anyway, I am sending baby dust your way! I am presently trying again and am on day 11 and go for a follicle check on 03/23. Just have faith and I will be praying for all of you. God Bless!

I'm basically shocked at this moment...My doctor told me I have low estrogen/low progesterone and I'm basically at a menopause level. I'm only 22 years old and I have no kids. I wasn't looking into having any kids right now, but now Im worried that it will not be a possibility. He had me take medroxyprogesterone (2X's) and still no sign of my period. I had my period before I decided to go on the depo-provera and now that I stopped in Oct 08 I still have no sign of my period. My doctor prescribed me birth control pills and it will help me with having my period. Will I have to take these for the rest of my life? My husband and myself weren't planning on having kids, but I'm very sad that it might not be a possibility. Please if anyone has gone through the same thing please let me know....I really do need some information and encouragement....

Hi this is my first post, I found all your information really reassuring.

Here is my story, I have had two pregnancies and two missed miscarriages both miscarriages were 8-10 weeks. My doctor tested me for my hormone levels after my missed miscarriage and noted that my progesterone level was low I think it was like at 6. So today I call because I am so excited that the test came back positive and ask her if she can just monitor my hormone levels to see that everything is progressing. So she says well we can't do anything now if you would have taken the progesterone suppositories before you got pregnant that would have worked but since you are already pregnant than we can't do anything but after reading all you ladies posts I changed my doctor to someone my uncle (who's a doctor) recommended.

Thank all of you for posting your stories and giving me hope!!!!!

Monica

I learned last week that I am in fact pregnant. I suffered a MC in Jan 09 and I am now pregnant again. I am bruised from going for bloodwork but I am well aware that they want to follow me closely. I went to my primary doc because I had conflicting HPT result, the first one was +, the next two were -, then in April for three days, I bleed..Well with the advice of my GF, i took another test that indicated +, I went to the doc and they did yet another urine test that read -, They decided to take blood and it was confirmed my HCG was 83.1, my Progesterone was 2.7. They sent me for another blood test the very next day bc they were convinced that i will have yet another MC, the next set of results were HCG 70, Progesterone 4.7....I followed up with my OB/GYN and got results on Tues. that my HCG is 270 and my Progesterone 7. I just went for another blood test today and will have results tomorrow. Naturally I am scared out of my mind because I don't know what they will tell me tomorrow. Any advice?

You should be much higher at three weeks my friend was put on bed rest and given 200 mg pro 2xs a day she is due any minute. It can save your children , however for twins I would get on that phone and ask for the suppositories or the injection not the pills , you need to get him/her to be a bit more aggressive , I know many woman who are moms now that had the same problem. Heck , I have it , After four babies no problems , 11/2 yrs it took for someone to find out that I was pro deficient . now we know what to do no fear , get on the phone and ask first then DEMAND these are your children they have the technology. You are in my prayers , please make the call . Blessings to you and your babies fight for them . Mary or low pro

I should have been more clear also , yes you can have ;pro after conception and yes in many cases it will help keep your pregnancy that is not my opinion that is from the Dr that told me her co Dr may have been a BIT REMISS when he sent us on vacation when I was 4 wks preg with a 4pro , I lost our child on th 2nd day of our vaca and had to smile and join my other children in all of their stuff. The Er dr said he should have given me a few shots or suppositories but he would not see me he said it was not NECESSARY . Don't cry for me if it's Gods will I will be sending this less than perfect med student as that is how he acted , the pic of our new son or daughter. Keep looking UP LADIES ! Drs are not God they are wrong sometimes and you need to shop around if it does not feel right I changed my dr in my 8th mo scared but that was my VBACK . BLESSINGS AND LIGHT TO YOU ALL MARY

Hi - This is Lindsay and I work at the March of Dimes.

Progesterone levels in early pregnancy need to rise, but they can vary a lot from one person to another. Here is a link to good information that discusses changing hormone levels during pregnancy: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/earlyfetaldevelopment.htm

For information on progesterone injections or suppositories to prevent premature birth, read our article: http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21236_19093.asp

It's always a good idea to discuss any questions regarding treatment with your health care provider. Make a list of questions and keep it in front of you when you talk so you won't forget to ask anything. And don't forget that you are perfectly within your rights to seek a second opinion if you feel unsure about the treatment options your provider offers.

I hope this is helpful. Best wishes,

Lindsay W.
Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center

Hello i am new to this board just found it and looking to see if anyone else has my problem. I am 28 years old, and have 3 children and had no problems...I am currently 9 weeks pregant again and my Dr. said my progesterone level is to low at 7 and they did a ultrasound and said the baby is not as high up in the utuerus as it should be but down lower in the utuerus (not a tubal) but that in alot of cases like this it ends up in MC. He started me on progesterone orally and said that might help but that its a day by day thing and he said I could miscarry at any time or go on to have the baby. I was just wondering if anyone out there has had this problem? I have never heard of the baby being to low in the utuerus. Can any one offer any advice? Thank You Very much. I am on total bed rest and very scared.
Thanks Courtney

Hello I also have low progesterone, a fertility doctor discovered this after my secound miscarriage. The doctor instructed me to take the 2 progesterone suppositories daily until I get my period or if I am pregnant. After I did conceive I had to take the supositoiries for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This I believe was the only thing that was able to maintain my pregnancies. After our second child was born, my OBGYN discovered I had anovulation and if I wanted anymore children I would need clomid. I went ahead and took the clomid 50 mg and concieved the first month on it. I ovulated on day 22, and the prog test came back at 1.7 on day 21, so the nurse said i probably didnt ovulate and I would have to try again next month on a higher dose of clomid. Well my OPK said I ovulated on day 22 and it worked. So here am almost 5 weeks along, and I am taking progesterone to be on the safe side even though my levels were fine. Im taking them because they can drop. Thanks to everyone or sharing your stories.

I have been on clomid 250mg & dexamethosone. Went for my 21 day serum prog. test and the first time I got a 42.6. I just knew that i was preg. Come to find out I was not. My Cycle came. On day five I started same treatment clomid/ dex. Went for my next 21 day serum prog. test level. was a 2.76. Nurse did not start my count from my light days she wanted me to start count from day i got little heavy. Do you think my level was low because of testing at the wrong time or what? Someone please tell me what you think.

I am 24 years old and I have been trying to concieve for a year and a half. With no luck, I decided to see a fertility specialist. I was diagnosis with PCOS. I have been taking Metformin/Glucophage for 5 months, and am on my 2nd cycle of Clomid. My first cycle I produced a large enough egg and ovulated, but my Progesterone level was 5. My 2nd cycle of Clomid i was up to 2 pills days 5-9, produced 2 large eggs and was given hCG shot to release the eggs. So I released an egg from left and one from the right. A week later my Progesterone level was 2.67. Has anyone conceived with such a low progesterone level? and should I take a progesterone cream without my doctors knowledge? I just want a slight chance of hope.

I can't say I know a whole lot about fertility issues, but I wanted to say that I wouldn't do anything without the dr at least knowing about it. I have heard of successful outcomes with people who take progesterone while they are trying to conceive but I believe in being honest with your dr. They are really there to help you out and they need all the pieces to solve the puzzle. If you don't feel it's working and that your dr is not taking things seriously than I would get a new dr. It's quite possible that the progesterone is safe and your dr will not have a problem with it, but if there is more information you need before you use the progestrone cream (how much, how often) you are probably best off to speak with the dr.

Good Luck to you, I hope it happens soon!
Jackie

Hello...

I know it can be very frustrating trying to conceive and it can seem hopeless sometimes especially when you are involved in the day to day charting of your cycle. I just wanted to let you know that it is possible to achieve pregnancy if luteal phase defect is what you have (your doctor can let you know if that is the case). Basically it means the second half of your cycle (when you produce progesterone that you need to sustain and keep a pregnancy) does not produce enough progesterone. With the environment, diet, stress, lack of exercise, etc. it naturally lowers progesterone (or better explained it increases your estrogen which overpowers your progesterone) and you can become hormonally imbalanced which can make it difficult to conceive. I recommend reading Dr. John Lee's "What your doctor won't tell you about premenopause". He spent his whole career helping women with their hormonal imbalances. I read his book and after trying for three years I was able to conceive by using natural progesterone cream. My doctor told me it would never work and that it was a waste of time. I liked my doctor a lot and I am not saying that doctors don't know what they are talking about but a lot of docs are not open to this form of treatment because they don't know how to dose it. Afterwards he wanted to know where I got my cream! To me it made perfect sense, the doctor told me I was low in progesterone and I had luteal phase defect and that to me meant I needed progesterone. Since that was the only fertility treatment I could afford I decided to give it a try. After about five months I conceived and I also did the same thing for my second child (I have a 3 and 6 year old). Dr. Lee explains everything in his book and even gives you places you can get the progesterone cream where they dose it properly. If anyone is interested, I can tell you where I get mine (I still take it monthly). I would recommend going to your local library or buying the book somewhere because it really helped me figure out what was wrong with my fertility. Hope that helps and good luck! -- Jennifer

where would I find natural progesterone cream. I have looked at several websites and not sure exactly which one to choose. Which one would you recommend?

Hmmm... I wish I knew what to tell you, but I never used cream. Hopefully someone chimes in soon with some info. Or maybe your OB can help you decide which one to use.

Hello,

I can give you the site where I have gotten mine for about 6 years now. http://www.altmednetwork.net. The natural progesterone cream is right on the front page. The reason I like this place for the cream is they have a pump bottle that gives you the exact amount Dr. Lee recommends. And I also recommend you get his book, 'What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-menopause' - this is also available on this site or just get it at a book store or your local library. He explains much better than I can how progesterone and estrogen need to be in balance in a woman's body. Anyway, hope that helps and best of luck to you! - Jennifer