Progesterone results

Christine-MA · #1 February 18th, 2009, 12:47 PM

So everything I've read told me my progesterone level should be at least 10 (at 7dpo). I had it checked yesterday at 8dpo (they were closed Monday). NP calls me back today and says "Your level was 8.51 and Dr XXX says that's fine".

Maybe I'm just in a bad mood today because I'm annoyed. I'm sick of hearing "it's okay" when I don't think it is. When I went in for my 2nd pregnant at 6 weeks and the baby measured 5, I knew it wasn't right (and I hadn't gotten my hopes up anyway). But he told me it could be fine. And I guess it could have been, but it wasn't. So I'm tired of "it's fines". And I'm not saying put me on a supplement, but at least acknowledge it's on the low end maybe?? Or have me go back again next cycle? Or maybe he thinks I went on CD21 not knowing my cycles, but I know I went at 8dpo (and I've mentioned I chart so I know that for a fact, so he should know that).

I'm totally considering going to another Dr, but I just switched TO this guy (on my mom and aunts recommendations). He's really nice and I like him, but I feel he talks more than he listens. He probably thinks I'm just a do-too-much-of-my-own-research patient, and maybe I am. But I'm the one without a healthy pregnancy!

So I guess this is mostly a rant, but anyone else have insight on the progesterone levels?

~Laurie~ · #2 February 18th, 2009, 01:23 PM

I don't have any advice or information on progesterone, but I just wanted to say that if you really feel this way about the doctor, maybe you could tell him that you need information not platitudes. Could you ask to have your progesterone tested another cycle? Sometimes people that haven't experienced the uncertainty of TTC don't understand that it makes micro-managers out of us.

jmhick · #3 February 18th, 2009, 01:35 PM

I"m sorry you didn't have a good appt today. I know you hate getting that it's fin things -- sometimes they are right sometimes they aren't. I'm a do my own reserach kinda gal too, but sometimes they know what's best. There are so many things I want to try with trying again, but my dr. says JUST prenatals and healyth foods right now. It's hard, but 1. he knows best and 2. he's my grandad, so I have to trust him some how!

Don't get down!

~Lynda~ · #4 February 18th, 2009, 01:42 PM

christine, here is what i did. i suspected a progesterone problem cause my LP was shortening. got it tested and I got the "it's fine" too. so i went to GNC and bought natural progesterone cream. I used it from O to AF. It lengthened my LP by 3 to 4 days. when i got pregnant, i told my ob, cause i've heard you have to continue the progesterone through the first tri. so when i told her, i thought she'd be questioning why i did it, but she didn't. she said ok, well i'm going to prescribe progesterone supplements till your in your second tri.

i have a girlfriend who is a MD and she told me the extra progesterone from O to AF wouldn't hurt me, even if i didn't need it. i'm supposed to just stop the minute AF shows and if she doesn't show by 15DPO, i'm to test.

AliciaF · #5 February 18th, 2009, 02:05 PM

I haven't had my progesterone tested but after 3 chemical pregnancies my OB is recommending we supplement from ovulation each cycle now. I was told that it wouldn't hurt to try it. I would definitely ask about it or if you feel like your concerns are being brushed off, find a new doc.

I lucked out by finding a great office with my first child. I love them so much that I drive over an hour to see them.

*SamF* · #6 February 18th, 2009, 02:15 PM

ok my

If you are having issues now with the doctor, I would think that they may get worse as you go. I would start looking, you may wait till after one more appointment to see if he is better or not.
Hope it all works out for you!

amandakay29 · #7 February 18th, 2009, 02:50 PM

I can't remember how fast progesterone rises but...when I was pregnant with Wyatt they checked mine at 14 dpo and it was only 13.44 but two days later it had went up to 24.9. I remember at the time the nurse stated it had to be in the high teens at the next check or they were putting me on progesterone. I hope that helps.

Jennifer8080 · #8 February 18th, 2009, 02:58 PM

I don't know much in the way of progesterone, but I can say that I would probably switch doctors if I were you. Or at least go for a second opinion with someone else. You may find that you like and are more comfortable with someone else. I'm sorry you're having to go through this.

..Jessica.. · #9 February 18th, 2009, 03:08 PM

I agree with Lynda, it won't hurt you to try the cream.

I'm sorry all your doc is telling you is "just fine" because that's not an answer in my books either!

dragonfly2006 · #10 February 18th, 2009, 03:17 PM

well I just called today and made an appt with another dr. myself..the 1 I had told me "its fine" when i was 9 weeks pregnant and bleeding like a period later resulting in my loss..then i didnt get the results to my pathology until today 6 months later and he doesnt want to test to find out why I cant get pregnant because obviously I can so its just a matter of waiting..ugh he makes me mad so Im in the same boat..they need to take us serious and do all they can do not just say "its fine" and be lazy!

L-SBB · #11 February 18th, 2009, 04:57 PM

so my 2 cents: I don't know much about progesterone, but I do know there's a split of opinion within the medical community as to whether or not progesterone can actually help prevent miscarriage. The important thing is not which group is right, but what you want. Even a doctor who disagrees with providing progesterone supplements should be able to give you a clear explanation of why they don't believe they are necessary.

It's ultimately up to you to decide what's best for your body, and your doctor is there to give you their expert opinion and guidance in making that decision...so if your current doctor isn't taking your concern seriously, or isn't able to explain why he/she doesn't want to prescribe supplements, then I say it's time for you to find a new doctor.

for the bad appt causing you more frustration!

Christine-MA · #12 February 18th, 2009, 05:26 PM

Thanks everyone! I just had a bad day

I decided, short term, that if I'm pregnant (and I'm testing tomorrow), I'll tell him I want him to check it again because it needs to be rising if I am.

I am aware that some Dr's think low progesterone is a symptom of a miscarriage, not the cause....and I think that's his theory. But Lara, you're exactly right...if that's his belief, I want him to tell me why he doesn't think that's the issue....not just say "its' fine".

Thanks again everyone. It's so good to be a part of this group.

Jennifer8080 · #13 February 18th, 2009, 06:10 PM

Good luck testing tomorrow! I hope you get your

klt · #14 February 18th, 2009, 08:33 PM

You really need to feel comfortable with your doc. That may take a simple conversation about your concerns, or, that may take finding a new one. I'd try talking to him... and, if you're still uncomfortable...switch.

Good luck testing tomorrow!!! KUP

You really need to feel comfortable with your doc. That may take a simple conversation about your concerns, or, that may take finding a new one. I'd try talking to him... and, if you're still uncomfortable...switch.

Good luck testing tomorrow!!! KUP