[LindseyandJoeinAL]

Hi! My OB/GYN did a progesterone serum test and my level is 11. She said this is normal, but according to my internet research it's a little low. Any input/comments?

Thank you sweet ladies!

[Loving6]

How many days past ovulation are you?I read the 10-15 is normal for around 7 dpo.

[*tacii]

Anything over 10 on an unmedicated cycle is normal. And progesterone peaks around 7 DPO, so the test would be most accurate around then.

[LindseyandJoeinAL]

It was CD 22 or 8 days post ovulation. Would 11 be on the low end of normal?

[*tacii]

No, I would say it's fine. Anything over 5 indicates ovulation occurred, but doctor's look for levels over 10 unmedicated for good ovulation. On a medicated cycle, they want levels over 15.

[LindseyandJoeinAL]

Thanks all!! One more question, would a higher number equal a better chance of conceiving? Also, (okay, that's 2) if I was pregnant now, would the number be the same?

[Brandielou]

What is really important regarding progesterone is how it relates to your LP, the time between O and AF, if you have over 10 days, you should be fine. If your progesterone is low it leads to an LP deficiency, which means you have 10 or fewer days from O to AF. Some women think they O late in their cycle when that isn't the case at all, it is an LP deficiency. Progesterone is what keeps your lining from shedding if you are pregnant. If you have low progesterone levels (shown by short LP time) even if you conceived the low levels will still cause your lining to shed. If you have good a good LP and she says your levels are ok, then you are good to go =) They also make progesterone cream if you are nervous, you can get it at health food stores or OTC and if you want to lengthen your LP or add more progesterone you simply take it a day or so after O and keep using it twice a day until when you should start your period or as long as possible to "make" a good LP, once you test neg you stop using it, AF will start and you do it all over again. I have a short LP (like around 10 days) so I used it last month and it helped lengthen it by 2 days. But you can google and find lots of info on it but the most important thing is that if you use anything like progesterone cream or Wild Yam extract and you do get pregnant, do NOT stop taking the same doses, if you do it will cause a m/c. Tell your dr. and she'll probably prescribe progesterone pills or suppositories.

[LindseyandJoeinAL]

thanks Brandielou! Awesome advice!!