Thursday, June 4, 2009

Results

My progesterone level was a 4.1 which does indicate ovulation according to my RE. He said it is on the low side and he would like it to be more around 10+ So if I do not get pregnant this cycle we will move up to 5 tabs of clomid. So 250 MG a day. I am so HAPPY to have ovulated. I can probably say with full confidence this is probably the first time I have ever ovulated. I have been doing a lot of research online and my level isn't really considered good. Some sites even say you need at least a level of 10 to sustain a pregnancy.



this comes from
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/progesterone-levels-amp-treatments.html

Progesterone Levels & Treatments

By:
Mark Perloe
Question :

I'm finding a lot of conflicting information on the web regarding what level of progesterone is needed to sustain a pregnancy. I tested at 11.4 (I think it was tested at day 6 past ovulation). The nurse said I had ovulated, and that anything over 10 is okay. But I'm reading on the web that you need a level of 14 to sustain a pregnancy, or you might have an "inadequate ovulation." Is this the case? I'm not being prescribed progesterone, but I'm wondering if it would help to use a progesterone cream. Is there a consensus in the medical community whether natural progesterone cream derived from wild yams or USP progesterone is more effective? I've heard that wild yam creams might not do anything for your progesterone level, and that USP creams can actually mess up your cycle.

Deann
Answer :

Progesterone levels can vary from laboratory to laboratory. The level can also vary from morning to afternoon and even drop 50 percent after a meal. Unfortunately, most physicians are not aware of this fact and do not advise their patients to check levels early in the morning and while fasting. Any level over about 2 or 3ng/ml likely indicates ovulation. A fasting a.m. blood progesterone level over 10ng/ml in our lab indicates normal follicular development and ovulation. There is no specific value necessary to "maintain" a pregnancy. In fact, I have had patients with enzyme defects who had levels of 2ng/ml who have carried without a problem.

This brings us to your next question. Rarely is progesterone supplementation of any value. A low progesterone level seen during pregnancy is a sign of a failing pregnancy, not its cause. Progesterone replacement for "luteal phase defect" does not correct the problems with the developing follicle. Ovulation treatment is necessary to fix this problem. There are no studies that show that adding more progesterone can save a pregnancy. This is a myth that has been foisted on many women by well-meaning physicians who are not aware of the latest research in this area.



I wasn't aware that you should do a fasting blood test in the morning. My doctor never mentioned it. I have a call in to see if he believes this could account for my numbers being on the low side. I had gone around noon and have just finished eating lunch. I also don't really know when to expect AF. I am guessing if I haven't had anything by next Friday I will call and ask if I should take a test. We will see...

2 comments:

JoEllen said...

FWIW, my cousin's wife had to take progesterone throughout the first trimester.. actually she started taking it as soon as the beans were implanted, but can't some women start taking it as soon as they ovulate?

ovulating this time is no doubt encouraging!

Kerri said...

You can take it 3 days after ovulation. But mine is from week ovulation rather than a progesterone problem. To fix mine I need a stronger ovulation. But I'm convinced my levels are higher I had gone after lunch