Progesterone confusion

eichic · 06-12-2008, 10:51 PM

I am a little confused about this. I had bloodwork done on day 20 of my cycle. I need to say that although I am off the BCP after a long while...been off 3 months, I am getting periods but not TTC.

My progesterone level was <0.1L in a range of 3.3 to 22.5.
Estradiol was 62 range of 43-180
Ratio of the two was 2 (range of 100-500)

I have been trying to read up on this. Many of my symptoms seem to fall in line with what I read about low progesterone. But, some docs seem to say that being low is no big deal and that you should not supplement. I do want to TTC in a year or so ..any help???

Franca · 06-13-2008, 08:43 PM

Try doing BBT charts for a few months. That will help you understand if you're ovulating each cycle and whether you have any progesterone that's giving you a post-O temperature rise.

NYER · 06-14-2008, 01:20 PM

I agree with Franca. Charting is essential to see if you are truly ovulating. When I've had annovulatory cycles, I still got AF - if I wasn't charting, I would have never known. So first plan of action is to see if you are Oing, then to try to get ovulation kickstarted again. That level is definately a pre-ovulatory level, and wouldn't be acceptable after ovulation nor maintain a pgy. Most doctors prefer a level 12 and up 7dpo for a non-medicated cycle (i.e. clomid/injectibles), and some even higher.

P.S. Ob/Gyn's often are very misinformed about trying to conceive, infertility or preconception hormone levels, believe it or not. Trust me on that one - I've heard a million stories. Including my own, who strung me along for 5 years and gave me inaccurate information. He was the top of his class at Harvard too.