***Progesterone Information***

sugarbug · 05-07-2004, 09:57 PM

I'm posting this thread because Progesterone is such an important hormone to know about in preventing miscarriage. It's so unfair, how uninformed doctors choose to be, and it's sometimes our job to inform ourselves.

I speak from experience, I trusted my doctor when he said my progesterone level was "good enough" at 10 (even though I had read a 100 sites that said differently) I trusted him, and lost my baby because of it- a year ago yesterday....

It is my hope, that one person learns what I've learned- without having to experience another loss. I hope this information helps you, the way it's helped me, and saved the life of the baby I now carry!

Goodluck & God Bless!
Bug

First off what is progesterone? What does it do, and why is it important for pregnancy?

Quote:

Progesterone is found in relatively low levels for the first part of a woman's menstrual cycle. It is produced by cells within the ovaries called "granulosa cells" which surround the tiny follicles that will mature to become ovulated eggs.

After ovulation, the "yellow body" (corpus luteum) that released the mature egg into the fallopian tube begins to secrete high levels of progesterone from the granulosa cells within it. This hormone stimulates the growth of rich blood vessels that supply the uterus lining (endometrium). It also causes the expansion of tiny glands in the endometrium that produce a fluid (uterine fluid) that can be used to nourish sperms and embryos that find their way into the uterus. These tiny glands are created by the estrogen hormone and the progesterone takes over the job of making them mature into "feeding structures".

The production of progesterone will normally drop away after about 10 days beyond ovulation. It is this sudden reduction in the hormone that will prompt the menstruation period to begin due to the reduced oxygen supply from the blood vessels that were previously encouraged to grow by the progesterone hormone.

If however, the released egg is fertilized and manages to embed itself into the uterine wall, then the hormone b-HCG is released from the developing placenta, which has the effect of telling the "yellow body" to continue to produce both progesterone and estrogen. This in turn prevents the start of the menstrual cycle and stops further eggs from being released.

The ovaries continue to produce progesterone (and estrogen) during the first 8 to 9 weeks until the placenta begins to reduce the amount of b-HCG secreted, which is a signal to the "yellow body" that it is capable of producing these hormones for itself and requires less help.

What is the average range for progesterone values in pregnancy?

Quote:

Normal progesterone levels, in pregnancy, are between 15-96.

What does progesterone do in pregnancy? What side effects does it have?

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During the pregnancy, the progesterone is needed in the following ways, (mostly in conjunction with estrogen):
*Makes the endometrium develop and secrete fluids after being primed by estrogen
* Maintains the functions of the placenta and fights off unwanted cells near the womb that could cause damage to the placenta or fetus.
*Keeps the endometrium in a thickened condition
*Stops the uterus making spontaneous movements
*Stimulates the growth of breast tissue
*Prevents lactation until after the birth (with estrogen)
*Strengthens_ the mucus plug covering the cervix to prevent infection.
*Strengthens the pelvic walls in preparation for labour.
*Stops the uterus from contracting (thus keeping the baby where it is)

The effects on a woman due to raised levels of progesterone can include any or all of the following:

* Constipation
* Heartburn
* Runny and irritable nose
* Eyesight problems (blurring or headaches)
* Increased kidney infection risk.

Here are the facts:

Quote:

It is estimated that 25 percent of all pregnancies will miscarry, half of them before the eighth week. If a woman suffers three or more miscarriages in succession, the problem is termed "habitual" abortion. Only 15 percent of them can be traced to a specific maternal organic disease. The chief cause of early loss of pregnancy is now thought to be luteal phase failure, in which the ovarian production of progesterone fails to increase sufficiently during the first several weeks after fertilization.

What are the minimum levels for progesterone in pregnancy?
In a study of 192 women who became pregnant after ovulatory stimulation without IUI the results showed, and I quote:

Quote:

The mean midluteal progesterone level for pregnancy cycles resulting in full term singleton deliveries was 25.85 ng/mL. The lowest level in this group was 10.83 ng/mL

**Please take note here that the lowest progesterone level that carried to term was 10.83** That is important information for when your doctor says your progesterone is "good enough."

The results for healthy multiples are, and I quote:

Quote:

The mean midluteal progesterone level for pregnancy cycles resulting in full term multiple delivery was 31.49 ng/mL, ranging from 13.62

If your on supps- Are the blood results still accurate?

Check out this quoted article below- you can read about the different types of supps. Crinone is the only one mentioned that is said to have a minimal impact on serum progesterone levels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by missing article

Types of Progesterone:
Synthetic Progesterone (Provera)
Synthetic progesterone, which can be administered orally or via injection, is most commonly used to trigger menstruation. Because of its chemical makeup, it is less likely to cause some of the undesirable size effects of natural progesterone, such as sleepiness or dizziness. Unlike natural progesterone however, synthetic progesterone is generally *not* considered safe to use during pregnancy, which should be ruled out prior to its use.

The remaining types of progesterone, described below, are all natural forms.

Oral Progesterone
Natural oral progesterone, such as Prometrium pills, is used primarily as a supplement in the luteal phase for patients undergoing natural or IUI cycles. The primary advantage of oral progesterone is its convenience; patients do have not have to learn to give themselves injections or deal with the discharge that may occur with vaginal application. Despite its appeal, however, oral progesterone has several disadvantages. Most seriously, at least one study suggests that it may be associated with lower success rates than some other forms of progesterone; it has been hypothesized that oral progesterone may be more effective at raising serum progesterone levels than at raising the level of progesterone within the uterine lining itself, which is where its true effect occurs. Additionally, oral progesterone is metabolized by the liver, and the byproducts may cause side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness.

Recently, some doctors have begun to have patients administer these same progesterone pills vaginally. Few data are yet available on the efficacy of this approach.

Progesterone Suppositories
Progesterone suppositories are compounded by individual pharmacists and consist of natural progesterone suspended in a base similar to cocoa butter. Upon insertion, the warmth of the body causes the suppository to melt and release the progesterone. Since suppositories are vaginally administered, the liver does not produce the high number of side effect-causing metabolites that can occur with natural progesterones taken orally. The vaginal administration also allows the progesterone to be targeted more specifically to the uterine area. Many women, however, find the discharge associated with suppositories to be overly messy or uncomfortable and there is some question as to how long the progesterone is effective after insertion. Additionally, it can be difficult to find a pharmacy that will compound the suppositories, and the individualized process may cause a lower level of dosing accuracy and quality control. Finally, some women may be sensitive to the suspending substance.

Bioadhesive Gel (Crinone)
Crinone gel is also applied vaginally. In contrast to suppositories, however, the progesterone is suspended in a bioadhesive gel (sold without progesterone under the brand name Replens) and is packaged in a tampon-like applicator. Crinone gel is highly efficient at the uterine level; in fact, the progesterone stays so concentrated in the uterus that Crinone often has minimal impact on serum progesterone levels. Crinone is frequently used as a progesterone supplement in IUI and IVF cycles.

This uterine level impact is one of the primary advantages of Crinone, as is the fact that many patients only need to apply it once a day. For many women, Crinone is far better at delaying premature onset of menstruation than are suppositories or oral progesterone. Some women do, however, find that the suspension gel accumulates in the vagina and may need to be removed every couple of days; additionally, patients occasionally experience vaginal irritation as a result of the build-up.

Injectible Progesterone
Injectible progesterone consists of progesterone suspended in an oil, commonly sesame or peanut. Used most frequently in IVF cycles, progesterone in oil is normally injected intramuscularly once a day, most commonly in a dose of one cubic centimeter (cc).

Progesterone in oil is highly effective at the uterine level; many physicians consider it to be the gold standard for progesterone supplementation, particularly in high stakes in vitro fertilization cycles. Additionally, unlike Crinone, progesterone in oil supplementation is also reflected in serum tests, allowing levels to be more easily, albeit indirectly, monitored. The once a day dosing is convenient for patients, and the cost is quite low, often only several dollars a day for a patient taking 1 cc.

For many women, the primary disadvantage of progesterone in oil is the manner in which it is administered. In addition to being intramuscular, progesterone injections must be performed using a 20 or 22 gauge needle to accommodate the relatively high viscosity of the oily solution. This gauge is larger than that used for most other infertility medications, and patients often find the change intimidating. Additionally, like progesterone suppositories, progesterone in oil normally has to be compounded by a specialty pharmacy or mail ordered. Finally, some women may be allergic to the oil in which the progesterone is most commonly suspended.

What about Progesterone Creams?
In contrast to the above products, progesterone creams are available over the counter. These products deliver a small amount of supplemental progesterone, and absorption may vary significantly from person to person. These creams may provide a bit of “insuranceú to a woman with a fairly normal cycle, but the dosages are not high enough to treat significant hormonal issues. When you are trying to conceive, it is always a good idea to consult a knowledgeable professional about the use of any drug that might affect fertility.

What is the Best Form?
As is often the case, there is no one single treatment that is best for all women. Although oral progesterone may be sufficient for some women, Crinone and progesterone in oil do appear to be the most effective at the uterine level. The issue of whether either of these two supplementation forms is superior to the other remains unresolved. Some preliminary research suggests that progesterone in oil is superior at preventing bleeding in pregnancy, but that it may also delay bleeding in some cases where genetically abnormal pregnancies ultimately result in blighted ova. Definitive research is, however, yet to be done.

What if your doctor won't put you on progesterone? Try natrual progesterone cream- it's a start! Here is the dosage to maintain a pregnancy:

First start with 20mg of progesterone cream twice a day [40mg total per day] for the first month of pregnancy.

Then increase to 20mg three times a day [60mg total per day] in the second month.

After the third month, the placenta starts making more and more progesterone, reaching 300 to 350 mg per day during the third trimester of the pregnancy. You can continue with progesterone support at 20 mg twice a day until a week or so before the baby's due date.

What about pre-term labor? Here are the details, on that, from a study that Bunnyscott posted (thanks btw!) about how progesterone can reduce the chance of pre-term labor:

Prevention of Recurrent Preterm Delivery by 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate

Background Women who have had a spontaneous pre-term delivery are at greatly increased risk for pre-term delivery in subsequent pregnancies. The results of several small trials have suggested that 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) may reduce the risk of pre-term delivery.

Methods We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women with a documented history of spontaneous pre-term delivery. Women were enrolled at 19 clinical centers at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation and randomly assigned by a central data center, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive either weekly injections of 250 mg of 17P or weekly injections of an inert oil placebo; injections were continued until delivery or to 36 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was pre-term delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Results Base-line characteristics of the 310 women in the progesterone group and the 153 women in the placebo group were similar. Treatment with 17P significantly reduced the risk of delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation (incidence, 36.3 percent in the progesterone group vs. 54.9 percent in the placebo group; relative risk, 0.66 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.81]), delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation (incidence, 20.6 percent vs. 30.7 percent; relative risk, 0.67 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.48 to 0.93]), and delivery at less than 32 weeks of gestation (11.4 percent vs. 19.6 percent; relative risk, 0.58 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.91]). Infants of women treated with 17P had significantly lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and need for supplemental oxygen.

Conclusions Weekly injections of 17P resulted in a substantial reduction in the rate of recurrent pre-term delivery among women who were at particularly high risk for pre-term delivery and reduced the likelihood of several complications in their infants.

What is the difference between progesterone and progestogens (synthetic progesterones)?

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Progesterone has the identical chemical structure to the substance made in a woman's body by the ovarian corpus luteum (gland formed after an egg is ovulated each month). Actually the progesterone is now synthetically made but it behaves as best we know, just like the body's natural progesterone once it is absorbed into the blood stream. This is to be distinguished from synthetic progesterone-like chemicals called progestogens which bind to the body's progesterone receptors and function for the most part, just like progesterone. Because they are chemically different than natural progesterone, they sometimes have side effects or actions that are different than progesterone.

Progestogens were originally developed because they were capable of being absorbed into the blood when ingested in pill form, whereas progesterone itself was not orally absorbed. Recently, however, it has been found that micronization of progesterone (making very tiny crystals of the progesterone) enhances absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Thus micronized progesterone is now sometimes being used for menopausal hormone replacement therapy instead of progestogens. Birth control pills still have progestogens as the active progesterone-like component.

In contrast to some of the progestogens such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera®, Cycrin®) natural progesterone does not seem to suppress good cholesterol (HDL), has no effect on blood pressure or mood, and shows less of a tendency to cause increased male-hormone-like effects such as facial hair growth. Each synthetic progestogen may have a somewhat different side-effect profile so it is not easy to generalize.

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Signs Of Low Progesterone And Estrogen Excess

Progesterone
Swollen breasts
Fibrocystic breasts
Loss of libido
Obesity
Depression
Low thyroid
Facial hair
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Foggy thinking
Memory lapses
Incontinence
Tearful
Depressed
Sleep disturbances
Heart palpitations
Bone loss
Water retention

Deficiency Estrogen (Estradiol) Excess
Craving for sweets
Mood swings (PMS)
Depression
Tender breasts
Water retention, edema (swelling, bloating)
Fatigue, no energy
Nervous
Irritable
Anxious
Fibrocystic breasts, Breast swelling
Uterine fibroids
Weight gain in hips and thighs
Bleeding changes
Heavy or irregular menses
Headaches
Loss of sex drive (libido)
low thyroid - cold hands and feet

*If you have any progesterone information to add- Please do! *

{edited to update links}

casey1 · 05-07-2004, 11:18 PM

I have carried two pregnancies including a twin pregnancy to term without needing progesterone support but I wonder'd if at my age I should have had it checked. I still doubt it was the problem for me because my baby was quite small for where I should have been and if I interpret the info correctly if my progesterone was low I would have started bleeding and m/c on my own. However I will definitely have it checked and followed if we get there again. I wonder if this could be made a sticky because I think people will refer to it again and again. Thanks again.

sugarbug · 05-08-2004, 01:30 AM

I'm not sure if age has to do with progesterone deficiency, but that would be interesting- if you find something on it.

I know for me, that progesterone has always been a problem. In my first pregnancy with my son, I had a threatened miscarriage at 17 weeks, and from that point on- I had a trib pump in my leg and full time bed rest. My son was born early at a healthy weight (because of the GD) But it was in my second pregnancy, when I miscarried, that I realized how important progesterone was.

The more I read, the more I could compare it to myself (i.e. low sex drive, pre-term labor, unsensitive breasts, low temps, miscarriage, mood swings, etc) Since adding in progesterone things have been much better in my life. That one hormone makes such an emotional and physical difference in my body.

When I became pregnant with this one, my progesterone level was border-line at 15. But the thing about progesterone is- that it fluctuates. My doc and I felt I shouldn't be on the bottom end of normal, for such an unstable hormone in my body.

I added in progesterone in oil shots (PIO) which raised my level to 16. That was still not high enough though. So we did a combo of PIO and 200mg supps twice a day, and it worked! My level went to 38.1, and kept me pregnant! I had to stop the PIO shots at 10 weeks because of an allergic reaction I had to the sesame oil. But we raised my supps to 3 times daily, and I made it through the first trimester.

I did try to lower my progesterone down after 12 weeks, but once I had winged down to taking one 200mg supp a day- I started having contractions. I raised my dose back up to the 200mg twice a day, and my pregnancy has been problem-free.

It's such a shame that one stupid hormone can have so much control over my body. I'm just glad I know what I know now, and that I can share it with you all.

Bug

ktlynn · 05-08-2004, 01:47 AM

Hey I have a few questions for you Bug.

First of all, I should give you a little history. When I was 17, I hadn't ever had a period. Well, I went to the dr. and she put me on a 10 day dose of progesterone. She said I should get AF 10-14 days AFTER the last dose, so like 20-24 days after I started taking it. Well, I got AF 3 days into taking it. I finished off the 10 days anyway, that's what dr. told me to do. That is the only time I've had AF without being on the pill, she had me start bcp right away and I've been on them ever since.

Quote:

The more I read, the more I could compare it to myself (i.e. low sex drive, pre-term labor, unsensitive breasts, low temps, miscarriage, mood swings, etc) Since adding in progesterone things have been much better in my life. That one hormone makes such an emotional and physical difference in my body.

okay, all those symptoms (except miscarriage and pre-term labor) describe me to a T. So I'm wondering, can you take progesterone even if you're not preg? Is it beneficial to do so? I've never had my levels checked, but I have an appt. with my doc on tuesday, so I want to ask her about this, but I don't know what questions to ask. I know she wants to test my hormone levels, but she wants to take me off the pill first, which I want to do anyway. So are there any questions I should ask her? Thanks for your help

DeeDeeLynn · 05-08-2004, 02:06 AM

Last year I had a chemical pg. When they had me come in for the first beta test, I asked if they tested the progesterone level also. The nurse lady said no, they usually didn't. But a cyster that I had made friends with and who had gotten pg, had to take progesterone supps. So I thought maaaaybe they'd be checking this sort of thing, knowing I had PCOS. The test was a 4, the second one was a 12, then a few days later it was down to 1. The next day I got AF.
I just wonder if low prog. levels had something to do with it. Or maybe it was just bad egg quality. I think I O-ed on cd20-23. I can't really remember right now. Maybe it was my age. I was 34.
I really had faith in this doc. He is with an infertility clinic. This is supposed to be their "thing." I don't know. Am I being too suspicious or did they drop the ball? Should I have insisted they did the prog. test?
What do y'all think?

sugarbug · 05-08-2004, 02:29 PM

Quote:

I went to the dr. and she put me on a 10 day dose of progesterone.She said I should get AF 10-14 days AFTER the last dose, so like 20-24 days after I started taking it. Well, I got AF 3 days into taking it

ktlynn- This type of progesterone your talking about is synthetic progesterone. Synthetic progestins tend to inhibit the body's production of its own natural progesterone. The side effects (for lack of a better word) suck, and that's why many ppl choose not to take it. As for when you started- She had given you the limit of when to start, but many women are senstive to provera, and that sometimes happens- it's not unusual.

Quote:

all those symptoms (except miscarriage and pre-term labor) describe me to a T. So I'm wondering, can you take progesterone even if you're not preg? Is it beneficial to do so?

From your story (and this is just my opinion) it sounds like you are sensitive to progestins in your body. Probably from a deficiency, but even if you got your progesterone levels checked, and they came out normal (best case scenario) who's to say what's normal for your body? We are all different. Like take testosterone- very common in PCOS women to have high levels of. Some of us will grow hair on our face with a level over 50, and some not until 100. Others- not at all! It just depends on your body.

As far as taking progesterone (in your case I would reccomend natural progesterone cream) for the symptoms your having- it's totally safe. Plus it's fairly cheap. You could try it, and see if it helps? That would be my best advice

****************************

DeeDeeLynn- More then anything I would like to be able to give you an answer, but it's impossible without that progesteorne test. Your beta doubled which means the baby did implant, and it does show all the classic signs of a chemical pregnancy. It sounds like the egg was fertilised, but died shortly after implantation. There are several reasons that can happen. Your doc's should have tested your progesterone- you were right on that. It would have been the only way to know for sure. In future pregnancies I would suggest you insist on progesterone testing. Good luck to you, and I'm sorry for your loss (((hugs)))

Bug

hilfgirl33 · 05-08-2004, 02:44 PM

Bug, Do you take Progesterone cream when not pregnant?

Where can I buy it and what dose do I take.

I am having a heck of a time, I mean really bad with pelvic pain, mood swings, bad endo, I have just been dx by pelvic MRI with an enlarged uterus (roughy 3-1/2/4 month pregnancy size), adenomyosis thrhoughout my uterus, free pelvic fluid, an edematous left ovary with follicles on both ... PCOS was interestingly never mentioned but when I got my films to take to the surgeon I looked at the close up of my ovary and there was a string of pearls, clear as day....

My gyn's recommendation was #1 hysterectomy and #2 uterine artery embolization and #3 which she said rarely worked was hormones....

in looking this up on google I found that too much estrogen not enough progesterone is thought to be the cause of adenomyosis.

Anyway I am very reluctant to have surgery as I have had an arrhythmia during my c-section with DS and now take beta blockers for a rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure problems.

So obviously I am looking for alternatives to surgery and I was thinking I might give myself through the middle of the summer on Progesterone and a pure diet to see if this becomes more tolerable.

BTW, I lost two babies (although the first one was thought to be cord accident) in the 2nd trimester and my peri thought it could have been poor uterine lining/attachment site problem. With my DS, I took progesterone and he was carried to term...

hilfgirl33 · 05-08-2004, 04:03 PM

Well I've answered my own question I think by looking on this site at alternative remedies....

sugarbug · 05-08-2004, 04:20 PM

Good your thinking along the right line! Let me first explain what I'm sure you already know, and why this is a good decision for you...

Adenomyosis is thought to be caused by child birth, pregnancy terminations, C-sections, and even tubal ligations. Any trauma to the uterus may increase the chance that endometrial tissue becomes relocated from the uterine lining.

But here's the kicker and how it relates to you- they know that Estrogen replacement therapy retards this process making it worse!

Okay? Now with PCOS most of us tend to have an underlying estrogen problem. So that leads to the question- How do you balance out your estrogen to not make your condition worse? right?

I truely think Progesterone in your case is the answer! Progesterone balances estrogen. If your estrogen is high- which it is, every tme you have a cycle that you don't ovulate- which means you did not produce any progesterone that cycle. You have an overabundance of estrogen.

There are lots of studies you can find on the relationship between progesterone & estrogen. If I were you, I would do a lot of research on that. I can give you a couple things to read, but make sure to do your own studies.

Quote:

Originally posted by andie531Natural progesterone is very useful to balance excess estrogen. Natural progesterone is also different from estrogen in that your body can use it as a precursor or starting material to make other hormones such as adrenal hormones. It can even convert it into estrogen or testosterone if your body needs it. The table on the next page lists the properties of estrogen relative to progesterone. Some of the reasons that estrogen is frequently in excess in many women are:

1. Over production of estrogen. Ovarian cysts or tumors can lead to excess estrogen production. Stress also increases production, but probably the most common cause is obesity. All body fat has an enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat you have, the more estrogen is present.

2. Inability to breakdown estrogen. Excess estrogen is generally removed by the liver. Diseases of the liver like cirrhosis or decreased enzyme activity can lead to increased estrogen levels. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are necessary for the liver to neutralize estrogen. Increased sugar intake will also excrete magnesium and interfere with its ability to breakdown estrogen.

3. Exposure to pesticides in foods. Most of us eat foods that have pesticides on them. These and many other unnatural chemicals share a common structure with estrogen and serve as "false" estrogens which further stimulates the body's estrogen receptors.

4. Estrogen supplementation. Clearly any additional estrogen given by prescription will increase the level unless it is properly balanced with natural progesterone.

5. Decreased production of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to counterbalance estrogen. If women do not ovulate during their cycle they will not produce any progesterone that cycle. This happens commonly and worsens the already disturbed progesterone/estrogen balance.

For More Detailed Information on Natural Progesterone: You can purchase What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause by Dr. John Lee. It is paperback book for $13 and was published in May of 1996 and the newer version What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre Menopause published in 1999 with a blue cover.

Quote:

Originally posted by cindylouwho
Apparently, PCOSers have too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, and natural progesterone support helps. The best discussion that I have found on this topic so far is by a doctor name John Lee. Go to his web site at johnleemd.com. Also he has some excellent books, What you doctor may not tell you about Menopause, and What you doctor may not tell you about Premenopause. I suggest that you read them both--the info contained within is astounding, but it is WAY too much for me to be able to summarize here.

The dose for natural progesterone cream is 20mg twice daily on the non fatty areas of the body. You can buy it at any natural food/health place.

Also take a look at this site Here is a quote off of it:

Quote:

Can Adenomyosis be treated without surgery?
Some studies have shown that there is a relationship between Adenomyosis and hormone imbalance, most commonly an excess of estrogen. Progesterone therapy, either in the natural or synthetic form has been known to help, but shows very little long term benefits. A medication called Danazol may be helpful in treating the pain and decreasing the size of the uterus but long term positive results are poor.

Good luck and I hope I gave you some helpful information!
Bug

sugarbug · 05-08-2004, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hilfgirl33
Well I've answered my own question I think by looking on this site at alternative remedies....

Opps I got too long winded! :p You beat me to the punch!

Well, good luck and I hope you can avoid surgery.

Bug

hilfgirl33 · 05-08-2004, 04:29 PM

No, thanks so much Bug for taking the time to post all this wonderful information....

I actually was on Prometrium for severe PMS but when I started having rapid heartbeats my doc took me off just in case that was the cause (he really didn't think so). Well I've been off for three years now and I still have the rapid heartbeat so it is obviously not the cause... But I did feel overall better while taking Prometrium but did have severe dizziness for a little while after taking it.

I am undecided about whether I may start Prometrium or the natural progesterone cream and I need to do more research but I am leaning strongly towards the natural..

Thanks again!!

nif · 05-13-2004, 10:01 PM

I'm trying to use my brain to get a common sense answer but I can't think for some reason....If a woman is on the pill and has her progesterone tested, how would the results be affected? Would the results be reliable/true to what she could expect if not on the pill? I'm planning ahead for baby makin'....I've never had my progesterone tested when I was off the pill.

sugarbug · 05-13-2004, 10:46 PM

What an interesting question!

Since most birth control pills are made up of a combo of estrogen and progesterone (except the mini pill which is only progesterone) there would be a level of progesterone in a blood serum test. (If you were indeed tested while on the pill) But it wouldn't make sense to test you, because in essence you are just injecting progesterone into your body- so you already know the answer. :p

To get a realistic progesterone level, you would have to stop taking the pill. That way any progesterone level you received on a blood test would be accurate- because progesterone is only made by the body, once ovulation has occurred. There would be no way of telling while on the pill.

HTH?
Bug

nif · 05-13-2004, 10:53 PM

thanks for the reply....the reason I'm asking is we haven't even started TTC yet and I'm freaking out! Bad sign, huh? Every time my hormones were tested, except once, I was on the pill and my progesterone levels were always really low. When I was tested off the pill it was actually better...confusing question, sorry. I don't want to wait a month after I get off the pill to start trying so they can test my progesterone level (time is precious) so I'm trying to go on past tests.
When we do start trying, they're aren't any contraindication to using the cream is there? What's a good brand?
THANKS! I have so many questions but it's all so important.
--Nif

Moonshoot · 05-13-2004, 11:45 PM

Sugarbug-I have always wanted to know the role of progesterone and suppliments. Now maybe I can help spread the word...