Progesterone Supplementation During Pregnancy

Sarah M. · 01-02-2003, 10:14 AM

Hi there. I've only posted a couple of times before ( a little shy), but I'm always here looking at the site. I've just got to ask something, though.

I can't believe it!!!! I've had 2 ++ signs. After 4 months, it looks like the metformin has worked. Only problem is, I had to really fight with my GP to be put on it, and I'm afraid if I tell him I think I'm pregnant he'll take me off of it and I'll miscarry, but I'm also afraid that if I don't see him right away and my progesterone levels are low that I'll miscarry anyway. I've been told that Dr.s in this country won't use progesterone supplements on pregnant women? Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Sarah

Deeds2 · 01-02-2003, 11:34 AM

Congratulations Sarah!!!!
Firstly I'm not on Met so I can't give you any advice on that, but I did ask my consultant about progesterone. He said they don't do it here because it can virilise girl babies. I don't know the facts, but that was his explanation and I wasn't checked at all this pg. Thankfully so far so good.
All I can suggest is that you gather as much info as you can on the benefits of continuing Met for the first trimester and take that to your doc.
Good Luck and let us know.
Love
Deeds

geloria · 01-02-2003, 06:16 PM

Hi,

I am not pregnant but I do use progesterone supposotories after Ovulation each month, to assist with implantation, and my gyno said if I do fall pregnant I will be taking them until I am 14weeks pregnant. Hope this helps.

hampshire hog · 01-02-2003, 06:30 PM

hi there
firstly congrats to you!

i dont know anything about progesterone supposotories , but i did concieve on metformin too, and i took with me info on dr glueck, who is the dr that did/doing all the research into metformin/pcos/pregnancy link....the link to his site is below...
after showing my doc the study reports, she was fine for me to stay on met, im still on met and 28 weeks on monday!

good luck to you

http://blues.fd1.uc.edu/~gartsips/polycyst.htm

gina

jack · 01-03-2003, 11:45 AM

I have the same worries as you,please let me know how you get on.I have been on met for 5 weeks and am 4 weeks pregnant and due to see dr next week and am terrified of m/c lets keep each other informed

love,
jack

Cyster Sam · 01-05-2003, 06:57 PM

When I fell pregnant my gyno told me to come straight off the Met. Like you I was worried about miscarriaging so I carried on taking it for a few more weeks until my prescription ran out.

I also asked about the progesterone supplements and was told by my gyno "there is no evidence they work" but I have since since literature provided by a fertility clinic which recommends them for the first 12 weeks. So it seems to be done to dr opinion.

But don't worry, I'm sure you will be fine.

Sam

jack · 01-06-2003, 04:44 AM

Thanks Sam,
yes I,ve heard that about progesterone too,i,m carrying on with my met so fingers crossed.
jack

Sarah M. · 01-06-2003, 05:13 PM

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I saw my GP on Friday AM, and he was a real jerk. He wouldn't do any bloodwork to confirm the pregnancy or check my progesterone levels. He also wouldn't tell me whether or not he'll renew my metformin prescription next week. Forget him. I ordered it online, just in case he won't. He was so rude. I am in the process of looking for another Dr. Good news: I found an ob/gyn who will take me without a Dr.s referral, and since I said I would pay to go privately, he will see me on Wednesday AM in one of his private clinic. If any of you know where to find info on progesterone supplementation in pregnancy, I'd really appreciate it.

Cheers!

Sarah

jack · 01-07-2003, 04:36 AM

I would definetely change your gp,who do they think they are??I am seeing mine this am,let me know how you get on with the private dr as I am interested in the progesterone link,
good luck,
jack 5+2

Sarah M. · 01-09-2003, 07:43 AM

Hi all!

Back from private appointment. Dr. Whittaker was sooo nice. He spent almost an hour with us just talking. He was well-informed about metformin during pregnancy, and because it's fairly new he wouldn't recommend it, he let me make the decision about whether or not to stay on it.

He said absolutely no about the progesterone supplementation, and feels that if I'm on the metformin, I've got no reason to worry about my progesterone levels.

He's offered to see me on the NHS from now on, so it doesn't cost us. And, he's also offered to follow me throughout the pregnancy. I go back to see him in 3 weeks, and he's going to scan me in his office to look for heartbeat, as at 9 weeks it's still to early for NHS to allow a scan.

I know it's a bit irrational, but just hearing him say that if I'd made it six weeks and hadn't had any problems, it was probably going to be just great, made me feel much better.

He even sat and talked about a birth plan with me, which was exciting.

Are any of you going for a home birth? I'd really like to, but DH isn't so sure. I'm also interested in using a doula.

Well, better go. Take care everyone!

Sarah

jack · 01-09-2003, 03:40 PM

Thats fab news,I have been worrying about progesterone too,so am i RIGHT IN THINKING HE RECKONS IF YOU ARE ON THE METFORMIN then progesterone should be ok and not low?
How many weeks are you?
I am seeing my consultant next week but through phone calls he has said I can stay on met on 1000mg a day instead of 2000mg.
Glad your appointment went so well,
jack x

Sarah M. · 01-10-2003, 07:02 AM

According to my last period, I was six weeks yesterday, but according to my calculations I'm 5 weeeks 1 day. Not much difference really. Hope your appointment goes well. I'm just waiting for my scan now. DH has been trying to hear the heartbeat through my tummy the last couple of nights, even though I keep telling him there's nothing to hear. LOL!

See you around.

Sarah