Low progesterone levels

[wishingalways]

Hi I have been ttc for over 6 yes, went back to dr recently who did a 21 day blood test, got results and my progesterone level was 26mmol which on researching is low. The problem I have is that I think I ovulated 2/3 days early that cycle so bloods are meant to be taken exactly 7 days after ovulation but it would have been 8/9 dpo for me, could this be the reason why the level was low. Does anyone know how much the levels start to drop after 7dpo to give me an idea.

I read something about low progesterone and I have several of the symptoms, tender boobs, dry cm, low sex drive, fatigue? I had another months 21 day blood test done but still waiting on results, just wondering if anyone can stop me worrying. X thank you

 

[mk8]

hi wishing... what did the docs say about it? i had day 21 tests completed and like you, my level was 26nmol/l. It was done on day 22 for me, which was actually 7 days before AF but 5DPO (i ovulated later that cycle). my doc said it is highly likely i ovulated and didnt want to do anything else. just told me to keep trying. but i think it would be worth speaking to your doc about it. good luck and keep us posted.

 

[cooch]

I would have the test done again, but make sure you book in for ovulation day +7. That will give a more accurate reading. But yeah, your right it is pretty low.

Wishingalways- Clomid doesn't work for some people. You can get Femara (Letrozole) in Scotland if you go private. It has very good success rate. The Nuffield in Glasgow prescribes it.

 

[wishingalways]

Hi cooch - ooow i have never heard of Letrozole, what does that do!

MK8- I have since had the results of my 2nd progesterone test back after phoning constantly to try and get an appointment.. THey were 30.4 and im pretty sure that was 7dpo so should be right, still think it is a little low but i have now been referred to ninewells for IVF so i will speak to them about it at my first appointment. xx

Thanks for your replies ladies much appreciated. xx

 

[cooch]

Hi cooch - ooow i have never heard of Letrozole, what does that do!

MK8- I have since had the results of my 2nd progesterone test back after phoning constantly to try and get an appointment.. THey were 30.4 and im pretty sure that was 7dpo so should be right, still think it is a little low but i have now been referred to ninewells for IVF so i will speak to them about it at my first appointment. xx

Thanks for your replies ladies much appreciated. xx

Its the exact same thing as Clomid but I think its milder. Has very good success rates for people who have tried Clomid and it hasn't worked. Clomid stays in your body for weeks whereas Letrozle lasts days.

 

[mk8]

Wishing- best of luck. If you have any news about the prog levels, I would be interested to learn more. Baby dust!

 

[wishingalways]

Thanks cooch i will be looking into that one. Do you know if soy increases progesterone?

Well I went to my accupuncturist today and told her my result of 30. she said that 30 or over does indicate ovulation but would rather it be 40-100. I have been tracking my BBT and i dont have a spike in the second phase after ovulation my temps are rather flat so this indicates low progesterone as well, its all starting to make sense why its been 6 years.

To make it even more annoying i phoned my doctors secritary to find out if the letter had been sent for referral for ivf only to be told it hadnt been done yet..... does it really take 3 weeks to write a frickin letter...... she obviously has had no trouble having children, does she not realise how hard this is... sore far since returning to the consultant to be told i will refer you for ivf 10 weeks have gone by....... and even when they do eventually get the letter it will be another 3 months for the inital consulation and god knows how long after that for the treatment to begin.... and we are having to pay for it alll..... aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhh

sorry venting complete.

lots of baby dust to you too. xx

 

[Lou32]

Hi - If you're going for IVF, they'll give you progesterone supplementation (with Cyclogest pessaries, gel or injections), so it shouldn't be a problem.
I struggle with low progesterone too, but for some reason I always thought that when I got sore boobs my progesterone was doing better that month...Do you think it's the other way round?

 

[wishingalways]

Hi Lou, that's reassuring to know. I'm not sure about the boob thing I always used to get a sore left boob but not right. After visiting the acupuncturist a couple of times my right boob hurt as well, she said my channels were blocked and it seems they are now open, she is working on the pain I get at the start of my periods and she said when she has sorted that she will work towards increasing my progesterone, so fingers crossed for something. X x x

 

[kchandler]

I'm not sure if this helps but my doctor told me that even if the test is done a day or two to either said of the 21 day marker, it really shouldn't be an issue. This is how they explained it to me. Say they want your level to be 100 (just to pick an easy number for an example) and you go in three days early and it is an 88. He said that this indicates that you are well on your way to where you need to be; however, if your numbers was 42, would know that their are issues because it should be much closer to the 100 mark at only a day or two prior. Just like if you went a few days after the 7 day marker and your number was 115, they know it should be slightly more because you are a few days after, but if it were say 212 it would throw up a red flag. Hope that doesn't totally confuse you.