to use or not to use progesterone cream?? help!

[twinkle2]

I am 1dpo and in a quandry about natural progesterone cream. I started using it 4dpo last month as I was worried about my luteal phase. My luteal phase is usually 10 days (start spotting or flow at end of day 10, sometimes it's early day 11 but usually end of 10). With the progesterone cream I used it until 12dpo then stopped as i didn't get a bfp (i used the ultra early ones and got bfps with them at 9dpo twice before). AF came exactly 24 hours after the last application of prog cream.

However, I am not sure whether to use it this cycle as I keep being paranoid that the egg could've just implanted later last cycle and i did something to upset it. I know 10 days is usually the last day to implant but i know what i am like and this cycle i would probably be using the cream until day 20 as i'd be really paranoid - then i would delay my cycle by another 10 days!! Does that make sense?

I guess what i'm saying is it would be so much less worry to just not use the cream and see what happens, but i know I'll always wonder if I would've got a bfp if I used the cream.

Thank you lovely ladies in advance, hope I've explained myself ok, am so tired today! xxx

 

[lisap2008]

I would use it till about 13dpo then stop if no BFP.

 

[twinkle2]

Thank you, Lisap2008, do you think that by 13dpo I would've got a bfp if I was pregnant? I think you're probably right if I'm doing the super sensitive tests etc, thank you! x wow, just seen that you're ttc#5, v exciting!! x

 

[_Nell]

My luteal phase is usually 10 days (start spotting or flow at end of day 10, sometimes it's early day 11 but usually end of 10).

Spotting isn't AF (If it were i'd have a 4 day LP!), do you only count flow as day 1?

Re the cream, if it's natural progesterone cream it is highly likely if you weren't pg that AF would break through.....so you could just keep taking in until you get flow and then stop, so you don't worry you've stopped it too early.

Also bear in mind that if you do get pg, you would need to continue with the cream in the first tri (costly?) or see your Dr for prescription suppositaries.

Personally, I don't think the levels in the over-the-counter creams are sufficient to fix a low progesterone problem IF that's what you have.....have you had a CD21 / 7dpo blood draw, are your levels known to be low?

Good Luck, I know how frustrating short LP and spotting is

 

[twinkle2]

Thanks, Nell, for your advice, really appreciate it. Sorry I should've been clearer, I start spotting usually end of day 10 but within a few hours it gets heavier until full flow, e.g. I would have to use a pad at night of cd10 as when I woke up on cd11 AF would be here if I spotted pm cd10.

I have had prog tested but I always seem to ovulate at weekend and so tests were done 9dpo. First time i had prog blood test my dr insisted it was cd21 even though I said I didn't think I'd ovulated yet so that was a total waste of time!! Prog level at 5dpo last month was 78.1 which is really good but that was after using the cream starting the day before so really not sure. I am happy to continue to use the cream until well into second trimester if I get a bfp so I think I will use it if you think AF will turn up even whilst using it.

Thanks so much, I wish you lots and lots of luck for your FET in March, it looks like it's been a really long journey for you. xxx

 

[_Nell]

Your progesterone level sounds great!
Your LP shouldn't be affecting your ability to get/stay pg with those levels.

If you try the cream and AF doesn't arrive beyond 14dpo you could always test then and choose to stop, but usually the npc isn't enough to keep AF away for good unless you are pg

If you're not already, you might want to try a biodentical formula cream, like emerita? You can get it in pre-filled sachets for easy application

Thanks for your +ve FET wishes, really appreciated

 

[twinkle2]

yeah i was a bit shocked when i called up for the results, in the past they have been 4.5 and 5. something but that was at 9 or 10dpo so they must have already started dropping. Or maybe i just had a lucky month, although not that lucky as bfn (the high prog really got my hopes up last cycle).

I feel like I've been trying for ages but really it's not that long just with miscarriage in between and a lot of waiting for AF to return afterwards, and I know how hard I am finding it already so you must be so strong to have to go through all those rounds of IVF etc. I am due to see a fertility clinic with a view to doing IVF egg-sharing in a few months if nothing has happened so would be interested to find out the process. Will keep EVERYTHING crossed for some good news for you, hon, you deserve it. xx

 

[lisap2008]

Thank you, Lisap2008, do you think that by 13dpo I would've got a bfp if I was pregnant? I think you're probably right if I'm doing the super sensitive tests etc, thank you! x wow, just seen that you're ttc#5, v exciting!! x

Not necessarily alot of women including myself dont get a BFP till 14dpo .
which is why its best to try and lengthen it to at least 13 day LP.

yeah TTC my 5th but DH's first , my other 4 are from a previous marriage.