input on progesterone after BFP??

[karenvancouverisland]

hi all, my last BFP (resulted in m/c), i was taken off my progesterone after i got the BFP.....

we don't know why i m/c...i am thought to be able to carry a pregnancy 'no problem', but they were unable to test the embryo remains, the RE's assume it was a typical chromosomal m/c, as I'm 'structurally normal'

i've never been told any of my progesterone #'s, and my first 2 scheduled betas also do NOT include testing progesterone,...so could my clinic be missing something important here? as i've noticed on the boards lots of sharing about progesterone levels and women staying on it well after the BFP

any input is appreciated, i get my 1st beta nov 13

thanks karen

[kbear4211]

From what my clinic says, the process we put our bodies through to produce more eggs than normal, we need progesterone supplements after the BFP for at least 10 to 12 weeks. Throughout that period, the pregnancy is producing more and more progesterone and by 12 weeks, we can support the pregnancy on our own without progesterone supplements.

I would talk to your RE and ask why they are not supplementing your progesterone after the BFP. I have not heard of anyone on this board stopping progesterone just after a positive BETA.

Good luck to you, I am praying you get your miracle.

[to_have_fun08]

Karen - I agree with KBear, I have never seen anyone stop their progesterone right after a BFP. I guess maybe your RE could have tested you and your levels were good so they took you off. They just might not have let you know the level. I would defiantly talk with your RE about it.

Chris

[sloan88]

Hi Karen- I'm still doing my shots right now after my first pos. beta and they say it will continue for another 4-6 weeks.... Not fun - BUT i do understand it's necessary.... I also think it's strange they too you off.... I've heard of some people switching from shots to suppositories but not going cold turkey....

[harleyloo]

Hi Karen,
My clinic has checked progesterone levels since my first beta. I got a BFP on 10/26 and we found out this morning that I am carrying twins! I was told that I could bank on getting the PIO injections for another 6 weeks or so.. (which would put me almost through my first trimester). I take 1cc each morning (IM).
I have never heard of anyone coming off PIO after a BFP beta.. only if they rec'd a BFN.
I would check with your RE.. b/c it is very important to keep those levels up as high as possible.
Best of luck with your upcoming beta!
Lauren

[esperanza]

Hi Karen,

I agree with what has already been said by the other ladies, BUT I did read of a case in this board of a woman who was asked to stop the progesterone after her BFP because her levels were high enough. I had to take so many of those PIOs that I ended up developing a bad allergic reaction to them (I had to switch to progesterone pills until I was 12 weeks).

If I were you, I would check with my RE. I'm sure they are measuring your progesterone, they're just not telling you. My RE doesn't even like to give beta numbers, I had to pressure them into given them to me. Later on I found out that they were also measuring my progesterone AND estrogen.

Best wishes to you my dear.

[beachbaby]

Hi Karen, I am in the Uk and things are done here differently to America also.
My clinic told me on a fresh IVF cycle progesterone is produced in the corpus luteium? (the follicle sac) so is only prescribed as a precaution, many clinics here get you to stop as soon as you get your BFP. On an FET as its medicated you need the progesterone supplement until week 12 when the placenta takes over, due to not having ovulated. My clinic nebver tested levels, i had 2 chemical pregnancies and then carried twins to term wothout a problem.I also only ever used the suppositories never shots

Good luck and trust your clinic they know what they are doing.

Beachbaby

[JennJenn]

Karen-
I agree with what everyone else has said. I just spoke with my nurse this morning and she said basically you take it for weeks after your BFP. I am surprised they took you off of it.

[JennJenn]

Well, my RE just told me to stop PIO shots. THe nurse said they want the progesterone over 50 and mine is at 264.9, so i dont need it anymore. Anyone else had this problem?

[Sisi1]

Ok, I basically agree with the majority of the board.

To argue my point further I was on progesterone in the summer doing my iui and one time I had a fairly early PG test that was negative and I was asked to stop the progesterone aprox. 3 days before my period was due, sufficient to say I started my period as soon as I stopped the progesterone! What does this tell us? Even though I have a long, strong luteal phase, (16 days) it is still highly dependent on the progesterone once it has been started.

Ask for your levels to be checked before stopping the progesterone, good luck!

[JennJenn]

My progesterone levels were checked today. Its at 264.9

[lynniecat]

My clinic does not check progesterone levels, they just keep you on it till 10 weeks. I also am on estrogen.

What I understand and have read is that the reason we need it is two fold.


1. By removing the eggs, they interfere with the normal follicle process and that may lower the ability for it to start secreting (or signaling something to secrete) progesterone. However, because there are usually many follicles that is not typically an issue as normally there is just one and I guess the idea is if there are many, the sum of them should work well enough.


2. The natural LH surge that causes ovulation is suppressed during IVF and apparently that is needed or it interferes with progesterone production. I know we take HCG or ovidrel to trigger, but something about the natural LH surge that we suppress with lupron or ganerelix is the issue.


Anyway around 10 weeks, the fetus starts making prog on its own and the issue is resolved.

However I think many women make adequate amounts and the PIO is extra and overkill. They told me I may feel less morning sick after I stop cause the extra prog may be enhancing symptoms.


Personally, I would be nervous to stop in case my levels were fluctuating around or something. I know little about it but would rather have extra (unless that is a problem too). Who knows, the protocols change all the time and maybe most clinics will be testing levels and having people stopping prog if their levels are normal in the future. Clinics seem slow to change things when they are working.