Progesterone question

broncomom1 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 07:03 PM

Hello everyone. I got my progesterone test results back today. The level is 14.2 at 6w5d which is down from 19.9 at approximately 3w6d. The nurse called and said my level was great and I was like WTH? I called the Dr back and told him I thought the level was supposed to increase not decrease and he said he wouldnt worry unless the level was around 5. That freaks me out. I talked him into ordering me prometrium 200mg taken twice/day by mouth. Does anyone else take the oral form, and if so what dose do you take. What are your side effects? Thanks.

Star622 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 08:29 PM

There was a link somewhere that I just read about progesterone and it said that the most direct way to get it where it needs to go is vaginally. Oral was least effective.

That's frustrating!

CaliOC · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 09:33 PM

I am also fighting with this progesterone thing. I don't know about the oral kind. I am taking it vaginal once a day at 400mg. Messy, but i take it at night so the mess is done with by the time I wake up in the morning. Good luck!! I really can't wait until the placenta takes over!

racechick24 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 07:20 AM

I was taking Prometrium 200mg twice a day vaginally...orally isn't as effective as Nancy said. (I stopped taking it a couple days ago d/t the placenta previa as I'm not suppose to be disturbing that area at all and the OB said I could stop at 12 to 13 weeks and I'm 12.5 weeks). My level on progesterone was 77.74 at 9wks.

I'd definately start taking them vaginally ASAP. You don't want your progesterone to drop in early pg.

broncomom1 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 10:39 AM

My Dr is gone for the next week. I have read that you can take the tablets and use them vaginally. Does anyone know anything about this? Were yours suppositories? I guess until he gets back orally is better than nothing(hopefully).

racechick24 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 10:49 AM

I'd do them vaginally...that's how me and Licia (and I believe Teece)take them. I know it sounds gross to insert "a pill" in your hoo-hoo but it is the better way for the meds to be absorbed. It gets to the source better.

If you want to, take one pill and cut it in half...you'll notice the inside of it is a creamy substance. That creamy substance is better absorbed thru your vagina that when taken orally and absorbed in your digestive tract.

Star622 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 08:11 PM

My capsules were prescribed for vaginal use by my RE. When the ob's office called in a refill they rx'd oral use. I continued with vaginal use.

broncomom1 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 09:07 PM

O.K., do you put the capsule in whole? Does the outside of the capsule dissolve or does it eventually find its way out? How far do you insert it? Thanks for the info.
Renae

racechick24 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 05:42 AM

Yes, put the capsule in whole...the capsule will dissolve on it's own. It will be messy...make sure you use a pantyliner...you will have leakage from the capsule, especially if you move around a lot. I insert the capsule as far as it will go and get it as close to your cervix as you can. If you feel uncomfortable using your finger (I know...TMI), you can always go to the pharmacy and ask for an applicator (I believe they will give you one similiar to those they use with meds for a yeast infection). HTH!

broncomom1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 07:35 AM

Thanks Kelli. Did you take it twice a day? Did it make you really tired during the day, or did it cause extra nausea?
Renae

broncomom1 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 07:40 AM

Another question- what color are your capsules? Mine are kind of a pale yellow color. And, is it prometrium you are taking and does it matter what kind of progesterone capsule if you use it vaginally? Thanks.

racechick24 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 07:43 AM

I was on one progesterone pill (200mg) from a couple days after the IUI until I got my first beta test at 13dpiui then they upped the dosage to twice a day. I can't really say I experienced any more nausea or tiredness, although tiredness is a s/e of it.

I'd say after your body adjusts to it, you'll be ok. I also inserted one pill in the morning and one pill in the evening, just to space the dosage out and I took the pills at the same time each day for consistancy.