Question

swell22 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 02:43 PM

Hi girls,

As most of you know, I am pregnant (which is exciting) but....I had my second beta/progesterone done last Friday (16dpiui) and the progesterone was really low. They thought it might be a fluke because my progesterone had been fine earlier in my cycle and I'd never had a problem with low prog. before. So, I retested today and my beta was good - 1753, but my progesterone is way low - 9. They switched me from the suppositories to the pio shot and they are going to do an ultrasound on Monday to make sure that implantation occurred in the uterus. I am completely scared and DP is in New York, so I'm just sitting here trying not to cry and researching ectopic pregnancies and their correlation to low progesterone, but I'm not finding much.

Do you guys know anything about low progesterone and what could cause it? My dr is concerned because I did a progesterone check 5 days after iui and it was good. Now it's low - what would cause it to drop like that?

Care75 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 03:57 PM

Suellen- Hang in there sweetie! Unfortunately, I don't know if there is a correlation between ectopic pregnancy and low progesterone. I also don't know what would cause it to drop.

As I said on the other board, it may be that you are getting enough- it's just not registering in your blood because it's vaginal progesterone which would be going directly where your body needs it and not through the bloodstream.

I think the PIO will only help. They hurt like h*ll, but at least you'll be getting even more. Are they keeping you on the vaginal too? When they added PIO for me, I had to stay on the vaginal too.

I'm crossing everything for you!!! I hope your DP gets back soon! Monday seems like forever to wait for an u/s!! Is there any way they can do it earlier (or do you have to be a certain # of weeks to have an u/s)? My first was at 6 w 1 d. The good news is that your beta is rising nicely.

BTW- I never had my progesterone drawn after my transfer. I only had the HCG drawn so I guess what I'm saying is maybe it's good your doc is monitoring this.

LauraH · #3 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 08:31 PM

CRAP, Suellen (can I say crap here?) I wish I knew something about this, but I have no clue. I really feel for you, trying to get some answers. Have you posted on the IVF board too?
Hang in there. The beta numbers sound great!!

-

2moms2b · #4 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 08:43 PM

Suellen-
We played the infertility game for 4 LONG (and expensive) years. OY!

I don't have any real info for you on the progesterone numbers, but I do know one thing... waiting is damned hard.

I finally quit looking stuff up on the internet, trying to figure it all out. I also decided that I had picked my fert. doc because I liked him and felt like I could trust him... so I should act like it and chill a bit. I just focused all my energy on taking care of myself and my partner and doing things that relaxed both of us.

Dawn

WannaBMom74 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 06:33 AM

suellen- I don't know much about that either but I know that sometimes when I tried to find answers I just scared myself even more. Just try to relax (easier said then done I know) sounds like you have some really good beta numbers I will be wishing for the best for you.

A Squared · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 09:10 AM

I agree with Carrie: progesterone suppositories do not show up in the blood, so you probably have enough to sustain your pregnancy without it showing up in blood serum levels. I asked my doctor the same question at one point. Also, I think the reason the docs sometimes prefer PIO is that they can measure your blood levels and know how much you have, while with suppositories they just have to assume it's ok.

Don't make yourself crazy trying to find info on the internet. You will feel better if you don't go on the net. Good luck. I hope this is your cycle.

2moms2be · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 09:56 AM

You kow what I NEVER had my progesterone checked either...They only checked my beta #s. I was told not to worry about it unless I started to bleed red blood. Try to stop worrying. I know that is easier said then done, but try!

swell22 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 02:02 PM

Thanks ladies. I have stopped digging for info on the net because it does make me feel worse. I asked the nurse today how worried I should be and she said that my beta numbers were really good, and with ectopic they are usually all over, so hopefully everything is fine. I just have to make it to Monday.....it feels so far away.....

AussieJenn · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 05:48 PM

I'm so sorry that you are going through this scare Suellen. If I was you I'd just concentrate on that nicely growing Beta number! I'm of no help on this as in Australia (or at least in my case and others I know), no testing is done of any kind, after the first/only Beta at 14 days past transfer (IVF). Sometimes I think that helps you not to obsess...then again it doesn't take the worry away. I remember too well the wait until the first u/s....then to each appointment to listen to heartbeat etc. I'm afraid to tell you there really isn't 100% relaxing during pg....not until you have your precious baby(ies) in your arms. I'm sending out positive vibes that everything is going just perfect for you this time. Keep us updated.

Best wishes

joanna · #10 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 02:40 PM

I've haven't heard of progestrin #'s being associated with ectopics, but seems possible. However, with ectopics the betas are almost always wierd (they don't rise quickly enough) and yours are more than doubling every two days. I know it is so hard to relax, but try to stay positive until Monday. It sucks that you have this worry.

2moms2b · #11 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 08:12 AM

So... suellen... have you heard anything yet? I have been thinking about you all weekend.

Dawn

swell22 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 06:33 AM

Sorry I didn't get back over here to respond again. I've been a little scared to actually make the move over to the pregnancy boards....

But, everything is fine. I'm on the PIO shots through the first trimester. We heard the heartbeat this week and the doctor says everything looks good. I will go back to the RE in a couple of weeks and then she kicks me out and sends me to the ob!!!! I'm a little sad about that because I have become so comfortable at the RE's office, but she refuses to deliver babies

, so I guess I'll have to!

A Squared · #13 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 06:53 AM

That's great news! I was also sad to leave the RE's care and switch to an OB but now I have a great relationship with my midwife.

Care75 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 01:20 PM

Suellen-

Glad to hear things are going so well! It's always hard to make the transition leaving the RE's office. I felt weird about it for a LONG time!

Join our chatty thread when you feel comfortable! We'd love to have you!

2moms2b · #15 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 09:22 AM

Suellen- I didn't know that my RE was going to "kick us out" when they told us to make an appointment with our OB and that they needed her name so they could forward over the records. We were just unprepared. I was so sad to leave because I felt like I had practically lived there for so long. Now, funny I am feeling the same way about leaving my OB and moving on to the Pediatrician in a month (assuming my girl makes her appearance close to her due date.)

Dawn

AussieJenn · #16 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 07:34 PM

Congratulations on hearing your precious baby's heartbeat for the first time Suellen! I'm so glad to read all is going well. It does feel weird to end your "relationship" with your RE...but move on you must and that's a GREAT thing! I wish you a smooth and healthy pg, and look forward to reading your updates.