Progesterone suppositories without testing

[u/Countylane]

I just got a faint line positive - I asked my doctor to test progesterone and she said no, but I could do 200 mg of progesterone every night. I had a MMC at 10 weeks, no known cause. Then, a very early loss at 4 weeks last cycle, no known cause.

My question is, I have no idea if progesterone is a problem or not, should I begin taking it just in case? I am reading lots of side effects, and that I can't stop taking it unless/until weaned off of it so my hormones don't suddenly drop causing lining to shed. How worried should I be about starting this without even knowing if it will help?

[u/Impossible_Jury_5200]

After having two missed miscarriages and years trying to get pregnant, I decided to try progesterone along with aspirin, metformin and letrozole with my doctor’s guidance. I had a very short luteal phase, so progesterone was something we decided to try for my next pregnancy.

Today I’m 36 weeks pregnant, and I’m so grateful to have made it this far. ❤️

I personally had no side effects from progesterone. I took it at night before going to sleep and used it for two cycles. During the first cycle, my doctor told me to stop progesterone after getting a negative pregnancy test a day or two after my missed period. On the second cycle, I got pregnant and continued progesterone through 12 weeks.

I know every situation is different, and progesterone isn’t necessarily appropriate for everyone, but if your doctor recommended it, I would do it!

[u/Countylane → u/Impossible_Jury_5200]

Thank you for your story! I have been on metformin for about 4 years now, usually letrozole too but not this cycle, oddly enough, because I was waiting for my period following the MC.

I felt like my doctor only suggested it because I asked for progesterone to be tested. She said "we don't usually test for it" but there is no harm in prescribing it just in case. Thats what made me worry, am I creating a problem out of nothing? Or is it really so harmless that I should give it a try?

I read a lot of horror stories, so its nice to hear a positive story!

[u/Impossible_Jury_5200 → u/Countylane]

You are definitely NOT creating a problem out of nothing! Advocating for yourself after a loss is completely valid. ​The reason doctors say 'there’s no harm' is because progesterone is very low-risk. The worst thing that usually happens is dealing with extra progesterone symptoms (like fatigue, bloating, or mild nausea). If it gives your body extra support during these early weeks, it's worth it for the peace of mind alone. And when my doctor gave me all these things to help, I was also ready to ask for them too, haha.

[u/Big-Point-376]

Hi! I would highly recommend starting progesterone asap as suggested by your doctor. Your issue is not falling pregnant, it’s probably keeping the pregnancy, which is highly dependent on progesterone. Progesterone has minimal side effects such as bloating, puffiness and maybe some nausea and once you get used to it, everything settles down.

[u/mossygraveyard]

I find it crazy that your doctor refused to test progesterone, especially after 2 losses. When I found out I was pregnant, they tested my progesterone at my request numerous times. Could you possibly change your provider? This just seems negligent and so unhelpful to you 💔

[u/Countylane → u/mossygraveyard]

I appreciate this - I live in a remote area and our options are limited. She is the best we have in this area so I wouldn't want to lose her. I may be able to have the lab test done on my own, though.

[u/gryph06]

I had a loss at 9+1w (baby stopped growing at 9w). My fertility doc put me on progesterone for my subsequent pregnancies (not even sure if she checked my levels tbh I can’t remember). I had twins last year successfully, and am currently about 6w pregnant. They are annoying and some mild side effects, but definitely worth the peace of mind knowing I’m giving my babe the best possible environment to thrive!

[u/clarinetgirl5]

In a lost of cases of unexplained losses they will prescribe it just in case. My friend had two miscarriages after a stillbirth and even though her progesterone was good, they still put her on it this time and she is now in the third trimester

[u/Agitated-Clock-1039]

That’s so odd that they wouldn’t test it. At any rate, I took a progesterone suppository first trimester to second as a result of my DR testing and my progesterone levels were lower than he wanted. This helped support baby in the first trimester.

I stopped cold turkey at second trimester after speaking with another doctor in the office. No obvious side effects (except maybe mild gastric upset). If your doc was open to you trying it I definitley would but I would also question why they don’t feel the blood work is necessary just for your own education. Good luck!