Low Progesterone in Pregnancy and Progesterone Suppositories

Updated on May 24, 2010
J.L. asks from Oakland, NJ
16 answers

Hello! I am 6 weeks pregnant and I got routine blood work done on friday. Monday they called me and told me that my Progesterone levels were very, very low. So I went in for another blood work done and got the results today, They told me that the level of progesterone had gone even lower to a 6 and that it was not a good sign that they were going down and that they were super, super low. They scheduled me for an ultrasound today and told me not to be prepared because based on my levels the odds were not very good that the baby was alive. Well I went and there was a strong heartbeat of 125 and the baby is looking well and healthy. I was prepared for the worse and was just crying and praying and thanking God for the good results. Now my OB wants to put be on Progesterone suppositories..but he said he is still not convinced that the baby is healthy. Has anyone had progesterone level so low? Have you had success with progesterone suppositories? Thanks so much for any info you can give.

Jen

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T.G.

answers from New York on

I had a lot of trouble getting pregnant and had to work with IVF specialists. When I got pregnant my levels we also very low but they put me on the suppositories and while they were gross to put in, it was all worth it. My little guy is 17 months now and healthy.

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A.P.

answers from New York on

I personally have not gone through this. But I have a friends who had to be put on progesterone early in her pregnancies. She's had 4 healthy babies because of it.

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S.J.

answers from New York on

Hello Jen my first pregnancy ended at about 6 weeks before my levels were determined my second pregnancy I was on progesterone suppositories immediatly. This pregnancy ended at 9 weeks. After a series of testing I was diagnosed with homocystein a blood clotting disorder. I'm currently 32 weeks prego I took progesterone for 16 weeks and one daily shot of lovenox with a baby aspirin. This pregnancy has been great. Try to stay positive and ask lots questions do your research. If you want more setails from me here is my email ____@____.com

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L.L.

answers from Buffalo on

Hi Jen , After my first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage my Doctor started me on progesterone the second time around after checking my levels. Mine were not as low as yours- I think mine were like 17 or 18, but regardless I used the suppositories and have had two healthy pregnancies!

Stay positive! Given that you are six weeks, which is still early, the suppositories should be helpful in starting to support your pregnancy!

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C.H.

answers from New York on

Hi Jen, I will pray for you. I had your situation too. Unfortunately it ended in miscarriage. However, I had major bleeding during the time of my period. That should have been suspect. My numbers were checked and were low, but then went up. But My prog was always low.I was given suppositories and no heartbeat at 8 weeks. I think every case is different. Your issue just may be low progesterone! Be positive and know that there are tons of women who have healthy preg w/suppositores. Best of Luck and God Bless.

L.S.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I personally am taking progesterone cream called Pro-Gest... prescribed by my doctor but you can get it online.
It has worked awesome for me and I like that it doesn't have any weird symptoms to go along with it, unlike the suppositories. My doctor told me that she doesn't put people on suppositories because, for some reason, progesterone in the form of a pill doesn't absorb in the body well and actually turns into something harmful in the body once it is digested. So, that's why she put me on the cream.

I was worried about low progesterone too, but I am now almost 12 weeks preggo and doing great.

Don't worry about what the doctors say. If you're meant to have a baby, you will. Babies are able to undergo a lot more than we think. I was told for a year that it would be hard for me to have kids, and now here I am.

Be excited that you're pregnant and enjoy this time. I know what it's like to worry, but try not to. It's a really fun time :)

Congrats by the way

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J.P.

answers from New York on

I did IVF and was on daily progesterone injections through the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. I had weekly bloodwork and my dose was adjusted accordingly. I was able to stop at 9 Wks when the placenta takes over production of progesterone. I would ask for injectible progesterone if your levels are really low as it is absorbed better. Good luck! Btw I have healthy 2 y/o twins as a result of that pregnancy.

D.K.

answers from Sioux City on

I had two babies who died before birth. One at 31 weeks and on at 16. When I found out I was pregnant this last time my doctor did a full hormonal workup on me. As it turned out my progesterone was very low. I can't recall the number to be honest. I ended up having my blood drawn every week and had injections to keep it up. I ended up having injections twice a week for nearly the entire pregnancy. It worked. My youngest is healthy and happy. I was fortunate to have a doctor that continued to check my progesterone for the entire pregnancy. Most only check for the first trimester. At one point the lab made an error with the test and my level dropped way low. I was in the third trimester and could feel myself begin labor. The problem was discovered and they raised my progesterone and all went back to normal.

Congratulations on your little one. Take the progesterone and I will pray all goes well.

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H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Jen,
I can't remember what my prog. levels were , but I needed the suppositories for my first pregnancy, and they worked great. A little messy, but they helped for sure! I remeber at the time my doctor was also not very optomistic. So I left pretty discouraged, but the more moms I spoke to the more positive stories I had heard. I also needed the progesterone tablets for my next two pregnancies (which also turned out good :) I have also had a few friends that had to be on the progesterone sups. and they now have healthy babies! Stay positive.....our bodies are amazing :)
Hugs~

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

After 3 miscarriages, I was advised to use progesterone suppositories for my pregnancy, which was successful 7 years ago! Not sure what my level was but they felt that alsthough I was conceiving easily (at 39) that the embryo was not implanting into the uterine wall. Whatever happened--it worked. Also, I had no "weird" or "odd" symptoms while using them. Best of luck to you!

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R.S.

answers from New York on

Hello Jen,
What a great story to share, just proves that doctors can be wrong very often! Congrats on the pregnancy and continue to remain positive. I did not have low numbers but did take the suppositories during my first pregnancy and everything was fine. I believe I took them twice a day, morning and night. Keep us posted, I am sure you will be fine. The other ladies gave great advice as well. Take care of yourself in the meantime.

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Z.F.

answers from New York on

Sorry to hear that Jen. I, also had low progesterone but mine ended in miscarriage. I wish you the best

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A.G.

answers from New York on

With my last pregnancy my pregesterone was low (sorry can't remember the #'s) and went on oral progesterone. My daughter is now 9 months old and DESTROYING my house just as fast as she can! God Bless!

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T.W.

answers from New York on

Tell your doctor to contact Dr. Deborah Metzger (below is her website) who is now in California and have him ask her about the Micronized Progesterone he put T. Wood from Connecticut on. It is compounded at Woman's International Pharmacy in Wisconsin and is not a synthetic progesterone so your body won't reject it. I was on it for my last 2 pregnancies and have 2 beautiful sons. She is one of the best reproductive endocrinologists in the world and is now a dear friend of mine. I first met her when she was in practice in Connecticut and I kept having miscarriages; needless to say I owe her a lot. I highly recommend you go into her website and even e-mail her, you won't be disappointed. Let me know how you make out.
Hugs,
T.

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C.O.

answers from New York on

I was on prog supp. for my last pregnancy. Until 12 weeks. My levels were low also like 10 -12. No heartbeat found at 8 weeks, and I had a healthy, full term, 10 lb baby boy. Stay positive!!!

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N.B.

answers from New York on

I had low progesterone levels...I used the progesterone suppositories (starting at 5 weeks)...they are messy and I did have a significant amount of spotting from them...but at 37-1/2 weeks I had beautiful healthy identical twin girls...best of luck!!

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