Progesterone question...

[ma2cuties]

I'm having a problem with my OB and I'm starting to think I should just go purchase progesterone creme from the store and use it on myself... Has anyone done this? Is it safe for the pregnancy?

A little background.. I've had 5 losses in the past 3 1/2 years.. one ectopic and the rest m/c between 4-6 weeks. I just found out I was pregnant a few days ago. The midwife at my OB's practice told me in the past as soon as I found out I was pregnant to come in and see her and she would give me progesterone. The day after I took my test (I took it at night) I called to get an appt with her but she wasn't in. I had to see the OB instead.

I don't like the OB.. she told me back in Oct right after my D&C that I should stop trying for another boy and be glad I have the kids I have (I have 3 girls and 1 stepson, never said I was specifically trying for a boy) and she also said that my DH shouldn't have anymore kids because he's diabetic.

So yeah, she checked me and said the pee test came back super light and that my uterus didn't really feel pregnant so she wasn't sure I was pregnant at all. Said I would need 2 days of HCG levels going up before she would even order the progesterone test to see if it's low...

Tuesday's level was 66 (most likely 18dpo) and Thursday it was 130; doubling time of 44.9 hours. She never called me yesterday like I was told she would with the order to get the progesterone test done. The office is only open from 9-12 today, so even if she calls it in today I won't get a scrip until Monday at the earliest, that's even if she feels I need it....

I'm thinking about just going to GNC or the health food store up the road and buying a creme. Has anyone treated themselves this this? Everything I've read online says it's safe, but it's the internet LOL It's not like I can ask the OB's opinion... I almost think she wants me to lose the baby...
Anyway, any feedback would be great... Thanks!!

[nintendork]

First of all I would be the squeakiest wheel that OB has ever heard today, seriously, call every hour. When is the MW going to be back in? Have you ever had your progesterone checked before? That OB is making me so MAD!

I have a progesterone deficiency and took it every month off TTC and have taken it everyday of this pregnancy. My doctor never mentioned being able to get it over the counter so I am not certain that the cream would be as effective. Other ladies on this board may have more experience with that.

[ZoeJane'sMommy]

That is horrible! I am so sorry your OB is treating you like. I do not have any advice on getting natural suplements or cream because I really don't know much about it but I just wanted to offer my sympathy and give you a . Is your midwife in today or can you maybe call your regular Doc?? My DO is very understanding and would most likely order it for me.

[jr'smom]

I would try to get back in touch with the midwife too and drop that doc ASAP! I am currently doing progesterone cream without a prescription that I actually order online from my doctor's office. (They make there own supplements.) They recommended it last time I was TTC and I took it through my whole pregnancy. This time I just decided to do it again. It's not any less/different than I would get through an official prescription.

It would just be nice for you if you had the guidance of a professional.

Good luck and congratulations!

[milletpuff]

How horrible!!!! I can't even believe that! My understanding is that if your progesterone is low enough to be a problem, that the cream won't cut it and you need suppositories. I agree with being the squeaky wheel and I'd look for another provider. I'm so so so sorry.

[jenger]

My, that OB treated you horribly! I agree with a PP, be a squeaky wheel!

Natural Progesterone creams (I've read on the internet, and heard from my RE) can be a good source of progesterone, the biggest problem, apparently, is that there is no regulation - some have a lot, some little, even in the same brand...

My RE prescribed progesterone, with no test, as "it couldn't hurt" and said to keep taking in though the first trimester-ish (if/when I get pregnant!) With that, I assume that it is safe...

Hope that helps!

[treehugginhippie]

Progesterone cream is safe during pregnancy but I found it's not as strong and agree it's hard to get the right dosage (I used it during my cycles and had better results w/ a sublingual progersterone). I had my mw do bloodwork the day I got my BFP. If I didn't see her I can also order my own bloodwork at www.healthcheckusa.com . I also took an over the counter sublingual progesterone called ProgonB until I was 13 weeks. I will monitor the progesterone a couple times to make sure I have the right dosage next time (if I need to supplement again).

Sorry you're having a tough time getting the results.

[contactmaya]

I was going to suggest ordering ProgonB over th internet which comes in 13mg capsules. However, that might take a week. So in the meantime, get the cream. The tube explains the dosage. Progest is a good brand. I dont know if you can get ProgonB at your average pharmacy, i guess its worth asking.

I dont know your exact situation, but its common to prescribe 200mg of progesterone per day. If you are using a cream, you will need to use a good part of the tube just to get that dose. I cant tell you the exact dosage, but you can figure it out by looking at the instructions. Its more effective to rub it around your pelvis area. This is just to buy time. Even if you need to use a tube or two to get the equivalent of 200mg of progesterone. Maybe you only need a smaller dose, ,ike 100mg, that is also a common prescription.

The tube usually costs aropund $30. Start with that. Order the progonB.

In the meantime, your incompetent OB might actually give you a prescription of promotrium.

This is why i dont trust doctors. I think her/his incompetence is despicable. She has no right to make comments about whether or not you should have another child, and s/he is certainly under obligation to do her/his job competently.

Lets hope the over the counter cream will be enough to get you through a few days while you wait for Miss/or was is Mr incompetence idiot to do her/his job.

[ma2cuties]

Thanks so much everyone! Sorry I'm just now replying.. my head has been in a fog.
Anyway, I called Friday morning and asked again about getting the scrip for the progesterone test. I was told the Dr. was in a room with a patient and would call me as soon as she was done. After waiting an hour, I said screw it and drove up there. The receptionist said she was "just getting ready to call me" (yeah right) and handed me a scrip for the progesterone! I was shocked. She said the Dr. figured she would just go ahead and write it for me since my beta's increased, I personally think it's because they were sick of me calling LOL
So... I'm on 200mg once a day. I've been feeling really well with tons of symptoms. Until today anway. I woke up not feeling pregnant if that makes sense, and my entire pelvic area is sore and tender to the touch. I've been getting cramping on and off, some not so bad, some shooting down my leg, some really sharp. My back has been sore on and off, too.
I'm trying to stay positive.. if my beta is still doubling like it's supposed to then it should be high enough on Friday (approximately 2080) to see something on the u/s. I'm not going to bother with the pos ob, lol, I'll just go to the ER. I'm not bleeding or spotting at all, so that's good
Thanks again for the replies.. I'll keep you guys updated. Say a little prayer/send some positive energy my way if you would.