Progesterone levels while on progesterone?

[callieollie]

My progesterone levels were low while ttc so I was taking prometrium vaginally after ovulation. I'm now 6 weeks pregnant and my levels are still low, but not dangerously low (at least I don't think so - I think over 15 is what is wanted).  Mine were 17 at 5 weeks and 18 at 6 weeks. I think my doctor wanted them to increase more than they did but is just having me continue taking the progesterone as I am (200mg of prometrium vaginally at night). When I test, I don't take the prometrium the night before so they can see what my levels are without supplements. They've never measured them on the prometrium so I don't know if they are high enough with the meds. Anyone know how much the prometrium increases your levels? Like, has anyone had there levels tested without it and then also tested with the prometrium to see the difference. I'm assuming it makes a big difference but I'm just wondering if your progesterone levels are supposed to increase every day or so and mine aren't really, shouldn't the dosage for the prometrium be increased or does it bring up your levels so much that just isn't necessary?

[AnnieA]

I had my progesterone tested at 3w4d and it was 15.4. I started 200 mg Prometrium orally and had my levels tested at 5w and 8w. I did not avoid taking my medicine the night before testing at 5w or 8w. My levels were 31.9 and 40.4 respectively. 

[no5no5]

I don't know if this is true, but my RE told me that they don't usually bother testing progesterone levels in women who are already supplementing vaginally.  She said because it is vaginal, it may not significantly increase your blood levels of progesterone (as opposed to taking it orally or in a shot, which will increase your blood levels), but that's fine because it's going where it needs to go.  She basically told me that if you're taking 200 mg a day your levels are fine. 

I'm really surprised that they asked you to skip your supplements prior to the blood tests.  I can't imagine what the purpose of that could have been. 

[Tear78]

I agree with no5no5.  We were told that taking Crinone vaginally was actually more effective than the shots, becuase the supplement gets right to your uterus where it needs to be.  However, it won't show up so much in your blood levels.  The shots will show up in your blood levels but there's no guarantee how much is getting to your uterus.  I'm doing both, lol...for peace of mind.

[callieollie]

Ok, so I guess there's not a point of testing while you're taking it since it doesn't show up much on blood levels anyway. I think their reason for having me hold it the night before is to test it without any supplements to make sure I actually still need it.  They don't want me to keep taking it if my levels are doing fine. But so far my levels continue to be low so I've been instructed to keep taking it as I am. 

[Tear78]

Take reassurance then from the fact that the progesterone is getting right where it needs to be to help your little one grow strong. 

[dakotablue]

With DS my RE stopping take progestrone levels after heart beat (at 6 weeks) prior to that (even with starting oral shortly after O) I don't think I got a number higher than 11.5. 

And DS is great!!!

So no advice, but things were ok with us.