progesterone tests

[cecelia7]

hi all,

the last two months i've done CD21 tests. In January, I actually took the test on CD22, which was 8DPO and the result was 13.4 ng/mL with a lab range of 1.7-27.0. This month, on CD 21, but only 5/6DPO, the result was 10.3 ng/ml. Same lab range. The nurse calls with the results -- a new nurse -- and she says i can either get a referral to an RE or take a round of clomid. 

even though they are in the normal range, should i be concerned by the results?

my CD 3 results are good, i get positive opks, and show clear temp shift, albeit b/c i sleep with the windows open and the temp has been erratic here (sailing from 80plus degrees to low 30s), my temp has been affected by outside conditions.

i guess i am confused b/c she didn't offer anything to back up her statement.

c.

[Jaimee]

How long have you been TTC?   I'm no expert and am confused too... why clomid for a progesterone issue?  Your second level seems borderline to me.  I thought that you wanted to be above 11?  Wouldn't a progesterone supplement be in order instead? 

[cecelia7]

Over a year...googling reveals several posts where pregnant wroman have progesterone levels under between 10-15 in the first few weeks and go on to have babies.

could testing so close to ovulation affect the result?

c.

[Jaimee]

Charts that show the levels of estrogen, LH, and progesterone imply that progesterone climbs for a few days post O and then slowly declines toward AF.  So it's possible, especially if you're not positive of your O day, that it was on the early side and your level would still climb.  I'm not sure, though.  I hope someone else has answers for you!

[mamaforever]

Hi Cecelia,

I had a luteal phase defect.... my luteal phase was about 8 days when I wasn't taking a vitamin b6 supplement.  I had my progesterone tested on CD 21 when I was not on the extra B6 and my progesterone level was 4.  I took the B6 supplement the following cycle and got pregnant (and now I'm 9 weeks).  I started taking natural progesterone cream after getting a BFP just to be on the safe side and will continue it through the 1st trimester.  My bloodwork 2 weeks ago showed a progesterone level of 22 so I do not need a stronger progesterone supplement.

I don't have a lot of knowledge on this topic, but just wanted to share my experience.  I don't think you need to be on Clomid for this issue - it can be easily fixed with a progesterone supplement and you may possibly be just fine without a progesterone supplement.  But I hope others reply who know more!