Diagnosed w/ low progesterone

[alicewyf]

I was diagnosed yesterday w/ low progesterone/ luteal phase defect. My levels at 8 DPO were 4.9, and I think they like to see a level over 10 in an unmedicated cycle.

Has anyone else dealt with this before? I am going in for a consult w/ my doctor on the 28th. From what I've read online they could possibly give me Clomid or progesterone.

If you've been through this before, what was prescribed? Did it work? How long after starting treatment did you get pregnant?

I am fairly certain I ovulate, as I had a clear thermal shift as well as a positive OPK last cycle. I really just don't want to be on Clomid, though I will if I have to.

Advice would be appreciated!

[Dia]

Why are they recommending Clomid instead of just supplementing with progesterone? That does not make sense to me if you already ovulate.

Question your docs...remember they have a business to run too - don't let them give you more drugs than you *may* need.

[eternalsunshine]

I had low progesterone levels during my fertility workup. I was given the option of clomid or progesterone supplements. I ovulate just fine and have regular 28 day cycles but my RE doc explained that while progesterone supplements may be just fine, clomid would help my body regulate my cycle better, thus produce progesterone better. I chose the clomid b/c I don't like taking meds (especially vaginally, which is what my clinic uses) so if I could take something for 5 days and that's it vs. progesterone supplements till my second trimester, I'd rather do the prior. But that's a completely personal decision and only you can decide what's best for you. Plus, I'm not sure how the LP defect weighs into the decision.

I took clomid for only one cycle so far and had bad side effects (but a great progesterone level!). The next cycle I did without drugs and my progesterone was perfect, likely b/c the clomid stays in your body for a long time (can't remember the length, but, like, 50-some days). I'm on my second post-clomid cycle and we'll see... If I don't get pregnant and my progesterone dips below normal on this cycle I'll try the clomid again but at a lower dose.

BTW, if your low progesterone level and/or LP defect are what is keeping you from getting pregnant, I don't see why you wouldn't have "normal" chances of getting pregnant once the issues are corrected with meds.

HTH.

[PaulaJoAnne]

here is a thought

Low progestrone usualy means high estrogen.
Check out my thread on Low Thyroid Fix
You may find some very usful and natural things that will truly help.
Paula