Progesterone Levels?

[pageta]

I just got a call from my OB's office regarding the results of the bloodwork they did 7 weeks post-LMP. My progesterone level was 19.68 which the nurse said was a bit low so they want me to repeat the test in two weeks to make sure it's not falling.

According to the quick Google search I did, that level may be below average but it is nowhere near the bottom of the normal range (9 to 47 or something like that).

Any thoughts/advice regarding the progesterone issue? I'm only 32 and I've heard women in their mid to late 30s have lower progesterone and thus cannot sustain a pregnancy. I'm not worried, per se, but I would be very interested to hear what the women who frequent this board think. Thanks much!

[peilover010202]

Tana - why did they choose to do the p test on you? Have you had spotting or previous history of m/c?

I had mine check 7dpo and mine was low 12.9. But, so many dr's have a wide range of what is acceptable (usually ranging from 10-20.)

I honestly believe I would have had a m/c if I wouldn't have started p when I did (had spotting from o through 12 dpo when the dr decided to start p.) But, I was also taking a medication that can cause p deficiency.

I haven't researched what p levels should be at your stage in pregnancy, but if the dr's office thinks it was low, then I would consider starting p supps. (The reason I say this is that most dr's are conservative in offering p because they don't know the full benefits.) I am of the mind that it's a natural hormone made by our bodies and getting a bio-identical type just seems like a good "preventative" just in case. But that's me.

Hope you find more helpful information :)

[pageta]

It was just the standard blood workup that my OB has done. Last time I was pg, my doula said he is one of the few OBs in our area who monitors progesterone and prescribes supplements if needed - most other OBs let you miscarry three times before they look into progesterone levels. So it's just the usual routine labwork that he has done on all of his patients.

I asked the nurse what my level was with my last pregnancy and it was 25.25 at 8 weeks post ovulation (10 weeks post LMP). This one was taken 7 weeks post LMP.

My HCG level was 133,912 which she said was very good.

I think they're just watching it as a preventive measure - that's all.

So, no history of m/c and no spotting.

[peilover010202]

That's awesome that your backup dr does that! And, given that info, I wouldn't worry either! :)

[Heart.Revolution]

From my understanding 19.68 is a decent level. I lost a pregnancy once at about 7 weeks, my progesterone was really low something like 6.4 and by the time i started suppositories it was too late.

[SugarAndSun]

I had VERY low progesterone levels with this pregnancy (and also the last). Because I had low levels with my first pregnancy, I knew that supplements were available. (I was seeing a fertility dr before my midwives.) I requested it this pregnancy, my midwife did not get back with me with the results for days and then would not prescribe the supplements until I had a blood test confirming I was pregnant. Urine test was possibitve, but progesterone levels were sooo low! I was going crazy... very angry. I went to the nearest OB office, had a sono confirming I was pregnant and the dr prescribed crinone that day. I just couldn't take the risk. I have since gone back to the midwives, but I was not going to take a chance.

[Isaac'smama]

My level at 5w6d with DS was 9.65. My beta levels were rising normally. I was checked because of having some brown spotting. I was then put on 400 mg prometrium (100 mg taken 4X/day.), until 14 weeks.

I think it's great that your OB is proactive on this issue! Although, I'd be THRILLED with your level! lol

Sugar and Sun: I'm Pming you.