Progesterone

While TTC with baby #2 I noticed my Luteal Phase was short, only 10 days. My OB checked my fertility hormones with a blood test and found that my progesterone level was low. After 3 months of using Clomid to try to boost my progesterone level, I was referred to a fertility specialist at Seattle Reproductive Medicine. They performed more fertility tests including monthly ultrasounds to check if I was ovulating. We continued the clomid for a couple of months and then I was finally prescribed vaginal suppository progesterone supplements. I was pregnant the following month. The Dr. told me to continue taking the progesterone until my pregnancy reached 10 weeks. Best of luck to you!

FTR: I am not a doctor...

Progesterone is also used to lengthen the luteal phase of a woman's cycle. The luteal phase (LP) should be 14 days but in some cases is much shorter which makes it hard for a fertilized ovum to implant in the uterus.

I personally have a 10 day LP so my ND (naturopath) put me on progesterone suppositories when I was trying to get preggers. When I achieved my pregnancy with my DD I started progesterone at X day and continued on with it until my body got far enough along it knew to produce it itself. That was 5 years ago I don't remember specifics.

There's a compounding pharmacy (I think in North Bend) that made the suppositories and sent them to me in the mail. That way doc could be sure I was getting the right dose.

HTH!
C.-WAHM 4 y/o virtual twins

I haven't taken progesterone yet, but I expect to be with my next pregnancy. My first was born 7 weeks early because I went into unexplained pre-term labor. There have been studies done that suggest getting progesterone shots once a week may keep labor at bay. They do this from weeks 16 to 34 -- 16 because the pregnancy is considered viable, 34 because at that point, your baby is in "the safety zone" in terms of development.

Dear K,
What did you want to know about progesterone particularly? It is a steroid hormone used for acute and chronic situations. Are you thinking of using it or already are- and for what?
I know from homeopathic training and just being in the natural health world that those 'in the know' avoid it and seek alternative treatment. I have seen hormonal issues completely turn around with homeopathy (classical) and the right deep nutrition.
I'd be happy to answer questions.
Best wishes,
Liz Brandegee
Classical Homeopath

You don't say why you need the progesterone? People could probably give you better responses if you specified what you want to use it for. Are you TTC and need to lengthen your luteal phase? Are you pregnant and need it to help prevent miscarriage and/or preterm birth? Are you premenopausal and wondering about using progesterone cream to prevent symptoms? More information needed!