How do I self-monitor progesterone levels after FET abroad?

[Florencehill]

Im flying to Czech Republic today for FET on Sunday. For the first time ever I have requested a progesterone test which has been scheduled literally 15 minutes before my FET. I will get the results emailed the next day and guidence for any top up needed apparently. I don't get any time to ask questions at the clinic (never been offered a consultation and when I do ask, it feels like Im slowing their schedule down, and not all the staff speak enough English and have to run off to find someone else, and I predict it will be worse on weekend) So I'm asking here!

How do I keep monitoring my progesterone when Im back im the UK, two days after FET? Ive heard about home test kits but don't these have to be posted away for results? What brand are the best? How long does it take to get results and if its a few days isn't it too late if the results ware dangerously low when I did the test? Arent you always working in the past? How would I know how many extra Utrogestan I need to administer to correct levels? Im taking Lubion injections in the morning and 400mg Utrogestan pessaries vaginally in the evening. Thanks in advance.

[Cinderella5]

To be honest if your levels are ok at the point of transfer then this is the important part and if not to step your meds up asap. I guess if you need to adjust meds to increase them you would maybe want to recheck levels but we've never done this. Your clinic should give you some kind of indication of how much to step your meds up if necessary.xx

[Florencehill in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks Cinderella5. That explains why some clinics don't believe in Progestetone testing - to them seems unnecessary to keep testing.

[Cinderella5 in reply to Florencehill]

Good luck! I guess the main thing is if your levels are low st transfer that you ramp your dose up as soon as possible. A lot of clinic dont believe you get an accurate reading for progesterone levels in your uterus from bloods.xx

[Carelia]

Hi there, I concur with Cinderella5....but....if you are worried and you need to calm your nerves.....I don't think there is a clinic in the UK that would refuse to give you a simple one off blood test for your progesterone levels. I am sure a clinic would be perfectly ok if you called them and asked could you pop in for a blood test and then receive a simple yes they are all good or no -> send you the results to pass on to your doctor. Most clinics understand that there are many that opt to have treatment abroad and they are ok to give you a "back-up support" either by ways of scans or blood tests. There are very profitable activities for them (more than transfers etc). Yes you will need to pay for it yes but at least you will get the results fast/ later same day. Home tests are likely to take "a long time" to send you results (for them to be worthwhile/actionable in this scenario).

Having said all that....I would still concur with Cinderella5...if your levels are good at the point of FET, you are all set with the protocol you are taking

Wishing you safe travels and a good FET

[Florencehill in reply to Carelia]

Thank you. Good advice x

[Orla9298]

Medichecks! Order them a week or two before you need them, then if you post them In a priority postbox that has a morning collection you normally get the results the next afternoon

[Florencehill in reply to Orla9298]

Thanks. Just seen this again. Back in UK now. Czech clinic tested before FET and it was way off chart - too much in system. Only have to inject Lubion every other morning and keep to pessaries each eve. Consultant never mentioned testing progesterone, but my coordinator who gave me the results mentioned a day 14 test. So I think I will order a medicheck. Dont fancy trying to arrange one at a clinic with covid taking priority. Gracias!

[Orla9298]

Medichecks! Order them a week or two before you need them, then if you post them In a priority postbox that has a morning collection you normally get the results the next afternoon

[Florencehill in reply to Orla9298]

Thanks Orla. I think Ive left it a bit late now. FET is tomorrow. Let's see what my first progesterone results say on Monday.