Why use Progynova from day 20 of previous cycle (ahead of short protocol IVF cycle)?

[Carelia]

Hello Friends,

My clinic has asked me to take Progynova from day 20 on the previous cycle ahead of my (short antagonist) IVF cycle. I have read about progynova and understand it thickens the lining and it is mostly given during the IVF cycle to help the lining develop. ...My lining is working great, it does not need thickening. With my previous clinic I took Norethisterone to suppress the follicle activity in the latter parts of the previous cycle so that we did not have any follicles taking an early start. Consequently, I am wondering what is the benefit of taking Progynova from day 20 of previous cycle, and I can't find an answer from google. Anyone have an idea?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Carella. Sometimes the start on Day 20/21 minimises the chances of cysts developing on your ovaries. Check with your clinic, I'm sure they will explain. Diane

[HollyCG]

Sorry to jump on this late - I’ve been given the same protocol.

I’m currently now day cycle day 29 & still have no sign of my period. I started Norethisterone day 14 until 25 & progynova day 21 and was told to continue until my period shows up and I go in for my baseline scan.

I’m pretty sure the progynova is stopping me from having my period. I have used it previously in my FET cycles to suppress ovulation but have been told this time it is being used as estrogen priming.

Did you have your period as normal?

[Carelia in reply to HollyCG]

Starting norethisterone on day 14 sounds right, I have done that too and I took to for a set period of time (as instructed) and then it took a few days for the periods to start. I understood clinics sometimes do that to engineer the start of the cycle in to a day which means they ensure the most optimal egg collection date does not fall on a Sunday. Having them BOTH combined is new to me. I would email you clinic and ask them to explain 1) what each of them is intended to do, and 2) how long to take them, 3) to clarify if either or both are delaying your cycle.

It is hard enough to do all this when you know when your cycle is starting, organising the 2 weeks of visits based on that, but not being able to forecast your cycle start week makes it next to impossible as a patient...that might work as reason to give you more precise guidance and reasoning for the protocol. Do let me know how things plan out.