Low Progesterone & Frozen Transfer Advice

[Nicki17]

Hi ladies,

I had my frozen embryo transfer today and had my progesterone levels tested in the morning (at my request). I was initially told they were good, and after some pushing for further detail, I was told it was 34.8.

I am currently on x3 Uterogestan pessaries a day and just feel worried that this isn't enough. I asked for injections and was told no as they believe anything over 30 is ok. The Nurse then said I could take a maximum of x4 pessaries a day if I really wanted to, but didn’t feel this was necessary. This is my last embryo so really want to give it my best shot.

Am I being silly or am I right to be concerned with these levels? Any advice welcome x

[Boo718]

Hiya we were told over 50 mine was 59 last time and they seemed happy with that xxx

[Nicki17 in reply to Boo718]

Hi Boo718, I had the 50 + figure in mind too which is why I'm a little confused with my clinic's reasoning. Thanks for responding xx

[Missl73]

Don’t stress, all is not lost when this happened to me I panicked and found a lot of stories where it was successful at that level.

That said, if it fails like it did for me with a 5AA, I would definitely be insisting on testing the day before transfer. I was put on intramuscular progesterone when my level was 30 but it was too late. For future cycles they said they wanted it over 50 and for my 3 successful cycles it was over 100 (one of those was a fresh).

[Nicki17 in reply to Missl73]

Thanks for your message. Trying not to stress but my gut feels uneasy about their advice. Especially as I've had progesterone issues in a previous fet. Fet has already happened now so I'll have to wait and see

[B4mb1 in reply to Nicki17]

I would push if it doesn’t feel right to you. There is evidence that outcomes are better with injections. I don’t understand why they withhold when you are the one paying for it. There are lubion injections which go in the abdomen. My clinic were hesitant to give me PIO for frozen despite prescribing it for fresh, bust after I pushed gave me a prescription for lubion.

[Nicki17 in reply to B4mb1]

Hi B4mb1, thanks for your advice. I 100% agree - I'm paying for it, and even with a cut off of 30, my levels are not far over that. Prior to starting this round the consultant said lubion would be prescribed if needed. (The consultant wasn't there on the day but now I wonder how low do they want the levels to be to do this ?)

I'll email them now and give them a call when they open back up.

I now now fear as time is passing after the FET that any action (apart from me taking that extra pessary a day) will be too little too late

[Cinderella5]

Was told over 50 was minimum so if I was you I'd go with an extra pessary if that's all they'll allow! Good luck.xxx

[Nicki17 in reply to Cinderella5]

Hi Cinderella5, thanks for the advice. Each clinic seems to have different limits, but from what I've read on here since posting, 50 seems to be the general minimum. I agree, I'll use an extra pessary and hope that it is enough. Thanks xx

[sandra81]

I was oreagnant with twins. They did not test my progesterone. I bled from five weeks to about 9 weeks the bleeding stopped only when my doctor put me on progestorone in oil injections. If I was ever to do ivf again, I would definitely insist on the pio to avoid what I went through. It was really stressful. I believe my progesterone was low and they didn’t know since they never tested

[Nicki17 in reply to sandra81]

Hi Sandra81, thanks for your advice and I'm so sorry to hear that you had to go through that. I hope everything worked out well for you. I've emailed the clinic and will give them a call to chase tomorrow. X

[MariannaB]

I had the same problem with my clinic , they tested once my progesterone on the day of transfer and said was ok ( 38 ) on my first transfer, then I started bleeding even before my test day , I kept pushing on them until they agreed to put me on lubion injections 2 a day plus 2 pessaries a day , was my last frozen transfer that’s worked, I am not sure if that was the difference but I will say to try to push at least on 4 a day if they agree with xxx

[Nicki17 in reply to MariannaB]

Thanks for the advice Marianna. I'll keep on them. Glad to hear that the transfer worked for you too xx

[Kimbob82]

Just wanted to let you know my immunologist actually has me on 5 utrogestran pessaries a day as he is a BIG believer in progesterone levels being optimal. They do no harm, the only con is the cost. I do two in the morning, one at lunchtime and 2 at bedtime. Good luck 😉

[Nicki17 in reply to Kimbob82]

Hey Kimbob thanks for sharing. That's quite interesting to hear. Just had a read of your bio & latest posts - congratulations!! Xx

[Kimbob82 in reply to Nicki17]

Thank you 🙏🏻 We are feeling pretty excited! But still a long way to go obviously! My progesterone came back at 74 yesterday and still my immunologist said I’m to continue on 5 a day… all the best with whatever you decide! Xx