Bleeding on Progesterone

[Sunseeker99]

Hi everyone,

I'm just after other peoples experiences whilst taking progesterone in the 2 week wait following embryo transfer.

Is it normal to have bleeding after a week post transfer or should the progesterone prevent bleeding even if test is negative.

Thanks in advance x

[MrsOrangejuice]

Very similar questions have been asked a lot recently so hopefully people will also reply to this but while you wait maybe try searching for those as there will be loads of reassuring and informative responses (maybe try searching "spotting"). In the meantime, are you spotting or bleeding? I think the latter is much less common at the stage you're at unless it's due to very low progesterone, but you never know. Spotting is much more common and it can mean low progesterone (have you had your levels checked or asked you clinic if you need more progesterone support?) or sometimes it's caused by implantation, or hormonal changes to do with the meds or early pregnancy, or sometimes it can be because it hasn't worked or ended early and the progesterone isn't stopping the bleeding. I have had all these scenarios, good and bad, so don't worry unnecessarily. Just maybe try your clinic and see if they have any advice? You could also test early and/or do HCG or progesterone tests but bar the progesterone it's so early these may not help (and could change) and there's not necessarily anything that can be done if they don't come back how you'd hoped.

[Sunseeker99 in reply to MrsOrangejuice]

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately it's negative and I have full period after bleeding starting at only 7 days post transfer. Just seems very early to bleed.I have a friend who is a few years older than me go through 2 rounds, both unfortunately unsuccessful but didn't bleed until stopping the progesterone which makes me wonder if my levels are too low. I know this may not make the difference but it will always be on my mind.

[MrsOrangejuice in reply to Sunseeker99]

Sorry to hear that. When I had spotting before OTD my consultant said it shouldn't happen if they've got the progesterone right and the next time they monitored progesterone much more carefully, changed the form (cyclogest to utrogestan) and added lubion injections. That one was successful but the next FET using the same protocol was a BFN and I didn't get spotting or bleeding until I came off the progesterone, so definitely worth looking into - it may not change the outcome as there can be so many other factors, but at least rules it out.

[Sunseeker99 in reply to MrsOrangejuice]

Absolutely worth a try, thank you

[neonpg]

Hi Sunseeker, Im sorry that you're going through this as it's definitely worrying and disheartening during your two-week wait. I had spotting that progressed to bleeding during my first two-week wait. The bleeding started 6 days post transfer on what would've only been day 25 of my cycle which eventually resulted in a BFN. Unfortunately I never got any answers from my clinic on why this happened (just that "the embryo didn't take"), but I always wondered if my progesterone levels had been too low. My clinic didn't test for progesterone so I'll never know what happened.

Just want to add that you're definitely not out of the running yet. You could be experiencing implantation bleeding so the only way to know is to test on OTD. And if you don't get the outcome you're hoping for I sincerely hope your clinic gives you the answers you need. Good luck!

[Sunseeker99 in reply to neonpg]

Thank you for the reply, Unfortunately it was my period, test negative so it started at only 7days post transfer. Waiting on phone call to clinic to arrange follow up. Was only on cyclogest pessaries 2 x a day.

[Whooper]

Hi Sunseeker,

I did have spotting which then led to heavy bleeding after 11 days (fresh transfer) , got negative from this. But most likely my progesterone levels were very low too, I was only on Crinone gel at that time.

Sencond time after my frozen transfer I didn’t have any spotting or bleeding during two week wait, I was on oestrogen tablets and 2 pessaries a day. The clinic done blood test for progesterone and cameback low so they have increased two 6 pessaries. Few days later checked the bloods and still came back below 30, they have added lubion then. Still ended up with negative result.

[Sunseeker99 in reply to Whooper]

Thank you. I'm sorry it didnt work out the second time. It's so frustrating but worth increasing it to try since your came back low.

[Eloquentia]

Hi! The progesterone should keep your period away at least until test day. If you get a bleed beforehand, this is a strong indication of low progesterone and you should ask your clinic to test you two days before and on the day of your next transfer so they could adjust the dose. They tripled my progesterone dose for my second transfer as it was below 30 both two days before the transfer (at which point they doubled the dose) and on the day of the transfer. I think that made the difference for me the second time around. Good luck!

[Sunseeker99 in reply to Eloquentia]

Thank you, I will definitely ask them to check progesterone levels, even if I have to pay, it's worth it for peace of mind. Glad the second round worked out for you 😊

[Boymom2222]

I had a miscarriage at 6.5 weeks and the progesterone did not stop me from bleeding. I still had heavy bleeding and passed the tissue and then it took another 5 weeks for me to get my period after stopping progesterone. Hope this helps.

[Sophiedons]

Hi,

Sorry to hear your transfer was unsuccessful. I’ve had two FETs and in both I have started bleeding 3 days after transfer and full flow by day 7 despite being on progesterone. Last cycle I was taking cyclogest twice a day and lubion injections twice a day. Both times on the day before transfer my progesterone has been below 30. They have never answered why I bleed so early. However my next FET we are trying non medicated (I’m on a high amount of oestrogen which may lead to lower progesterone). Trying natural to see if the natural progesterone I produce will help increase my levels.

Good luck in your fertility journey.

[Cinderella5]

I had exactly this! My NHS clinic refused to check my progesterone saying it was impossible my levels were low. I went onto private treatment and they did listen but still didn't check my levels. I didn't bleed but didn't have success. Fast forward with lots of research tested levels, too lo2 even after upping dosage more....for my successful transfer I was on heaps of progesterone and I think it was key. I also had an ERA test too so believe a combination of both. I whole believe that if you bleed early your progesterone is not high enough, listen to your gut. Hugs.xxx