Progesterone Levels

[emmiettc]

I advocated for myself on progesterone testing this time around as I started bleeding a week before test date/a week after transfer date last time, which was well before a period is usually due and I was worried it was due to not enough progesterone. Also, with Utrogestan being 3 x 200mg a day and Cyclogest (which I’d used previously) being 2 x 400mg a day – it seems like it’s a smaller dose? I had a blood test right after transfer, and they said either no increased progesterone will be needed if levels are fine, a 4th dose of Utrogestan if marginal, or maybe injections if low progesterone.

They called this morning and said my levels were 43.1, and they consider anything over 35 is good (28-35 marginal, below 28 low). They didn't give units and I don't have anything to compare this to, so I just wanted to check on other people's thoughts or experiences. I know I should just go away and say great it's all fine, but just wanted other's experiences.

Thanks!

[OnRoundEleven]

Hello there. Firstly, good luck with your journey. I hope the transfer works for you.

In answer to your question, I've had a few progesterone level checks on day of embryo transfer acrosss a few different cycles. The progesterone levels have ranged from 41 nmol/L to 94, 112, 122, and 169. I have to admit my successful transfer was when my progesterone level was at 169 nmol/L, however, all the clinics I've spoken to advise that as long as the progesterone is over 35 nmol/L, it should be okay - however just below 100 is preferred. I think everyone responds differently to progesterone, so for my next cycle, I'm going to advocate for a fresh stimulation and egg collection, before they transfer my frozen embryo, as I want to increase my progesterone levels pre-transfer.

In terms of progesterone support, the two clinics that I've most recently attended, have suggested either 2 or 3 cyclogest pessaries a day (with rectal application being preferred as it apparently provides a more stable absorption to vaginal application), and then a prontogest injection every evening.

Post transfer, if the embryo implants, you should see progesterone rising each day. You do need the progesterone to remain over 100 nmol/L I believe.

I hope that helps. Good luck and best wishes.

[emmiettc in reply to OnRoundEleven]

Thank you for the detail here. This is all good to know. The clinic said they can't advise me to up my dose as they're happy with my progesterone level, but that it won't harm. Sounds like it's a positive thing to do, so it's difficult to understand why clinics wouldn't want to do these things just in case!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to emmiettc]

Hi. Don’t forget your body is making it too, so if your clinic is happy with your result, hopefully you will be on the correct dose for you. Good luck. Diane

[soccerkt6]

Hi lovely, my doctor wanted above 60 nmol/L so I would up your dose a bit.

[emmiettc in reply to soccerkt6]

Thank you. This is helpful to know. I've been Googling like crazy.

[User819020]

Hi, not sure if this is any help but I had my progesterone tested on transfer day last week. They told me it was 45.5 they didn’t say any units to me either, the nurse I spoke to was only relying a message so couldn’t tell me what they wanted it to be just that they were happy with it and to carry on with the progesterone I was on.

I’ve just got a very early / faint positive.

Try and trust your clinic if they’ve said they’re happy with it. Good luck x

[emmiettc in reply to User819020]

Thanks. Congratulations on your early positive!!!

[User819020 in reply to emmiettc]

Thanks so much. Still hasn’t sunk in and still so early, so hoping it stays positive.

This was our fourth transfer and first ever positive after 4 years of trying.

Will keep my fingers crossed for you!! X