atlanta33 - 10 March 2010 12:21 PM
I have been TTC for almost a year….unsuccessfully. I do ovualate but I have noticed two things that might indicate low progesterone levels. 1) My total luteal phase is 12 days, but by day 11 (of luteal phase) my temp is already below the coverline. 2) My temps after ovulation are not always much past the coverline…. I barely hit 98 (although before ovulation my temps range from 96.7 - 97.3.
Do you think I have low progesterone levels? I am 33, so do I have to wait to see a doctor until we hit the year marker? Can my doctor prescribe a progesterone cream or is something over the counter benefical?
Dear atlanta33:
It cannot hurt to have an evaluation now if you are concerned. Low progesterone levels are easily corrected. I would not recommend something over the counter, but I would recommend an evaluation with a reproductive endocrinologist. It may be too early to do anything agressive, but if there is a concern about your progesterone levels, there is no downside to supplementation, as long as it is given correctly. Given incorrectly it can actually lower the pregnancy rate, which is why it is important to see a specialist.
Hope this helps! Very best of luck to you,
Serena H. Chen, MD
IRMS at Saint Barnabas, Livingston, NJ
IRMS at Hoboken, NJ
IRMS at Clark, NJ
http://www.sbivf.com
