Low Progesterone Levels?

I had a friend that had the same problem. She used a Progesterone cream, applying it onto her skin. She now has 4 healthy children.

I have not had problems but my sister-in-law did. She had to take progesterone both times that she got pregnant. She took it longer the first time then the second time but did not complain about any side effects or anything. She did say it was kind of messy. I think it came in the form of a suppository or cream that she had to insert, like the medicine for yeast infections. My brother and his wife now have two wonderful children, a boy and girl. Good luck, I hope it works for you also.

I have not experienced this but my best friend did. She had progesterone shots. She is now pregnant after only a few months 2 months I think!!

R.,
Has anyone told you that you might have PCOS? (polycystic ovarian syndrome) That would certainly keep you from ovulating. Not to mention that low progesterone is connected to PCOS. I have PCOS and my midwife prescribed metformin (not a fertility drug) for me. I am now pregnant with my 2nd child. Do you homework on the metformin and PCOS related to low progesterone and present that to your doct. (see what he says)I could always give you the name of my midwife. :)

S. S.

R.,
I had a lot of hormone issues due to being overweight and having what is called insulin resistance which is basically pre-diabetes. I tried for 2 years to get pregnant, never did any ovulation testing though, just decided it would happen when it was time. Anyway I didn't have insurance and so I switched to a Doctor that was a friend of the family that would take payments for as long as I needed to make them, he is the one that said I had insulin resistance and it was causing my hormone levels to be all out of wack, I hadn't had a period for 9 months, and kept getting all excited, only to find out I failed another pregnancy test. So after he got my test results back he put me on a lower carb diet, not some fad diet but just the RDA of carbs, 30g each for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and 15g each for a morning and afternoon snack. If you get hungry the rest of the time protein only or veggies, and never eat carbs without protein. I dropped 25 pounds in 3 months and was pregnant the 4th month. I have no idea which hormone was messed up I was on Provera for the first month to start my period again, I just took it never cared what it was, but I googled it and it says that it is progesterone, but it says not to become pregnant while taking it so I quit taking it, because I wanted to get pregnant. I have no idea what your weight situation is, but I would be interested in finding out why your progesterone levels are low, mine was obviously my weight and diet, I also had a lot of facial hair and what some people refer to as a happy trail, which I always shave but my doctor noticed, and pointed out and I got embarrased, appologized for not shaving and he said, "no that's fine it is just a good indicator of insulin resistance." Anyway I now now my Father-In-Law's best friend a lot better, and he know's me way better than I ever intended for him to, but my Husband and I have a gorgeous 3 1/2 year old Daughter to thank him for, and that is worth the world to me.
Hope this helps.
Thanks, M.

I am jumping right in, so I don't know if anyone has suggested this...I have several friends with the same low progesterone level issues. Their drs put them on pregesterone creams to get pregnant and then suppositories to help keep the levels up during the first trimester. After they were on the cream, they got pregnant after about 3-6 weeks of being on it....You may ask about a progesterone suppliment. Hope that helps....GOOD LUCK!!!
~A.~

I had low progesterone part of my PCOS. I had 2 miscariages due to low progesterone. I read in a magazine about a progesterone creams. I used a cream from my local health food store for about 3-6 weeks and got pregnant after 6 years of trying and previous fertility treatments the year before. I had also been exercising and following a healthy organic diet. I mentioned it to my nurse when the test was positive and she said she didn't think it was strong enough to have helped, but it was the only thing different we tried in the 6 years. I did have to take progesterone shots through my 1st trimester but it was succesful. The cream was pretty inexpensive, read more: http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/progesterone-cream.html and best wishes.

Hi R.,

Just like Traci B. I *highly* recommend the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler (you can check it out at the library). It will give you a lot of the answers you're looking for - how to conceive naturally by understanding your cycle through your body's natural signs.

You may already know this, but depo prevera works by increasing hormones to keep your body from ovulating. If you aren't ovulating, you may not have a period. Just like your doctor indicated, it can take some time for the effects of birth control to wear off and for cycles to get back to normal. And in the process, you may have a period during one "cycle" and not another depending on the level and interaction of your hormones.

The tools in the book will enable you to "watch" your body's signs and understand exactly where you are in the process of getting back to normal. It's extremely empowering!

Plus, many things can delay ovulation - including stress. While doctors stress the 28-day cycle most of us aren't that perfect. The length of your cycle depends primarily on when you ovulate. While we are all told that we ovulate on the 14th day, it is different for every woman and can be different for every cycle.

More information will give you more options and more peace of mind - and possibly even baby 4.

Good luck!

J.

R.,
I have suffered from amenorrhea on several occasions in my life, for which I was always given a shot of progesterone (in the butt). My periods always resumed; I never had any trouble conceiving. I had my children in my mid-20s. My irregular periods continued into my 30s. In my 40s, I began seeing a chiropractor/kinesiologist who fixed my hormone imbalance and regulated my periods. I took a variety of oral(non-prescription) supplements through that time to help my body stay regular. I have also used progesterone creams which may help you. Your OB/GYN will likely tell you they do not work, but they did work for me. You can find several brands at a health food store. I have used the NOW brand, which can also be ordered over the internet. Arbonne has a prog. cream called Prolief, which I have also used. I would certainly give that a try. Email me at ____@____.com, if you want to correspond privately.

Hi R.,

If you're looking for a natural alternative, Arbonne has two awesome products called Prolief and PhytoProlief. I would recommend the PhytoProlief. They both are natrual balancing creams and they are used 1-2 times a day. The Prolief has helped many women, even while pregnant (but check with your doctor once pregnant) and contains sweet almond and sunflower oils, aloe, USP PROGESTERONE! The PhytoProlief contains chaste tree, don quai, evening primrose oil, red clover and black cohosh extracts, USP PROGESTERONE, which is NOT recommended for pregnant or lactating women. They retail for $34, but you can save about 35% off retail. You also have a 45 day money back guarantee! If you would like more info, please eamil me and I can send you some. Or you can go to my website at www.vickimartinez.myarbonne.com, shoponline, and browese the catalog. Hope you get pregnant soon :)

V.

My doctor prescribed progesterone suppositories for me while trying to get pregnant and continuing into my first trimester with my pregnancy. They're no fun, but they worked. You might ask your doctor about them.

I haven't had this experience myself, but I've done some reading about natural progesterone. Wild yam cream has a lot of progesterone in it, and its natural. I use it for PMS. I've also used the regular progesterone cream which has faster results (for PMS) but its not the natural progesterone found in food. I would encourage you to read about what foods can increase progesterone levels. Sweet potatoes have a lot. I know Soy products contain a lot of estrogen, but it may be the wrong kind...sorry I'm not much help, but I'm sure you can find out more from a homeopathic doctor. Maybe there is a supplement you can take, and you wouldn't have to go the fertility drug route. Good luck!

Hi R.! My name is K. Caswell Have you ever heard of Arbonne? They have a great Progesterone cream that only cost $35 and all of my friends that have used it have gotten pregnant in 3 months. I am a consultant for them go online at www.arbonne.com and check it out I would love to talk to you more about it please email me back if you are interested!

I use progesterone cream from Arbonne. It's a pump, so as you push on the pump it gives you a measured amount of cream. You rub it on your thighs, or arms or chest or feet , or neck -just make sure you rotate where you put it. I use it twice a day. When I first started using it I got pregnate 4 months later. They say it can take up to 6 months. You use it after you ovulate up until your period starts. If you become pregnant you will need to go to a progesterone suppository that you place in your vagina twice a day. Your OB will have to give you a prescription. You use this until you're 14 weeks pregnate. Up until you're 12 weeks pregnant your ovaries make the progestrone then the placenta takes over. They placenta has no trouble making progesterone so they wait until 14 weeks -just to be on the safe side- to take you off the progesterone. I know that you're not ovulating now so you can just start using it until you have a period, then use it AFTER you ovulate. If you use it before you ovulate it could prevent ovulation. I'm surprised your Dr. didn't put you on some form of progesterone. You may need to see an OB that specializes in fertility.
D.-mom of 9 and praying for more

There is a company called Mannatech that is producing a nutraceutical called Plus. This product contains phytosterols has been proven to support the endocrine system in natural hormone production. This is not a pharmaceutical. Give me a call or email me:
L.
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http://exploremannatech.com/optimalhealth-products.htm

R.,
I have been in your shoes to some extent. December 07 my husband and I decided to try for our second. (I was 35 at the time). A friend had suggested that I try acupuncture. I don't know where you live, but there are several around who help women who are having difficulty conceiving. I was fortunate that my progesterone was normal (But I also think that it took me a good 5-6 months to start ovulating regularly after coming off birth control-that might be an issue with you) but the doctor would have put me on a progesterone cream. I went to acupuncture once a week for 4 months, took some herbal medicine and within 4 months of starting the acupuncture I became pregnant. You might want to consider acupuncture, massage or some other form of natural medicine. My last piece of advice would be for you to not put so much pressure on yourselves!

Hi R., I am 33 and think I am dealing with low progesterone levels. I am curious, however, when in your cycle they tested your hormone levels. You actually don't produce progesterone until you ovulate and continue until you start your period or are pregnant. Progesterone builds up the lining of the uterus. If you didn't ovulate you wouldn't be producing progesterone. A must read book is "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. I learned alot about my cylce, body, and fertility that I never knew. It could definately help you. I am currently reading the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause" by Dr. John Lee and Dr. Jesse Hanley which was recommended by the "Take Charge" book. It also has great information in it. I am in my second month of using "ProGest" a natural progesterone cream that I purchased at People's Grocery. Prior to finding out this information we had tried for child #4 and today I think I had been pregnant but was unable to maintain the pregnancy due to low progesterone levels. Then we passed the time period where we love being a family of 5. However I started dealing with other health issues like fibrocystic breasts, gallbladder issues, migranes, insomnia, and other issues listed in the book that point to low progesterone levels. The first month I used the cream it was like night and day. I slept all night for the first time in ages. My issues are different than yours (with you not ovulating) but I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

I have had problems with low progesterone levels, and after a year of taking glucophage to get my levels up i finally got pregnant and my daughter is getting ready to turn one!!! Glucophage is not considered a fertility drug actually it isn't usually used for this purpose, but it was discovered to help ovulation. I hope you are able to get your wish of a fourth child, this is a very frustrating situation, just don't forget to have fun with it or it will become too much of a chore and the stress of it will put it even farther out of reach.

R.,
When I was pregnant with my second (at 42!), my levels were low as well. My doctor prescribed progesterone suppositories(sp)for the first 3 months of my pregancy. They were specially made at the pharmacy. You might ask the doctor about that prior to pregnancy to see if that would boost your levels. Good Luck! S. R.

Okay honey, what I have to say is NOT what you want to hear. After the birth ofour sewcond child we couldn't seem to get pregnant again. We had no trouble at all conceiving the first two times, but after my second was born...We went on Clomid. I was told I had low progesterone levels. We were on Clomid for about 18 months. I had purchased on of those ovulation kits that you pee on the strips and all it showed me was that the Clomid wasn't working. I wasn't ovulating.We gave up. Now we are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl in addition to our sons. But that is because we chose to adopt through the system. This darling 4 year old that no one else wanted due to her own issues is a loving addition to our group and her issues have decrerased dramatically since knowing she had a family of her own forever. I understand what you are feeling. You feel as though someone took your perfectly natural hopes and stepped all over them. I will not tell you to quit Clomid. Try as along as your husband lets you. You don't mention it but if you happen to be more than a little overweight try to lose some. Some people (a friend of mine in fact) can conceive if thay lose weight. I think it was like 10% weight loss. Some people their bodies simply will not conceive if they are overwewight. It sounds crazy but it is true. If you aren't overweight and the Clomid still doesn't work, go to www.adoptuskids.org . There are kids from all over the country in need of good families. Especially experienced parents that won't give up on them. If your heart is that ready for one more your husband will surely understand.

hey hun! i suffered from low progesterone levels for years! my doc put me on hormone therapy to kick start my periods and then low dose Clomid to ovulate. she picked clomid because of its low multiples rate. i have ONE beautiful little boy as a result. i was also VERY lucky because i got pregnant after only 2 cycles of hormones/fertility. as far as natural methods, i dont know and am VERY interested to see what others advise you! GOOD LUCK!!

I totally feel your pain in this, my husband and I went through the same thing my progesterone was basically none like yours, have they looked for underlying problems causing this.. I had polycystic ovarian syndrome and that was why mine was low and was having little to no peroids. So We treated that and then with the use of progesterone suppostories to help boost the levels we were able to concieve and now have happy healthly 15 and 5 year old girls.. And in response to the Arbonne progesterone cream I use that as well and it could not hurt!!!

Dear R.,
I am not a doctor but have had some experience with low hormone levels because a hysterectomy.

I also have known many women who have been helped to conceive by using Shaklee's natural nutrition program. It is done with whole food supplements that actually feed and nourish the body's cells - helping to balance hormones naturally. These products are guaranteed to your satisfaction or your money back. Of course Shaklee cannot guarantee that if you use their products you'll get pregnant...but, they do guarantee you'll feel better, have more energy and be healthier!!

If doing this the natural way is truly the preferred way to do this for you - Call me and I would be glad to talk about this at length. S. ###-###-#### TF 1-877-233-1809

YES!Not to discourage you but it took 4 years to get pregnant with my Daughter.We tried ovulation kits etc...I was not ovulating regularly.My doctor put my on Clomid to make me ovulate regular.I got pregnant three times (the first two I miscarried.)Each time there was only one baby!Also be aware that if your progesterone levels are low your pregnancy test might not turn up right away.One of my children I had negative at home tests and had to get the blood work done in the doctors office because of my progesterone levels.Don't give up!There is hope my Daughter is five and I also had a son after that (without help!)
God Bless,C.

There are quite a variety of reasons this could be happening and you may want to learn much more about these possibilities before trying to force your body into a pregnancy it is not ready for. I have seen people choose to override the body's intelligence to force a pregancy rather than discovering the reasons for its issues and helping the body back to efficient and healthy function in order for it to allow a pregnancy. Look into the statistics and compare the number lost pregnancies, birth defects, and developmental disorders that occur when fertility or pregnancy were medically imposed.

Many times the body is trying to tell you something. For example, what is your blood pressure compared to what it was before your other pregnancies? An elevated blood pressure can make pregnancy more of a risk. Being even 10 pounds under weight can cause the body to trip into infertility. Of course, you might simply be experiencing early menopause. A woman is born with all the ovum she will ever have. Some have less than others. If there are no more eggs in the ovaries, no amount of treatment will cause the ovaries to produce them. If you were using birth control pills and just stopped, your body can take months or years to reballance normal hormone levels.

The only MD I know of that treats functional hormone imbalances in the most effective and safe way is Dr. Janet Lang. Her approach is so in demand that she now only works as a consultant with other MDs and teaches seminars. She no longer sees patients, herself. You can go to her website, www.drjlang.com. You could email her to ask for a referal of a doctor that uses her methods.

Just keep in mind that a mother of 3 children who runs her own business and sees no possibility of staying home to devote herself to an infant is likely assuming that the next child will be no needier than the first 3. We live in a much more toxic world than we used to and developmental disorders are far more common today. You may need to make sure your body is not telling you that it needs to clean up before a baby can safely develop there. Triplets can be far easier to manage than one autistic child.

The EPA now recommends that all women get their mercury levels checked before allowing themselves to become pregnant. They do not recommend pregnancy for anyone testing higher than 1 ppm. I have heard some doctors say that they do not recommend pregnancy for any woman testing 0.8 ppm or higher. The older we are, the more likely we are to have higher mercury levels, especially if we have silver fillings and receive vaccines such as flu shots and tetanus shots that contain thimerosal as a preservative. Mercury is particularly damaging to nerve tissue. They have proven the mercury levels found in the placenta and umbilical cord consitantly test higher than the levels found in the mother's blood. This can be devastating to fetal brain development.

Website for EPA info: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advice/

None of this may be your issues and I don't like to promote worries. I just wanted you to know that it may be wiser to learn why your body is doing this before you decide to 'correct' it with medications that might override an issue that is better understood.

Blessings to you, your husband, and your three dear children.

Being rather overweight, I've been having the spotty cycles. I was already used to using NFP from back in the 80's with my ex. So when my new husband and I started looking at conceiving, I was aware that I wasn't ovulating every month. We just decided to try every month and not get hung up about it because any fertility doctor is going to have you chart and keep track for at least 6 months if not a year before they will even take your case, as "proof" of your infertility. It's not uncommon for one side to stop sooner than the other side.

So then later I found out that being heavy created extra estrogen, and I got a cream herbal-based progesterone from the health food store. www.emerita.com but lots of websites discuss the effects of "Pro-Gest" - the thing is, it is bioavailable form of progesterone, something your body already uses in that form. YOu can ask doctor for a "natural progesterone" and they'll give you something "natural" alright but it comes from a horse, not bioavailable to you, and can create worse problems.

I was 35 when I conceived and 36 when my son was born... so there is hope! ;-)