low progesterone

[Louloubelle84]

Hi ladies,

Wondering if anyone has had confirmed low progesterone levels or suspect that you might have it? What are your symptoms? What did you do to rectify it?

I always spot before my period is due and that alongside a few other symptoms makes me suspect I might have low progesterone. Obviously I am no doctor and have self diagnosed! So wondered if any of you had any experience of it?

I have an appointment to have a smear in a few weeks to rule out anything involving my cervix and subject to those result I may be referred to a gynecologist. I read that vitamin B6 might help and something called vitex. On one hand I want to give the B6 suppliments a go but in the other I don't want to rock the boat before I get to see the gynecologist (IF I see the gynecologist ).

Anyone have any advice to offer up?

Many thanks in advance xx

 

[phonixgirl]

Hi

Yeah I have experience of this. My symptoms were spotting before my period. It started about 3 days before my period and gradually worsened until sometimes it was up to 2 weeks!!!

When I went to the dr, the first thing they did was rule out cervix issues too. Then I got referred to the fertility clinic.

My hormone levels actually come back ok (they've never told me I have an issue) but I eventually got diagnosed with PCOS. That can really disrupt your hormones and stop you ovulating properly. I don't want to scare you though - I think I'm a one off!

I tried agnus castus and B vits which made the spotting worse (although the B vits meant I had zero period pain!) so I soon scrapped them. Ideally you need to find out if there is an underlying cause. Maybe try maca root tablets? They are for general hormone balance and I find they help. I take other stuff too to help the spotting but they're more for PCOS (chromium and cinnamon) xxx

 

[snowbee]

My progesterone levels have always tested quite low. However I don't get any spotting mid cycle which seems to be the main symptom. I have very light periods and tend to spot rather than bleed, but it is in a clearly defined 'af' time period.

My GP has agreed that if and when I get another bfp she will test my levels right away and supplement me if needed.

I'm taking various B vitamins to try to help, not been taking them long enough to know if they are making a difference yet though.

 

[Louloubelle84]

Thanks for the info ladies. I might look into the maca root as I have never
Heard of that.

Can you still ovulate with low progesterone?

 

[phonixgirl]

Yes, you definitely can. I ovulate naturally xx

 

[phonixgirl]

Btw you can still get pregnant too. My sister got spotting for a few days before her period each month and was fully expecting to have to have ivf. She tried 6 months of clomid but that didn't work. After 18 months trying, she got pregnant completely naturally xx

 

[Louloubelle84]

Thanks for confirming phonixgirl, I thought you could still ovulate but wanted to check.

Looked up maca root so I think I will give it a go. Off to get some at lunch time.

Fingers crossed it does the trick. I'm still going to book a smear though to rule out cervix issues.

Who does the rests for ur progesterone? Did ur docs do it? Or were u referred to a specialist? X

 

[snowbee]

My GP did mine and then they were repeated at the fertility clinic.

 

[Louloubelle84]

Thanks snowbee. Did they do them at a certain time in ur cycle? Or can it be tested at any time?

After my mc my doc tested my hormones and said all was fine.... but I don't know what hormones were actually tested.

I don't think I would get referred to a fertility clinic as we have a child already. Tbh, at the moment I'm a bit more worried about my health as it's odd I keep spotting. Sometimes it's bright red like af has properly arrived, then it goes back to brow. Freaking me right out! X