Over the counter progesterone?

[seven201]

I've had a quick google and found some creams but they seem to be aimed at women who need it for the menopause.

I just had my first ivf round and it failed 5/6 days after transfer as my period arrived. Blood test showed low progesterone (despite pessaries 3x a day). It's looking like it might not be until May that we can do a FET probably with progesterone injections added into the mix. Meanwhile we will try naturally but I was thinking of trying a progesterone cream or 'something' to help. Anyone done similar and can recommend a product?

Thanks

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

I also looked a while back and found nothing but the creams. I don't think they are recommended for fertility treatment though?

You could try acupuncture - fertility acupuncture focuses on natural progesterone stimulation x

[seven201]

Thanks @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted I didn't know they weren't recommended for fertility. I wouldn't use during ivf, just between rounds.

Already do acupuncture, although not sure if I can keep going for the long run as it's £50 a go.

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

I pay £50 too and i know the feeling! I went a couple of times when I was trying naturally but together with the cost of all the supplements it was just getting too expansive!

I think you can increase progesterone naturally by eating a high cholesterol diet (which perversely isn't that healthy!)

Also some people on other groups swear by castor oil packs but you have to remember not to do them after a certain cycle date or it can cause more harm than good

I would have a word with your ivf clinic and ask if they'll prescribe some? I fell pregnant naturally in between IVF cycles (ended in miscarriage) but my clinic proscribed me clexane prednisolone and progesterone was soon as I got a BFP to see if it would make a difference

[seven201]

@itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted thanks so much for this. I will ask my clinic when I see them at my review appointment. Yep, paying a fortune for supplements too!

Sorry to hear about your mc.

[Viletta]

Hi, sorry again for the failed IVF cycle. My GP fave me private prescription for progesterone. I am sure you could explain that due to low progesterone you'd like support for the literal phase while trying naturally. Alternatively your clinic can write this recommendation for GP to give a prescription.

[Youngatheart00]

I would anticipate switching from pessaries to injections for your next round should provide all the progesterone support you need.

[seven201]

@viletta thank you for this. Maybe I'll ask my clinic about it. After all I've paid for a 2 cycle deal so it would be in their interests for me to not need to use them!

@Youngatheart00 the nurse I saw at my blood test said that was a possibility. It would be great if it's that easy to 'fix'.

[Youngatheart00]

From experience (sadly) I think regular testing and the ability to adjust dosage and method accordingly is the only way to manage. I had real problems with absorption via the suppositories / pessaries and my levels weren’t tested until it was much too late.

Wish you all the best!

[seven201]

@Youngatheart00 sorry your testing was too late. I asked if I'd have monitoring blood tests when I have the FET but she said there's no point as the injected progesterone is synthetic, so apparently wouldn't show up on a blood test. I'll definitely ask the doctor though. Thanks for your advice.

[Lemongrass1]

@seven201 Id be questioning what you were told about the blood test. I had a falling progesterone post BFP and progesterone blood tests levels went from 40 to >100 with addition of lubion injections to x3 a day pessaries. Will be taking lubion in addition to the pessaries on the next cycle as the clinic has introduced it as standard treatment now. It’s very expensive though!

[seven201]

Thank you @Lemongrass1 I'll ask the doctor when I see her. Good luck with your next cycle.