Progesterone

I went to see a private GP in Nottingham (not a fertility one, just a normal Dr) and he was outraged at my treatment by the NHS but said that he couldn't help me, he could only refer me privately to a fertility specialist. He was really nice though and actually didn't charge me for the appointment which I couldn't believe.

I hope you get somewhere with your GP, to be honest though I wouldn't hold your breath. It's like banging your head against a bloody brick wall.

I will let you know how I get on x

Hi mascara

Don't ever really post on here but our stories have some similarities so thought i'd shout up!

We had been TTC for a year when I went to the GP in January and she arranged to refer me. Unbelievably (people say it happens all the time but I didn't believe it) I found out I was pregnant the very next day. The reason I went to the GP was because I thought AF was coming as I had started spotting, as I do every month.

The spotting carried on and despite me asking for progesterone support my GP (a different one as I had moved areas in that time) refused. I carried on spotting and went on to lose the baby at around 8 weeks despite seeing a heartbeat at an EPU scan the week before.

I have self diagnosed I suppose but I am sure I have low progesterone which causes me to spot for up to a week before AF arrives. I am highly suspicious that it was the cause of my mc. I have had my progesterone tested and it was fine but I am sure it must be able to suddenly drop one day and that must be when my spotting starts.

Have been trying for 5 months since my mc and had no joy, still spotting excessively every month before AF. Have been to my GP and also paid for a private GP appointment. Both said they are unable to prescribe progesterone and that they can only do so under the advice of a fertility specialist. Honestly I am at my wits end as I am convinced that progesterone may be the key to not only preventing a mc, but actually me conceiving in the first place!

I have been referred again and actually have my initial appointment at the hospital this Thursday. Like you, I am concerned that they are going to send me away because I did manage to get pregnant. I guess I will soon find out.

There is nothing more frustrating. I feel like we are just being left to fend for ourselves and i'm really anxious about the appointment.

Also, my SIL suffered 3 mc in a year. On her 4th pregnancy she was prescribed progesterone by her GP (who sought advice from a fertility clinic) and she is now 20 weeks. May be a coincidence but may be the key for people like us.

There is the private clinic MUMS in the Midlands. they offer private blood tests and scans - no idea about prescribing medications though.

Hi, I could have written that first bit myself! My level came back as 3 and was told I hadn't ovulated but I got pregnant that cycle but miscarried at 8.4 weeks.

I also have driven myself nuts with the thought that had I been given progesterone supplements the outcome could have been different. I've since had a second miscarriage but prior to it going wrong I was desperately trying to find a doctor who would prescribe me progesterone to try and stop it happening again. However, I've spoken to two Doctors (including a private one) and they both said low progesterone is a sign of a failing pregnancy rather than the cause. Ironically with second miscarriage I paid for a private blood test and my progesterone was high. (Of course, this is just my experience and someone else may have seen a doctor who thinks it can help)

How long have you been trying to conceive? I had just been referred after a year when I got pregnant the first time and i kept my referral. If you have one booked for now, hopefully they will take your full history and progress accordingly. I'm not sure what a nurse led appointment would be like but maybe that's the way your local area does it?

I'm really sorry you are going through this. Miscarriage is heartbreaking and I hope they help you at your appointment.