Advice please - CP, low progesterone...

[GreenwichTTC1]

Hi guys,
I hope you don't mind me starting a new thread but I do feel like I have nowhere to turn at the moment and my head is a bit scrambled...
Basically, we started trying properly in January this year and I got a BFP straight away at about 10/11 dpo. Unfortunately, 2 days after my period was due about 16/17 dpo, I started bleeding and I had a CP.

The next cycle, I started spotting at 10 dpo (which is a bit early for me but I do typically spot before my period properly kicks in). However, by about 15 dpo my period did not fully come, so I did test and got another BFP. My period properly kicked in later that day.

Now onto cycle 4 and I am feeling very similar to how I felt during cycles 1 and 2. Currently on 7 dpo.

Following the second CP, I booked an appt with GP but given current environment it got cancelled. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I'm worried that my usual spotting before my period is my issue and my progesterone is low and that is leading to the CPs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I’m a gp who also went thru fertility problems (male factor) and also had luteal phase spotting. Firstly I can assure you that it is perfectly possible to conceive naturally with spotting - it’s not necessarily a sign of hormone imbalance or low progesterone.

Secondly it sounds like you’re ovulating, which is good, but you think that your progesterone is dropping off too early. The tests that the gp would do for progesterone (usually day 21 in a 28 day cycle) wouldn’t actually show this anyway - it would just confirm whether you’re ovulating or not. Normally you wouldn’t get tested for late luteal phase progesterone unless you’re under a fertility specialist so you would need to try for a least 1 year before you a referredfor that.

Lastly, often vitamin b12 can help with spotting - I’d recommend solgar b complex.

Essentially I know it’s frustrating but the spotting isn’t necessarily anything to worry about.

Also I meant to say - if you want an idea about what your progesterone is doing then you can try basal temp charting - but you do need to do it accurately for it to work

Thank you so much for the reply. It really means a lot.

Yes, I started temping this month but finding it tricky doing it the same time every day! I am definitely ovulating, I've been using ovulation tests and all seems good on that front.

It's just hard at the moment while staying at home, reading too much into every sign with my body.

Also, thank you so much to you and the NHS for what you're doing at the moment. Very much appreciated!

Ah that’s kind thanks. Ido understand as Ive been there and was convinced our failure to conceive was due to my spotting - but actually it was all due to my husband! The temp charting is hard and can actually make you more stressed - but it really has to be done properly (literally as soon as your awake have it on your bedside table before you get out of bed) or it’s completely useless. If you’re doing it sporadically you’ll probably end up with an uneven line which will stress you out even more!

I know it’s easier said than done but as you’re only cycle 4 I would really try not to overthink it.

Again, thank you so much. Really really appreciate you bringing me back down to earth a bit!

I've had 2 chemical pregnancies as well it's so upsetting. This whole process is an emotional rollercoaster. I spoke to my Doctor and it really reassured me. I also had a blood test which came back normal. It's so difficult to stay positive May is our ninth month trying but I just try and find things to do to take my mind off it otherwise I'd be constantly going over it in my head and drive myself mad. My doctor did say if it happens a third time they can refer me for tests sooner so maybe yours could do the same. Although given the current situation I don't think it would be quick. Best of luck to you 🤞🌈

Thank you Positevibes, it is tough and I know everyone says this but feel like everybody around me is getting pregnant. My brother had is 12 week scan the day after I started bleeding with the first CP so it has really been a difficult time. I really appreciate your message though and wishing you all the best also :) Let's hope for a Boris Baby (lockdown baby!).

@Positevibes and @vinoelle - I thought I would keep you both updated and let you know that I got a faint positive at 11dpo today on a FRER. I know I am punishing myself by doing tests early but I was so convinced I was pregnant. I really do hope it is third time lucky for me.

I hope you are both well!

Good luck 🤞 but do be careful with the early testing as it can cause a lot of stress. Wishing you all the best xx

Thanks @vinoelle and I know about early testing but so hard to resist when the tests are so accessible at home during lockdown! If this is not my month then I'm going to remove them all from the house for the next cycle.

Hope things are good with you! x

@vinoelle so it looks like I’m heading to my third CP in 4 months. Just totally heartbroken.

I have booked a phone appointment next week with a private fertility company which is expensive but fortunately we can afford it. Impossible to get a GP appointment at the moment so just gone ahead.

Just feel very heartbroken and alone in this.

@GreenwichTTC1 how are you? Are you sure it’s a cp? I’m so sorry if it is. I didn’t want to read and run

So sorry to hear that I hope your ok. Hopefully the clinic will give you some answers. I'm the worst for testing early too but I'd think I'd rather know about the chemicals in case it did become a bigger problem. Good luck I hope everything works out for you

Ps I changed my name as you can probably tell

Sorry op, if it helps I've had multiple losses at various stages in pregnancy and the consultant found I was perfectly healthy other than low vitamin D, which he says can make you 3 times more likely to miscarriage. It's not a lot to go on I know, but supplementation is maybe something worth trying while you wait for help.

I don't know if it helps but another poster on a thread mentioned they had 4 CP before moving on to a perfectly textbook pregnancy. I know it's so hard, but this doesn't mean the next one won't stick. Fingers crossed for you.

I think the poster mentioned baby aspirin so you may want to ask your consultant about that when you see them.

Morning everyone, AF still hasn’t arrived but she’s on her way. Another very faint positive this morning. I’ve actually managed to speak to the GP yesterday who has referred me. Luckily I get private medical through work so with this I won’t have to pay myself now and should hopefully get fast tracked.

I’m feeling a bit better today, yesterday was an awful day but trying to keep busy with work today.

@DressingGownofDoom I’ve been taking the pregnacare supplements for a good while now so hopefully that is giving me everything I need but we shall what answers I get and I will be sure to keep you all updated.

Thank you all for your messages, it really means a lot and feel a lot less alone in this.

Going to just jump in here, sorry OP for your losses, they dont get easier! I hope you can get answers!

@DressingGownofDoom did you take extra vitamin D? If so how much? I've had 3 losses since having my daughter last February and wonder if vitamin D is playing a part, ive been taking extra but not sure how much really I should take as the basic tablets seem too low?