Spotting, progesterone levels, and bad doctors

[cheggie]

Hi ladies,

I am worried about my progesterone levels; I'm tracking my cycle and I have about 6 days of spotting just before AF every month. My cycle is around 32 days long and my ovulation is usually around day 21. So I've been tested for progesterone levels 7 days after ovulation and I've been told the level is 54.

Does anyone know what 54 means?

I have all the symptoms of low progesterone but my doctor isn't interested. She was really reluctant even to do the test because I haven't been trying for a year, but I have endometriosis and I know there's something not quite right...

So, I wondered: does anyone have low progesterone (and what does 54 mean?!) and also, how do you access a prescription for progesterone in the UK?

Thanks!

Who told you the 54, Dr or receptionist? Did they not say that 54 was ‘normal’ or ‘satisfactory’ or something? I can’t imagine a Dr wouldn’t do a follow up if low, regardless of not trying for 12 months. Can you get a print out of your results to check the lab reference range?

For this lab normal range is between 3.5 -67

www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/pathology/tests/progesterone/

I know when I saw a fertility consultant after several miscarriages, one of the things that was tested was my progesterone levels.

I had the blood test done 7 days before my period was due (as not everyone has perfect 28 day cycles and therefore day 21 bloods), and my progesterone levels were 67.

I was told this was really good and confirmed that a good strong ovulation had occurred.

I was told anything above 30 indicates a good level.

I tried for years to get pregnant and went through all the tests to be diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

I spot before every period (except when pregnant and then I bleed on and off throughout the first trimester)

When not trying to get pregnant the spitting is great as it's a nice early warning to get some SP in.

When TTC I hated it every month. I googled everything and asked all the doctors. Spotting on its own is no indication of issues. It had nothing to do with me not getting pregnant. It's is just something my body does 🤷🏼‍♀️

I know it's really hard when TTC is taking a while and you really want to find something to fix. UI is really shit for this as there is nothing to fix.

Once you get to a year you can have all the tests done 🤞🏻 though you'll be pregnant before that stage

Thanks everyone. Yes, it was the doctor, but she said 'oh that doesn't tell you anything, it tells me you didn't ovulate'... Which is weird, because I have been tracking my temperature and mucus and I got a positive opk... So it does seem like I did ovulate. She didn't say it was normal, or low, or anything! But I got the test because I have symptoms for low pg so I thought she might be more helpful. It's just all a bit confusing. I also have endo and my mum had three late term miscarriages which my doctor has said might be due to some kind of hereditary hormonal imbalance or condition so while I'm trying not to worry, I want to give my body the best chance of conceiving.