How is everyone getting progesterone?

[KittenCulture]

Ive had two MC this year and a chemical. I feel low progesterone may be an issue (short luteal phase, slow temp rise and other signs including a previous blood test which shows low levels).

the EPU said they follow the NICE guidelines which means they will only prescribe progesterone once the sac has been seen on a scan and in cases of both previous miscarriage and early bleeding.

Last time I went to the EPU the consultant suggested I could ask my GP to see if they could prescribe me progesterone to take from conception, but my GP admitted she knows very little about miscarriages and the role progesterone plays and said she would not be able to prescribe it on that basis.

so many women here mention they have been given pessaries after recurring miscarriages but how are they getting it I wonder? It seems impossible from where I am standing.

I’m looking for the exact same advice!! I had a miscarriage early September after fertility treatment and when I asked my fertility doctor about trying progesterone for the next cycle she didn’t really want to - she said something about the uncertainty of what side affects it can have on a baby. I found this bizarre as I’ve read so many people who have fertility treatment automatically get given it! I’m trying to eat foods which increase progesterone levels to try and help in any way I can!

It’s not totally proven. Even in recurrent miscarriage clinic, you tend to get it around 6wks pregnant.

I got it at 6 weeks in my last pregnancy due to previous MMC. Unfortunately I miscarried again due to a chromosomal disorder with the baby. I'm not sure if I'll take it again to be honest.

*only after a heartbeat was seen - I should've added.

@Firen It’s not totally proven.

that’s true. However I’ve come across too many anecdotes of women with recurrent miscarriage who then carry to term with progesterone that it’s something I’d like to at least try, given I have had low progesterone confirmed by bloods.

it strikes me as an easy and cheap thing to try along with aspirin, before more serious investigations are undertaken.

the U.K. is more reluctant to prescribe progesterone than other countries. The midwife at the EPU told me that many women from abroad get upset when they realise they won’t be prescribed progesterone because elsewhere it tends to be recommended as a matter of course for those with a history of miscarriage.

@Highlandttc

thats strange that your doctor doesn’t want to prescribe it because of safety concerns. I understand that it’s always best to follow the precautionary principle when it comes to pregnant women and drugs/treatments, but I was under the impression that most women who receive IVF will require progesterone so surely we must have good safety data by now.

im tempted to see a private ob/gyn and get new bloods taken, but it’s a risk to pay all that money only for them to refuse too.

I will seriously consider buying OTC progestrone cream if I get pregnant again, although I doubt it would be strong enough to really have an effect. At least it will feel like I’m doing something

Hi OP I have literally just joined Mum's net to reply to you, so I hope this link works.

Be your own advocate. Take this to your GP: www.tommys.org/tommys-research-helps-inform-national-guidance-around-progesterone-treatment-prevent-early

Tell your GP you want it and it will make you feel a bit better. Tell them there is also a proven rise in women with RMC and women who receive good prenatal care in early pregnancy (which includes being listened to on this).

Progesterone is not a guarantee, however, it is widely reported that it has absolutely no adverse effect on a baby when it is used in early pregnancy. There is also enough evidence that it might help that it's a no brainer to give it to people who have had RMC's.

Good luck OP. I'm currently about 5 weeks after 4 miscarriages and it's an awful and stressful time enough, without having a doctor not listening to you.

I get mine from my doctor after having being referred to Tommy's and them telling my GP to prescribe it for me. My EPU also asked me if I was taking it when I rang them to self-refer and would have prescribed it to me that day if I didn't already have it, so it might be worth asking your EPU.

@CakeFace31

thank you so much for the link! That is exactly why I started this thread, to get advice about how to approach doctors so they will consider prescribing it.

i am due to speak to my GP again next week and I will definitely email her that info in the meantime.

im sorry to hear about your losses. 💐

i hope this one is your sticky bean! Do you have an early scan booked?

Hi, I went to a private fertility clinic after a miscarriage and asked for progesterone, and they prescribed it to me straightaway. They didn't check my progesterone levels via bloods or anything. I paid for the cost of the appointment (around £200) and then the prescription was about £30. It was very quick and easy - would recommend!

I did get it prescribed at EPU, but only once I had a positive test. I was told not to take it before then.