Low progesterone but ovulating some cycles? Irregular periods. What’s going on?

[BeachYogi]

Hey ladies. I’ve been on this forum for a year or so now but took a break for a while as I was getting obsessed with POAS and pregnancy tests!

Anyway. Back to the grind (!) TTC now. Been trying on and off for 2.5 years (I say on and off as there have been some “dry spells”). I’ve just turned 36.

Last month I had some blood tests by my GP. Serum follicle stimulating hormone and LH were tested early in cycle and came back normal. Then I had day 21 bloods done (of 28 day cycle) and apparently my progesterone is abnormally low. It came back as 0.5 when the normal range is 4.7 - 22 at that point in a cycle.

The thing is that was my most “normal” cycle in months!! According to my Ava app and OPK I did ovulate on Day 16 that month.

My cycles are irregular. I didn’t have a period for three months earlier this year. This cycle I’m now on day 38 and according to Ava haven’t ovulated.

My BMI is low as I’m 7 stone and 5ft4inches tall.

So is the problem low progesterone? Nobody has explained it properly and I’m still waiting to see the fertility specialist.

Anybody else experienced this? What could be causing it and can it be treated? I’m feeling like I’m never going to conceive...

Hi OP. I'm not sure about the progesterone, but 0.5 dies seem very low - my doc said anything below 15 indicates no ovulation (provided the test ts done at the correct time - 7 days before AF starts)

I do know that low BMI can seriously interfere with and prevent ovulation, as well as hormone production. You need your BMi between 20 and 25 for optimum fertility. Most fertility clinics will expect you to be in this range before they will begin treatment.

Hope you get answers soon OP xxx

I always thought that ovulation sticks just show the surge prior to ovulation. The luteal surge. But they can't say if ovulation actually occurred thereafter. I wasn't ovulating but getting positive ovulation sticks every month. But my progesterone was too low to ovulation to follow the luteal surge so it was giving me a false impression.

I imagine if its 0.5 you are not ovulating whatsoever. I was 11 or 12 or something and not ovulating. You have to be above 21 or 22 or something to have a chance.

@CritterTamer Thank you 😊 I appreciate the support! I do need to work on my weight & I will prioritise it more now that you've said that. X

@ElspethFlashman Ah, I didn't know the relationship between ovulation and progesterone. The only reason I think I ovulated last month was because my Ava watch detected the significant and sustained temperature rise in my body temperature. It coincided perfectly with the positive OPK and my predicted ovulation date on Ava. It's so confusing! X

Can't help, but interested in responses because I'm not convinced I ovulate regularly but temping suggests that I do. I think I have low progesterone. Back to the consultant in Jan.

My doc would probably say you have pcos. Have you had a scan to look at ovaries? And what is your LH to FSH ratio? 2 and more can indicate pcos. If that’s the case than low carb/metformin/clomid is the standard way forward.

BeachYogi

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

I was also thinking about the possibility of polycystic ovaries here or its related syndrome PCOS. These can cause irregular periods to arise.

You need a day 2 LH/FSH test done to compare and contrast the level of LH against that of FSH. If these are awry (and it certainly could be the case here) it will effect progesterone too. Also with progesterone some clinics like to see a level of 30 or more.

It is also possible to have a rise in temp in the second half of the cycle when an egg has not been shed so charting is not infallible either. Apps tracking ovulation, temp charting and OPKs are not at all helpful when it comes to irregular cycles and should not be used at all.