Over the counter progesterone?

[seven201]

I've had a quick google and found some creams but they seem to be aimed at women who need it for the menopause.

I just had my first ivf round and it failed 5/6 days after transfer as my period arrived. Blood test showed low progesterone (despite pessaries 3x a day). It's looking like it might not be until May that we can do a FET probably with progesterone injections added into the mix. Meanwhile we will try naturally but I was thinking of trying a progesterone cream or 'something' to help. Anyone done similar and can recommend a product?

Thanks

I also looked a while back and found nothing but the creams. I don't think they are recommended for fertility treatment though?

You could try acupuncture - fertility acupuncture focuses on natural progesterone stimulation x

Thanks @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted I didn't know they weren't recommended for fertility. I wouldn't use during ivf, just between rounds.

Already do acupuncture, although not sure if I can keep going for the long run as it's £50 a go.

I pay £50 too and i know the feeling! I went a couple of times when I was trying naturally but together with the cost of all the supplements it was just getting too expansive!

I think you can increase progesterone naturally by eating a high cholesterol diet (which perversely isn't that healthy!)

Also some people on other groups swear by castor oil packs but you have to remember not to do them after a certain cycle date or it can cause more harm than good

I would have a word with your ivf clinic and ask if they'll prescribe some? I fell pregnant naturally in between IVF cycles (ended in miscarriage) but my clinic proscribed me clexane prednisolone and progesterone was soon as I got a BFP to see if it would make a difference

@itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted thanks so much for this. I will ask my clinic when I see them at my review appointment. Yep, paying a fortune for supplements too!

Sorry to hear about your mc.

Hi, sorry again for the failed IVF cycle. My GP fave me private prescription for progesterone. I am sure you could explain that due to low progesterone you'd like support for the literal phase while trying naturally. Alternatively your clinic can write this recommendation for GP to give a prescription.

I would anticipate switching from pessaries to injections for your next round should provide all the progesterone support you need.

@viletta thank you for this. Maybe I'll ask my clinic about it. After all I've paid for a 2 cycle deal so it would be in their interests for me to not need to use them!

@Youngatheart00 the nurse I saw at my blood test said that was a possibility. It would be great if it's that easy to 'fix'.

From experience (sadly) I think regular testing and the ability to adjust dosage and method accordingly is the only way to manage. I had real problems with absorption via the suppositories / pessaries and my levels weren’t tested until it was much too late.

Wish you all the best!

@Youngatheart00 sorry your testing was too late. I asked if I'd have monitoring blood tests when I have the FET but she said there's no point as the injected progesterone is synthetic, so apparently wouldn't show up on a blood test. I'll definitely ask the doctor though. Thanks for your advice.

@seven201 Id be questioning what you were told about the blood test. I had a falling progesterone post BFP and progesterone blood tests levels went from 40 to >100 with addition of lubion injections to x3 a day pessaries. Will be taking lubion in addition to the pessaries on the next cycle as the clinic has introduced it as standard treatment now. It’s very expensive though!

Thank you @Lemongrass1 I'll ask the doctor when I see her. Good luck with your next cycle.