Gynae recommendation for progesterone

[Virgogo]

Hi all - just wondering if one of you wonderful women had advice to share. I’m 5 weeks pregnant and have been prescribed progesterone suppositories, as my progesterone levels are naturally low, even though my bHCG is right where it should be. The (private) gynaecologist who prescribed the meds has a terrible bedside manner, though, and I’ve left her office in tears on more than one occasion. I’d love to see someone more empathetic for my repeat prescription. Has anyone come across a gynae in the London area who meets that description and/or has prescribed them progesterone? I’m obviously feeling pretty anxious and praying that this pregnancy sticks (had a miscarriage in March), so any help would be super appreciated!

My cousin ttc for over 8 years and suffered multiple mc in this time. She was eventually prescribed progesterone and has carried two gorgeous babies to term in quick succession!

I have heard that Dr Shehata is good. Based in Harley Street I think. Could be pricey. Xx

Thanks so much for that message, CAAKE. The gynae I was seeing was incredibly negative about my pregnancy, so I can’t tell you how good it is to hear success stories!

Thanks aetw - appreciate the recommendation! Do you know someone who went to Dr Shehata? xx

I took progesterone for the first 12 weeks and now 27 weeks pregnant. Something as simple as this solves many an infertility problem. He may be an arsehole, but take your meds.

I had a really lovely gynaecologist at the Portland. Wasn’t for fertility issues but she was really nice.

Wouldn’t you rather continue seeing your current consultant?

I had a mc in Dec and pregnant again, can you please tell me what the progesterone does and can I ask my doc for it?

OP please don't give the gynae anymore of your precious time, he or she sounds awful!! I wish you the best of luck in this pregnancy x

@VirgoGo I’ve been under the care of Mr Shehata for a few years now. I’m finally pregnant (14+6) and on one of his protocols that includes progesterone.

His bedside manner is fine, friendly etc but can abrupt and to the point - which is ok by me as I just needed answers (although when emotional with hormones it’s easy to sometimes feel a bit rushed). His focus is more on the NK cell testing and treating so I’m not sure what route he’d take with you if you’re already pregnant.

Bear in mind you may have up to a 2 week wait for an appt with him as well (he’s busy!).

The team at The Lister also seem wonderful, went for a few appts for IVF (got pregnant naturally before I needed to start IVF) before Christmas and couldn’t fault them for friendly, helpful staff.

Obviously the ideal would be to stay where they already know your history etc but I appreciate how emotional this time can be (I’ve had 9 early miscarriages) and obviously if you feel the support is non existent then you should seek help elsewhere.

Best of luck

I can't know for sure but I feel like progesterone was the answer to my problems as well. We saw Dr Patel at the Lister. We only saw her twice as she met with us and we agreed the tests we'd have. She prescribed progesterone as there was a suggestion from the day 21 tests done by my gp that this was low. By the time I came back for test results I was pregnant having used the progesterone for one month.

I'd definitely recommend the Lister (but my experience was relatively limited of course).

@Whitley83 I’m so sorry to hear about your mc - it can be so hard, and I know the feeling of being worried about every little thing now that you’re pregnant again (congrats btw!).

Progesterone is the hormone that keeps the lining of your uterus nice and cushy for the embryo to implant into. In a normal cycle it goes up straight after ovulation and drops right before your period. So if it’s low it can obviously result in spotting and eventually mc. But many doctors here believe that if progesterone is low, it’s because the pregnancy isn’t viable - even though there are loads of women who have carried healthy pregnancies to term after being put on it (my mum did so with me!).

If you’re worried, I’d recommend getting a blood test first for both your progesterone and hcg. You may struggle getting this tested on the NHS though, as many GPs are reluctant to do so and can’t prescribe progesterone anyway (only gynaes can). My acupuncturist referred me to the Doctors Clinic in London for the tests, but I found the (truly awful) private doctor on my own.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. My feeling is that no one will advocate for your health but you, but coming across a doctor who makes that process even harder just adds unnecessary stress to a process that is already fraught with anxiety. Huge wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy ahead xx

Thanks @Belkinsboo! I’ve heard good things about the Lister so might look there. And huge congratulations on your pregnancy too, especially after the heartbreak of the miscarriages. Can you explain what the 14 + 6 means in a pregnancy? I’ve come across it before but feeling a bit in the dark!

@WelshMammy123 it’s so great to hear progesterone success stories! I’ll give Dr Patel a try - it’s so rare to find a gynae who’s willing to put you on progesterone without also wanting to pump you full of other hormones, so she sounds like a gem

Hi again,

I've realised that it was actually Dr Parikh that I saw - sorry! She was great. Repeat prescriptions were emailed to me (for free) as well which made life easier x

My GP did perscribe me progesterone in my last pregnancy.

I was told I’d be prescribed it for the first twelve weeks the hospital only prescribed me six weeks worth and told me to get more at GP.

GP didn’t really know much about it but he did perscribe it for me. So they can perscribe it (im in England may be different in other countries).

I saw Amanda Tozer at the London Clinic - she was absolutely lovely and put me on progesterone.

Would 10/10 recommend her, she was great.