Progesterone and Miscarriage
I approached my OB/GYN with this earlier conception and he said he wasn't concerned. I was on top of the world when I found out I be pregnant, but miscarried at 6.5 weeks. Now my alternative doctor wants me to begin taking progesterone to aid within maintaining my next pregnancy. Any suggestions? Have you used it? Are at hand risks that I don't know about?
Answers: Most importantly, I am sorry for your loss. There are many medical doctors who don't sanction the importance of complementary medicine (incorporating allopathic/traditional "medicine' beside alternative treatment). Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for sustaining a viable environment for a developing embryo/fetus. I urge you to consult your OB/GYN prior to beginning any hormonal therapy. Blood test drawn at different times of the month will give a clearer picture as to your levels of miscellaneous hormones. Since you need to wait several months earlier trying to conceive, use this time to educate yourself on the risks and benefits, as well as the diagnostic tools to check your level. As with any medication, there are other risks associated. Progesterone will maintain the lining of your uterus; however, menses can be irregular (generally late) and of longer duration. In the mission of ovulation, progesterone increase is triggered by fertilized egg (thereby stopping further egg development/ovulation) and it inhibits estrogen production. You need certain level of estrogen to reach the "operative" stage of ovulation to get pregnant. Once pregnant, it is not atypical for those with low levels to give somebody a lift progesterone suppositories during the early stages of pregnancy. Both educating yourself and discussing the possibility of progesteron therapy once pregnant beside both doctors will give you more of a proactive role as a patient. Reproductive endocrinology is a tricky science and should with the sole purpose be practiced by those with training in this specialty. Good luck!