Spotting and low progesterone

Hi all,

I am a long term reader but first time poster. We have been TTC to 12 months now (just went past the official 12 month hurdle - how depressing) and I have just realised that I may have a low progesterone issue. I always spot before I get my period - usually 2-3 days but it has been longer on some occaisions (like this period where I have been spotting since last Wednesday and got my period today - albeit 5 days late). Until yesterday when I read about this I thought spotting was normal!

Does this sound right? Has anyone else had this kind of thing? I read B6 can help? I don't have any other symptoms - I have regular periods and don't think I have PCOS. I am getting a referral for fertility treatment next week - what should I ask the doctor?

Anyhelp or reassurance would be greatly appreciated.

I also had a low progesterone issue after my first surgery to remove a cyst from my ovary - basically I was ovulating but doing a pretty bad job of it! So my prog levels were low causing the spotting before my period.

If you are already seeing a FS next week I wouldn't recommend anything other than discussing it with them at your appt. They will do all tests etc to try and figure out what's going on.

Good luck!

Hi

When I was TTC I was on progesterone support (pessaries) to lengthen my luteal phase. This was to give any egg (if there was one) the best possible chance to implant etc. In my case it worked and am now pg. Still continuing with progesterone support (now injections) to ensure that I make it through my first trimester.

I would recommend that you discuss this with your FS especially if you luteal phase is a little short.

Good luck

I also spot before my period but my doc said that is a sign of decrased fertility.If they havent investigated this problem is it likely my IVF cycle will be unsuccessful and if it is because I spot does this mean I may mis carry if I fall ?????

I am not an expert or anything, but I have read that B6 can be good for building up your progesterone and uterine lining.

I am taking Vitex, Red Rasberry leaf, B6 (after O), Baj Whan (from accupuncturist), Zinc, Folate and EPO (before O) and Flaxseed oil (after O). These are all apparently good for regulating your cycle and fixing spotting problems (if they are caused by luteal phase defect). This is my first month on them so not sure if they will help at all.

If you are on IVF it is probably best to talk to your doctor about it (or even see a specialised normal gynecologist).

I've spotted before my period for as long as I can remember. Until a few days ago I'd never heard of this being a sign of low progesterone. I've TTC for 8.5 years with one partner (only one very early miscarriage in that relationship) and 9 months with my current partner (just miscarried at 6 weeks) so I'm now thinking this could be my problem so I'll be asking my doc about this when I go back for blood test results on Friday.

After having a very normal pregnany I found that my periods post birth had anywhere from 3 to 5 days spotting prior to the actual begining of AF. Subsequently I miscarried 6 months post giving birth to DD, after my m/c my doc did a bt to check progesterone levels and oestrogen. The test revealed that I had low progesteron relative to oestrogen. My doc put me on natural progesterone, which improved the spotting amoungst other things, however I did not see a big difference until I started taking Vitex and B6 (although I have now been told to take a multi B instead). After being on all the supplements I noticed a great improvement in basal body temp, my cervical mucus pre O reduced (previously I had so much it was rediculus and it was really thick, sorry TMI, this is a sign of too much oestrogen), and my luteal phase stabilised to 12 days.

In saying this I have just m/c again. My doc will re-run the progesterone tests and I will be asking about other forms of progesterone.

Let me know how you go.

I insisted this cycle to have my progesterone checked after my FET. So I had it checked about 5 days after ovulation (with a Hcg shot) and about 7 days after the first one. I was surprised at how the secretary and phlobotomist hadn't done to many of them. Now I know, if this cycle doesn't work.... it isn't my progesterone. I'm sure many of these doctors are so busy and they don't memorize our charts. We need to gently remind them at times.

I saw my doc for my hcg levels after a suspected mc. He confirmed that I had indeed mc and was just going to send me on his way. Lucky for me I had seen this thread & mentioned that I think I may be deficient in progesterone. The symptoms I have are spotting before AF (for as long as I can remember) and excess hair growth. As I am also struggling with trying to lose some weight the doc thinks I might have PCOS. I was investigated for this around 10 years ago and was found not to have it.... so it will be interesting to see what the hormone levels come back as, although I'm not too sure that a week after a mc is the best time to test for such things.