Hi! I am taking the progesterone suppositories after an IUI. This is my third try and I am having a really hard time with the progesterone. I find that after the third or fourth day of it, I am really tired and very grouchy. I don't want to be around anyone or even have the TV on. Has anyone else experienced this? And does anyone know if the progesterone makes a big difference in pregnancy outcomes?
I would really appreciate some feedback!
Thanks!

I just finished a round of FET and used progesterone injections. I was extremely tired and my boobs were really sore! I thought for sure that I was pg! Then I got the neg results. As soon as I stopped the progesterone my energy came back.

I am just starting out being treated for PCOS and infertility but in talking with my doctor I was told that the progest. can act as a depressant which can bring along symptoms of depression (which symptoms can vary per individual but can include fatigue and irratability). i hope this helps :0)

This is my 3rd month taking prog. I take 200mg suppositories 2x's a day. If you have a low prog level, the egg can not implant into the uterine wall. This time I am having PMS symptoms, sore boobs, cramps and yes...I am VERY moody (just ask my dh and my students). I took a hpt today (12dpIUI) and it was negative so I am assuming these symptoms are the result of the progesterone. Remember, any time you add hormones to your body, you can throw your mood off!

Hope this helps!

;) Hi All,

I take progesterone orally 400mg/day and i do tend to have mood swings, very sore boobs. I do have cramoing but i think that is a sign that i am going to have my period. I too have PCO and am on clomid and Injectibles - such a cocktail of drugs!!!!! My dr suggested i started taking progesterone, cause he said that the egg could be getting fertilised but not being able to implant itself :cry: - an possible indication of this was my BBT chart.

Anyway good luck to you all..take care :hismilie:

Zizzie

Hello...
I read your post about your progesterone and the egg not being able to implant in your uterus. You mention this was indicated in your BBT chart...would you mind telling me what your chart looked like to indicate this?? Im curious cause I believe this is happening to me as well.

JLmee

Hi all,

I so appreciate finding this thread re progesterone because I have been on the 200mg supps 2x day since Tuesday (I am 4 dpIUI) and have been extremely tired (I fall asleep just by lying down and relaxing), am VERY grouchy, cry at the drop of a hat, have become even more sensitive (and that is impossible) and feel I have to make a very conscious effort not to become depressed! This is my 2nd IUI cycle with injectibles (and my second experience with progesterone). Otherwise, I feel relaxed and balanced (does that make sense???!). For some reason, my left ovary feels a bit sore. I have had mild cramping but the cramps are pretty much gone now. No sore breasts! :) I guess my moodiness is getting all the attention this time.

I would love to hear more about where you are all now (I see that a couple of months have transpired since the first email). Good news? Good spirits?!

I wish you all that good place real soon in every which way.

Regards from Boston,
Devorah

Hi JMlee, :hismilie:

Well this was an assumption my dr made from the BBT chart as after the HCG my temps rose and then they dwindled below coverline and then up and then down.....however i also had a laproscopy which indicated that i had some form of Luteal phase deficiency. I had my Lap done on day 27 of my cycle and my endometrium was what you woud expect someone to have in a folicular phase. This of course was a strong indication of LPD. Hope this info helps!

Devorah : Hi :hismilie: I too am taking prog (orally) 400mgs/day and i have noticed that i get very sore boobs after 4 days of starting them, i am also becoming hypersensitive to what people tell me and the crying....i am like a fountain i am constantly crying ...its fascinating what these pills can do to us.Hope it will be all worth it in the end! Good Luck

Yes Zizzie! It is all worth it! I was scheduled to have a lap on 5/20 but had to cancel because I found out I am pregnant! Believe me, the progesterone makes life very difficult. I am still taking 200mg 2x's a day sup, and I think my whole family is ready to kill me. Luckily I am carrying their future family member....I think that is the only thing stopping them!

Good luck to you all!!!!!

DFlowers...

Congratulations :clap: :kisses: Have a healthy and Fab 9 mths!

Zizzie

I'm new here, but I have read posts for what seems like forever. Instead of searching through endless archives for answers I thought I would go ahead and ask.

DFlowers, congrats on your pregnancy! I wanted to find out from you what the side effects of the progesterone were for you? What is your dosage?

I'm 9 DPO and take 100 mg twice a day. So far I have had sore boobs, swollen boobs, cramping, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, elevated waking temps, and flushed face.

Did you have any of this?

Thanks!!

Recently, this is my second month taking Progesterone suppositories.

Last month I was on the prog supp that are coated in wax, I had a very bad allergic reaction to them so this month my RE switched me to the kind that are compounded with Cocoa Butter (which needs to be refrigerated) instead of wax. So far so good, they feel cool and are very soothing.

I have 2 questions

1.) My dose seems to be rather low compared to most of you ladies. I take 1
25mg supp twice daily. Does this seem too low???

2.) My appetite has been ravenous since I've been on prog. and I crave spicy and salty foods. Anyone else out there experience this?

Sav

Hi and thank you! Originally I was on 50mg per day the first 3 times. The last time they upped it to 100mg per day. I had some dizziness at night mostly. My boobs were not sore and I did not cramp. Remember, I was on a different dosage. I only took it for 5 days. There are sooooooooo many different side effects that you can get. Someone told me something once...."Just because it is not listed as a side affect on the side of the bottle doesn't mean it isn't one."

Looking back, My symptoms were very similar to how I feel now with pregnancy. Constantly hungry with nausea if I didn't eat something. Very bloated (I put on 10 pounds while on it the last time). Mood swings from hell (just ask DH). I did not have any of these symptoms on the lower dose so your higher dose can be doing a lot of things to you that did not happen to me.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you! I am now 10 1/2 weeks and it was worth all the tears and negative tests! Keep your head up and try to have a positive attitude. I know it is hard but it is necessary!

Keep me posted and let me know if you have anymore questions.

Hi everyone,

I've taken 3 months of progesterone... the first month was oral pills. Here is what my experience looked like while on the pills:

:sleep: :confused: :sleep:

Yup, that about covers it. I was exhausted and kept forgetting what I was doing/saying. Drove me crazy! Plus, I had my usual breakthru/early spotting anyway. Then I read several articles explaining that the pills raise progesterone blood levels extremely well, but may not actually impact the uterine lining. The various articles all concluded that natural progesterone suppositories are the way to go. There is also a gel suppository out there in addition to the kind I use now (the cocoa butter blend). I take 75mg 2x/day. I put it in and just lie there for at least an hour. I've had MUCH less exhaustion, and NO MORE SPOTTING.

I've included an exerpt from one of the articles below. Good luck and baby dust to everyone!

--

Types of Progesterone:

Synthetic Progesterone (Provera)
Synthetic progesterone, which can be administered orally or via injection, is most commonly used to trigger menstruation. Because of its chemical makeup, it is less likely to cause some of the undesirable size effects of natural progesterone, such as sleepiness or dizziness. Unlike natural progesterone however, synthetic progesterone is generally *not* considered safe to use during pregnancy, which should be ruled out prior to its use.

The remaining types of progesterone, described below, are all natural forms.

Oral Progesterone
Natural oral progesterone, such as Prometrium pills, is used primarily as a supplement in the luteal phase for patients undergoing natural or IUI cycles. The primary advantage of oral progesterone is its convenience; patients do have not have to learn to give themselves injections or deal with the discharge that may occur with vaginal application. Despite its appeal, however, oral progesterone has several disadvantages. Most seriously, at least one study suggests that it may be associated with lower success rates than some other forms of progesterone; it has been hypothesized that oral progesterone may be more effective at raising serum progesterone levels than at raising the level of progesterone within the uterine lining itself, which is where its true effect occurs. Additionally, oral progesterone is metabolized by the liver, and the byproducts may cause side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness.

Recently, some doctors have begun to have patients administer these same progesterone pills vaginally. Few data are yet available on the efficacy of this approach.

Progesterone Suppositories
Progesterone suppositories are compounded by individual pharmacists and consist of natural progesterone suspended in a base similar to cocoa butter. Upon insertion, the warmth of the body causes the suppository to melt and release the progesterone. Since suppositories are vaginally administered, the liver does not produce the high number of side effect-causing metabolites that can occur with natural progesterones taken orally. The vaginal administration also allows the progesterone to be targeted more specifically to the uterine area. Many women, however, find the discharge associated with suppositories to be overly messy or uncomfortable and there is some question as to how long the progesterone is effective after insertion. Additionally, it can be difficult to find a pharmacy that will compound the suppositories, and the individualized process may cause a lower level of dosing accuracy and quality control. Finally, some women may be sensitive to the suspending substance.

Bioadhesive Gel (Crinone)
Crinone gel is also applied vaginally. In contrast to suppositories, however, the progesterone is suspended in a bioadhesive gel (sold without progesterone under the brand name Replens) and is packaged in a tampon-like applicator. Crinone gel is highly efficient at the uterine level; in fact, the progesterone stays so concentrated in the uterus that Crinone often has minimal impact on serum progesterone levels. Crinone is frequently used as a progesterone supplement in IUI and IVF cycles.

This uterine level impact is one of the primary advantages of Crinone, as is the fact that many patients only need to apply it once a day. For many women, Crinone is far better at delaying premature onset of menstruation than are suppositories or oral progesterone. Some women do, however, find that the suspension gel accumulates in the vagina and may need to be removed every couple of days; additionally, patients occasionally experience vaginal irritation as a result of the build-up.

Injectible Progesterone
Injectible progesterone consists of progesterone suspended in an oil, commonly sesame or peanut. Used most frequently in IVF cycles, progesterone in oil is normally injected intramuscularly once a day, most commonly in a dose of one cubic centimeter (cc).

Progesterone in oil is highly effective at the uterine level; many physicians consider it to be the gold standard for progesterone supplementation, particularly in high stakes in vitro fertilization cycles. Additionally, unlike Crinone, progesterone in oil supplementation is also reflected in serum tests, allowing levels to be more easily, albeit indirectly, monitored. The once a day dosing is convenient for patients, and the cost is quite low, often only several dollars a day for a patient taking 1 cc.

For many women, the primary disadvantage of progesterone in oil is the manner in which it is administered. In addition to being intramuscular, progesterone injections must be performed using a 20 or 22 gauge needle to accommodate the relatively high viscosity of the oily solution. This gauge is larger than that used for most other infertility medications, and patients often find the change intimidating. Additionally, like progesterone suppositories, progesterone in oil normally has to be compounded by a specialty pharmacy or mail ordered. Finally, some women may be allergic to the oil in which the progesterone is most commonly suspended.

What about Progesterone Creams?
In contrast to the above products, progesterone creams are available over the counter. These products deliver a small amount of supplemental progesterone, and absorption may vary significantly from person to person. These creams may provide a bit of “insuranceú to a woman with a fairly normal cycle, but the dosages are not high enough to treat significant hormonal issues. When you are trying to conceive, it is always a good idea to consult a knowledgeable professional about the use of any drug that might affect fertility.

What is the Best Form?
As is often the case, there is no one single treatment that is best for all women. Although oral progesterone may be sufficient for some women, Crinone and progesterone in oil do appear to be the most effective at the uterine level. The issue of whether either of these two supplementation forms is superior to the other remains unresolved. Some preliminary research suggests that progesterone in oil is superior at preventing bleeding in pregnancy, but that it may also delay bleeding in some cases where genetically abnormal pregnancies ultimately result in blighted ova. Definitive research is, however, yet to be done.

--

:hismilie:

Lauren - great info - thanks!

I am on the 200mg supps once a day (at night) and last mo af still broke through. But first I had two days of intense bloating and cramping and continued to have it for another few days (worst af in a while). So, I'm not sure it did it's job and yet I am on it again! I also had the sore boobs, moodiness during the 2ww. This kinda sux, esp if it's not really helping. Does anyone get their prog blood level checked after IUI to see if they need the prog? I may ask for that next time. They only started me on p4 because my af came early (11dpiui), but since it still did, I dont see the point of the suffering.

Take care,
Kate

For me prog supp means: cry for everything, bad mood and hot flashes, I just hope we wouldn't have side effects

I just wanted to pipe in because I've had a different experience.

I'm taking PIO in the morning and supps at night since retrieval. I've been surprised by how little it seems to effect me. I had much more of an emotional response during IUI cycles when I didn't use prog at all. Only in the last day or (I've been on them now for 15 days) have I become emotionally on edge, and I kind of think it's because it's almost beta-day + hormones. But it's not so-so bad. And I know how it feels! Crying over a sad looking tree out the window. Crying over your DH saying you look beautiful. But the prog. hasn't really had that effect on me.

Maybe I've been tired, but I have made a point of sleeping about 10 hours every night since the transfer. I'm a big sleeper anyway.

The worst of it has been sore in the injection area a few hours after the shot.

I'm sorry you all are having such a rough time of it, and I hope this time it works so I don't have to find out about it the hard way, but for women who are reading this before taking the prog, wait and see. You might be lucky!

I just started using Progesterone Suppositories at night to support my pregnancy. Every night I put the suppository in then go to bed, but I wake up about 2 hours later to pee-do you think I am peeing out the cream?

melissa,

not to worry, each time you go to the bathroom maybe some cream may come out, however the majority of the cream stays in.

Thank god I have been so worried!

Hi ladies,

A little panic this morning, I put in my prog supp, layed down for 10 minutes, had to get up and go to the bathroom. About one hour later in the shower realized half the supp came out! Thank goodness its Monday and I was able to call the RE. He said in reality you really only need one supp a day but they say 2 supps a day for exactly this reason. So, he is not having me do another one -- just recommended I try to put it up farther next time. Did not recommend me lay down or anything either afterwards.

Just thought I would share in case this ever happens to you (although you should still call your RE in case their protocol is different!).

-Jen

Jen,

My RE only had me lie down for 15 minutes after I inserted the supp. When I got up, most of it came out (sorry, if TMI). I think that you absorb the bulk of what you are going to in the first 15 minutes or so. I'm sure you got plenty! Aren't they fun???

Hugs,
Athena

Dear Jen and Athena -

My RE had me lie down for 15 minutes as well. I know it sucks but believe me it works....I am currently 7 months pregnant and I truly believe the progesterone was a big help. Good luck to both of you!

Denise

Thanks, Denise...you too! I'm 23w today and at 6 weeks when I found out my progesterone dropped from 18.5 to 10 I went into a total panic...right now my little one is moving all about...it's awesome! Where in NY are you? I'm on Long Island!

Congratulations Athena! Believe me...that rumble in you tummy gets more and more amazing. My stomach has become a source of entertainment for all of my friends. They not only want to feel the baby move but they love to watch the baby wiggle around.

Thank God for my RE and a husband that put up with me!

Good Luck!
Denise

PS - I am also from Long Island!

can anyone tell me what progestrone level is good on day 18th? i had progestrone level checked and was 36 with only 2 suppositories taken only for 2 days since i was itching!!!!!!!

As far as I know, a level over 20 is good!

I am new here, but starting to learn a lot about the fertility thing: this is our first cycle TTC with an RE at a local fertility clinic :). My CD 19 progesterone and E2 were low, so I'm on estrogen patches and progesterone suppositories -- 100 mg to be inserted at bedtime each night. I was worried about the oil leaking out, but the pharmacist assured me that the fluid comes out, but the prog. stays in :nod:. I put it in when I go to sleep and go to sleep with my hips elevated for an hour or so...just in case ;).

I'm really really hoping that the suppositories up my level closer to 20 (what my RE wants to see). Otherwise, if I get a positive PG test on Monday, he may want me to do the shots...I told them I really don't want to to do daily shots unless absolutely necessary :).

Hello everyone,
I loved reading all the comments. this is my first month on Prog supp. I'm on 100mg twice a day. My question is I'm on day 13 in my luteal phase (after ovulation). Are the suppositories going to prevent my period? do I need to do a prego test tomorrow and stop the supp if I get a negative result? I'm slightly confused. I have been TTC for 6 months now and starting charting my temp 3 months ago. That's how I discovered I had the short luteal defect. ugh.. and can I say, love the invention of a pantyliner! :-)

anything you can share would help ease my mind. I'm going crazy thinking I coudl be prego because my nipples are so sore, or I'm preventing my period which is doing funky things to my body. i have no idea..

When I was TTC, I was on prog supp 2x's a day. My RE told me to come in 14 days post IUI to do a prego test because the prog would stop my period. When it was neg they would tell me to discontinue the prog and call when I got my period so I could start all over again. What did your RE instruct? Many people react differently. I met many women on this board that still got their period even while on the prog.

Just a little advice, try not to get too worked up or to look into things too much. I was TTC for almost 2 years and anything you can do to reduce your disappointment is well advised. I know it is hard but just in case you have a longer road ahead of you than you thought, try to avoid the pot holes. Eventually, the road smoothes out. I am currently 36 weeks prego and have almost forgotten what those monthly breakdowns were like!

Good luck!!

Congrates!!!!! that is GREAT news. I have had a funky experience with my RE. She said once I've been on the supp for 14 days to come in for a test, but that would be 18 days after I ovulated. If I'm not prego, I would rather go off the suppl as soon as I can and have my period and start the entire process over again. She doesn't seem to be the brightest person and it's making me nervous. That's why i came to this forum, hoping for answers she couldn't give me.

It's sad when you think back to when you thought about conceiving. Who would have ever thought it would be difficult.

I'm happy to hear there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

If you are not comfortable with your RE then find another one! Believe me, you need to put your complete trust into this person. This forum is a great place for support and some clarity of information but not to get answers your RE can not give! You need to feel that whatever your RE is doing is the best thing for you. My RE added things months by month. Had I not trusted him whole heartedly, it would have been very difficult to do all the different things he suggested.

Think about it....it might be better to get another opinion.

So glad to read your comments about the leakage--was very worried about that, too. I take 200mg each night--not sure why I wasn't instructed to take half that amount twice a day. Is your supp in a sort of capsule form, rather than tablet? :confused: I worry about it being absorbed correctly. Also, are you specifically on prometrium or on general progesterone (I understand prometrium is a brand name for progesterone, but it's a specific mix of it.)? Thanks :)

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this site. I need help.

I started progesterone in oil injections 8 days ago and had an IVF frozen transfer last week. Unfortunately, I seem to be terribly allergic to the progesterone in oil. The rash came on right away and has only been getting worse. It is terribly itchy and my skin is red, swollen, bumpy and breaking everywhere. The rash has spread to my entire hip area on both sides. I have tried 3 different types of media: sesame, cottonseed and olive oil, but I seem to be allergic to all of them. Or could something else be going on? Does anyone have experience with this problem and/or advice to offer me? I have to do these shots for 10 weeks and am at the end of my rope after 8 days... I am really trying to tough it out, but a solution needs to be found because I itch so bad that I can barely sleep at night. My doctor tells me that progesterone creams and suppositories are significantly inferior in terms of success rates and is insisting that I continue the injections.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi-
If you are having allergic reaction you should talk to your doctor. I had one to cetrotide and was instructed to use Benadryl.

My RE has me on 2 mg of PIO and I was given the option of taking 1mg in the am and one in the pm (two sticks) or one 2mg stick in the pm. So many people elect to be stuck only once a day....
Good luck to you!

Itchymad - There is a thread over on the IVF BB regarding PIO allergy. Here is the post that I found from an older thread. I hope it helps!

Does taking progesterone suppositories stop you from producing your own progesterone early in preg? Also, I read somewhere that a medicated FET can prevent you from producing your own progesterone...is this true?

Lorilou- Good question. I hope someone knows the answer! I'm very curious.

Okay here's another question: Has anyone ever gotten AF while taking PIO shots? I started getting a full force AF yesterday and my beta is scheduled for Monday. My RE said that it has never happened to any of her patients before so she doesn't quite know what to think about it.

Any advice out there?

i've been on PIO injections (2cc sesame oil) for 20 days now...I've started to notice numbness near the injection sites. When I do the injection in my thigh, I use the upper thickest portion. The largest numb area I have is further down my leg on the outer portion of the thigh. Also the sites are hard lumpy and sore.

Had anyone had this? Is this temporary?

rio:
i started spotting/bleeding two days before my beta while taking PIO injections. I called the RE's office and they told me that it was likely the start of my period and to come in for my beta as scheduled. Beta was BFN. Hope your outcome is different than mine!

Lots of people on progesterone!

I am currently taking suppositories twice a day. On previous cycles I have had bloating, cramping, sore nipples (sorry if TMI), ect...this cycle I have had no cramping besides a sharp pain here and there, and my nipples are fine it is the boob, no bloating either...I am wearing my thin pants. Is this the case with others...a complete change in AF warnings. And how long after you stop progesterone does AF normally arrive.

Thanks for your info!!

Megan

I just had an IUI friday (11/10) and stupidly started my progesterone (200 mg 2x per day) the next morning (saturday) instead of waiting 4 DPIUI. i don't know why i did it, i guess i was just having a blonde moment. i realized my mistake this morning (sunday) and obviously did not insert the suppository. my question is this...has anyone heard of taking progesterone support too early and preventing ovulation?? i triggered on thursday evening for my IUI friday afternoon and inserted my first suppository saturday morning (again, i know DUMB!) i'm just praying that i didn't do anything to compromise the IUI so if anyone can shed some light on my situation it would be greatly appreciated. i can't get in touch with anyone at my RE office until tomorrow morning. by then i will have no fingernails left!

Lauren - great info - thanks!

I am on the 200mg supps once a day (at night) and last mo af still broke through. But first I had two days of intense bloating and cramping and continued to have it for another few days (worst af in a while). So, I'm not sure it did it's job and yet I am on it again! I also had the sore boobs, moodiness during the 2ww. This kinda sux, esp if it's not really helping. Does anyone get their prog blood level checked after IUI to see if they need the prog? I may ask for that next time. They only started me on p4 because my af came early (11dpiui), but since it still did, I dont see the point of the suffering.

Take care,
Kate
RE: having your progesterone level checked after iui to see if you need the supplements... GREAT question. I think mine is fine and I DESPISE the progesterone (prometrium) and have decided not to take it!! I'm such a rebel.. kidding.. I seriously cannot tolerate it. I get dizzy and sick and so depressed I want to kill myself. NOPE, not doing it. I want to know if anyone else has been there? We'll see what happens. I kinda feel like unless you are doing PIO it's not as crucial. Who knows. I should say that in my natural/unmedicated cycles I have a 14 day luteal phase w/ normal temps. This is what leads me to believe that my progesterone is probably okay after IUI and I don't need the prometrium. We'll see.

I had to take my prog suppositiories otherwise I wouldnt implant and would lose the baby. I was on prog for 12weeks and hated every minute of it, but if I didnt, I wouldnt have my DD

I just posted about thinking my progesterone was "just fine' and not taking the prometrium because I hate it.. Well, let me be the proof that you do need it. I got my period at 7dpiui and am devastated about it. Of course, it's my own fault but just wanted you all to know. I was on 200 mgs of prometrium orally twice per day and 200mg prometrium suppositores 2x's per day. The months before I was only on the oral twice per day and had af at 9dpiui. My doc said if your progesterone is the right level YOU WILL NOT get AF until you discontinue it. Just wanted to share. I am onto IVF now!

Dear mrscoco
I m experiencing similar numbness in outer right thigh and my nurse case manager suggested switching sides and if the numbness continues to go in and get the injection sites re-marked. The numbness can be if it was administered incorrectly and it might have hit a nerve.

For reducing the lumpiness and soreness you may want to massage the injection site and use a heating pad after injection. This helped me.
hope you do better.
Best ASK :)
i've been on PIO injections (2cc sesame oil) for 20 days now...I've started to notice numbness near the injection sites. When I do the injection in my thigh, I use the upper thickest portion. The largest numb area I have is further down my leg on the outer portion of the thigh. Also the sites are hard lumpy and sore.

Had anyone had this? Is this temporary?