Progesterone levels after donor egg cycle
Tue, 2009-07-28 20:30
Hi,
My husband and I just did a donor cycle using a clinic in Europe. They were very professional and informed, but now that we are home I need some follow up treatment. We had a positive pregnacy test 2 days ago...yeah!! I was told that I need to check my progesterone levels every 2 weeks for the first trimester. My GP does not know how to interpret the results and the fertilitly clinc in Vancouver, we did our 3 rounds of IVF with, has told us they will not help us. I am hoping you may be able to tell me what the levels should be at each interval and or somewhere I migt be able to find someone to help me? Is there a minimum or maximum?
Thank you,
Confused
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I will see if I can ask one of the RE's to comment on this for you. In the mean time, it is my experience using acupuncture support in a donor egg cycle that you would continue you are taking progesterone supplementation until the placenta is formed and producing adequate amounts of progesterone. I have not seen the checking of progesterone levels every two weeks for a donor egg cycle. I have when there is a history of repeated miscarriages and previously diagnosed progesterone deficiency. I will contact a few IVF docs to see if they are able to comment.
Lorne Brown, B.Sc., CA, DR TCM, FABORM
Founder, Clinical Director
Hello and congratulations!
Progesterone needs to be supplemented in a donor egg cycle until about 10-12 weeks of pregnancy (8-10 weeks after embryo transfer roughly). The most evidence-based approach is to supplement without checking levels. Levels are generally hard to interpret in pregnancy (so your GP is not alone!).
Progesterone can be given by a vaginal gel, vaginal capsules or an intramuscular injection.
I hope this helps!
Kindly,
Dr. Beth Taylor, MD, FRCSC
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Genesis Fertility Centre
Thank you for the information. Any chance to not have to do more blood tests, I'm all for!! As you know we do a lot of them with IVF treatments!! I will just continue doing my 200mg 3 times a day. I was told my initial levels where very good, so I know I got a excellent start.
Not Confused Anymore
Paul C Magarelli, MD, Ph.D.
Medical Director
Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Centers
www.RMFCfertility.com
Progesterone supplementation for IVF cycles has been documented to improve outcomes across the board. There is no consensus regarding how much, however a level around 15 to 20 ng/ml is usually considered "enough". Once the pregnancy takes, the hCG hormones will support the ovaries production of Progesterone. Usually, in our practice, we keep patients on supplementation until about 12 weeks gestation. Your dosages may well be fine. Congratulations.