QuestionHello-
I have been on and off medication for over a year. (Clomid and letrozole)I had a miscarriage about a year ago. I just completed my last round of letrozole and my progesterone level a week after ovulation was a 9. So I spoke with my doctor and we were not at all happy with the number so I was referred to a specialist. Then a couple days later I took a pregnancy test on the day my period was due and it was the faintest line!! This is what happened a year ago too and I miscarried at 5 1/2 weeks. So my question is, if this happens to be a viable pregnancy does the low progesterone signal that something could be wrong with the baby?
AnswerHi Beth from the U.S. (Missouri),
No. The progesterone taken in the luteal phase is only an indication of ovulation. If you had a progesterone done now and it was low, that would not be a good sign because it could indicate a non-viable pregnancy or that there was not adequate progesterone secretion to support the pregnancy before the placenta develops. It is not an indicator of fetal development if the pregnancy continues if that is what you are asking.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf. I now provide personalized fee for service consultations/advice/direction via email and payable via Pay Pal. If interested, contact me via my email at info@montereybayivf.com. This service will allow you to have your own personal on-demand infertility expert
