QuestionHello Dr. Ramirez
I am 28 years old, married once, never been pregnant. I am 122lbs, 5'4. I have fertility issues. My cycles are random ranging from a normal 28 days to 40+ days. I have had my progesterone levels checked before on day 3 or 4 of my cycle and it wasn't pretty..about a 4 I think. So, I haven't had a 40+ day cycle in over a year. And here I am on cycle day 41. Yay for me. I have had sex with my boyfriend on days which would possibly get me pregnant. But now I dont think I ovulated at all. I am cramping so much and only have brown discharge at this point. No other signs of pregnancy..dont feel bloated, no breast pain. Just emotional...but my hormones are out of wack obviously. I feel like I am never going to be pregnant. Never have seen a positive pregnancy test. I have been on clomid in the past, done the hsg. I have a feeling its the progesterone issue. What can I do? I am so frustrated.
Thank you for your help.
Melissa
AnswerHello Melissa from the U.S.,
First, you need to go see the right doctor. You obviously have some type of ovulation disorder and this needs to be corrected with the appropriate treatment. Clomid may be the appropriate treatment if the problem is only ovarian, and there are no other problems. I am skeptical that you are seeing the right doctor because progesterone levels should be taken on cycle day # 20,21 or 22, NOT #2 or 3. A hormone panel: FSH, LH, Prolactin, TSH, Estradiol is usually done on cycle day #2 or 3 and is the first test that you need to do to see what may be causing the ovulatory dysfunction.
I think that if you go see a fertility specialist, you will be headed in the right direction and getting pregnant will be closer. Otherwise, time and money are being wasted.
Good luck,
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
