Evening all,

I have posted before but not recently. I have been ttc for a year, and have used CBFM for 5 months, with no luck. I only got 3 bars on 2 out of the 5 months so my GP had me have a 21 day progesterone. The level came back as 37.4.

I have read that normal levels of day 21 progesterone are up to 28, so mine seems higher.

I was advised by my hubby's GP to have the blood test 7 days before my period was due rather than on CD21, as I have 30-32 day cycles (and apparently the day 21 is based on women who have a 28 day cycle). So, this is what I did.

Is this reading normal? Should I try and get it repeated again several times to see if I am ovulating every month?

My GP wants to send me straight for a lap & dye. When I seemed reluctant (I'm not keen on a general anaesthetic), he said he'd just prescribe me clomid anyway. However, i don't want to take clomid unnecessaily if the blood tests show i am ovulating.

I am a bit confused!

Can anyone enlighten me with their experiences of day 21 progesterone levels and what they meant for them?

Many thanks

Caline

I had the test and it is meant to be at 7DPO as this is when your progesterone peaks. Your level does seem ok but i'm no expert.
If you've been trying for a year with no look maybe you should have some tests? Or are you ok with TTC naturally for a bit longer?

It was as I ovulate on day 15-17, and had the blood taken day CD23. Hubby's sperm count seems OK. Think we will press on for a few more months before having any invasive tests (ie lap & dye).

So, was 37 ok?

Hi caline,

I believe the higher level indicates that you have ovulated. It is a complicated subject and the length of your individual cycle has a lot to do with how your results can be interpreted.

I found this answer in another forum that might help in a small way:

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancya...177445,00.html

But the only way you will get a realistic answer is to ask your GP or try having the test done again to compare. I think high is good though, but I am not a medical expert.

Mine was almost 70 on CD21...I was told it was okay but now am not so sure. Consultant at fertility unit told me that 'two of my hormones were imbalanced' and I don't know if she meant the progesterone...

Honey I think it's a very personal decision. Are you seeing a GP or a Gyno?
I would get a second opinion if you are unhappy or uncomfortable with what
you have been adv.

Good luck

Caline - I think 21 (or whichever day is appropriate to your cycle) day progesterone is supposed to be greater than 20-30nmol/l. (Some say 20, some say 30). I dont think how much higher is important. Basically if its over 20-30 then it means it's consistent with ovulation, so i think your result was fine. Obviously it only shows that you ovulated THAT cycle and it's possible you don't ovulate on other cycles (as per you fertility monitor) which is why your GP may consider clomid.

Curly Sue - there are other hormones that need to be in sync with each other, such as FSH and LH. These need to work together to stimulate an egg (follicle) and then make the rest of the cycle happen. So it might not have been progesterone your doc was talking about?

Good luck x

PS ranges will be different with different laboratories and in different countries (for example the usa and uk use completely different units and thus values, for their blood sugar levels)

FSH is tested at CD 2 to 4 though. LH must be fine if I have ovulated so I think it's estrogen and progesterone she was talking about.

I found this earlier on today - don't know if it's much help but thought I'd share!

http://www.obfocus.com/questions/qanda12.htm

Mine was 45 and my dr said that's great and said to give it a few more months then come back. So weird that your dr would want you to go on all these other tests on your results, which is good cos it's above 20/30! x