Three Miscarriages This Year
Question
Hi, I am 42 years old and I have had four miscarriages (three in the last year). It seems to happen earlier each time. The first one was when I was 40 and I miscarried at 12 weeks. The last three were at 7 weeks 1 day, 5 weeks 6 days and 5 weeks 1 day.
Could my progesterone levels be causing this? I was on the mini pill (Neogest) for almost eight years and was wondering if this has messed up my hormone levels.
I don’t seem to have any problem getting pregnant, I just don’t appear to be able to stay pregnant.
PLEASE HELP.
Erica
Answer
Last Updated: December 28, 2014
Dear Erica,
It certainly is possible that a low progesterone in the luteal phase (the part of your cycle after ovulation until the first day of the next menstrual bleed) and subsequently during the first trimester could be leading to your miscarriages. It would be important to know whether or not you have had any term pregnancies.
You should seek evaluation, preferably by a medical provider familiar with NaProTechnology. A NaProTechnology evaluation would start with a history and physical examination along with some blood tests. Then you would start charting your cycles with the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. This charting might demonstrate a short post-peak phase which would suggest a low progesterone level in the luteal phase of the cycle.
Based on the road map provided by the charting, a comprehensive hormone profile could be done from about five days prior to the peak day to eleven days after the peak day. Peak day refers to the last day, of peak-type or fertile-type mucus, (that mucus which is slippery, crystal-clear or stretchy), in a cycle.
Additionally, an ultrasound follicular series based on the road map could be used to confirm anatomically normal ovulation. Other considerations for testing include chromosomal analysis and tests of autoimmune disorders such as the anti-cardiolipin syndrome.
Since you are 42, you should get moving quickly as your natural fertility is waning.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P
It certainly is possible that a low progesterone in the luteal phase (the part of your cycle after ovulation until the first day of the next menstrual bleed) and subsequently during the first trimester could be leading to your miscarriages. It would be important to know whether or not you have had any term pregnancies.
You should seek evaluation, preferably by a medical provider familiar with NaProTechnology. A NaProTechnology evaluation would start with a history and physical examination along with some blood tests. Then you would start charting your cycles with the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. This charting might demonstrate a short post-peak phase which would suggest a low progesterone level in the luteal phase of the cycle.
Based on the road map provided by the charting, a comprehensive hormone profile could be done from about five days prior to the peak day to eleven days after the peak day. Peak day refers to the last day, of peak-type or fertile-type mucus, (that mucus which is slippery, crystal-clear or stretchy), in a cycle.
Additionally, an ultrasound follicular series based on the road map could be used to confirm anatomically normal ovulation. Other considerations for testing include chromosomal analysis and tests of autoimmune disorders such as the anti-cardiolipin syndrome.
Since you are 42, you should get moving quickly as your natural fertility is waning.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, MD, President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology. He and wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
