Must I Stop Progesterone at Twelve Weeks?
Question
Hi! I had a miscarriage on August 19th and I’m now pregnant again. Last time my progesterone was low and I was put on prometrium twice a day vaginally at twelve weeks. My doctor told me to stop taking them five days later. I had a miscarriage. The doctor said that was not the reason why it happenend although I have never gotten any reason as to what happened. I’m now almost five weeks and just found out my progesterone is low again and have been put on the same medicine again.
Why do I keep having low progesterone? Is there something wrong with my body? Is it safe to continue taking the meds after twelve weeks just to be safe? Am I at a higher risk to have another miscarriage?
Heather
Answer
Last Updated: December 30, 2014
Dear Heather,
It may very well be that your corpus luteum and placenta do not produce enough progesterone. You are at high risk of miscarriage with your history of previous miscarriage and your low progesterone level now. Using NaProTechnology protocols developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, I would recommend progesterone in oil 100 mg/1ml, 200 mg intramuscular injection twice a week until twelve weeks gestation. At that point I would suggest a trough progesterone level (i.e. taken three days after a progesterone shot) and then adjustment of the dose according to Dr. Hilgers’ algorithm. Generally, the progesterone is slowly weaned.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
It may very well be that your corpus luteum and placenta do not produce enough progesterone. You are at high risk of miscarriage with your history of previous miscarriage and your low progesterone level now. Using NaProTechnology protocols developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, I would recommend progesterone in oil 100 mg/1ml, 200 mg intramuscular injection twice a week until twelve weeks gestation. At that point I would suggest a trough progesterone level (i.e. taken three days after a progesterone shot) and then adjustment of the dose according to Dr. Hilgers’ algorithm. Generally, the progesterone is slowly weaned.
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.
