Progesterone: Should You Take Progesterone if You Are Trying to Conceive?

[@kristenhoogstraten8550]

After many years of unexplained infertility we discovered that my progesterone was increasing prematurely (due to a breakdown in the adrenal steroidogenesis biosynthesis pathway) therefore closing my implantation window and not allowing my embryo to implant despite great endometrial lining and estrogen levels. My protocol was then changed to include a steroid for a few weeks prior to my FET and I had my first positive pregnancy test ever! Just sharing this to demonstrate the significance of progesterone being introduced at the right time as you mentioned here and in hopes that it might help others! ❤

[@mafasantana]

Oh, how did you diagnose?

[@kristenhoogstraten8550]

I've had an amazing REI doctor and we actually discovered it a few days before my embryo transfer when we tested my progesterone and estrogen levels - my progesterone was 4.02 ng/mL when it needed to be much lower (under 1 ng/mL preferably) so my fresh embryo transfer was cancelled and a frozen embryo transfer was scheduled for a later time. We noticed it was not as high prior to that transfer but just on the cusp of the ideal level so proceeded with a FET which did not implant. My 2nd FET is when we did the steroid protocol and my progesterone levels were under 1 ng/mL prior which means the steroid worked in suppressing my progesterone levels prior to the transfer. I got a positive pregnancy test 11dpt and positive HCG Beta as well. My HCG levels are rising but slowly so still very early on to determine a viable pregnancy but happy to make one step closer in this marathon with my first positive to know I CAN get pregnant. Of course this is a very unique and individual circumstance for me and my REI did an incredible job of digging in and finding some next steps after our "WTF" meeting following the first unsuccessful transfer. I am very fortunate to have her!

[@Enne-et1we]

This is so eyeopening... 😢 I have always had a very short luteal phase, but never in my 3 failed IVF cycles has anyone even mentioned testing progesterone levels... What day of the cycle did they test you prior to successful FET, and when did you start the steroid protocol?

[@kristenhoogstraten8550]

We always tested my progesterone and E2 levels twice - about a week and a half before and then 5 days before the FET. I still started my progesterone in oil injections 5 days before my transfer like normal as well and have continued those daily. I was on the steroid for a little less than a month prior to the FET. Hope that helps!

[@pbigzz]

It's super amazing that was figured out! Wishing you the best!!

[@slydr2]

From a physician-scientist who has expertise in this area: Very well done and packed with information! Thanks for doing such a good job at spreading evidence-based information on progesterone and how it is regulated! 👍💥

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Thank you!

[@VegGirl]

Will you do a video on vitex and even for short luteal phase or progesterone deficiency in the late days of luteal phase?

[@kendall6024]

I want this too. I started taking it for short luteal phase. Haven’t gotten pregnant since my miscarriage at 6 weeks in October

[@SonicDruid1]

Dear Dr…please do an episode on PMDD 🙏🙏🙏 We need updated and current info on how to treat this condition!!!

[@mariamer3044]

Yessss!!

[@MsSavvyChic]

So you’re recommending to start progesterone 3 days after ovulation. If you become pregnant, when should you stop taking it? Thanks Dr. Crawford!

[@seizetheday6953]

Check with your doctor.♡ I took prog and got pregnant and stayed on it until my numbers came up which was most of my pregancy.

[@chelseanfoust]

Could you do a video breaking down the day 3 and day 21 labs in fertility testing?

[@CassidyCase-pr7yq]

I saw a video of yours on my instagram reels. I had been prescribed to take a progesterone capsule everyday for about the past year by my NP who handles by thyroid and such. We are about a year TTC and no luck. Then I came across your instagram video and saw that progesterone will inhibit implantation, especially if taken everyday! I was shook. (I conceived my first child with no issues) I called my pharmacist and midwife I see and they said to stop taking it immediately and that is probably why I haven't been able to get pregnant at all!

[@Miss_Abby8]

Such a great informative video. I have unexplained infertility and I’m constantly researching online, reading comments from other women, watching YT videos…and I’m guilty of trying anything and everything, including vitex for 6 months 🤦🏻‍♀️. I’ve also recently heard of DHEA, any thoughts on it?

[@jessicagiacometti9012]

So interesting to hear how it works

[@courtneyfranks821]

Hello. I would love to know why you suggest progesterone suppositories instead of the pills.

[@jamesd5212]

The half life of progesterone taken orally is very short, vaginally is better absorbed by the body

[@tiffanyl3296]

Thank for mentioning biotin-a a lot of people don’t realize it can interfere with your lab results

[@tylerfergusongrona5858]

I am interested to know your thoughts on Maca root, vitex, ashwagandha and inositol! Thank you! Love all your info! 🤍

[@amandamarissamarascola7777]

What do you recommend to a 37 year old who had a miscarriage recently and can’t afford a doctor or tests? All my blood test came back normal when I was pregnant but I’m assuming the egg was a little too small because it looked pretty tiny and the heart rate was very low so how many months do I need to eat my certain vitamins, I’m taking my prenatals and practicing stress, reducing techniques before my eggs might be healthy enough to conceive again? Can you do a video for somebody like this? I know there’s so much information out there, but I don’t have the ability to get all these tests to know where my levels are, but I really want a baby

[@josefinenytofte5814]

Hi thank you for a super informative video! I was wondering if you could do a video on vitex - who should take it, who shouldn't take it and how to take it correctly? I have short luteal phase and my doctor just said that I could take vitex "if I feel like it, it won't hurt". We haven't done any testing, but I had an ectopic pregnancy last year.

[@josefinenytofte5814]

I insisted to have my prolactin tested, which turned out normal. I am wondering if I should continue taking vitex.

[@sanj7956]

I was trying to conceive for over a year, every month I would start bleeding before my period should have started. Sometimes at 7dpo, sometimes 9dpo but also several times at 4dpo. Together with my fertility doctor we did blood panels, but nothing too weird was seen. We decided together to start progesteron a few days after ovulation last cycle. And it worked, I was not spotting and I am currently 4 weeks pregnant. I am really happy I was able to try this before going into more intensive fertility treatment.

[@MiriamAliceBennett]

How did you take the progesterone? How much and how often? Thank you 😊

[@sanj7956]

I have been taking utrogestan vaginal suppositories 200mg 3 times a day. I am currently 11 weeks pregnant, so I will take it one more week until week 12. I had several ultrasounds and everything is progressing nicely.

[@samanthamccamish624]

What about estradiol? I am 39 and TTC and my Dr. prescribed Estradiol cream. Will this help or hinder me from getting pregnant?

[@C.R.598]

Dr. Natalie, thank you so much for all of the valuable information you share here and on your podcast. I would love to see you talk about DHEA. I found great research on it myself, but I see so many women on forums say their RE told them they don't recommend it and that it's pseudoscience- no different than something like Maca Root... What's your take on the research and do you recommend it to your patients with DOR or "advanced" age?

[@jamesd5212]

Loved the information. How many mg progesterone would you recommend to take 3dpo after taking clomid in the first half of the cycle? Also the Utrogestan/prometrium prescribed for menopause, is this the same you'd use 3dpo?

[@rosamoreno4794]

Per usual, very informative and educational. 👍🏻 I am 46.5 yrs old and did not even start tracking my cycles with an app until 1 year ago. Wish we had that in my 20s with all of this information, I would like to think I would have changed the course of my life. Made me think of all the IFBB professional bikini competitors and bodybuilding females that take performance enhancing drugs.

[@laurenkaufman9563]

Curious what your opinion is on Inito tracker. Ive personally found it so helpful to see my hormones in action and track trends (like short luteal phase)

[@santaclassic]

Can you please explain why you don't like Vitex/chasteberry? My naturopath recommended vitex. I have a regular cycle, but I'm 40 TTC for baby number 2 (baby number one was easy at 37).

[@kendall6024]

Would also love a video on Vitex. I have a short luteal phase/some symptoms of low progesterone. After my miscarriage of 6 weeks I believe it to be progesterone related, but my doctor dismissed me. I’m taking vitex and have noticed my luteal phase increase by a day or two. Still haven’t gotten pregnant since my miscarriage in October

[@central_scrutinizr]

How are you doing now? I just had my 2nd miscarriage, this time at 7 weeks (first one was at 5.) With this miscarriage, I conceived on our first try, so hopefully that’s a good sign. But I had been tracking my cycle for about 6 months before trying, and in 4 of the 6 cycles, I had a luteal phase that was only 10 days long. I would love a video on Vitex too.

[@kendall6024]

@@central_scrutinizr it took us 7 more cycles after my miscarriage, but I did conceive again and I am currently 20 weeks! Unfortunately I do think there are some complications with this pregnancy but hoping they fix themselves (placenta previa and worried about amniotic fluid). My luteal phase was 10 or 11 days and actually I stopped taking Vitex. I think I was taking it incorrectly. I started taking CoQ10 and my husband did as well. I also stopped taking my daily antihistamine and it helped me a ton during my ovulation! I’m so sorry for your losses. They truly are so hard to go through

[@leahb1233]

Would you be able to do a video on Vitex? For the last 5 years I've experienced spotting 2-4 days before my period. When I took Vitex for a few months, it took away the spotting. I'm curious to know why that would be. It seemed to help, but now that I am completing IUI treatments, I no longer take it as I don't want it to negatively impact anything.

[@KLeeS87]

Does this hold true for an FET also? Should Progesterone injections not be started until after ovulation, but right before the transfer? Thanks Dr. Crawford!!!!

[@yoshikomaneniko659]

Can you help explain how to get pregnant and stay pregnant when I have a cervical insufficiency. Please and thank you.

[@elizabethmcmillon]

Start progesterone 3 days post LH surge? Or 3 days after temp rise? Ovulation seems to be named differently: RE’s typically mark ovulation as LH surge, even though it is often the next day; some people say ovulation is anywhere between LH surge and up to 3 days post surge; others say once three BBT temps are shown 0.5F above previous 6 days, then ovulation is confirmed. It is difficult interpreting studies when ovulation is not clearly defined. I understand you cannot confirm ovulation days unless doing an ultrasound daily, which is prohibitive. Which are you referring to?

[@amandamarissamarascola7777]

They said I had a lot of hcg so I must have been ok but I lost the baby at 8 weeks. Could it have been bc I had BV untreated?

[@karriekline3557]

Is it better to take progesterone suppository or oral in early pregnancy after miscarriage?

[@whenlifegivesyouclemmons]

Can you talk more about vitex/chasteberry? It’s the only thing that has allowed me to ovulate sooner and lengthen my luteal phase. Do you have another suggestion to achieve this outcome

[@bridgetclayton645]

Ah this has me worried. My obgyn prescribed me oral Letrozole for days 3-7 bc he thought I might not be ovulating (not sure why other than he mentioned low progesterone, AMH is 6.86 no polycystic ovaries) and oral progesterone to take days 17-28, and I’m supposed to start the progesterone tomorrow. He said I have a luteal phase defect bc my progesterone was 12.5 on a 22 day blood draw. My cycles have been bw 25-30 days over the past two years, so they are pretty regular. My luteal phase is not short as far as I know.

[@misskelseylynn89]

Hi Dr. Crawford! Thank you for your informative videos. I stopped getting my period after getting off birth control back in Oct 2023. When I went to see my doctor in March she told me to take progesterone for 10 days and then I get my period. Hoping that it will eventually restore on its own but when tracking ovulation tests it doesn’t seem that my body is ovulating. Any tips or things I should bring up to my dr next? Looking to start a family in the near future.

[@wiemluna1205]

Why do you recommend progesterone suppositories instead of oral pills for those ttc?

[@ubah-tb5wl]

thanks for your clarifications but what about when you are missing your period a month's?

[@michael-annmurray5101]

If you have confirmed ovulation by doing a progesterone test seven days after you ovulated, but then you never get a period but negative pregnancy test. Is it possible to ovulate the following month if your period didn’t return?

[@shaunar2799]

Exactly what happened to me this month…would love to know

[@michael-annmurray5101]

@@shaunar2799 I went for bloodwork to have my progesterone LH, FSH, and estradiol checked I’m just waiting for the doctor to let me know what the results mean. Any luck on your end finding out what’s going on?

[@michellevader9847]

If I have regular periods, does this mean I ovulate regularly too?

[@mitabegum1357]

Nope

[@anbh1329]

Hey Natalie! I’m wondering if you think taking progesterone will help me! Here’s my story, I’ve been waiting for days to hear back from my OB and just wondering if I need to push more I went to the ER on 2/01 with uncontrollable vomiting. There they did an ultrasound and found a fetal measurement of 5.9mm and a heart rate of 127 and given an estimated gestational age of 6 weeks and 3 days. I was also diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum and my hcg level was almost 43,000. I had my first confirmation appointment Tuesday 2/06. I had to estimate my last cycle because I couldn’t remember so they thought I was over 8 weeks at that point. They did an abdominal ultrasound and couldn’t detect a heartbeat but measured baby at 3.5mm. Repeated hcg that day and it was about 41,000. They had me repeat it again yesterday 2/08 and it was 37,000 and my progesterone was 8.7 and from what I’ve read, that’s kind of low. Do you think I need to try to go on a supplement?

[@thedigiovannis23]

Thank you for the helpful information!

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alyssadalton9197]

@@NatalieCrawfordMDI was going old to start it 5dpo is that still a safe time to start vs. 3dpo? Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@EmilyWinstead]

With the link between LH and Progesterone, can doing OPKs after ovulation find if the corpus luteum is functioning properly? Would this knowledge be helpful in a clinical situation?

[@kayciagurl]

I started my priming month for fertility, but became so of some problems since my hysteroscopy, we decided to stop it and take a month off to heal. When I initially started I was instructed to start progesterone & estradiol on my 3rd or 4th day of my period. I bled heavily for the rest of the month. So after this month I’ll be starting again. Should I question my doc about the start date and how long I should be on it?

[@leannemccracken3672]

I have spotting and my luteal phase is 12 days. I used to spot one day before my period and always have. Now it seems to be about two days since TTC number 2. Would love answers on this

[@ambuenz]

I’m trying to get pregnant and I have PCOS. I was getting my period on my own for the past 3 months. And I didn’t get it this month. I tested to see if I was pregnant. Came back negative. My OB said to start a round of progesterone. And within 7 days, “I should start my period”. And my OB suggested letrozol, after. Is this wrong to take progesterone in this context?

[@mckennabiddle3672]

Is it okay to start taking my suppository progesterone on day 5 when trying to get pregnant? I was told to start taking it if/when I get a positive pregnancy test.

[@mckennabiddle3672]

Day 5 after ovulation**

[@roni-sh]

Can you discuss hypothalamic amenorrhea?

[@nicaesthetics]

I am TTC #3 - two previous pregnancy fell pregnant straight away but this time around we are 7 cycles in with 1 chemical. 26 day cycle 15-16 day follicular phase and 9 day luteal phase so not having much luck. Is this something progesterone could help with? I have vitex but i am very hesitant to start it.. Thank you for your videos - very informative!

[@jamesd5212]

Vitex helped lengthen my LP from 10 to 13 days. Took a couple of cycles though. You take Vitex every day of your cycle except for the days of your period. And stop as soon as you have a positive test

[@ubah-tb5wl]

can we take progesterone ?

[@arriellbell6871]

Thank you for the great information! My hormone tests came back with low progesterone about a year ago so I started using a bio identical progesterone cream. I’ve been on a very low does the last year and it has helped my anxiety. I think because I have anxiety it caused high cortisol and low progesterone. Is the natural cream progesterone that I’ve been on bad to use daily? Thanks!

[@mikaelaclayton4872]

Also would like to know about the "natural" creams. I'm using wild yam cream and have brought my ovulation from day 25 to day 19 of my cycle. Loving it so far but would like to conceive soon and want to know how it might impact that! Thank you

[@christinabudlong836]

I take high doses of biotin daily(30,000iu's), does it or can it lower my fertility?

[@awmartian]

My spouse was taking progesterone (generic prometrium 200mg) vaginally for the last 4 months starting at 3DPO. It has helped stopped the spotting during the luteal phase. However, her doctor now thinks that the progesterone caused her uterine polyps to grow back and wants her to stop using it. She has had two chemical pregnancies, has above average E2 basal measurements (92 pg/ml on CD2), consistent 25 days cycles, and excellent AMH 2.5 @ age 40. Can progesterone really cause uterine polyps? My research so far shows its more than likely high estrogen.

[@thejrm704]

PLEASE HELP!!! My Fiance just underwent intrauterine insemination on Tuesday the 17th. She was instructed to do progesterone suppositories twice a day starting on the 20th. This morning she mistakenly put in 1 suppository thinking today was the 20th when it is actually the 19th. So she used 1 suppository l, 1 day early! How concerned should we be?

[@hannahshelton9850]

Referred to this video and the Clomid one…didn’t ovulate last month on letrozole so MD switched to fenoxifen. I haven’t heard this one discussed much. Can you elaborate? Figuring out where pg fits into this.

[@Jess-wk5jo]

I have question for you over polystyrene ovary syndrome . I have polystyrene ovary syndrome but I sill have baby with having polystyrene ovary syndrome or not?

[@GabysJourney]

Hi, I’m TTC after 4 miscarriages, my Dr just prescribed vaginal progesterone that she recommended me to use right when I get a positive pregnancy test which I just learned thanks to you that I can start using it right after ovulation. We’re gonna TTC this cycle. Now my question is. I’ve been using natural progesterone oil ( Progessence plus ) two drops every night. I’ve been using it for the past two months through my entire cycle. I just want to know if it’s okay that I’m still doin that???

[@malorierash4500]

Does ovulating later (around day 21-23) mean you have poor egg quality?

[@yellowbeachgirl]

So I took progesterone oil 7 days after I ovulated and then I spotted in my cm for a few days and then it turned to regular spotting and then my period started on day 37. Can progesterone oil cause spotting? Thank you for the video!

[@sammylg22]

My doctor prescribed me oral progesterone and said to take it day 12 of my cycle. Why did you say that vaginal progesterone is preferred over oral? Also, if I don’t know when I’m ovulating because my BBT is low, how do I know when in my cycle to start progesterone?

[@jelenaaksentijevic9345]

because vaginal progesterone gets to where it needs to be quickly. the uterus collects exactly as much as it needs, that's why it is desirable to lie down for 1 hour after the progesterone is inserted. and when you stand up, the rest flows out. if it is taken orally while it passes through the stomach and everything... it is not used properly and it can damage the kidneys. several gynecologists told me the same.

[@kasiapawlas1897]

Can Vitamin D3 also mimic those hormones? Ever since I started taking 5000 IU daily I'm experiencing just spotting instead of my regular periods...

[@sarat8389]

Omg me too!! Did you stop taking it?

[@kasiapawlas1897]

Yes. I switched to 1000 - 2000 IU per day (or, in my case, the original 5000 IU just 2-3 times per week). In about 1-2 months my period was back and it's okay ever since. Let me know your experience! My doctors didn't believe that there is connection but many women on the internet have the same experience. By the way, I'm very sensitive to all supplements in general... There are many that I don't tolerate.

[@lindaappiah-iz1fj]

I have PCOS and I’ve been TTC. My periods are very irregular. It can be as long as 114 days cycle. Sometimes I don’t get my period for over three months. My GyN said the reason for the long cycles with no periods is because I am not ovulating due to pcos. In order to get me to ovulate, she that I would need to get a period. So she prescribed provera to take for 10days, wait for a bleeding withdrawal and then start letrozole cd3-cd7. Is this okay? Because from what I’m getting from your video, my GYN is suppose to have me start the letrozole first so I can ovulate before taking the progesterone?

[@velezaraptor]

I have the same question. I have PCOS and some other conditions, and my doc told me to take progesterone to get my periods to start, and then letrozole to get me to ovulate, but I'm worried that if I stop at the 10 day mark, and do get a positive test, that stopping the progesterone would cause a miscarriage by creating a period?

[@lindaappiah-iz1fj]

@@velezaraptor first, let me explain that the reason provera(progesterone) is prescribed is to cause a withdrawal bleeding that is suppose to help guide when your ovulation will be. Ovulation occurs 11-17 of your cycle. Without a period, you will not know what cycle you are in and might miss your ovulation. That’s why we take progesterone first and then letrozole/clomid for ovulation. Once you get successful ovulation and test positive for pregnancy, you no longer take progesterone unless told otherwise by your doctor. If you test negative for pregnancy, don’t start progesterone until you bleed on your own in the next cycle or until you have confirmed no pregnancy at the doctor’s office. Before you start progesterone, always make sure you are not pregnant. With that being said, my opinion is that if you end up taking letrozole first before progesterone, start tracking your ovulation the day after your last dose of letrozole or ask your doctor when will be appropriate to start tracking. Don’t take progesterone until pregnancy is confirmed to be negative. If positive pregnancy, don’t take progesterone unless advised by your doctor. Women who take progesterone while pregnant is usually because their body doesn’t make enough to sustain uterine lining. If you don’t have low levels of progesterone while pregnant, it won’t be necessary to take progesterone. So I’d say stick to how you are taking now… progesterone 10days and then letrozole cd3-cd7.

[@steph1143]

Ive had 3 chemical pregnancies, my periods are regular i am so confused of whats happening!

[@bshipley5782]

I'm sorry to hear this. I have also had many chemicals. Progesterone is typically a can't hurt/only help scenario. If the number of days post ovulation to your period is less than 12, it can be an indicator of low progesterone. You can request progesterone from your doctor and start it three days after confirmed ovulation. If you don't have a positive pregnancy test by 14 days post ovulation, discontinue the progesterone and your cycle will start a couple days later. If pregnancy occurs, continue progesterone use through week 10-12 (I take it through week 12, to be safe).

[@steph1143]

Thank you so much! I have an appointment with my doctor next week to discuss this

[@bshipley5782]

@@steph1143 Glad to hear it! I have had doctors reluctant to prescribe progesterone, saying it doesn't help. Letting them know you appreciate their stance, but with the recurrent miscarriages, you would still like to try it. Let him/her know you understand it won't necessarily prevent miscarriage and it's a can't hurt/only help situation. In saying that, even the more reluctant doctors have been willing to prescribe it. Some doctors don't blink at a request for progesterone, some feel it doesn't help. Just know this going in and it'll help you achieve what you want!

[@mafasantana]

I have only 9 max 10 days of luteal phase. 😢

[@HighPriestessEnergy]

Me too. I took progesterone. I had two miscarriages and on my third pregnancy I took the progesterone and it was a sticky baby.

[@mafasantana]

@@HighPriestessEnergy ohhh congratulations! I took progesterone suppositories and still didn’t help I had a bit of bleeding on day 7dpo my doctor put me on letrozole and progesterone and still no success 🤦‍♀️

[@laurenkaufman9563]

Same. Would love to know about progesterone and short luteal phase. I get a good 7-8 days.

[@skylarkauto7380]

Why viginal progesterone and not pill progesterone by mouth?

[@lydiadarla7543]

For better progesterone absorption

[@PandaHead602]

I would think u need enough