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Last Updated:
Mar 21st, 2008 - 01:07:19
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Question
I'm barely 4 weeks pregnant but my BBT is spiking and falling about 4-6 tenths of a degree, one day it'll be up, the next down, the next up, etc. I'm concerned that this could mean my Progesterone levels are too low. My first OB appointment is in 2 more weeks but we've been trying to get pregnant for over a year and don't want to risk a miscarriage if this is true. Do I need to have my levels checked or is my BBT not a good indicator of how high my progesterone levels are?
Christina
Answer
Dear Christina,
You are correct that progesterone raises the basal body temperature (BBT). Although other factors, such as activity, sleep-wake cycle changes and illness, can affect the BBT, I agree that you should definitely have a progesterone level determination.
If you are at no increased risk of miscarriage, then a level of 25 ng/ml would be reassuring. A level of 20-25 would be borderline and less than 20 would be a concern.
If your level were low, I would suggest progesterone supplementation with isomolecular (natural) progesterone. This can be given by injection, vaginal suppository or by oral pill depending on your level.
In health,
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. is a Fertility Care Medical Consultant, a physician with Pregnancy and Family Care Centers of San Diego and
Escondido, and a Voluntary Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego.
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