From CANFP

Inadequate Luteal Phase / Progesterone Deficiency
Pregnant, Breastfeeding, and Low Progesterone
By Dr. Delgado
Apr 4, 2007, 21:43

Question

Question: 1. Does breastfeeding cause progesterone levels to be lower? What's a normal/healthy range?

Question: 2. Would weaning help protect my new pregancy (at 5 wks. currently) since my levels were 18 before taking 10% progesterone gel and dropped to 14 only 3 days later, after starting progesterone gel?

Sandy

Answer

Dear Sandy,

Regarding your first question no information was found.

With regards to progesterone levels early in pregnancy, some experts see 20 ng/ml as a desirable level; however, many of us feel more comfortable with a level greater than 25. In your case, I recommend you consider progesterone in oil, 200 mg intramuscular injections twice a week. A “trough” level should be measured every two weeks. A trough level measures the hormone when it is at its lowest, that is, right before the next shot is due (or 3-4 days after the last shot in the case of twice weekly regimens).

Dr. George Delgado





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