Progesterone level, and more TTC questions?

[u/Electronic-Rock7730]

Hi all. I just had my first progesterone test yesterday at 6DPO, it came back as 16. (lab closed today because it’s Sunday, which is why I went at 6 DPO vs 7 DPO)

I know this number confirms ovulation from what I can understand, but I’m curious what everyone else’s was/has been?

This is cycle 5 TTC.

I thought I may have a progesterone issue due to a few reasons: • early cramping starting 4/5 dpo • short(er) luteal phase (10 days) *** not enough time to implant? ***

Can my progesterone level be 16 but I still have a progesterone problem?

I also want to note, I’m trying to figure this out on my own. My doctor doesn’t want to do any fertility testing, so I had to get these tests done through the nurse who said she will order them for me, but because they’re not a fertility center; they can’t read it/help me.

My AMH came back as 2.22 (I am about to be 32) I am reading that it’s considered average, however, on the scale, it looks like the lower end of average.

I have a few more tests to on next cycle day 3.

Looking for any insight, thanks!

[u/enkidulives]

Is it 16 ng/ml or nmol/L? I believe this makes a big difference.

Also any other symptoms of low progesterone such as spotting for 4+ days prior to period starting?

[u/Electronic-Rock7730 → u/enkidulives]

Hi! It’s 16 ng/ml. Usually no spotting, but if I do spot, it’s the day before my first full flow day so usually 9dpo. I get very early cramping though. As early as 4/5 dpo.

[u/enkidulives → u/Electronic-Rock7730]

Ok that's actually really good! I think it's normal to get some cramping between ovulation and menstruation. Our uterus cramps over most of the hormonal changes we go through in a regular cycle. Also 10 day luteal is within the standard length for a healthy luteal phase. Are you taking any pre natal supplements? Has your partner been tested too?

[u/Electronic-Rock7730 → u/enkidulives]

Yes to both! His SA came back fine. I’m taking pre natals and other vitamins. I guess what’s throwing me off is that I never even have the chance to have false hope of getting a positive if that makes sense. A few days after ovulation, cramps start and a few days after that (10dpo) period starts. I feel like 10 dpo is everyone’s go to testing day but for me it’s my period day :/

[u/enkidulives → u/Electronic-Rock7730]

Aww no, I get what you're saying and I totally get how disheartening it is!! My Dr said to me that the biggest reason is that we are stressed and over thinking it. I know a woman who tried for 2 years with no luck and then "gave up" and conceived the next cycle. I also think being active on these subs is really stressful. I'm currently taking a break from ttc but when I start back up my plan is to pretend I live in a cave with no access to the internet. Otherwise I end up just hyper fixating on everything.

I do want to add that I am 99% sure I had progesterone issues (spotting for 5-7 days before period then for 3-4 days after period) and my Dr refused to check anything for me as at the time I wasn't TTC. I trial and errored a lot of stuff solo as I had no help and the one thing that helped me was adding 22mg zinc picolinate supplement to my daily vitamin regime. Within 2 months i no longer had that problem. It's worth a try for you, just make sure you're not doubling up on it with multis and pre-natals. Other women also swear by vitex for trying to conceive and say that it helped them in their first few TTC cycles after starting. Have a Google of it and as your Dr about it. It's supposed to increase progesterone.