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PCOS and low progesterone levels

I'm 28 years old and my husband and I have been trying to concieve unsuccessfully for the past 4 years. During that time I have seen a specialist only 4 times (that's the NHS for you!) I don't feel like I have received any proper care and no-one seems interested in finding out exactly what's wrong and giving an individual treatment plan.

I do know I have PCOS, with very irregular cycles and constant low levels of progesterone that won't allow me to ever ovulate on my own. Now after 4 years I am waiting to undergo a laparoscopy - it took 4 years for the NHS to decide to check me over properly! So my questions:

Can I take progesterone supplements that guarantee to increase my progesterone levels to normal?

Will this kick start my body into ovulating itself?

What haven't the doctors done this if it does work?

My levels are 4 constantly - does this play any part in my severly and constant tiredness?

Will my tiredness improve once my progrestone levels increase?

What happens if they find my tubes are blocked - can tubes be unblocked? if not why?

Why isn't there a magic treatment made just for me - why don't the doctors give me a medical MOT and set out a treatment plan for me?

Comments for PCOS and low progesterone levels

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May 24, 2008
 PCO
by: Wray

Hi there, I will answer your questions within your text...

Can I take progesterone supplements that guarantee to increase my progesterone levels to normal?

Yes. The cream is the most user friendly of all the ways progesterone can be given. Oral is generally a waste of time as 80-90% is destroyed as it passes through the gut and the liver and the dose has to be high which causes drowsiness, injections are painful, buccal drops or pills are very bitter and suppositories are not much fun!

Will this kick start my body into ovulating itself?

Not if you have PCO.

Why haven't the doctors done this if it does work?

Many doctors erroneously believe progesterone is only a pregnancy hormone and not much use for anything else.

My levels are 4 constantly - does this play any part in my severe and constant tiredness?

I believe your problem is 'insulin resistance'. According to many authorities this causes PCO. Another symptom is severe tiredness.

Will my tiredness improve once my progrestone levels increase?

It will certainly help, but you have to reverse the insulin resistance.

What happens if they find my tubes are blocked - can tubes be unblocked? if not why?

In some case they can be unblocked, depends on how bad the problem is.

Why isn't there a magic treatment made just for me - why don't the doctors give me a medical MOT and set out a treatment plan for me?

I think it's probably because the NHS is overloaded.

There is a treatment plan, progesterone does play a vital role, but you have to reverse the insulin resistance. This does take time though, at least 3-4 months, possibly longer. If you could send me an email via our contact us button on our web site, I can explain this to you and give papers to back it up.
Take care Wray
Jun 17, 2008
 PCOS and low progesterone levels
by: Anonymous

I found out I had PCOS after we failed to get pregnant for two years. I started on Metformin and slowly increased dosage to 1500 MG, this helped my insulin levels and I became fertile. We then went to a fertility specialist and tried IUI that didn't work (spendy & nerve racking).

After 8 months of Metformin, no caffeine, no smoking, and no alcohol I went in for a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). That procedure got me pregnant within 5 days! It was soo easy and my insurance covered it since it was considered a diagnostic test and not a fertility treatment. I also have a friend that got pregnant after ten years of trying with the HSG procedure she was pregnant within two months! I highly recommend Metformin and a HSG, you just need to find the right doctor. GOOD LUCK!
Jan 29, 2009
 Got preggo with PCOS
by: Melissa

I feel your pain. My husband and I tried for 4 years before I got pregnant. I too have PCOS, and would only get 4-5 periods a year. THEN I went on a diet... no refined sugar (sweets) and limited carbs and plenty of protien AND the gym 4 times a week. I KNOW I KNOW thats a lot, but I dropped 20 lbs and was preggo in 3.5 months! Our daughter just turned one.

PCOS causes insulin resistance... when you sugar levels spike, your body is triggered to produce more testosterone... and you know where it goes from there! I woudl also recommend a glucose testing meter... it will help you learn how what you eat affects your sugar levels.

GOOD LUCK! I hope this helps.
Mar 24, 2009
 :-(
by: baibygyrl27@yahoo.com

PCOS, just found out today. I am scared. I got married recently and want to have a child. Should the progesterone cream help? My doc said that it is a mild case as they are very small.

I'm waiting for lab results for hormones and insulin to come back. Too young for these problems.
May 02, 2009
 Advice
by: Anonymous

You need to see a reproductive endocrinologist that specializes in pcos. There are several around the US. There are certain things that can be prescribed to you such as Metformin or Clomid. The metformin helps with insulin resistance which some doctors feel is the base cause of pcos, and the clomid makes you ovulate.

Together they work wonders on getting and staying pregnant. You will more than likely get off the meds when you are pregnant, but these both help to get and stay pregnant. Good luck.
Jun 07, 2010
 Low Progestorone and Vitex Agnus (Chastberry Tree)
by: Lisa

I Have PCOS and have miscarried, I have been taking Vitex for 6 weeks and have a regular cycyle- it may be worth you exploring this alternative! I just found out I am 4 weeks pregnant Goodluck

How can Vitex (Chaste berry) help me get pregnant?

What is Vitex or Chaste berry?_Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry) is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries for hormonal imbalances in women. Vitex is one of the oldest phytomedicines. The ancient Greek physicians reported its use in suppressing the libido. Using medicines similar to modern indications, they recommended it as an aid in external wound heeling, complaints of the spleen, and for use in child birth. The English have used Vitex or Chaste berry to suppress the libido as did the Catholic Church, which had it placed in the pockets of neophyte monks to help in their vow of chastity. Early American physicians used it to stimulate lactation and as an emmenagogic. However, there is no contemporary scientific literature to suggest that Vitex or Chaste Berry actually does suppress the libido.

How can Vitex or Chaste berry help me in getting pregnant?_The key to getting pregnant, besides general health and well being, is ovulation and regular menstrual cycles. Vitex or chaste berry has an excellent track record in relieving complaints in women, caused by hormonal imbalances, known as Premenstrual Syndrome. It may also be helpful for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) who do not have a normal menstrual cycle. These women thus don?t ovulate or menstruate and cannot get pregnant. The condition when a woman does not have any menstruation at all is known as amenorrhea.
A large percentage of these menstrual problems are related to insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is called a luteal phase defect or corpus luteum insufficiency. A corpus luteum insufficiency is defined as an abnormally low progesterone level 3 weeks after the onset of menstruation. Insufficient levels of progesterone may result in the formation of ovarian cysts. In addition, some women suffering fro PCOS have too much prolactin, which can inhibit fertility. Vitex may help with both of these problems.

How does Vitex or Chaste berry work?_Vitex or Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This results in a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, with a rise in progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone.

I couldn't fit entire article here so FOR MORE INFO LOOK UP.

Jun 09, 2010
 Low Progestorone and Vitex Agnus (Chastberry Tree)
by: Wray

Hi Lisa. Thanks for the informative article, and wonderful news you are now pregnant! Here's more info for you. Because it has a mild oestrogenic action, levels of 17 beta-oestradiol can increase. One study found mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurred in the luteal phase. If prolactin levels are high both progesterone and the amino acid tyrosine are very effective at suppressing it. Agnus castus doesn't contain progesterone. It's active constituents are the essential oils limonene, cineol, pinene, and sabinene. The iridoid glycosides aucubin, agnuside, and eurostide. The flavonoids casticin, kaempferol, quercetagetin, orientin, and isovitexin. And the diterpenes vitexilactone, rotundifuran, and 6-beta,7 beta-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-dien. It also contains several essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.
See here.
And here.
You might also like to see our web page on PCO.
See here.
We also have a web page on pregnancy, which includes studies done on miscarriages using progesterone.
Please see here.
Take care Wray
Jul 16, 2010
 Low Progesterone and pcos
by: Jalina filomeno.

Hi I'm nineteen years old and have pcos. Progesterone cream is the best. Before I started using it I had never had a regular period in my life. But the cream is better than the pills because it gets absorbed directly into the body while 90 percent of the progesterone pill gets lost in the liver. I use natures precise cream natural progesterone days 14 thru 28 and get my period on cd 30.
Jul 21, 2010
 Low Progesterone and pcos
by: Wray

Hi Jalina I'm pleased the cream has been helping you. You might like to look at a web page we have on PCOS. Take care Wray
Sep 06, 2010
 PCOS and IR
by: Jamie

Hello, I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago. It is obvious I have had it for several years. Along with the PCOS, I am IR, have low progesterone and have a goiter. I am confused, while researching this information, I found that most or all of the PCOS symptoms can actually be caused by low progesterone, including IR. So am I really PCOS or is the real problem low progesterone? Will correcting the low progesterone help with the IR? How can I reverse IR as I have seen suggested in previous posts? I am currently following a very restrictive diet for the next 4 weeks, advised by my doctor, that includes iodine, diflucan (2 weeks) probiotics 3xd and a yeast control program called "Back to health: Yeast Control". Suppose to start progesterone on day 16 of my cycle which hasn't happened yet so waiting to see what effects that will bring. Avoiding most carbs, all sugar, fruit and juices, all white carbs and anything made from yeast products. I am overwhelmed and confused, any comments, suggestions and thoughts are welcomed!
Sep 10, 2010
 PCOS and IR
by: Wray

Hi Jamie PCOS is confusing, as there are many theories about why it occurs, or none at all! We do have a page on PCOS. Please read through it, you'll see it has many potential causes, but the over-riding one seems to be a lack of vitamin D. Blood glucose is unbalanced and women are often given diabetic drugs, but IR and unbalanced blood glucose are caused by a lack of vitamin D. Progesterone certainly helps, as anovulation is often a problem so levels are low. But low vitamin D also causes anovulation and reduces the benefits of progesterone. Avoiding carbs of any kind is essential, but why you have to avoid yeasts and take diflucan baffles me, unless you have candida? Vitamin D is essential for the thyroid, although in your case iodine is too. Please consider having a vitamin D test done, for more info please see the Vitamin D council website.
Take care Wray
Dec 15, 2010
 PCOS
by: Anonymous

Hi.. I'm 26 years old and having problem of less flow during menstruation from the past 4 months. Doctor told me that you have pcos. I have analyzed sudden loss of hair and thinning of hair. Also, feel breast pain at times. This time I had pain at the middle and back of head during first day. I'm also getting hairs on my neck and chin. I had several tests like FSH, LH, TSH, Testosterone, DHEA, Prolactin level - All are normal except slight rise in prolactin level. But my symptoms are increasing, therefore I'm confused which hormonal imbalance has actually happened suddenly. Also, when I had bleach on my face first time, next day I got fever and from next month I'm having all these problems. Could you please suggest your thoughts.
Jan 07, 2011
 PCOS
by: Wray

Hi there We do have a page on PCOS. Please read through it as it explains why it occurs and what to do about it. Progesterone is needed, but there are other essential nutrients which are needed too. It is puzzling that your tests came back normal. Maybe after reading the page it might throw some light on things. I can't see how bleach could have caused the problems. Take care Wray
Feb 10, 2011
 PCOS, Lower Progest. Lvls , Metformin & Clomid
by: Isabella

I have been trying to get pregnant since 2006. I had irregular periods and found out I had PCos in 2008, two month later I had a laporocopy (they drilled holes in my ovaries to see if I would ovulate), they found I tiny bit of fibrod and removed it. I have had regular periods since then but have not concieved. Just yesterday I was told that I have not been ovulating and was given Metformin 500mg and Clomid to take for 4month. Been advised to take the metformin everyday and the clomid 50mg 1st month from day 2-5 of my period, 2nd month 100mg day 2-5 of my period and 3rd/4th month 150mg day 2-5 of my period. I look forward to seeing the results and I and my husband have prayed.

Will let you guys know if anything happens. :)
Feb 22, 2011
 PCOS, Lower Progest. Lvls , Metformin & Clomid
by: Wray

Hi Isabella It is possible to reverse PCOS, please look through this page we have. Metformin apparently increases the response to insulin, but this study found no benefit, see here. There are many nutrients which stimulate ovulation, and unlike Clomid, come with no adverse side effects, see here, here and here. The most important nutrient to reverse PCOS and start ovulation again is vitamin D, please have a test done. For more info please see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray
Feb 24, 2011
 38, 3 kids, still PCOS, will progesterone cream hel
by: Anonymous

My cousin, alot like me, was bloated, and couldn't get the weight off. She had irregular cycles, acnes and mild hair growth (chin, breast) very mild. Anyways.... She went on progesterone and dropped, literally, 19 pds. I thought for sure she had PCOS. Now I wonder if I've always suffered from the same thing? I got pregnant when diagnosed - very mild case 135pds and 5'4 with PCOS. They put me on metformin 800 mg 2x a day. I had my kids with ease. But now, at 38, I'm bloated., irregular periods.. still with metformin... I bought EMERITA progesterone cream from Whole foods, hoping it would help. I'm waiting to see as I'm between cycles. I swear to god, the correlation is too strong.

If I needed this cream all along, I'll be so mad!! Does anyone know anything about this cream and PCOS?
Apr 06, 2011
 FertilAid Works
by: Anonymous

FertilAid can help you get pregnant it worked three times for me. HOWEVER, it does not increase your progesterone after. FertilAid is a herbal supplement that can be ordered at fertilaid.com. Good luck.
Apr 20, 2011
 38, 3 kids, still PCOS, will progesterone cream hel
by: Wray

Hi there I don't believe Metformin is needed, it's a diabetic drug used off-label for PCOS. It also suppresses vitamin B12, were you given any to take? See Medline Metformin, here and here. The link I've given you above on PCOS gives as much info as I've been able to find. But it seems the cause is oxidative stress, very often caused by a lack of antioxidants, particularly vitamin D. Please have a test done, for more info on testing see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray
Apr 20, 2011
 FertilAid Works
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for the tip. Take care Wray
May 08, 2011
 low progestrone
by: Anonymous

hey...i was gettin irregular menses..i got all my harmones tested..bld sugar fsh lh dhea nd all..all came out to be normal except progestrone which is low .im not overweight..im 52kg nd my height is 5.3 . but iv started to get hair on my chin. will takin jus progestrone help ? if yes then for how long does one take it for ? is it for life..im not married yet..bt i am gettin married in december.
May 20, 2011
 pcos, low progesterone, miscarriages
by: Michelle

Hi there..
So, I too have pcos, had IUI with Femara to conceive my first child, second baby was a fluke and conceived 10 months after my first birth with no help or supplements. We have been trying for 3 years to conceive again and did last June with no help but ended in miscarriage at 8 weeks (no heartbeat in fetus, dnc needed. Went on Metformin in January and started Femara again in March. Conceived in April and miscarried at 6 weeks due to low progesterone. Leveles went from 23.8 at 5 weeks to 4.9 at 6 weeks. We are going to try again and am wondering if I should start progesterone cream at ovulation this time, continue the Metformin (not overweight and not sure about IR). Dr. will start me on progesterone inserts as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, just think that may be too late. Kinda confused here and not wanting to lose another baby.
Thanks
May 23, 2011
 Hormone levels & Nurtition
by: Iz

Hi girls, I just want to comment on something. I at the moment I'm on Metformin & Clomid for the past 4 month and nothing has happened. Myself & my husband went to a Fertility Nutritionist and the advise we got was priceless. Many times, your hormones fluctuate and this can cause infertility and miscarriages.

She advised that we have carbohydrates & protein in every meal, this is a slow release diet. What it does is that the protein regulates your blood sugar raised by the carbohydrate, so that your blood sugars doesn't rise and inbalance the hormones.

She advised that a palm full of nutients everyday is good, and lots of fibre.

I cannot say that is has worked yet because I have just started. Cut the sugar, salt (very little salt as it absorbs the nutrients your body needs, eat wholemeal cereals & bread, cut carbohydrate only based foods, put a little protein in there. Eat Fruits & assorted berries with nuts as a snack. Stay away from raspberry tea. Eat beans(cook these yourself-canned ones have too may chemicals. In short go organic on everything.

I am on the verge to reducing my blood sugars and regulating my hormone levels so that we can conceive. And with the power of God, it will be done.
Feb 22, 2012
 help
by: Anonymous

hi
i am call akah.i am 25 year old .i had igregular menstretion.my doctor told me i have pco.that i don,t ovulate normanly.i and my husband have programmed to have a baby soon.please help me would i be abel to concive.tell me what to do.i don,t even know what it is all about
Feb 23, 2012
 help
by: Wray

Hi Akah We do have a page on PCOS which explains everything. Please have a vitamin D test done, as PCOS is caused by oxidative stress. vitamin D is a potent antioxidant, and is low in most of us. It's vital for ovulation, conception, pregnancy and the growth of the foetus, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. These are excellent videos to watch too, see here and here. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. We also have a page on Pregnancy too, please look through it, as it gives info on progesterone, it's role and how to use it. Take care Wray
Oct 10, 2015
 I never exerpirenced menstruation until now im 38yrs old
by: Anonymous

My concern now is about my health.since teenage life i dont have mens.but i feel does sign that your having mens.but theres no blood.i just feel like pain my breast,pain my pelvect and some bruises those normal sign for having near mens.but until now i dont have.one time i pee when i wipe it there is a pink blood.what its mean? What happen to me now?i have partner and i know the fact that i never give birth.pls.help me...

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