Friday, May 14, 2010

Progesterone is OK

Thanks so much for your sweet Mothers' Day greetings in my last post. :)  In other news, my NaPro doctor informed me that my Progesterone levels have reached 35, which is great.  That level was good enough for me to discontinue the use of the Progesterone supplement, Prometrium.  Though I didn't have to endure shots like some of the other bloggers (e.g., Sew the Courageous and AYWH the Brave), the pills had to be taken a different way.  We'll leave it at that. 

The NaPro doctor asked me to take a blood test in another 2 weeks to ensure that the Progesterone levels are really OK.  After that, Prometrium should not be needed.  Again, I'm very grateful that the NaPro doc has kept a close eye on this issue.  According to my OB/GYN office, because I haven't had a miscarriage (to my knowledge), I'm not a "high risk" pregnancy.  However, according to NaPro's philosophy based on my hormone profile last year, my low levels put me at risk for miscarriage.

My midwife has been extremely supportive of the Prometrium throughout the pregnancy.  My NaPro doc has always reminded me to listen to the midwife for pre-natal advice; he just wants to monitor the Prometrium.  This modified hands-off approach has really made it easier and more acceptable (IMHO) to my midwife.  Additionally, the NaPro doc uses a national blood test lab, so I can get my blood tests taken in my hometown and have the results by the next day.

I hope my experience sheds some light on other aspects of NaPro.  My initial impression was that NaPro only helped someone to get pregnant or overcome female reproductive issues.  I never realized that the technology could also play a role in keeping a pregnancy going.  Very cool!

Lastly, the stupid city denied our claim for all of our sewage damage (see 2 posts ago).  Grrrrr!  For a great laugh, check out the puns that my brother inserted in the comment section of the sewage post.

7 comments:

WheelbarrowRider said...

I am glad they will still be looking at your levels in case something does change, so they can get on it right away. Mainstream thinking is that placenta takes over at 12-14 weeks and you are good to go, no testing needed; thankfully napro realizes that isn't always the case (ha, when has my body ever done what it was supposed to?!) and so I was on shots for most of 36 weeks. Low prog can lead to preterm labor later in pregnancy, so def good to watch those levels. That being said, so glad they are up! I am still not at 35 at almost 15 weeks..

Thankful said...

Nice levels! Sorry about the continued cra.ppy situation with the city and the pipes.

... said...

That stinks about the clam!

Great numbers. My mainstream dr. checks my P4, but I am high risk. Still, they've always checked it after the first m/c and adjusted my P4 supplements based on my levles.

... said...

I meant to add that I changed doctors after the first m/c. He was old school and I didn't like him :)

Molly said...

Wow, what a relief! I am so happy for you Kristy.

mrsblondies said...

So great to hear that your progesterone levels are good and your doctors are working ok together.

Christina @ Faith for Fertility said...

I am so glad your levels are good.