tmerone
04-04-2003, 11:03 AM
What is the difference between progesterone suppositories, pills and injections. I know that my RE plans on using the injections (of course) for me but I was just wondering why? He also said it was an oily base if that means anything. They start the night of egg retrieval and continue until I find out if I am preg. Thanks!
Sponsor
RattyG
04-04-2003, 11:25 AM
I just had a conversation about this with a doctor. I have been on progesterone suppositories for nearly 10 weeks. I think all of these supplements have the same idea in mind--to help support the prenatal environment until your placenta is "ready"--just in case the corpus luteum isn't doing it. The doctor I spoke with yesterday said that the problem with progesterone is that it really shouldn't be digested and it has to be slowly released into the system--so it is generally in some kind of oily base--even if it is in a shot. The suppositories are in a base that is like hardened moisturizer, basically. I have been on suppositories. What's good about them is they go "right to the source" what's bad is--they are messy and the amount of progesterone you actually get is not well controlled. I would think the shots are probably better at the latter. The pills (I think you take them sublingually, right?) are similarly better controlled but you have to hold htem under your tongue for awhile. Who knows? I think doctors tend to stick with methods that have worked for them in the past. And even though I am sick to death of the suppositories, I continue to use them faithfully!
One positive note: At least having the suppositories gave me something to do while I was waiting--it felt like at least I was still actively involved in working toward the outcome, rather than just cooling my jets.
One positive note: At least having the suppositories gave me something to do while I was waiting--it felt like at least I was still actively involved in working toward the outcome, rather than just cooling my jets.
Minouche
04-04-2003, 11:29 AM
tmerone,
I took 200mg prog pills (prometrium) on my last pg and m/c. My new RE told me the body absorbs the prog suppositories better than the pills...he put me on 25mg prog supp.
For detailed info, go to [removed]
good luck! :angel:
Minouche
[Please read and follow the board posting guidelines
as you agreed to do when you registered for Healthboards.
Do not post links to websites with message boards or chats.]
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 04-06-2003).]
I took 200mg prog pills (prometrium) on my last pg and m/c. My new RE told me the body absorbs the prog suppositories better than the pills...he put me on 25mg prog supp.
For detailed info, go to [removed]
good luck! :angel:
Minouche
[Please read and follow the board posting guidelines
as you agreed to do when you registered for Healthboards.
Do not post links to websites with message boards or chats.]
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 04-06-2003).]
tmerone
04-04-2003, 01:17 PM
Thanks for the info. I went to the website. It was very helpful. I guess I can "mention" to the RE that I would prefer the suppositories, but alas I think I already know the answer. I will be stuck with the injectables.....ouch!!!!
TessaL
04-05-2003, 12:53 PM
With my last pregnancy, I started out on suppositories when my progesterone was only at 11.9. With the suppositories it DROPPED to 8.7! I immediately started the injections, and my progesterone jumped to over 20.
Now, I did lose the baby, but not due to progesterone issues.
I'll be honest with you- the progesterone shots DO hurt. They leave a knot under your skin, and after a week or so it gets harder and harder to find a spot that doesn't have a knot under it! I felt like my whole behind was like a golf ball! I started doing the shots in my thighs to give my butt a rest, and it didn't hurt as bad to me.
If you need any coaching for them, just let me know.
Now, I did lose the baby, but not due to progesterone issues.
I'll be honest with you- the progesterone shots DO hurt. They leave a knot under your skin, and after a week or so it gets harder and harder to find a spot that doesn't have a knot under it! I felt like my whole behind was like a golf ball! I started doing the shots in my thighs to give my butt a rest, and it didn't hurt as bad to me.
If you need any coaching for them, just let me know.
tmerone
04-05-2003, 04:38 PM
TessaL,
Boo hoo! I spent the whole morning obsessing over these shots again!! I even planned my whole speech for the RE next week about using suppositories which included alot of tears. Gosh, I am in tears right now because I am so scared of them. I hope when the time comes, I can do it. I appreciate you offering your coaching. I really might need it when the time comes. I am not sure about the thigh..I am getting the Lupron in my stomach because I can't even imagine that little needle going into my leg. I really have some issues don't I?!! Thanks for your honesty.
Boo hoo! I spent the whole morning obsessing over these shots again!! I even planned my whole speech for the RE next week about using suppositories which included alot of tears. Gosh, I am in tears right now because I am so scared of them. I hope when the time comes, I can do it. I appreciate you offering your coaching. I really might need it when the time comes. I am not sure about the thigh..I am getting the Lupron in my stomach because I can't even imagine that little needle going into my leg. I really have some issues don't I?!! Thanks for your honesty.
TessaL
04-06-2003, 06:05 PM
Oh gosh- if I had realized you were afraid of needles then I would have kept my mouth shut! Sorry!
The needles don't bother me at all, and it was still hard to do. I can't imagine having to do it with a fear like that, but I'm sure you can do it! After all, the end result would be SO worth it!
I'll pray that the meds have your progesterone through the roof, and you don't even have to take any. :-)
The needles don't bother me at all, and it was still hard to do. I can't imagine having to do it with a fear like that, but I'm sure you can do it! After all, the end result would be SO worth it!
I'll pray that the meds have your progesterone through the roof, and you don't even have to take any. :-)
tmerone
04-06-2003, 07:24 PM
Tessa,
Don't worry. I would rather people be honest with me so I know what to expect. Unfortunately, I start the progesterone shot the night of egg retrieval! I think they are not taking any chances. I am still going to give the whole suppository talk a try. Hey, you never know. I have gotten alot with tears...lol! Thanks for the kind words.
Don't worry. I would rather people be honest with me so I know what to expect. Unfortunately, I start the progesterone shot the night of egg retrieval! I think they are not taking any chances. I am still going to give the whole suppository talk a try. Hey, you never know. I have gotten alot with tears...lol! Thanks for the kind words.
TessaL
04-06-2003, 07:56 PM
My RE mentioned Crinone (sp?) gel to me. He said that it was second to the shots. You might ask about it?
tmerone
04-06-2003, 11:17 PM
what a coincidence. I just printed out tonight the information on it. It is a vaginal gel that adheres to the uterine wall and is not as messy as the suppositories. I am going to see what he says. Thanks for the info.
r_bis
04-07-2003, 11:24 AM
I am curious to know why do u use progesterone supp. Is it because proges. level is low or something else.Actually my doc. hasn't told me anything about this so far.Recently i have been diagnosed with mild PCOS and i am using clomid only.All my blood test r fine but i don't think i have tested my progesterone level.