progesterone - Infertility Message Board

tmerone · 04-04-2003, 08:03 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!

RattyG · 04-04-2003, 08:25 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.

Minouche · 04-04-2003, 08:29 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!

Minouche

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tmerone · 04-04-2003, 10:17 AM

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, 09:53 AM

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.