What Causes Low Progesterone Levels During 6.5 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : We had a scan at 6.5 weeks and had bloods tests showing HCG 22k, progesterone 24, we saw a gestational sac and 5 mm fetal pole but no heartbeat at this stage.

The pregnancy is IVF and my wife has been taking cyclogest progesterone supplements.

We have been advised to take another scan and heartbeat this coming weekend.

We are worried about the low progesterone and would like to know whether the progesterone supplements are masking an even lower actual progesterone level. We would also like to know if we really have much hope with a progesterone level of 24 at this stage?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Progesterone suppliments required

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I read your query and I understand your concerns about not seeing heart beat at 6.5 weeks.

Following is my reply

1. Fetal pole and yolk sac with heart beat should have been seen by now.

2. There are good chances of it being seen next week. Lets keep hopes and wait as there is no other option at this stage.

3. Progesterone value does not decrease by supplimenting progesterone. In fact progesterone suppliment is needed. Please continue progesterone suppliments as adviced.

4. Progesterone value of 24 is good enough. Don't worry. Keep taking suppliments.

Let me know if you need any more clarifications.

Regards
Dr. Mahesh Koregol
IVF and Infertility Specialist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (10 hours later)

Hello,

My specific question now is:

Could the fact that my wife is taking progesterone supplements be the reason for the progesterone reading.

What a I mean by this is, could the embryo actually be producing very little progesterone, on it's own but the supplements be masking this fact?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Progesterone is produced by corpus luteum. Yes it must have been low that even after supplementing, it has just reached optimal value.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for clarification.

Embryos dont produce progesterone. Progesterone hormone is produced by corpus luteum of ovary. Lab report of progesterone hormone is due to combination of ovary and supplements she is taking together. Embryo has nothing to do with this.

Only measurable factor from embryo is serum beta hCG only.

Hence taking progesterone will help her in correcting progesterone deficiency ( if corpus luteum of ovary is not producing enough progesterone).

I hope your doubt is clarified.

Let me know if you have any more concerns.

Regards,
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (35 minutes later)

Ok so is the lab progesterone result a combination of the progesterone that my wife is taking and that produced by the corpus luteum?

I guess there is no way of telling whether it is the corpus luteum or the supplements that are producing this?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Differentiationg them is not possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes. Now you got it right. Progesterone is combination of corpus luteum and supplements.

There is no way to differentiate them as they are same in blood once they reach circulation. Anyway this wont make difference in treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E