[leelee]

Hi, I was wondering if pcos and low levels of progesterone are connected? I can't remember exactly what my levels were, (too many yrs ago, lol) but the dr said extremely low, like 1 or .1. I took prog. pills but they wouldn't raise my levels at all. The dr apparently thought I wasn't taking them correctly so he gave me injections of prog. Even these wouldn't raise my levels of it. He said he couldn't help me anymore and referred me to RE, but never said why they'd be so low.

I was just curious if anyone w/pcos has levels like this and what they do for it, or if it's connected to a different condition? I have regular cycles but never ovulate, starting to think I have premature ovarian failure or something. Thanks for any thoughts or ideas, Leelee

[slobin]

I am fairly sure that I read that PCOS is linked to low progesterone levels. PCOS causes an endocrine (hormone) imbalance in general so it throws all hormones off. I think they key for you is to improve ovulation (maybe with inectible drugs, etc.) because a normal ovulation is what causes a good progesterone level. Giving you progesterone doesn't treat the root problem, I think this is why the shots, etc. don't raise your levels. You must ovulate to have normal progest. levels, so the RE hopefully will address this. I'ts very good you are on Metformin. Good luck to you.

[leelee]

Thanks, Slobin. That's the way I felt, that treating w/progesterone wasn't treating the root problem. I guess I was under the assumption that if I got enough prog., then somehow I would ovulate, not the other way around.

I will definitely ask the re about injectibles. I went for a consult at this one place and that was the 1st thing they recommended. I was really young and too scared to give myself shots but that's probably what I need to make anything happen. Thanks again, leelee

[slobin]

No, you can take progesterone until you're blue in the face and that won't make you ovulate. Progest. levels rise AFTER ovulation. So you are on the right track now. Serioulsy the injectible meds are so EASY you barely feel them. They are tiny needles and just into fat layer on belly, they are so easy you will be pleasantly surprised. Now that you're seeing an RE you should be on track and you're lucky that you're so young and have time to figure it all out. You'll be fine! Hang in there.