[bd711]

I know there have been threads about this, but I'm having trouble finding any of them. I am pregnant from a donor egg cycle, so my own system has been shut off for a few months (no corpus luteum going), and I get all oc my progesterone and estrogen thru IM shots. My RE's office has us stop the shots at week 10. It seems that many of you continued with progesterone until week 12 or beyond.

I asked the RE last week whether they do any followup after the shots end to make sure I've got enough progesterone in my system, and he said, "Nope." He said with absolute confidence that by week 10 our bodies stop making the progesterone anyway and our little guys take over their own production of it. He also said I won't feel any changes after I stop - other than missing the shots (hah!).

Even with his assurance, I'm a bit scared. I only have 8 shots left, and I'll be bummed (as will my bum!) if I continue the shots longer. But it makes me so nervous that I'll put this pregnancy at risk when I stop.

Are there others who stopped PIO cold turkey at 10 weeks? And have folks had any symptoms or noticed changes after stopping the shots/suppositories?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[minnie13]

I was very nervous about stopping the PIO as well- so at 10 weeks when I graduated to my OB he said if it makes you feel better take it until the end of your 1st trimester. Don't do anything that your not comfortable with. If you have a concern - voice it.

[melarooni17]

I believe I stopped the shots at 10 weeks and then was put on PIO suppositories for 2 or 4 weeks (can't quite remember how long). I want to say 2 weeks. They weren't too bad. I would def. express your concern and if you want to do them or switch to the suppositories, tell your RE and they may say go ahead. Good luck with whatever happens!

[AMKD]

I stopped my shots cold turkey at 10 weeks when I graduated from my RE to my OB. My Ob checked my levels and the nurse called and said, "Your Progesterone is really high". I laughed and told her I had been on PIO shots and she said, "That explains it!". I felt more confortable then that it was ok to stop, knowing how high my levels were. Your OB will probably do routine blood work including a progesterone level when you go see him, but I agree with the other ladies - if you are uncomfortable stopping cold turkey, voice your concern and ask if there is any reason you should definitely not continue until the end of your first trimester. I don't think it is a problem to continue, just unnecessary since the placenta has taken over.

Good luck!!

xoxo

[Lawyerlady]

My RE told me to stop at 9 weeks. I was too nervous so I have kept taking my shots this week. I had my first OB appt yesterday and the nurse practitioner also told me to stop. I'm seeing the doctor today and will ask him, but if he tells me to stop I probably will. I'm scared, too!

[BabySteps]

I stopped after 12 weeks. I was scared to and insisted on getting some blood work done to check the level. My progesterone was sooooo crazy high they were surprised I was not really sick! I believe you will be fine stopping at 10 weeks. I am not sure if the shots have different side effects than the suppositories but I felt great after I stopped them!!

[Lawyerlady]

I got the green light to continue to 12 weeks, but my OB was a little wishy-washy about it. Doesn't seem to be any good consensus as to when it's best to stop.

[Laurie]

I actually stopped at 7 weeks and everything was fine. I was very, very worried but everything went well and my bum felt better within a few days

[Georgia Girl]

My High Risk OB told me that at 10 weeks, us girls would have enough in our systems to donate! SO, I went cold turkey and have done fine.....

[Lawyerlady]

what did you end up deciding to do? I think I'm going to stick with it until the end of week 12.

Originally Posted by bd711

I know there have been threads about this, but I'm having trouble finding any of them. I am pregnant from a donor egg cycle, so my own system has been shut off for a few months (no corpus luteum going), and I get all oc my progesterone and estrogen thru IM shots. My RE's office has us stop the shots at week 10. It seems that many of you continued with progesterone until week 12 or beyond.

I asked the RE last week whether they do any followup after the shots end to make sure I've got enough progesterone in my system, and he said, "Nope." He said with absolute confidence that by week 10 our bodies stop making the progesterone anyway and our little guys take over their own production of it. He also said I won't feel any changes after I stop - other than missing the shots (hah!).

Even with his assurance, I'm a bit scared. I only have 8 shots left, and I'll be bummed (as will my bum!) if I continue the shots longer. But it makes me so nervous that I'll put this pregnancy at risk when I stop.

Are there others who stopped PIO cold turkey at 10 weeks? And have folks had any symptoms or noticed changes after stopping the shots/suppositories?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[tcrsmom]

I quit cold turkey at 10 wks as well. I found myself using the doppler a whole lot in the last week but the baby appears to be just fine without the extra progesterone.

[MrsWog]

My RE had me stop at 9 weeks, and as far as I know, my OB didn't test for it when I transferred to him. Sounds like pretty much the same as the other girls on here. I know it seems scary, kind've like a security net, but I'm sure you'll be just fine!

[dherbert]

I stopped my Progesterone at 10 weeks and was very nervous!! Everything seems to be fine and the OB told me the same thing that the placenta takes over by then I guess they know what they are talking about.

[bd711]

Thanks for your input everyone! Well, today will be our first day in 2 and 1/2 months without a shot. I'm going to follow our RE's instructions and stop cold-turkey. I would have considered going a little longer, except that my bum absolutely can't take any more. I was supposed to have an u/s today, but my OB postponed the appointment until Thursday. In the end that's probably good, because she can check my levels at that point and I can confirm that all's working. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. B