DAY 22-23 ~ Progesterone SUCKS

Well this Progesterone regime is getting tougher. It actually sucks really. Last night I threw up all of a sudden and started feeling a little light headed. This morning I feel better, but still have this semi-light headed feeling, and my stomach doesn't feel steady! I will call my doctor to be sure, but after doing my usual online research, seems this is normal and oral progest can have this effect.

Some of you know how much of a BABY I am, but don't get me wrong, I am tough, and can stick it out, but a baby none the less.

I read this article online about progestrone, it is informative and made me feel a little better seeing these few side effects I am experiencing.


Progesterone Use in the Treatment of Infertility
Contributed by Christine M. Schroeder, Staff Writer
http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/learning/articles/progesterone.html

Progesterone is a reproductive hormone that is frequently administered to patients during infertility treatment. It is prescribed for several purposes and comes in multiple forms, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and contexts in which it is most likely to be used.

Progesterone's Role in Reproduction
During an unmedicated cycle, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum, a cyst-like structure formed after the oocyte is released from its ovarian follicle. Progesterone vascularizes the uterine lining, increasing the blood supply in preparation for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. In the absence of pregnancy, the corpus luteum’s progesterone output will normally begin to decrease after about 12 days. In response, the vascularized lining is shed in the form of a period.Because of these effects, the primary uses of progesterone in infertility treatment are (1) triggering of menstruation and (2) luteal phase supplementation.

Oral Progesterone
Natural oral progesterone, such as Prometrium pills, is used primarily as a supplement in the luteal phase for patients undergoing natural or IUI cycles. The primary advantage of oral progesterone is its convenience; patients do have not have to learn to give themselves injections or deal with the discharge that may occur with vaginal application. Despite its appeal, however, oral progesterone has several disadvantages. Most seriously, at least one study suggests that it may be associated with lower success rates than some other forms of progesterone; it has been hypothesized that oral progesterone may be more effective at raising serum progesterone levels than at raising the level of progesterone within the uterine lining itself, which is where its true effect occurs. Additionally, oral progesterone is metabolized by the liver, and the byproducts may cause side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness.
Recently, some doctors have begun to have patients administer these same progesterone pills vaginally. Few data are yet available on the efficacy of this approach.

Progesterone Suppositories
Progesterone suppositories are compounded by individual pharmacists and consist of natural progesterone suspended in a base similar to cocoa butter. Upon insertion, the warmth of the body causes the suppository to melt and release the progesterone. Since suppositories are vaginally administered, the liver does not produce the high number of side effect-causing metabolites that can occur with natural progesterones taken orally. The vaginal administration also allows the progesterone to be targeted more specifically to the uterine area. Many women, however, find the discharge associated with suppositories to be overly messy or uncomfortable and there is some question as to how long the progesterone is effective after insertion. Additionally, it can be difficult to find a pharmacy that will compound the suppositories, and the individualized process may cause a lower level of dosing accuracy and quality control. Finally, some women may be sensitive to the suspending substance.