u/kmwilliams09

Context: 35F, 37M partner, TTC 14 months total, 5 months basic menstrual cycle tracking and no contraception, 8 months tracking CM and BBT with OPKs.

I had a CD 21 progesterone level checked (actually went CD 22, at 7dpo) and it came back at 8.1. I was not very surprised, as I had a similar value back in October and I have 1-3 days of spotting before true flow with every period.

Everything I’ve read states that a progesterone above 5 indicates ovulation is occurring, but levels above 10 are what’s needed (or optimal) for the uterine lining to support implantation.

My question: I’m wondering if I need a second opinion or if it is correct that my progesterone is “good” and nothing more needs done in that area. Hoping to hear from others with low to sub-optimal progesterone and how it was treated or why it was not.

A little history: With my value in Oct, my OB/GYN said it was ok but sub-optimal at 9 and we tried 3 cycles on letrozole, which did double my progesterone. My OB/GYN doesn’t do more than 3 cycles of letrozole in a year (fair, I understand why), so I moved on to a fertility clinic. My RE there did an HSG that was fine (I have 1 tube, it was patent) and wanted to do IUI, possibly IVF. However, I am unsure whether I want to do an IUI and I know I do not want to do IVF. I would really like to address my low progesterone and look into possible PCOS (I requested to have my testosterone checked). He did not discuss with me why or why not progesterone supplements, only stating that my value was good and said if I want my testosterone checked I need to go back to my OB/GYN for that. It could just be me being frustrated with TTC as a whole, but I am getting the feeling that if I do not choose IUI or IVF, my RE has no interest in pursing any other testing.

As title states. Looking to chat with others dealing with the same sadness and disappointment and how you are dealing with it. I have two beautiful children aged 9 and (soon to be) 6 who I am beyond grateful for. But I thought that age gap was pushing it (though alas, it is all good and well). We have been ttc our third for a year now and at this point, even if we conceived this cycle the age gap would be 10 and nearly 7 and it’s starting to feel like the moment is passing but I wish desperately that it wasn’t. To be completely honest, I’d love 4 but looking like we may not even get to 3 and I’m struggling with mourning the age gaps and closeness I had imagined and hoped for for my children. I’m also wondering if it’s just too unfair to a third at this point to be so removed from the closeness and shared experiences of my current children. Worst thing is, I have encouraged others in this area but I myself am also struggling. I have 1 brother 10 years younger than me and we have no relationship. This is not what I want for my children. Who’s sitting in this sadness with me? What has helped? Did you choose not to keep TTC purely for the reason of a large age gap?