nicole norstrud

Coming off the Meds

Once again I am frantic. (I hate that this is the theme of my life right now) I’m afraid of coming off of my meds and miscarrying this baby. It doesn’t help that I fully believe the only reason we haven’t miscarried so far is because of the help we’ve received from the progesterone shots. The only thing we did differently between the last pregnancy and this one has been those shots. So the big question is how do I know when the placenta has taken over production of those hormones so that I can stop taking the shots? The answers I have received from both my reproductive office and my OB/GYN are unclear. Neither really seems to know, and both assume it occurs at two different times.

Today is technically the day that I am supposed to stop taking the meds (I am 10 weeks exactly) . . . but I don’t think I can do it. My reproductive doctor had wanted me to stop the progesterone in oil and estrogen patches at 10 weeks, but he said I could continue the medication until 12 weeks if it made me more comfortable. My new OB/GYN wants me to continue to 13 weeks, which I normally wouldn’t mind, but I’ve read some posts that indicate there could be ugly side effects like hypospadias and androgynous genitals from prolonged use. I am not sure what to believe or what to do. Am I just freaking out for nothing? Has anyone else out there had to take progesterone? When did you stop and did you have any problems afterwards?

nicole norstrud

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7 responses to “Coming off the Meds”

  1. iwannabeamommy2 Avatar
    iwannabeamommy2

    oh my gosh I am so sorry you are receiving conflicting answers. Is there a way for you to get a third opinion? I have a friend who took progesterone for 12 weeks and her baby is beautiful and fine. Hope you find the answers you are looking for. One of the most memorable things that I got from listening to some pod casts was that as we go through this journal of ttc, we are faced with so many decisions that need to be made and not much time to think about them. Wishing you the best!

    Reply
    1. nicole norstrud Avatar
      nicole norstrud

      Thank you so much for your warm wishes!! Unfortunately, I don’t really have a way to get a third opinion, but I may just stop the meds around the 12 week mark since that seems to be fairly common stopping point. (I’m still not sure though!) And yes, this journey has been one of the hardest things I have ever done! I will be insanely happy when it is all over 🙂

      Reply
  2. whereareyounumber2 Avatar
    whereareyounumber2

    It is such a stress isn’t it?! I had a heavy bleed at 6 weeks which is likely to have been due to progesterone deficiency, and they upped me to PIO injections. I i injected them until 12 weeks as well as using a pessary nightly. I actually used a pessary in the middle of the day for a few weeks too (they didn’t tell me too!) as it controlled the light spotting I was Still getting even with the PIO. I stopped that extra pessary around 9/10 weeks without any issues, and then the injections at 12 weeks. I continued with a pessary at night until week 13 to give me peace of mind that my body would Still be getting some progesterone from an external source should it need it. All was fine and we have just had a scan showing a healthy little boy. From what I read up on, the natural progesterone used in PIO and pesaaries are safe. Your body probably doesnt need the injections from 10 weeks, as Placenta is usually doing enough by then, but it doesnt seem to be an issue for specialists if you carry on a little longer. Good luck! X

    Reply
    1. nicole norstrud Avatar
      nicole norstrud

      Thank you so much for the progesterone information! It is fantastic to hear that you were able to come off of the meds and continue to have a healthy pregnancy. Your success gives me hope 🙂 (As an aside, the first thing I did after reading your comment was look up what a pessary was. I had no idea!)

      Reply
  3. sunnysideup2011 Avatar
    sunnysideup2011

    I was on PIO until 12 weeks and honestly thought I would freak going off of them. To my surprise, I was never happier! Trust your body! It will do what it needs to! I know it’s so hard after a hard journey!! Praying for you!

    Reply
    1. nicole norstrud Avatar
      nicole norstrud

      Thank you guys for the boost of confidence! Oh, and let me know if you guys ever have any questions about twins! I’ve never raised any, but I am a twin myself. I have a few things I wish my parents had done differently.

      Reply
      1. sunnysideup2011 Avatar
        sunnysideup2011

        Oh yes!!! Share all advice!!!

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