I’m 42 years old with low estrogen and progesterone levels. How can I improve them? (Ask The Egg Whisperer)

On a recent episode of Ask The Egg Whisperer, Ana Lucía shared a great question. Here’s what she wrote, “Thank you Dr Aimee for your show! I just had a miscarriage. I am 42, my progesterone and estradiol levels are very low (8  and 147). 

I've been taking estradiol 6mg and Crinone daily. Why are they low and how can I improve them? Thank you very much for your guidance.”

In answering this question, it’s important to understand how you’re taking progesterone (Crinone) and estradiol. Let’s break this down a little: for progesterone, the level in your blood is based on the mode of administration. When I have a patient on Crinone (vaginal form), and their progesterone level is 8 - that's because you're placing it vaginally. It has to go through the walls of the vagina, get absorbed, and then go into your bloodstream. 

You could add more progesterone to your protocol to raise your progesterone, but I certainly don't want you to worry that your progesterone levels were too low for a healthy implantation to occur if this is a level checked after a frozen embryo transfer. I like the level to be around 10 in a medicated FET cycle if using vaginal progesterone. 

These numbers sometimes make us worry unnecessarily (especially when we go to Google for answers). You might see things that make you really upset, like information saying that your progesterone should be over 20. And, that’s sound advice if you're using an injectable form of progesterone. But, with Crione, which is a vaginal form, you're just fine. Talk to your doctor and share your concerns for additional reassurance. 

As far as your estrogen level, it's pretty similar to the level that you would see around ovulation time. 

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