Q&A: Does low hormone levels mean a miscarriage?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I took Clomid on days five to nine. I am now pregnant, but my HCG (58) and progesterone (9.79) levels are very low. My doctor estimated me to be four weeks and four days pregnant at the time my blood was drawn.

What effect do low levels have on the embryo? Or are the low levels symptomatic of poor embryonic development? Should I be prepared for a miscarriage?

The crucial thing is not the absolute value of the HCG, but whether it doubles every 48 hours or so. This would indicate a healthy pregnancy. The progesterone is low, but generally miscarriage occurs with the warning signal of a progesterone less than five. Whether supplementing your pregnancy with extra progesterone will help is controversial, but most doctors would consider it anyway, because it could do no harm. Also, one level isn't the determinant, as repeated blood work could point out some falsely alarming levels.

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