Patient's question:
I have irregular menstruation since childhood, with a cycle of about 40 days. Recently, I have been adjusting my condition through a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. My last period started on July 6, and on August 3, the hospital prescribed progesterone capsules. I took two boxes, and they said to come back two days after my period to get an ovulation shot (because the follicle tests have always been small and not ideal).On August 18, my period still hadn’t arrived. I tested with a pregnancy test strip and got a faint positive, while the ovulation test showed a strong positive. The next day, on August 19, I went to the hospital for a urine test, which showed a positive result. The HCG and progesterone results would be available on August 21. Today, on August 21, I went to the hospital to pick up the reports, which are as follows: HCG around 547, progesterone 14.34. The doctor said it wasn’t ideal and that the levels were too low, possibly indicating an ectopic pregnancy. They suggested waiting to see if the levels doubled in the next test. In the afternoon, we unexpectedly found that the test results had already come out. The reports are as follows: HCG 1520, progesterone 16.32. The doctor said the HCG level was acceptable, but it was still too low to determine if it was an ectopic pregnancy. They advised us to wait another week and do another test.
I’d like to ask an experienced doctor what HCG and progesterone mean in simple terms, what their normal and acceptable levels are, and whether these reports can indicate whether it’s an ectopic pregnancy or reveal any other information. Thank you.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, this situation should be low progesterone. You can appropriately supplement progesterone for regulation and pay attention to daily rest, scientific dietary care, and regular follow-up. Generally, doctors will advise women with signs of gestational gynecological diseases to maintain personal hygiene and avoid sexual activity. Additionally, patients should also create an environment conducive to emotional stability and stress relief. Wishing the patient a healthy delivery.