Progesterone Pills: Questions on Menstrual Induction and Side Effects - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding the use of progesterone pills for menstrual induction and the associated side effects. Let's address your concerns one by one.


Q1: Is the pregnancy test result from 7/3 accurate?
The accuracy of a pregnancy test depends on several factors, including the timing of the test and the sensitivity of the test itself. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, as they detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Since your last menstrual period was from May 29 to June 26, and you had sexual intercourse in June, it is possible that you could be pregnant. However, if you took the test too early, it might not have detected the hCG yet, leading to a false negative result. Given that your doctor performed an ultrasound and noted a thickened endometrium, this could indicate that your body is preparing for a potential pregnancy, but it does not confirm pregnancy without the presence of hCG.


Q2: Are the abdominal cramps and diarrhea due to the progesterone pills, or could they be early pregnancy symptoms?
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea can indeed be side effects of taking progesterone pills. Progesterone can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The hormone can also lead to uterine contractions, which may cause cramping.
However, early pregnancy can also present with similar symptoms, including cramping and gastrointestinal upset. Some women experience cramping as the uterus begins to change and adapt to a potential pregnancy. If you are experiencing significant discomfort or if the symptoms persist, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.


Additional Considerations
1. Timing of Medication: If you started taking the progesterone pills on July 4 and are experiencing symptoms the next day, it is likely that these symptoms are related to the medication. It is common for hormonal treatments to cause some gastrointestinal side effects, especially when first starting the medication.

2. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If the abdominal pain becomes severe or if you experience any other concerning symptoms (such as heavy bleeding, severe nausea, or vomiting), seek medical attention promptly.

3. Follow-Up: Since you have a follow-up appointment scheduled for July 3, it would be beneficial to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They may want to perform additional tests or evaluations to determine the cause of your symptoms and to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

4. Pregnancy Confirmation: If you suspect you might be pregnant, consider taking another pregnancy test a few days after your missed period for more accurate results. Additionally, your healthcare provider may perform a blood test to measure hCG levels, which can provide a definitive answer regarding pregnancy.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to the progesterone pills, they could also indicate early pregnancy. It is crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns for the best possible care. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your situation!