Is it safe to take Duphaston while trying to get pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 35 years old and have been married for five years. I had two confirmed pregnancies before 11 years, which were terminated safely via a pill (no D&C). We now want to have a baby. I have excess dark, thick hair on my legs, thighs, and back, but I have regular menses, a 30-day cycle. My weight is 103 lbs, slim disposition. A gynecologist has now prescribed Duphaston from day 5 to 25 for three months.

Anemia profile came up normal on all accounts, including Folate by all methods and iron, etc. Only ferritin levels were a bit lower, and there was a slightly high reticulocyte count. Hb (hemoglobin) is 12.1. I have been taking Folvite-MB for four months. I am also taking a whole-food-based organic prenatal supplement, which has an RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of 70% of everything.

Is it safe for the fetus to take Duphaston? I read that it may cause unwanted facial hair in the fetus, etc.
The dosage of folic acid at 5 mg is 10 times the RDA of 500 mcg. Is this safe?
Can I stop the Folvite now, since my folate levels are anyway normal?
It has been seven days since Duphaston now, and I have less whitish discharge than I normally have at day 9-14, less mid-cycle pain, and a seemingly lowered libido and slight headache. Is this normal and safe?
Am I better off taking natural micronized progesterone?
As there is less mucus, intercourse is drier. Shall I use some natural lubricants like coconut oil without affecting pregnancy chances?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Duphaston (dydrogesterone) is safe for the fetus, but if everything is normal, unnecessary medication should be avoided.

Folvite tablet 5 mg is safe to be used when you plan your pregnancy at least three months before even without anemia.

All the symptoms are right for you except for decreased libido.

As I have already told you, if a drug is not required, it should be avoided. You should consult your doctor before taking Progesterone because the role of Progesterone in pregnancy is not very clear.

You can use some lubricant after your doctor's consultation because oil may cause some irritation.

I hope this helps.

Revert in case you have any other doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, you should go for your hormonal profile. If there are some hormonal disturbances, they will be detected. If your uterine lining is a little bit thin, you can take both Estrogen and Progesterone preparation, and not only Progesterone.

Estrogen should be taken from the first day of the cycle to 21 days, and Progesterone should be taken 200 mg from day 16 of the cycle to 10 days for three cycles after consultation with your gynecologist. You should also take Folic acid.

I hope this helps.

Revert if you have any other doubts.

Thank you.