HCG decline after MTX

On 31.12.2022 I had surgery and my egg was milked out from the tube.

HCG at the day of surgery was 2000. The next day it dropped to 290. On 28th January my HCG was still 251. I had MTX at a dose of 1mg/kg (=50 mg).

48 hours later my HCG decreased only by 17% to 208.

I worry so much that I will need the second injection. How fast does HCG usually decline? Is it normal that it is just 17% on day 3 after the shot?

Dear Irina,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,

It is good to see any reduction in your day 3 bloods. The action of methotrexate is not instantaneous so levels will often rise in the day 3 bloods. Your doctors will be looking see a drop in your hCG value of at least 15% between days four and seven. If there has not been a 15% drop, this is when the doctors will consider a second dose of methotrexate.

To help methotrexate work, we advise to not drink alcohol or take any anti-inflammatory medications.

I hope this helps out your mind at rest a little,

Sending much love,

Karen x

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I would like to share my HCG levels after MTX for those who might be interested:

31.12 HCG 2000 (day of surgery)

02.01 HCG 290

07.01 HCG 147

20.01 HCG 244

28.01 HCG 250 (day of MTX)

31.01 HCG 208

02.02 HCG 156

08.02 HCG 45

15.02 HCG 15

22.02 HCG <1.2

We are all different, this is just what happened to me. I was looking for such information when I was after MTX to have the idea on how fast the levels can drop

Dear Karen,

Thanks a lot for your kind words. It always helped to calm my mind and reduce anxiety.

You and all women here made me feel not alone with my problem. And I am happy that the active part of my treatment is finally over.

I wish a lot of patience and luck to everyone here. EP is a real ordeal in many aspects. My thoughts are with women who are still dealing with it. There is the light at the end of the tunnel