Hi, I’m Ash
I was just diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy on Dec 7th, and was treated with two MTX injections. I started at 4237 and as of Dec 13 I was down to 2354. I’ve heard it can take levels months to drop, and then I’ve heard two weeks. My Dr just said she couldn’t give me an estimation. What have been your experiences with MTX? I’ve been gassy, sore has hell, and tired. This sucks
Thank you everyone
Dear Ashleigh87,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
I am afraid it is difficult to predict how long it will take for your hormone levels reach non-pregnant levels. As we are all individual, our bodies respond differently to the drug and it depends on factors like how high levels reached and our unique physiology. What I can say is that it can take a number of weeks and, while it can take some time, it is not as invasive a procedure as surgery. It is also encouraging that your levels are falling steadily although I appreciate that it can be a drawn out process. Also, in terms of chances of future successful pregnancies, studies do not show a significant difference between treatment routes, whether surgical, medical using methotrexate or expectant management (allowing time for the body to resolve the pregnancy itself).
We have more information on side effects of methotrexate here-
https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/
As a gentle reminder, please do not undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting or housework while your hCG levels are dropping.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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Hi, so sorry about your experience. It’s such a long process and it feels like it is never going to end.
It took 6 weeks for my levels to return to normal after methotrexate. I received methotrexate on November 20th but didn’t actually miscarry until the 27th. I peaked at 12,000 on the 24th of November and as of the 31st of December 31st my hcg is back to 1.
Methotrexate made me feel so horrible (I was irrational the two weeks following although it could be from the large drop in my hcg ) I’m feeling so much better now, of course still sad by my experience but I can think clearly again and be hopeful for the future. Hoping you feeling more like yourself soon!