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Alison

by Alison
(Australia)

Hi Wray,

I have found this site after looking for products to help with Migraines. I suffer frequent Migraines that seem to be related to menstrual cycle and after much reading seem to relate to Progesterone levels as well.
Do you think this cream would help with Migraines?
I am 39 years, my cycle occurs anywhere from 25-30 days and lasts for about 8-10 days. I have had an ablation for very heavy periods and although they are definitely a lot lighter they still last a long time in duration. I have also had a tubal ligation (although I am not sure if that affects anything).
Could you tell me if this cream may help and how I would start and continue using it if I am not entirely sure when ovulation occur. We would be really struggling to afford it so I am reluctant to try it if it may not work for me, but with my Migraines becoming more and more frequent and debilitating and I am using painkillers increasingly each and every day I am really looking for an answer.

Many thanks
Alison

Comments for Alison

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Feb 11, 2012
 Alison
by: Wray

Hi Alison It appears you are short of progesterone, and have excess oestrogen. Oestrogen is an excitatory, inflammatory hormone, progesterone is a potent anti-inflammatory. Catemenial migraines are related to the drop in progesterone the few days prior to bleeding. Although oestrogen drops then too, if insufficient progesterone had been made during the luteal phase, the ratio of the two hormones becomes skewed. This results in many adverse side effects, another of which is heavy bleeding. Progesterone helps with both these problems, see here, here, here, here, here and here for migraines. MMP's are enzymes that break down protein. They play a role in the breakdown of endometrial tissues at the end of the menstrual cycle, see here. Progesterone suppresses MMP's, see here. So it's only when the corpus luteum stops making progesterone at the end of the cycle, that levels plummet and the MMP's can begin breaking down the lining. In some instances they can cause a pathological reaction if excess oestrogen is present, as oestrogen stimulates their production. This can lead to inflammation, spotting and/or excessive bleeding in the uterus. If a low level of progesterone is present, and a high level of oestrogen, the lining will continue to grow. With a high level of MMP's the lining will also continue to break down. This of course leads to heavy continual bleeding. Using high amounts of progesterone, ie about 400mg/day or more, reverses this, and the bleeding stops. You might find you need less than the 400mg/day, but I've found it's best to start high to overcome the problem quickly. If you should follow this, when reducing do so by no more than 16mg, stay on this reduced amount for a few days, before reducing further. Continue slowly reducing till the optimum is found. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Continued below.
Feb 11, 2012
 Alison Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Alison Tubal ligation does come with a host of adverse side effects, one of which is increasing headaches if previously existing. Before using the progesterone please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. Although this is rare or mild if using 400mg/day progesterone. Please have a vitamin D test done, you live in Australia with a daft policy of covering up when in the sun. There can be nothing more dangerous to our health, as it prevents the manufacture of vitamin D. This is vital for the functioning of all cells, but a lack has been implicated in migraines, see here, here and here. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray

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