Does progesterone help with blood sugar and anxiety?

by Teresa
(Waco, Tx)

I am 42 and according to blood work I am post menopausal. I started experiencing anxiety and panic attacks one year ago, shortly after my diagnosis of Menopause.

I am taking Be-est 2.5mg. I tried to add 20mg of natural progesterone but it increased my anxiety. I also am unable to go for very long without eating. I get what feels like blood sugar crashes. However my blood sugars are normal. After I eat something I feel better again. Don't understand this all of a sudden. Please advise.

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Does progesterone help with blood sugar and anxiety?

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Apr 28, 2008

Blood sugar dropping and anxiety
by: Wray

Hi Teresa. It sounds very much like you have insulin resistance. Blood sugar can be normal, but insulin can be high, as the cells are not responding to the insulin. Eating something and feeling better after it is one of the signs.

A drop in blood sugar can cause anxiety and panic attacks. Progesterone does help stabilise blood sugar and helps with panic attacks, as it activates the GABA receptor sites. GABA is our most calming, inhibitory neurotransmitter, and if the receptor sites are not active, little GABA can enter the cell, hence the panic attacks.

Progesterone levels start dropping from about the age of 35, so by the time you reach menopause they are very low. By taking the Bi-est you are adding to the problem, as it contains two oestrogens: estriol and estradiol. Oestrogen suppresses progesterone production, yours is very low as it is. If you have a naturally high level of oestrogen or taking extra oestrogen as you are, then when first starting using progesterone, it will make you more sensitive to the oestrogen in your body.

This is caused by progesterone activating the oestrogen receptors, which in turn causes oestrogen dominance symptoms, one of which is anxiety.

Insulin resistance can be reversed by supplements containing the B vitamins, especially inositol, amino acids, especially glutamine and carnitine, plus milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10. Hope this helps Take care Wray

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Apr 28, 2008
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Submitted by: Wray

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Hi Teresa. It sounds very much like you have insulin resistance. Blood sugar can be normal, but insulin can be high, as the cells are not responding to the insulin. Eating something and feeling better after it is one of the signs. A drop in blood sugar can cause anxiety and panic attacks. Progesterone does help stabilise blood sugar and helps with panic attacks, as it activates the GABA receptor sites. GABA is our most calming, inhibitory neurotransmitter, and if the receptor sites are not active, little GABA can enter the cell, hence the panic attacks. Progesterone levels start dropping from about the age of 35, so by the time you reach menopause they are very low. By taking the Bi-est you are adding to the problem, as it contains two oestrogens: estriol and estradiol. Oestrogen suppresses progesterone production, yours is very low as it is. If you have a naturally high level of oestrogen or taking extra oestrogen as you are, then when first starting using progesterone, it will make you more sensitive to the oestrogen in your body. This is caused by progesterone activating the oestrogen receptors, which in turn causes oestrogen dominance symptoms, one of which is anxiety. Insulin resistance can be reversed by supplements containing the B vitamins, especially inositol, amino acids, especially glutamine and carnitine, plus milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10. Hope this helps Take care Wray

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Jul 28, 2009

Does Progeserone raise Triglycerides?
by: Anonymous

I have been told Progesterone will raise my Triglycerides. My last test shows my LDL good my triglycerides high at 224 I have been takeing Progesterone for about 2 months now. I am 60 years old.

Jul 29, 2009

Does Progesterone raise Triglycerides?
by: Wray

It's actually quite the reverse. Oestrogen raises triglycerides, progesterone lowers them, please see this web page.

And this one.

It's also effective against atherosclerosis, please see this.

And this.

And lipid peroxidation.

Take care, Wray