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How do I know when I've reached my level of Natpro?

by Ally

Hi Wray, I've been on progesterone for short spurts in the past. I'm 24 yo and after a very stressful time in my life, I missed a period and then developed debilitating PMS. Ironically, the part I minded the most was the severe water retention starting 14 days before bleeding. I looked like I gained 20 lbs each month! My Dr started me on Prometrium, which did eliminate the PMS, but I gained weight!! My worst nightmare:( Lol.

He then put me on Rx progesterone cream, around 25 mgs, but the weight gain continued.

I have tried Natpro for 2 days before my period begins in a couple of past months, and also for severe cramping during, but I've been too afraid to try it for 14 days because I don't think I could bear to gain more weight. I know you recommend 100-200 mgs daily, but how do I know when I reach "my dose?" Is weight gain something I have to accept, at least for a while, or is it an indication that I'm not on enough Natpro??

I'm now seeing a Naturopath and I'm also being treated for Lyme Disease (chronic stress for sure). I have diagnosed adrenal fatigue, low estrogen and low progesterone (but estrogen dominance) through saliva tests. My ND wants to put me on low-dose Cortef for my adrenals and 25 mgs Rx progesterone for my hormonal imbalance. I'm nervous about both the cortisol and progesterone supplementation.

I have always been very fit, but now I have such a hard time losing weight. What do you think that is from?

Thank you for your help!

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Oct 21, 2011
 Movie about Lyme Disease
by: CamperKat

If you have Lyme Disease, you must see the documentary called "Under Our Skin, the Untold Story of Lyme Disease", 2009. You can watch it online via Netflix or Hulu or Amazon.

The message of the film is this: the FDA is in bed with the insurance companies, who don't want to pay for the only treatment proven to work for chronic Lyme disease: many months to years of intravenous antibiotics.

I wish you all good luck.
Oct 24, 2011
 How do I know when I've reached my level of Natpro?
by: Wray

Hi Ally Lyme Disease can be helped by progesterone, as it reduces the inflammatory cytokines and helps relieve anxiety, see here. You'll notice in one paper oral progesterone was used, and was only partially successful. Please have a vitamin D test done, most of us have a low level. This not only reduces the benefits of progesterone, but vitamin D has been known to help in Lyme Disease, see here. For more info on testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml and not the 30ng/ml labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day. Take care Wray
Oct 24, 2011
 Movie about Lyme Disease
by: Wray

Hi CamperKat It is an excellent film, thanks for suggesting to Ally that she watch it. This is the link here in case she needs it. Take care Wray

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