Progesterone and Birth Control

by Lexi
(Tampa, FL)

I am currently on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and have been for I believe 5 years now. I have always had naturally thin hair but I recently started noticing it becoming gradually thinner. I am always tired, have bad anxiety, panic attacks, sleepless nights and low libido. When I first started taking Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo I didn't have any of these problems. Now that the years have progressed I am just not realizing I am not myself.

I believe I am deficient in progesterone after doing lots of research. I made a doctors appointment just yesterday with my GP because my OB is insistant on me switching to Yasmin and I refuse. I cannot stop taking BC because I am active. Is it possible to continue on OTC and use a progesterone cream? Please help I prefer not to get of BC.

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Progesterone and Birth Control

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Jun 12, 2009
 Progesterone and Birth Control
by: Wray

Hi Lexi. Please consider coming off the OC and using a copper T IUD instead. Make sure it is only the copper T too, and not the new IUD's which are impregnated with a progestin, which will only add to your problems. Long term use of any OC is dangerous, please have a look at this web page.

All the symptoms you mention are due to the OC preventing the ovaries making progesterone, for 5 years now. Progesterone activates the GABA receptor sites, GABA is our most calming neurotransmitter. A low level or unreceptive receptors will cause anxiety and panic attacks, which progesterone corrects.

Insomnia is caused by low melatonin. This hormone is made from serotonin another neurotransmitter. Progesterone raises serotonin levels hence it's effectiveness in mild insomnia. If severe then tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to serotonin should be taken. Progesterone raises libido because it's a vasodilator, it also stimulates the production of nitric oxide another vasodilator. Nitric oxide is often given to men with erectile dysfunction. If you insist on staying on the OC it would be advisable to use progesterone to protect, but it will have an uphill battle! Take care, Wray.

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