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Progesterone and dry eyes

by Evelyn
(Johannesburg, South Africa)

I started using Natpro about a month ago when a friend suggested that it might help my dry, red, scratchy eyes.

Nothing happened at first except that I started reading about progesterone on the net. Wow! I was fascinated to see that I suffer from so many of the symptoms listed for progesterone deficiency. I had assumed these were due to aging and the hysterectomy (uterus and ovaries) I had 10 years ago. I had endometriosis as a young woman which prevented me from falling pregnant and it had to be surgically removed. Then in my second pregnancy I developed toxaemia and lost the baby. I had fibroids and heavy bleeding with anaemia in my forties and was advised to have the hysterectomy as the endometriosis had returned. I was prescribed a 3,2mg pure Estradoil patch which I apply twice weekly. I was told that as I had no womb and no periods I didn't need a progesterone supplement.

As the last 10 years went by I have gradually developed anxiety, poor concentration, hot flushes and broken sleep, dry, brittle nails, loss of hair, dry vagina and loss of libido, bloating, brown patches on my hands, dry lips and eyes, and the worst part is my absolute lack of interest or enthusiasm in anything! Depression!! I hate to admit it!

FOUR WEEKS and 1 tube of Natpro have blessed me with clear shining eyes, nights when I sleep right through, shiny hair (although it is still falling out) and stirrings of interest in my husband and other hobbies long dormant! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I will continue to use it.

My question is - Should I discontinue the Estradoil patches or keep using them as my doctor says they are good for my bones and heart? THANK YOU AGAIN. I will spread the word!

Comments for Progesterone and dry eyes

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Jun 25, 2010
 Progesterone and dry eyes
by: Wray

Hi Evelyn I'm so happy the progesterone has helped you! And you don't seem to have suffered from the usual stimulatory affect it has initially, most unusual. You might like to read about it on our web page Oestrogen Dominance, as it can occur. Excess oestrogen causes dry eyes, endo, fibroids and heavy bleeding. I'm amazed they gave you the oestradiol patch, as that is only increasing the level. It doesn't surprise me you have all those others symptoms now. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, it's also a pro-inflammatory hormone. Endo and fibroids are inflammatory problems and are both stimulated by oestrogen. Although long gone you might like to read our web pages on Endometriosis and Fibroids. And far from protecting you from heart disease it actually causes it. Please read our web page on HRT. And good for bones? Well these are such complicated things, it needs more than oestrogen to help! Taking oestrogen will slow the loss of bone for up to 5 years, thereafter its benefit declines. Once the oestrogen is stopped the bones quickly break down to their previous level. Progesterone, because of it?s affect on osteoblast cells, is actively involved in the building of bones. But unlike oestrogen, if the treatment is stopped the bones remain strong. There is no risk involved either, unlike oestrogen, as you'll see on our HRT page. All your symptoms, past and present, point to a severe lack of progesterone. Including the toxemia, which some believe is caused in part by a lack of progesterone. I don't believe any of us needs extra oestrogen, we are all getting far too much, it's in our food, water, air and the skin care we all use, please see the web site Our Stolen Future for more info. Take care Wray
Apr 07, 2011
 Also trying Progesterone for dry eyes
by: Bettie

Thank you for this site, I have found it to be extremely informative and helpful and in fact encouraged me to start using Progesterone.

I'm interested in Evelyn's story as I have also recently started Progesterone for dry eyes (severe) and in fact did not know whether it would help until coming across her story. Incidentally, we are from the same city and I believe the dry air in Jhb has something to do woth the dry eye syndrome.

I do have a question though: Would it be advisable to use the Progesterone cream all the time, irrespective of whether I still have cycles, or just during the latter part of my cycle (as described on the website for pre menupausal women). I am 44 now and my cycles are still regular.

My dry eye symptoms are quite severe and I need to do something urgently or will lose my mind.
Apr 15, 2011
 dry eyes
by: Vibeke

I too have very dry eyes, and being a contact lense user that is a mayor problem for me. I think I will have to order progesterone.
Apr 29, 2011
 Also trying Progesterone for dry eyes
by: Wray

Hi Bettie Thanks for the kind words about the site! Progesterone can help dry eyes, as it caused by excess oestrogen. In it's worst form it's called Sjogren's syndrome, see here. This also causes a dry mouth too. Although it's called an autoimmune disease, I'm not convinced. Progesterone has anti-oxidative and autoimmune anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it increases levels of SOD and glutathione, both potent antioxidants. Jhb is a dry place, and the pollution doesn't help either. If you still have regular cycles, it would be a pity to disrupt them, although no harm will come of it. I will have to leave it to you to decide which route you will take. Obviously it's more costly using it daily. You are now in or entering Peri-menopause. At some point your cycles will become irregular, and no amount of progesterone will right this. But it does help the other symptoms which seem inevitably to occur. If you do decide to use it, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance first, this can occur and is disconcerting if it does. And please use enough, I recommend 100-200mg/day, as I've found anything less merely stimulates oestrogen. I use the cream on and around my eyes every morning and night, but if it gets within them it can sting a little, nothing serious though. We do have a distributor in South Africa if you would like more info, see here. Take care Wray
Feb 05, 2012
 dry eyes
by: Helen

Can I just ask where you apply the cream for it to have any affect on your eyes? Thanks.
Feb 05, 2012
 Area of application for dry eyes
by: Bettie

I have been experimenting with the application areas for nearly a year and then after telling my opthomologist about using progesterone, he advised to apply it directly over the area where the aqueous tearglands are found: This is on the eyelid, right below the eye bone, to the side of each eye (the glands are off center nearest to the sides of the face and furthest from the nose). Take care not to touch your eyelashes with the ointment and apply only directly under the eyebone area.
A very small amount is required but one needs to rub it in as best possible. It is important though to use the rest of the required amount as advised on the rest of your body (in various places as you see fit). I apply it twice daily (in the morning before work and then in the evening before sleep), so that a 12 hour routine is established.
From time to time it does get into my eyes, especially if it is hot and the perspiration makes the ointment more runny. I just wipe over my eyelids with a clean tissue or so and it solves the problem.
Give it some time to work as the estrogen does take a while to overcome. My eyes improved over a period of 4 months. There are times now that I have to wipe the excess tears as it spills over and run down my cheeks.
NS: When I told my opthomologist about the possible benefit for dry eyes he was quite familiar with the use of progesterone injections as an anti inflammatory agent for patients after eye operations and patients that do not react favourably to antibiuotics and cortisone. Btw, cortisone makes dry eyes worse, try to avoid it.
Good luck and perservere Helen, Im sure it will work!
Feb 05, 2012
 Use too with Vitamin D
by: Bettie

I forgot to add that supplimenting with Vitamin D increases the benefits of the progesterone for dry eyes. I use the drop form which my doctor indicates is best absorbed. About 5000 iu in the beginning and then 2000 iu after 6 weeks.
Mar 17, 2012
 dry eyes
by: ella

Hello everyone, i've been recently diagnosed with Sjogren disease...
My eyes are a living hell. Fortunatly i came upon this site that a friend recommended. I have 3 questions:
1. the dayly quantity is....? the size of a walnut (without shell) or an almond.... or a peanut?

2. Should i be using it every day? I'm only 35 and my period is quite regualr... or only for 14 days?

3. For how long should i be using the cream? Foerever? Or once the symptoms have subsided?

Thanks
Mar 17, 2012
 4weeks
by: Anonymous

Hello, when you say that you've used the cream for 4 weeks.... have you been using it non-stop? I'm having trouble understand when to use it and how much should be used...
Mar 18, 2012
 Reply to Ella
by: Bettie

1. The daily amount is 2 peanuts (regular size). One peanut for the morning and one for the evening before going to bed.
2. Only for the 14 days prior to you period.
3. For as long as the dry eyes syndrome is present.

Btw, I recently recommended the cream to a friend of the family that has had Sjogren's Syndrome for many years and her specialist prescribed oestrogen patches during this time. However, last November a severe shortage came about in South Africa and so she was unable to follow the oestogen regiment.If what Wren is saying is so then it is quite possible that the Sjogren's symptoms could be because of excessive oestrogen. Im waiting for a consigment of progesterone to give to her and hopefully this will help. Will keep you posted.
Mar 20, 2012
 Area of application for dry eyes
by: Wray

Hi Bettie and Helen I've no idea how I missed your two posts, this does happen occasionally and leaves me baffled! But bless you Bettie for explaining it all to Helen. I'm fascinated your opthamologist knew about the anti-inflammatory effects of progesterone, and that it's been used after eye ops. Take care Wray
Mar 20, 2012
 Dry Eyes
by: Joy (South Africa)

Hi Bettie - I am delighted that progesterone and Vitamin D are helping you. I even rub the cream on my burning tongue as it helps to ease that. If I can assist you with anything please let me know as I am a distributor for Natpro living in Cape Town. Wray has already given you my contact details.

Take care.
Mar 21, 2012
 dry eyes
by: Wray

Hi Ella I see Bettie has helped me out. She couldn't have made it clearer on how to use it! Although for Sjogren's I would generally advise more than 2 peanuts of cream. My normal recommendation is 100-200mg/day, with a minimum of 200mg/day for Sjogren's. If you use a low strength cream, ie it's only 1.6% which most are, you would need 12.5ml or 2.5tsp of cream per day. I'm not sure which cream Bettie uses. In case you haven't seen that paper I gave to her, here it is again. These are three more papers on Sjogren's I've since found here, here and here. There are many symptoms associated with Sjogren's, but a long menstrual cycle >35 days and high prolactin levels is of interest to me. Prolactin is an inflammatory hormone, and a long menstrual cycle means more oestrogen is secreted in ratio to progesterone. Oestrogen raises prolactin levels. Two of the studies found significantly higher levels of prolactin. One of the studies found a much higher prolactin:progesterone ratio than controls. Plus the oestrogen:progesterone ratio was greater, this of course is a prime example of oestrogen dominance. A long menstrual cycle does not have to occur for excess oestrogen to be present. The anovulatory cycles found from about age 35 on through Peri-menopause will also cause the ratio to become skewed. And once in Menopause our fat cells still make oestrone, which is as potent an oestrogen as oestradiol. Plus many women have a defective luteal phase, where insufficient progesterone is secreted. Sjogren's is labeled as an 'autoimmune' disease, but as all these have low vitamin D, and many have low progesterone, I'm beginning to think they're not autoimmune, but merely a deficiency disease. Of particular interest to me is many believe Sjogren's also has a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. So do vitamin D deficiencies, in fact most of us have low levels. Well to prove a point I looked up vitamin D and Sjogren's and found a couple of papers, see here and here. Continued below.
Mar 21, 2012
 dry eyes Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Ella Another interesting find is a low level of sRAGES (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products) is thought to be implicated in Sjogren's, see here. sRAGES is an anti-inflammatory, opposing the action of AGEs, see here. Glycation occurs when a sugar molecule binds to a protein or lipid molecule without the control of an enzyme. This impairs the function of the molecule, leading to advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), resulting in many of our inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is the end result of long term oxidative stress. Most of our diseases are the result of oxidative stress, high levels of antioxidants are needed, including above all vitamin D. Please have a test done, and please avoid all sugars, plus those found in all grains, legumes, and sweet starchy fruits and veggies. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the 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
Mar 23, 2012
 TXS
by: ELLA

Thank you all for xyour comments and advice. It's good to know that i can turn to people for help.
May 11, 2012
 not working...yet
by: Ella

Hi, it's me again... I've been using the cream for more than 2 months and see no effect...What should i do? Increase the dose? Use it all the time?

Thanks
Nov 13, 2017
 Dry Eye Mostly Gone
by: HappyMom

I just wanted to contribute here as another person who suffered for years with severe dry eye (and mouth/throat) that nothing could resolve, but natural progesterone cream did. 95% better!

My daughter actually, for 4 years had extreme dryness that many docs and specialists failed to diagnose or treat effectively. She could never get a full night's sleep from waking in pain, dry as a bone every night. She was only 21 when it started and is turning 25 now. She saw many doctors including an endocrinologist and an opthamologist, who even went into the field to help dry eye, and neither one ever thought of considering a hormonal cause. Shameful really. Real physical damage was occurring with dental troubles and meibomian glands. Even though she has a history of difficult menses and probable PCOS.. not a single doc connected the dots. All the zillions of tests showed a healthy young woman so they just shrugged and told her it must be autoimmune, no cause no cure. It's been a rough journey.

After trying so many things, conventional, alternative with no relief, finally the hormonal thing clicked for us despite the endocrinologist dismissing it, and she grabbed a bottle of natural progesterone and got nearly instant relief. Saliva first increased and the eyes followed within the first couple days. And she only used a small daily dose. She got a mild headache the first few days but that subsided, probably a shock to her system. It has been a full month now so it's quite safe to say this has been the issue all along.

All the appointments, the financial and emotional drain ongoing for years, all resolved with an inexpensive bottle of product right off the shelf. Amazed and delighted we are of course, and angry this was not figured out sooner. Want to shout it from the rooftops so others who are suffering can give this a try.

Sjogrens or Lupus, really? Any medical professional should've been able to diagnose this, as the correlation with hormones is not news. Had I put the right search terms in the search engine earlier, years of agony could have been avoided, but the docs had me looking in all the wrong directions.

Forgive my rant. My daughter is finally able to reclaim her young life and I know that though it may not work in every case, it is surely a possibility worth trying.

She even was able to pause for a week without a backlash of dryness. In trying to mimic a natural cycle. It truly has been like a miracle.
Jul 31, 2018
 dry eyes and low estrogen
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I suffer from dry eyes and low estrogen (61). I do take estrogen BHT. My dry eyes have just come on in the past 6 months. How could I be Estrogen dominant and have low results with accompanying hot flashes?
Aug 01, 2018
 Reply to Anonymous
by: Bettie

Hi there, please see herewith a Wikipedia link regarding BHR and progesterone which I believe is crucial to know.

I wrote the first comment re progesterone for dry eyes when I was 44, and am now (very close to) 52 and stand by my decision to use progesterone and only progesterone (no HRT or BHR) as it replaces the need for BHR as it is a pre-cursor for producing estrogen naturally. Please consider the option of doing that as it will resolve your low estrogen and dry eyes. Good luck!

Btw, I went for a bone density test in October last year and scored 1 or 100%, while in 2010 it was 80%, a result which I ascribe to the natural progesterone and which as the years go by become ever more important.
Dec 17, 2020
 Dry eyes
by: Susan

How long is it okay to use progesterone cream for dry eye?

I am going through perimenopause and am approaching 60 days on Natpro. I love the cream.
It has really helped my dry eyes. I have seen numerous physicians and not one could determine that menopause was a cause of dry eye.

Currently, I am taking both cyclosporine and Natpro. I space them out. Unfortunately; when I get hot flashes it dries my eyes out and I still need the cyclosporine because its internal heat that dries my eyes out.
Dec 22, 2020
 Reply to Susan
by: Bettie

Give it 4 months or so Susan. I found that once the dry eye cycle is broken, it is possible to stop indefinitely, I have not used the Natpro for dry eyes specifically for nearly 6 years now. But do use it as an anti-inflammatory occasionally.

Btw, I was prescribed doxycycline (similar to your prescription in composition) by my ophthalmologist when my dry eyes started and it does help.

Good luck with your recovery Susan.
Jun 19, 2022
 Dry eyes
by: Ilene

I am on oestrogen patch & utrogestan , my question is can I still use progesterone cream for dry eyes .
Jun 20, 2022
 Dry Eyes
by: Joy

Hi llene

Using estrogen and progesterone at the same time is confusing things.  You will need to use a much higher amount of progesterone in order to balance your hormones.  The aim of progesterone therapy is to make it the dominant hormone at all times.

Utrogestan is a good progesterone but if it is oral it won't be very effective, as the oral route is the least effective delivery system, see various Delivery Methods. So if you opt for it, rather use it as a suppository/pessary. Pessary is best as it reaches the uterus etc very quickly.

Progesterone will certainly help with dry eyes but you will battle as you are using estrogen as well.  Excess estrogen is the cause.  You might like to read this post on dry eyes.  Wray explains things in detail.
Aug 01, 2022
 Dry eyes
by: Ilene

I’m on a low dose of estrogen 50 patch & using utrogestan 100 daily , my question is , you said I will battle as I’m using estrogen as well , is there an alternative? & would natpro help ? Thanks ilene
Aug 02, 2022
 Dry Eyes
by: Joy

Hi ilene

The estrogen will counteract progesterone defeating the object really. You will need to use a huge amount of progesterone to rectify this. Progesterone only is needed.

Natpro will certainly help you if used correctly making sure that your Vitamin D3 level is optimal as mentioned many times on this website.

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