Progesterone and Hypertension

by Amy
(Atlanta, Ga, USA)

I had 3 3 month Depo Provera shots plus a Lupron injection before my endometrial ablation 6 weeks ago. I had been taking progestin BC pills a few months before that. I developed hypertension which did not respond to meds which produced horrible side effects. I am now working with 2 Drs who are trying to balance me and lower my pressure naturally (one wants me to use the cream twice daily). It's been over 15 weeks since my last injection. How will the progesterone cream affect my blood pressure?

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Progesterone and Hypertension

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Feb 02, 2008
 Hypertension
by: Wray

Hi Amy All OC's can cause many and diverse adverse side affects. They can cause cholesterol to rise, cause insulin resistance, elevate CRP (C-reactive protein) leading to inflammation, can cause fatty deposits on the linings of arteries, causes platelet aggregation leading to clots and they lower progesterone levels. All of these can contribute to a rise in blood pressure.

Progesterone is antiatherogenic, it prevents vasoconstriction by increasing levels of nitric oxide (NO), which causes vasodilation, it inhibits platelet aggregation, it prevents inflammation by inhibiting the Th1 cytokine response and natural killer cell activity, both of which lead to inflammation.

Stress also increases blood pressure, by increasing levels of the hormones adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are responsible for the fight/flight response leading to increased blood pressure. Progesterone inhibits the stress response by activating the GABA receptor sites in the brain. GABA is our major calming or inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Another hormone, aldosterone, in response to stress, increases the amount of sodium that is retained, which in turn increases the amount of water that is retained, thereby increasing blood pressure. Progesterone is an excellent diuretic, it works by inhibiting this aldosterone response. It is so affective it is now being given as an IV transfusion to reduce the oedema that occurs in brain trauma victims.

As NO causes vasodilation, it would be advisable to take the amino acid L- arginine, the precursor to NO. There are many natural anti-inflammatories you could take too, particularly the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine and omega 3 fish oil. Check your sodium/potassium ratios too, but I'm sure your doctors know all this.

And of course use progesterone. If water retention is a problem, you would initially need to use 10-15ml/day (2-3 tsp) of a 3.33% cream for 2-3 days, which will give between 333-500mg progesterone. This should reduce it considerably. I'm very sensitive to salt and blow up if I inadvertently eat too much, this is the amount I use. It is best to divide the dose to keep levels up. Hope this helps! Take care Wray
Feb 02, 2008
 Hypertension
by: Amy

Thanks for your reply. The BP is coming down with time. I am now working with a Dr. who has me on fish oil, magnesium, CoQ10, and has just started me on NAC and taurine, for the reasons you stated. I have already been on arginine.

I am also going to get some stress management therapy at her suggestion. I am starting to feel better and sleeping better since using the cream. It's over 17 weeks since the last shot and this crap should be out of my body by 28 weeks, from what I've been able to find out.
Feb 25, 2008
 Hypertension and progesterone
by: Anonymous

Does progesterone cream lower a man's hypertension? How many times a day does he need to use it and how much?
Mar 12, 2008
 Hypertension in men
by: Wray

Yes it can lower a man's hypertension, in the same ways it lowers a woman's. Men generally need much less than women, so try 2ml/day, divided morning and night.

I would suggest you also use the same nutrients mentioned in my answer to Amy. I think you'll find the combination of all of them will reduce it considerably. Arginine is specially important to men, as it also improves erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Take care Wray

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