Progesterone Cream daily with no breaks

by Janet
(USA)

My doctor advised I use natural progesterone cream daily with no breaks to see if it helps with horrible insomnia, low energy, and headaches.

I am 52 and have very irregular periods. Is it safe to use the cream continuously with no breaks? I read sometimes it's fine, and other places I read you must take a break. What is best? Safest?

Comments for
Progesterone Cream daily with no breaks

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Jan 10, 2011
 I took progesterone cream daily with no breaks
by: Michele

Hi, From September 1 to mid October last year [6 weeks], I took progesterone cream daily with no breaks because I wanted to kick in my fight against estrogen dominance, plus, I was freaked out that they had found DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ which is pre-cancer] in my breast (I am a breast cancer survivor). It did the trick - I got rid of my Chronic Fatigue, Thrush and anxiety/crappy sleep...BUT!! be forwarned - I put on a ton of weight - it was weird - it was like a band of water weight on my upper stomach, and my thighs and bum enlarged...that was disheartening. Now that I am on progesterone cream two weeks on/two weeks off, I am back to normal.

I would think you should get a second opinion about taking anything, daily, non-stop...but taking progesterone saved my life! I also have the energy back - I feel like I am back in my twenties - good luck.
Jan 10, 2011
 ca
by: Jessica

I'm breasfeeding so I take it continuously. I have been for about 4 months now. I tried taking a break in the begining and it only made me feel horrible. So I'm guessing that there are times when taking it continuously is a good thing if it makes you feel better...
Jan 11, 2011
 Re: Your Question
by: Karen

I would think if your period is irregular that it would be tough to follow a cycle. Thus using it continuously would make sense. In the section on how to use the cream, it addresses this.

I gained midsection weight too and now wonder if it was using progesterone cream continuously. I never had that before and thought maybe its from getting older. I'm 43 now.

I feel better when I use it continuously.
Jan 12, 2011
 Progesterone Cream daily with no breaks
by: Wray

Hi Janet It is safe to use daily, I do and have for 15 years now. I did during my peri-menopause years too, when I had a regular cycle, my symptoms came back if I took one. It's impossible to follow your cycle if you have irregular periods, which could be stopping soon too. We do have a page on Menopause you might like to look at. Please make sure you use enough, I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. And please look at our page on Oestrogen Dominance in case your doctor has not warned you about it. Progesterone does help with sleep, see here. But if you find you need more help, please see here. Progesterone can increase energy levels, but it might be due to low vitamin D, please have a test done, see the Vitamin D council website for more info. Plus our page on Insulin Resistance as this is often a cause too. Finally progesterone is affective for headaches, see here, here and here. Take care Wray
Jan 12, 2011
 I took progesterone cream daily with no breaks
by: Wray

Hi Michelle I'm pleased the progesterone helped you, but it seems the amount was not high enough to prevent the weight gain. This is caused by oestrogen, not progesterone, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance for more info. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, particularly if insufficient is used. Oestrogen causes fat cells to divide and multiply, fat cells are also a non-ovarian source of progesterone, hence the added weight. Oestrogen also causes water retention too, which adds to the weight. I've not found using it continuously causes this gain, but evidently you have. Take care Wray
Jan 12, 2011
 ca
by: Wray

Hi Jessica It's safe to use continuously, and safe to use during breast feeding. We do have a page on Pregnancy with some info on this. Take care Wray
Jan 12, 2011
 Re: Your Question
by: Wray

Hi Karen I don't believe the weight gain is caused by continuous use, as many women get it when taking a break. It's a side affect of using progesterone, and usually insufficient. Progesterone stimulates oestrogen initially, and oestrogen causes fat cells to increase in number and causes water retention. For more info please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. Take care Wray
Aug 21, 2011
 Daily - balance?
by: Anonymous

I've also thought doing my low dose progesterone on days after my cycle and then increasing it on the 14th day till my cycle starts.

My goal is some kind of hormonal balance. I have melasma that seems to be getting worse now that I'm back on progesterone cream, acne, and anxiety. I do think my anxiety is a tad bit better while on it. PMS doesn't seem as bad but still there. When I did my ZRT test it said progesterone levels too high compared to estrogen and estradial slightly low.

I'm wondering if progesterone cream being on a high amount gave me melasma? I am now taking about 15-20mg nightly.

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