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Progesterone for Interstitial Cystitis and IBS?

by Jamie

I am a woman in my late twenties and have suffered from Interstitial Cystitis (IC - urgency/frequency) and IBS (colon cramping, stool issues, etc) for two years. In a 24 hour urine hormone test, all my hormones showed up as being in the normal range except testosterone, which was low. My progesterone was on the lower end of normal, my estrogen was normal, etc.

I was just treated for H Pylori, which has reduced my IBS symptoms by about half and has helped my IC symptoms some, and I am on vitamin D for a significant deficiency in D that was also just discovered recently. I continue to have symptoms, however, and I think a hormonal issue might be going on.

I was on birth control for ten years (stopped about a year ago), and the last two years of that (so a year before I got sick and another year after) I was on continuous Seasonale because it seemed to make my migraines better, which were at their worst premenstrually. My migraine issues have resolved in the meantime.

As further info, my cholesterol appears to be elevated and has shown up as elevated once before a few years ago, which I understand can be linked to long-term BCP use. I don't think I am quite insulin resistant, however (based on insulin levels and fat distribution on my body, etc), though I might be leaning that way a bit for all I know. I am trying to cut down on carbs and have more protein etc.

Of course, despite the "normal" progesterone results, I wonder if I am estrogen dominant and need progesterone cream. If so, what dose should I try? Some books seem to say 20mg and some 200mg. Should I start high or low, and what number should I work towards? I have a lot of other symptoms of progesterone deficiency such as irritability, PMS, attentional issues, etc. I also have a lot of pain in my hips and lower back (a la fibromyalgia), and some books suggest that progesterone cream can help with this as well, plus I suffer from fatigue (potential adrenal fatigue). Please advise. Thanks!

Comments for Progesterone for Interstitial Cystitis and IBS?

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May 23, 2009
 Progesterone for Interstitial Cystitis and IBS?
by: Wray

Hi Jamie. A low 'normal' progesterone with normal oestrogen would set you up for the symptoms you describe. The ratio should be the other way around. I would ask you to do the questionnaire we have to confirm if it's progesterone you need. You can access the questionnaire through the form in the right margin of this page.

I have found from experience that 20mg/day is insufficient if symptoms are severe. That's the amount a woman would normally make and is nowhere near enough to resolve anything. If you try the cream I suggest you start with 100mg/day, it's easy enough to increase/decrease using symptoms to guide you.

I'm interested to hear you've had a vitamin D test done, I believe we should all have it! A 2007 study found even with supposed adequate sun exposure of 1.5 hours per week, levels were low in 51% of the participants. The fibromyalgia/pain should be helped by the vitamin D provided you're taking enough. A low level of vitamin D causes insulin resistance and fatigue. The dose should be at least 2000IU's per day, some authorities recommend between 5000-1000IU's per day to resolve a deficiency. look at here.

Finally I suggest you take between 4000-8000mg/day of the amino acid glutamine for the IBS. It's the only nutrient the lining of the gut can use to heal itself. It also boosts the immune system and, as it crosses the blood-brain barrier readily, the brain can use it in place of glucose, so it's excellent for fatigue.

Take care, Wray.
Oct 26, 2011
 Want progesterone cream!
by: Anonymous

I have tried to order the cream you are talking about, progesterone. I have not been able to order it, I have subscribed.

Let me know how to get a bottle to try. Thank you, anxious to try it. Sounds awesome. Betsy vourantoni.

[note from webmaster: thanks Betsy but sorry, we don't publish email or private addresses as it can attract spam and possibly unwelcome messages directed at you. However, to order Natpro you can do this directly online at a secure shopping cart here...

http://www.organicproducts-llc.com/natpro-progesterone-cream.html]
Aug 03, 2021
 Perimenpause, with estrogen Dominance, Endometriosis and IBS
by: Anonymous

Hi, I wanted to ask for your professional opinion, in regards of progesterone cream 100mg that my doctor prescribed, been on it for two weeks, but because of my IBS, I feel it has slowed down my gut mobility, causing terrible constipation, and cramping. That happened the first few days, then it seemed like it leveled out for a few more days. And BTW, the progesterone cream is fantastic. However, I have noticed that my IBS is more sensitive since being on this hormone replacement therapy, should I pause the cream?

I just also got my COVID vaccine shot which messed me up big time. Now, that being said, my periods are no longer an issue, because they don't appear as often and by next June 2022, if I no longer have periods I will be in menopause indefinitely. I am 50 years of age, and am experiencing hot flashes, and mood swings however, since being on progesterone they have minimized considerably.

Please advise, what should I do, I tried reducing my dosage to 50 mg but it doesn't do anything for me. I like my 100mg cream my doctor has prescribed.

Thank you,
Healthyandthriving
Aug 03, 2021
 Perimenpause, with estrogen Dominance, Endometriosis and IBS
by: Joy

Hi there

I trust that the progesterone given to you is natural progesterone Ph. Eur. USP. JP. Did your doctor not explain to you that you must expect all sorts of changes when first using progesterone? The body needs to adjust to progesterone therapy which can take 2-6 months, longer if symptoms are severe. Please do not stop using progesterone. You are in Peri-Menopause, progesterone should be used every day going forward. A missed period for 12 months puts one in Menopause. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominancepages.

That being said, the COVID vac does seem to have an effect on the monthly cycle. No one can tell what the outcome is regarding this.

I can't see how progesterone can cause IBS though. IBS is often caused by mixing foods, i.e. eating carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes and bread, with protein. If you do this, please try to avoid it to see if this is your problem. Gut problems can be helped with progesterone, as it does calm us down, the gut too.
You could also be deficient in Vitamin D3. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone.

Constipation is almost always caused by poor nutrition and a lack of dietary fibre. Gut issues cause all sorts of issues.

Reducing the amount of cream used is going to make matters worse. Nothing less than 100mg per day is needed. However Hot Flashesrequire 400-500mg for 4-6 days or until they stop, then you can reduce.


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