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Progesterone information

by Wendy
(London)

I would be interested in receiving further information about progesterone. Meanwhile, I wonder if you could answer a query.

I've recently bought a pot of natural progesterone cream and, in the next couple of days after ovulation, I am intending to start using this in the hope that it will combat/balance a host of oestrogen-dominance symptoms, which include endometriosis, fibroids, headaches, some facial hair, reduced libido, painful and heavy periods, mood swings etc. (I've had these and other symptoms to varying degrees for many years, though the painful periods have been alleviated somewhat by taking agnus castus. I'm now 46 and still have a very regular cycle.)

However, over the last year or two I've also been experiencing thinning hair and have just committed to an expensive course of topical treatment: a lotion containing Minoxydil and 0.0125 MPG (medroxyprogesterone). I have read (I think possibly on your web site as well as elsewhere) that you should not use natural progesterone in conjunction with synthetic progestins. Can you tell me whether this only applies to orally-ingested progestins (ie HRT tablets) and, also, what exactly are the problems with combining the two?

Do you think I would be able to try using the natural progesterone cream in the second half of my cycle while continuing to apply the topical lotion on my scalp? If possible, I would like to continue the hair treatment, partly because it's been quite a financial commitment and partly because it does seem to be improving the condition of my hair, though it's too early to tell if it's affecting regrowth.

I'd be most grateful for your advice on this matter and look forward to your response.

With best wishes.

Comments for Progesterone information

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Aug 28, 2009
 Progesterone information
by: Wray

Hi Wendy. The endo and fibroids are due to excess oestrogen. The headaches, facial hair, hair loss from the head, reduced libido, painful and heavy periods, mood swings, are also all due to excess oestrogen. They are all symptoms of peri-menopause too, which at 46 you are now in. It doesn't surprise me the hair loss has started now, it occurs in many women. We do have a web page on peri-menopause you might care to read.

We also have one on fibroids, and another on endo.

Progesterone does suppress excess oestrogen, so I believe you will benefit, but you would need to use about 200mg/day. I'm guessing the cream you have will recommend about 20-40mg/day. This is the amount we make in our monthly cycle, fine when there are no problems, useless if there are. No one knows why Minoxidil works, but there's reason to believe it stimulates nitric oxide, this is a potent vasodilator, which basically means more blood is taken to the hair follicle.

Progesterone stimulates NO and is a vasodilator itself, so has also been used successfully to aid hair loss in women, some men respond too. I believe the main mechanism behind it's success is it suppresses excess oestrogen. Excess oestrogen is converted to androgens in the body, it's the androgens causing the hair loss. Insulin resistance has also been implicated in hair loss, which is why the B vitamin inositol is so effective, in fact it's called the anti-alopecia vitamin. You should take 2000-4000mg/day. We have a web page on insulin resistance here.

Excess oestrogen occurs in peri-menopause, worsening by the month till menopause. This not only causes the symptoms of peri-menopause, but insulin resistance too, which also worsens. The MPA you've been given suppresses ovarian function, by doing so it suppresses all progesterone production from the ovaries, not what you want! Contraceptives also cause insulin resistance. We have a web page on contraceptives showing the adverse side affects.

You can use progestins and progesterone concurrently, although I would advise coming off the progestin. Another very beneficial adjunct is the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine, the skin comprises a high proportion of this, it strengthens hair, skin and nails too. About 2000mg/day would be a good dose. Take care, Wray

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