Progesterone levels before my period

by Nikki
(England)

Could a rise in progesterone levels just before my period be causing sensations of feeling unable to walk?

I'm a 23 year old with a 2 year old son. When I was younger I suffered lower back pain, sometimes I had to take weeks off work and college. When I got to the age of 20 my back pain was fine for a while, then when I fell pregnant I got sciatica and could hardly walk. After I had my son the backpain left me as quickly as it came. I didn't have a problem until about a year ago, if my periods are late, for about a week before I come on, get feelings of aching pain in my lower back. It travels down my legs and even my ankles hurt.

I came on this morning and was ok when I woke up but by the afternoon I could hardly walk. Its like my legs won't work. I feel weak and unable to stand up. My sister has just been diagnosed with scoliosis. As I have a son to look after and a job which involves standing up for hours on end, what is this condition and what can I do because it is affecting my ability to perform day to day activities? Please help.

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Progesterone levels before my period

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Feb 13, 2009
 Progesterone levels before my period
by: Wray

Hi Nikki. The myopathy you are experiencing is due to the drop in progesterone levels shortly before your period, not a rise. Progesterone rises at ovulation or about 14 days before our period, reaching a high ±7days before the period, then drops sharply 2-3 days before. It's this drop which causes the adverse symptoms many women experience, the sugar and alcohol cravings, tiredness, depression etc. Plus the higher the oestrogen level during the luteal phase, the worse the symptoms.

The sciatica was caused by pressure from the growing foetus on the sciatic nerve, which is why the pain left after birth. The pain you experience in the week before your period is quite possibly caused by water retention putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Progesterone is an excellent anti-inflammatory and diuretic, so rub some cream on your lower back when it occurs.

With regular progesterone use, you'll find the myopathy will go. It's something I had during peri-menopause and it left very shortly after starting using the cream. Incidentally scoliosis is most often caused by muscles in spasm, pulling the spine out of place. I suggest your sister finds someone doing a therapy which releases tension, ie Integrated Bodywork, Body Talk, EFT might help, accupressure or shiatsu. Take care, Wray.
Jun 14, 2009
 Back pain
by: back pain

Wow thanks for the great information!
Jun 18, 2009
 Thanks
by: Wray

Thanks! Take care, Wray
Oct 03, 2009
 Progesterone levels before my period
by: JANE

Dear Nikki & Wray, wow I've had this same problem for years. I have been keeping track of it on a calendar for about 8 months now and it seems to be worse every other month. I was wondering if Nikki tried this and how it worked for her. I am on a couple of other medications and I am a little hesitant to try something new in case it screws up my other medications. But if it worked for both of you it would most definetly be worth me giving it a try.

Thank you if you could please email back under this topic that would be great! Thanks.
Oct 20, 2009
 For Jane
by: Wray

The worsening every other month could be you are not ovulating every month. Unless we ovulate we make no progesterone in our ovaries. But we are still making oestrogen. Progesterone reacts with no drug, so if you wanted to try it no harm will be done, only good I hope! Unfortunately I had bad myopathy after the birth of my daughter, but knew nothing of progesterone then! I wish I could email you but I have no email address for you. So please would you contact me through this form. Take care.
Jun 21, 2010
 BACK PAIN, NAUSEA
by: sandy

About the 20th or 21st of every month I get dizzy, nausea, loose stool and severe back pain (it sometimes feels like my hips are going to crack open). I also get something like panic attacks and suffer from anxiety during this time. The symptoms last about 10-14 days. The doctor does not think it is related to hormones as I has blood tests done which came back "normal". I started birth control (Seasonale). Five days after starting this drug I had the same symptoms but extremely severe. I stopped taking it. I had a uterine ablation done in May to remedy my heavy periods but it did nothing for the symptoms described above. I am useless during this time as I don't want to do anything but stay in bed. It is affecting my children and my husband. Any suggestions?
Jun 23, 2010
 BACK PAIN, NAUSEA
by: Wray

Hi Sandy If you have a 28 day cycle, which it seems from the above, progesterone peaks ±21st day. It's not the progesterone causing the symptoms directly, but a stimulatory affect it has on oestrogen, which also rises mid-luteal phase. So a push/pull situation is going on. Oestrogen causes water retention which can upset the balance in the ears, it also causes nausea. It's pro-inflammatory hence the back pain. Progesterone on the other hand is an excellent diuretic, so is getting rid of the water as fast as it can, not fast enough to stop the dizziness, but enough to cause the loose stools. In fact it's such a good diuretic it's given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema that forms after the injury. It also prevents the inflammation which occurs, as it's an excellent anti-inflammatory. Your reaction to the BC pill is a clue, women with low progesterone/high oestrogen react badly to it. So although your hormone levels came back 'normal' they couldn't have looked at the ratio of the two. It should be between 10-100, too big a range, and too low I feel. I've found if the ratio is well into the 100's we feel fine, anything lower and we feel awful. if you have the results, please divide the progesterone by the oestrogen to find the ratio. Another clue is your heavy periods, these are caused by excess oestrogen. Oestrogen and only oestrogen can cause the lining to grow. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP?s) are enzymes that break down protein. They play a role in the breakdown of endometrial tissues at the end of the menstrual cycle. If they are over active, as would be the case with an excess of oestrogen in the body, (oestrogen stimulates it?s production), the result is a pathological reaction such as inflammation. This can lead to many things, including excessive bleeding in the uterus. Progesterone suppresses MMP's. It?s only when progesterone levels drop at the end of the cycle that the MMP?s can get to work and breakdown the lining causing our monthly bleed. But with oestrogen continually stimulating more lining, and low progesterone, bleeding continues. To stop heavy bleeding the amount of progesterone needed initially is high, between 200-400mg/day. The anxiety and panic attacks are caused by a drop in GABA levels, GABA is one of our most calming neurotransmitters, progesterone activates the GABA receptor sites. With a high level of oestrogen suppressing the progesterone, GABA levels drop. For more info on this please see our web page on Anxiety. If you do decide to use progesterone please see our web page on Oestrogen Dominance first. It can occur and is most disconcerting when it does. You've had a taste of it every 21st day of the month. Take care Wray
Feb 13, 2011
 Help
by: Patricia

I have been having panic attacks and palpitations for 15 years. I read one of your last comments about people who react badly to BC meds and that's me. I believe I am having palpitations related to my period. I have palpitation through the first two weeks but not bad then the last two weeks the get worse especially in the last week. Then when my period hits they almost completely stop and right after I stop bleeding they come back. I have had amino acid tests done because of my panic attacks and palpitations and my GABA was high, my norepinephrine was elevated, my cortisol was elevated, these of course explain my panic attacks. I get horrible cravings for salty and sweet before and during my period. Horrible mood swings including crying episodes right before my period. Should I be using progesterone cream?
Feb 25, 2011
 Help
by: Wray

Hi Patricia All Contraceptives lower progesterone levels. Progesterone is needed to activate the GABA receptor sites. Evidently your GABA is not going where it should, so is high. GABA is one of our most calming neurotransmitters, and is essential to stop panic attacks, but it needs direction! We do have a page on Anxiety which explains everything. Excess oestrogen causes palpitations, as it causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia and Torsades de Pointes. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here and here. Oestrogen starts climbing after a period, see this Chart on hormone levels. This would explain the slight palpitations. It drops slightly just before ovulation, then rises again during the luteal phase. Progesterone should rise sharply during the luteal phase, but if the corpus luteum is not producing sufficient, or none at all, this extra boost of oestrogen is enough to worsen the palpitations. It would appear you are in Peri-menopause? If so this explains the above, as we don't ovulate each month during this phase. Anovulation actually starts about age 35. Ovulation ceases entirely at Menopause. It seems you are making a little progesterone, as your symptoms worsen, including the cravings, the week before your period. This is explained by progesterone dropping too quickly in ratio to oestrogen, causing Oestrogen Dominance. Oestrogen also upsets blood glucose, another reason for panic attacks. The salt cravings are an indication your adrenals are stressed, it's often given to help them. These are stressed as they are making far too much adrenaline, which is also implicated in panic attacks. So yes, I do believe progesterone will help you, plus the nutrients listed on the anxiety page, particularly inositol and taurine. Please use sufficient progesterone, details on the pages I've given. Take care Wray
May 26, 2011
 Severe Period Pain
by: Mrs C

Hi
I'm 44 and for most of my life I've had light periods with no or mild pain but for the last 4 or 5 years, I've had some periods that have been so painful that I've been screaming out in pain. Worse than labour pains, with nausea, pain in thighs plus weakness and shakiness. I took Agnus Castus and that seemed to help keep them at bay but they've returned. I don't like taking meds but went to my GP and she gave me 3 options-Mirena IUS coil, Mefanamic Acid (NSAID) or Tranexamic Acid. I don't need contraception as my husband is infertile although I'd take a pill if it was the best option for me. I had a child at age 26. I'm slim, non-smoker, started periods late, flat chested. The Mefanamic Acid option seems good for the pain but would like to deal with the cause and get my hormones in balance. What would you recommend? (Is the pill, Yasmin any good?)
Jun 03, 2011
 Severe Period Pain
by: Wray

Hi Mrs C All drug based Contraceptives have the potential to cause adverse side effects, including the Mirena. I would never recommend them for contraception or to control pain either. You might like to see these sites on Yasmin, and Yaz which is the same drug, see here, here and here. You are now in Peri-menopause, which is such a difficult time with dropping progesterone levels. The cramps are caused by prostaglandins, these also cause labour pains too. But your progesterone level is low now, whereas just prior to birth it can get as high as 425ng/ml. So it doesn't surprise me the pain is worse now. Progesterone is a potent anti-inflammatory. If you should consider using it I recommend 100-200mg/day, but please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance first, as this can occur. It can take time for the progesterone to settle down, but it is excellent for cramps, which will eventually be helped. It is normal to stop the progesterone when a period starts, but if cramping should occur while bleeding, it's safe to use it during your period too. I find it far more important to get rid of adverse symptoms, even if it means the cycle might become erratic. I would also ask you to have a vitamin D test done too. This is the most important nutrient for health and another potent anti-inflammatory, see here, here, here, here and here. For more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray
Jan 04, 2012
 pregnancy symptoms, but not
by: Anonymous

For the past 6 months i've been feeling pregnant each month. Then i get my period and it goes away. I'm guessing it has to do with the amount of oesterogen / progesterone level my body is producing each month. But why wasn't it happening before? Will i go back to normal?
Jan 09, 2012
 Abrupt hormonal change right when I get my period
by: Marie

Hi, I know many women suffer from PMS a few days before their period, but for me, the exact opposite is true. From the day after ovulation until the day I get my period, I feel GREAT. Meaning, I have a good appetite, I sleep nice and deep, and I'm not nervous at all. But then the minute my period comes, BOOM, I'm a nervous, shaking mess. From the day I get my period to the day of ovulation, I actually have to stay on Xanax just to function. I have no appetite, muscles in my face are twitching, I can't sleep, I get OCD symptoms, and STRONG ANXIETY. But once ovulation is over, I look forward to the next 2 months of HEAVEN, the two weeks leading to the next menstrual period. Can anyone tell me which hormone is either dropping or rising so quickly the second I get my period until ovulation that has the power to disrupt everything so much? Again, my bad days are Days 1-14, and the really good days are Days 15-28. Thanks for any advice! :-)
Jan 11, 2012
 pregnancy symptoms, but not
by: Wray

Hi there I would have to have more info before I can help you. For instance what age you are, if in Peri-menopause this could possibly explain what's occurring. We do have another page you could look at, the answer might be there, see How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Jan 11, 2012
 Abrupt hormonal change right when I get my period
by: Wray

Hi Marie This is so interesting. You might like to see a Chart we have on the rise and fall of the hormones. It appears you are making a great deal of progesterone during your luteal phase. Most of the women who write in are not, hence their many adverse symptoms. Progesterone peaks mid-luteal phase, but so does oestrogen. If, as so often happens, the corpus luteum makes insufficient progesterone to counter the oestrogen, all hell breaks loose. Or if the luteal phase is too short, ie less than 12 days, progesterone levels remain too low. Thirdly there is a drop in the two hormones during the last few days before bleeding. If progesterone drops faster than oestrogen, adverse symptoms occur. The sharp drop in progesterone you are experiencing sends you into the state you describe. But shortly after this oestrogen begins rising, evidently this is what you are experiencing too. Although it's not normal to use progesterone during the first half of the cycle, I do recommend it if symptoms are as severe as yours. If you should consider it, please be aware that initially progesterone can upset the cycle. Plus Oestrogen Dominance can occur, of which you are only too familiar. It's essential to use sufficient to prevent this, or certainly make it as mild as possible while progesterone levels increase enough to suppress this excess oesterogen. I normally recommend 100-200mg/day, but you might find you need more initially. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. We also have a page on Anxiety which gives a list of nutrients which help. Inositol reverses symptoms of OCD, you could consider taking this. Amounts between 12-18g/day (12,000-18,000mg) have been used, see here. Take care Wray
Jan 11, 2012
 Re:
by: Marie

Okay, thanks so much for all of that info, Wray! Very, very helpful.
Jan 27, 2012
 hip pain
by: sleepless

I am fifty one and still having regular periods. From around ovulation time till I start my period I start having an increasing amount of hip pain and then back pain and increasing joint pain all over. The hip pain becomes so severe a few days before my period that i can't sleep, even sitting is very uncomfortable. I also start having muscle spasms in hip. I feel much better though after the second day of my period. I do have a few bulging discs and although that can cause hip pain my hip hurts to even press on it. Is this simply fluid retention or a hormon inbalance--high estrogen??? Will this pain get better or worse after i stop having periods?
Jan 27, 2012
 Re:
by: Wray

Hi Marie Glad it was of help. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Jan 27, 2012
 hip pain
by: Wray

Hi there Peri-menopause is the hardest phase of our lives I feel, mine certainly was! Progesterone levels are dropping, in fact have been since age 35. We begin getting anovulatory cycles round about then, when no progesterone is secreted. These increase in frequency through P-M, until Menopause when the ovaries stop making viable eggs. Excess oestrogen causes pain, it's an inflammatory hormone. Oestrogen drops to it's lowest level during our period, which is why you feel better. It then begins rising again until it peaks at ovulation. It then takes a small dip, before peaking again mid-luteal phase. If insufficient progesterone is made during the luteal phase, or none at all, there is nothing to counter this oestrogen rise. You might like to see a Graph on the rise and fall of the hormones. I can't say if it will get better or worse after menopause, as we still make oestrone in our fat cells. This oestrogen is as potent as oestradiol, the pre-menopause oestrogen. I would recommend you try progesterone, there's nothing to loose and everything to gain. But please use sufficient, too low a level will stimulate oestrogen and make matters worse. The page on P-M gives info on how to use it. But before you do, please read out page on Oestrogen Dominance first as this can occur. Take care Wray

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