Progesterone managed my bipolar mood swings

by Lori W
(New York)

After getting my period I started having severe abdominal pain. I was then diagnosed with endometriosis. I had surgery but the painful periods continued. I then became severely depressed and had terrible mood swings.

I was on all kinds of medicines but nothing worked. I had a child and after giving birth I crashed and was thinking of ways to kill myself. After my second child I was medicated before the birth and that was a better transition. I realized I was ok pregnant but after the baby look out.

I asked the gyno to simulate me being pregnant for the rest of my life. She told me to try Depo shots. I did and I got my life back. Please try progesterone first. Lets get the word out. Thank you.

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Progesterone managed my bipolar mood swings

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Feb 19, 2010

postpartum and progesterone
by: Gillian

Twenty five years ago I had terrible postpartum psychosis and depression after the births of my second and third child. My life was a wreck. At the time, a pharmacist friend suggested progesterone, but instead I took other drugs. Now twenty five years later that I am successfully using progesterone cream for my peri menopausal symptoms, I realize how progesterone probably would have been the answer for all of my postpartum woes. I realize that I was in the smaller percentage of women who suffer such severe symptoms, but there was absolutely no information on the subject. I hope forums like this are one way of getting the word out to women who don't need to suffer needlessly.

Feb 23, 2010

Progesterone managed my bipolar mood swings
by: Wray

Hi Lori. You had severe post natal depression, and should have been given progesterone immediately after birth, if not before. Unfortunately Depo Provera is not progesterone but the synthetic version. I'm surprised it helped you, as it prevents ovulation, which means you are not making any progesterone in your ovaries and never will whilst taking it. All contraceptives have adverse side affects, you might like to see this page. Please see this web page for the difference between the two. Take care, Wray

Feb 23, 2010

Postpartum and progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Gillian. It was a pity you weren't given progesterone. It drops sharply after birth causing post natal blues to post natal psychosis in up to 25% of women. The amino acid tryptophan also drops, which adds to the problem. Post natal psychosis affects about 0.05% of women after giving birth. Having had PND myself, I have an idea of what you went through. Progesterone would have helped. Dr Dalton would give up to 2400mg/day as injections and suppositories/pessaries for her patients with post natal psychosis. She's written an excellent book called Depression After Childbirth. It's such a pity not more is known about it, as you say so much needless suffering. I'm pleased it's now helping you! You might like to read what Dr Dalton has to say about PND. Take care, Wray