Progesterone & Weight Gain

by Brianna
(California)

I have been on Bioidentical Progesterone cream for almost two weeks now and have almost gained 10lbs. My saliva test showed that my progesterone level was 59 and my cortisol was 1.5. Im 32 years old. I have noticed many benefits as far as my moods and libido etc., however, I am very worried about the weight gain.

What should I do? I am taking 30mg of the cream once daily. Please help! Thanks

Comments for
Progesterone & Weight Gain

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 01, 2009

Progesterone and Weight gain
by: Aylin

Do not worry, I don't think so it is from progesterone, especially because you use natural progesterone. I use sinthetic progesterone and I didn't take any gain plus... It can be just your body which keeps the water and does not eliminate it. Try to drink green tea every evening and morning. Good luck !

Jul 02, 2009

Progesterone and Weight Gain
by: Wray

Hi Brianna. Weight gain can occur when first using progesterone. The reason for this is progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, which causes the water retention. Progesterone is such a good diuretic it is now being used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims. Please read our web page here on oestrogen dominance.

Although the progesterone has helped you in other areas, I don't believe you are using enough. All the successful studies have used between 100-200mg/day, so I would suggest you increase the dose, you should find this helps. Take care, Wray

Aug 15, 2009

Be careful
by: Anonymous

Not to bust anyone's bubble, but you need to be careful about progesterone. My doctor told me if I continued to take progesterone cream that it could give me masculine traits. He said it is the reason men get a "beer belly" and "man boobs". I did get a belly after being on Depo Provera for six months... thank goodness I got off it. Just get your blood tested (or saliva) or whatever your dr. thinks is the best test and do it under strict supervision by a liscensed physician. I am also training to be a nurse and I hear about women with DVTs from the progestin in birth control pills and just sensitivity during pregnancy. My friend told me it does something to the fibrinogen in the blood.That is why they warn you about blood clots while taking the pill.

Aug 18, 2009

Be careful
by: Wray

You are so right about the progestins, whether found in the contraceptive pill or HRT, all of them come with adverse side effects, please see this web page for more info.

Progesterone on the other hand has no such side effects and most certainly does not cause masculine traits in a woman. If it did we would be grossly changed whilst pregnant, as we make over 400mg/day in the last trimester! For your doctor to say it causes 'man boobs' is a contradiction of the above. Progesterone cannot cause masculine traits in a woman and feminine in a man!

Progesterone is not a sex hormone, it has no influence on the secondary sexual characteristics which develop at puberty or the problems which can affect us later in life. Oestrogen, and only oestrogen, can cause cells to multiply and grow, hence the gynecomastia in men. Progesterone is excellent at reversing this is men. Take care, Wray

Oct 14, 2009

Progesterone intolerance
by: gin

Not all women tolerate progesterone. For example, I've had diarrhea for 5 years and have had every test imaginable to discover what was going on... no celiac disease, no parasites, on and on... until I heard that progesterone can cause (in 8%) diarrhea. I stopped the HRT (bio-identical cream) and within 3 days all symptoms had disappeared, but my weight still hasn't budged. Plus I still have joint pain (which is also another side effect) I've been off of it for 3 weeks now, and yes the night sweats and hot flashes are strong, but I don't have to go to the bathroom countless times a day. So my advise is listen to your own body and check with a different doctor. I tried 5 different doctors and then I asked my compounding pharmacist.

Oct 25, 2009

Progesterone intolerance
by: Wray

Hi Gin. I'm puzzled you say not all women tolerate progesterone. It's the most vital hormone for pregnancy, without which no woman would carry a child. We not only tolerate it but thrive on it! As evidenced by the 90% of women who experience greater well being when pregnant. Those that don't and suffer adverse symptoms like nausea, headaches etc are deficient in it while pregnant. You say you were on bio-identical HRT... did it contain oestrogen too? If so this will explain your adverse reaction to it. Joint pains are alleviated by progesterone which is an excellent anti-inflammatory. In fact so good that it is now being used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims. Take care, Wray

Oct 31, 2009

Progesterone and weight gain, sleepy head
by: Anonymous

I have been using Natpro for almost a year now and have just started to experience the benefit of a reduction in menstrual pain the past few months. I am very thankful for this and consider it a great blessing to the quality of my life. When I first started using the cream I experienced bad headaches which subsided after a few months passed by. I also gained a significant amount of weight. I was a size six and I am now a size 12. I find that in order for the cream to work I use a bit in the morning and a bit at night. It makes me a bit sleepy or foggy in my head. It is terrific at night, because it helps me sleep well which I am thankful for. However, it doesn't help me during the day when I need to be alert. I have tried doing without it during the day, but it doesn't work as well for my menstrual pain and if I stop using it altogether during my period, the pain worsens again.

I am trying to balance it all out to get rid of the negative side effects and still maintain the benefits. From what I have read online, I am not the only woman who has been healthy and at a healthy weight prior to using progesterone cream and then experienced a significant weight gain. I have stuck with it to give it ample time to work and regulate itself in my body and while I don't like being larger than I was to start with, it is better than living with the terrible pain I get each month. Any tips or advice?

Nov 11, 2009

Bio-Identical Progesterone
by: Anonymous

I've been on bio-identical HRT for 6 years now. Sad to say, my life has been a living hell. I had a hysterectomy at 33 and it was a huge mistake (I had gone through ovarian cancer and endo before that in my 20s). In addition to feeling "flu-like all the time, I have severe joint and nerve pain, edema, headaches, and HUGE weight gain in spite being very active (exercise very regularly) and eating very healthy. So... After going nuts trying to find out what is wrong with me, I'm becoming more and more convinced that even the bio-identicals are not some magic cure-all for all women. After 6 years of this hell, I've had enough. I want my health and my sanity back. I can deal with hot flashes but not with all the other issues.

Feb 17, 2010

Progesterone for migraines and sleep
by: Anonymous

I have been on progesterone - first the cream - but was not absorbing enough. Now I am on the pills. It does help with sleep. I have gained 25 pounds since I started and I am thinking of going off. It's not worth the weight. I exercise daily, and have always eaten healthy. It's ridiculous and my doctors are being rude about it.

Feb 20, 2010

Bio-identical progesterone
by: Jamie

It seems like I can't drop the fat around my belly and lower back. I eat a healthy 5 times a day and exercise at least 4-5 times a week and I eat under 1500 calories a day. I started taking 15mg of the bio-identical progesterone 3 months ago. I just want to know if this could be the reason for the weight not coming off. I am 39. I want to know if anyone else is having this problem. It just seems like it's a coincidence.

Mar 22, 2010

Sick of the tyre around my middle
by: Anonymous

I have been on progesterone cream for just over a year. The benefits have been great as far as sleeping and my moods, however, I too have experienced weight gain. I exercise 4 to 5 times a week and eat healthy but just can't seem to shake this added weight. I'm seriously thinking of stopping. So hard to decipher everything you read on-line and the doctors don't help either. What's a women to do?

Mar 23, 2010

Progesterone for migraines and sleep
by: Wray

You probably weren't absorbing enough progesterone in cream form as the amount in the cream was not high enough to have any effect. Between 100-200mg/day is needed to gain any benefit. The pills are not the solution either, as oral progesterone is mostly destroyed as it passes through the gut and liver, please see these papers...
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4

Weight gain is unfortunately experienced by many women when first using progesterone, it's activating the oestrogen receptor sites, oestrogen causes us to retain water. Progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now being used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims, please see papers...
Paper 1
paper 2
Paper 3
Take care, Wray

Mar 23, 2010

Weight Gain
by: Anonymous

My progesterone level is very very low - found out yesterday. I had a partial hysterectomy at age 27 (ovaries intact) and now at 45 experiencing all the loveliness associated with perimenopause. Since I have no period to gauge anything, I had to rely on changes in mood, sex drive and those crazy night sweats. The weight gain in the last 3yrs around my middle has been quite a pain-in-the-rear. The weight gain did not happen BECAUSE I was on progesterone so I have a hard time believing the handy-dandy little orange pill (natural, not synthetic) I was prescribed yesterday will add weight - in fact, my Doctor told me the opposite! She said, because it will help me sleep and feel more energized, weight LOSS might occur - YAY! Oh yeah, I run/walk incline 15mls a week and strength train 3-4 days per week for the last 8yrs.

Mar 25, 2010

Bio-identical progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Jamie. Progesterone does initially cause weight gain, as it activates the oestrogen receptor sites, oestrogen causes us to retain water and it stimulates more fat cells to develop. Please read more about it here. But once this initial phase is over and progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, the water retention stops. Progesterone is an excellent diuretic. As oestrogen is suppressed the fat cells are no longer stimulated either. But it sounds as if you could have insulin resistance, you might like to read more about it here. Take care, Wray

Mar 25, 2010

Feeling really bad!
by: Anonymous

I am on bio identical progesterone with dhea and just a little estrogen. These were compounded just for me. I to have gained weight in my middle. I have also been having terrible headaches and feel just like I have the flu all the time. I also am having hot flashes with these hormones. Never had hot flashes when I was just on estrogen. Also, I have been having terrible vaginal dryness. My question is... Do I really need progesterone if I had a total hysterectomy? I just don't know if I will continue these hormones, I might go back on my estrogen hormones again. I can't live like this much longer.

Mar 26, 2010

Weight Gain
by: Wray

As I've explained to the women with weight gain, progesterone doesn't cause it, in fact it's thermogenic, which means it speeds metabolism slightly. What does cause the gain is oestrogen, and as this becomes the dominant hormone when first using progesterone, some weight gain can be experienced. It's usually just water retention, although oestrogen does stimulate mitosis in fat cells, so some extra fat can be gained too. Both this and the water normally falls away once progesterone becomes dominant. Oral progesterone is not the best route to take it, please see these papers...
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
The weight gain in the last three years could be caused by insulin resistance, please see this page. Take care, Wray

Mar 26, 2010

Feeling really bad!
by: Wray

I don't think oestrogen only is an option, the dangers are not worth it, please see this page. Even if they are bio hormones, it's still not worth it, please see this.

Progesterone is very protective, not only against oestrogen, but against ageing too, including Alzheimer's, see these papers...
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
Paper 5

Finally you should not touch DHEA, it causes both oestrogen and androgen levels to rise, and can cause cysts and cancer,
please see this. And this. And this. Take care, Wray

Mar 27, 2010

Progesterone during pregnancy... major weight gain
by: Anonymous

I take Cyclogest 400mg (progesterone suppository) twice a day since I got pregnant 2 months ago. The reason I do is because I had several miscarriages before... but since I have started I have gained 12 pounds although my food intake is not over 1200 Cal plus I'm having 24 hours nausea... is it related to progesterone? When I stop taking Cyclogest on my 4th month will I lose this weight or will it stay until after delivery?

Apr 01, 2010

Progesterone during pregnancy... major weight gain
by: Wray

You have gained more than normal, and it's caused by excess oestrogen. So is the nausea. When initially using progesterone it activates the oestrogen receptor sites, so making oestrogen the dominant hormone. Oestrogen causes water retention, hence your weight gain. You were evidently very low in progesterone, hence the miscarriages, and had high oestrogen levels. High oestrogen suppresses progesterone.

You should have been started on the progesterone weeks before pregnancy, so that your body could adjust. I'm surprised you still have nausea using 800mg/day, as that's a very good amount. I would suggest you talk to your doctor about the nausea and weight gain, as excess water can lead to high blood pressure. He might have to increase the amount of progesterone you're using. The nausea in particular shows you don't have enough progesterone in your system. Please read this article by Dr Dalton, there are links at the bottom of the page to her books, you might like to get one, as she goes into pregnancy in detail.

I would be cautious about stopping the progesterone at 4 months. Although this is normally sufficient time for the placenta to be making enough to retain the foetus, with a history of recurrent miscarriages it's advisable to continue for longer. If not for the entire pregnancy to prevent pre-term birth, see these papers...
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
Take care, Wray

May 13, 2010

Progesterone/estrogen
by: Anonymous

Why is estrogen the enemy? Don't we need both it and progesterone to maintain balance?

May 21, 2010

When does the weight gain stop on Progesterone?
by: holly

I was taking it a few years ago just cream and a bit of estrogen.
Then I got a better balance and then my weight went back to normal.
Now I am on 5mg 80/20 Biest a day and 200 mg progesterone for half my cycle only. + 2.5 MG testosterone and 25MG dhea. I am gaining weight again and am on the third month of this regime. I feel much better but the last time it just crept up and up and up over 6 months. I do not want to put any more weight on, I am very tall and slender by frame and nature and this does not suit me. So Wray, you say it will even out, WHEN? Thanks.

May 24, 2010

Progesterone/estrogen
by: Wray

You are right we do need both. Oestrogen is vital during puberty when it causes our breasts and hips to develop, and the fatty layer women have. Vital once a month when it stimulates an egg/eggs to grow and mature. Vital too in stimulating the endometrium each month to grow and thicken ready for a possible fertilised egg. But in excess it stimulates cells to continue growing, and grow they will with no progesterone to suppress the oestrogen. Our bodies must be kept in balance. But without a check, the excitatory hormones like oestrogen would continue stimulating. We now live in a world where there are over 90 oestrogen mimics, in our food, water, air, the skin 'care' we use and more, please see here. Thousands of women are making no ovarian progesterone, as they are on contraceptives. These stop ovulation, if we don't ovulate we make no progesterone. Many more take HRT, which supplies none. Low vitamin D levels reduce the benefits of progesterone, up to 50% of us are deficient in vitamin D. So what little progesterone we are making or using is not being fully utilised. Take care, Wray

May 24, 2010

When does the weight gain stop on Progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Holly. It will even out, but only if you use progesterone, which you're not. The oestrogen and the testosterone will be suppressing the progesterone you are using. I take it you are using a cream, or is it oral progesterone? If oral most of it will be destroyed by the gut and liver, please see here. And here. This means very little will be left to 'even' things out. Oestrogen is a mitogen, it stimulates cells to divide and grow, including fat cells. It also causes water retention, plus insulin resistance, all these would increase your weight, for more info on IR please see here. Progesterone is excellent at reducing oedema, please see here.

I don't believe any woman needs supplemental testosterone, many are given it because of the misguided idea it increases libido. The jury is still out on this, please see here. In fact we have many men using progesterone to increase their libido. And as for DHEA, please stay off this, it increases both testosterone and oestrogen, it can also cause cysts and cancer to develop, please see here. And here. And here. Take care, Wray

May 25, 2010

I am using progesterone
by: Holly

I am using 100 x 2 a day for half the month. I am using troches. So hoping that it is being absorbed. I will find out with my blood test on day 21. I definitely feel the progesterone when take it, I feel much calmer. As I said when I was taking progesterone alone, I blew up like a ballon and put on a lot of weight. As I now recall I was not using estrogen at all. So I am still a bit mystified.

May 27, 2010

I am using progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Holly. Troches are not the best delivery system, in fact no oral method is reliable as much of it gets destroyed by the gut and liver, please see here for troches. And here for oral. And here.

The progesterone is calming, as it activates the GABA receptor sites, GABA is one of our most calming neurotransmitters. The reason you blew up using only progesterone was due to oestrogen dominance. Initially progesterone activates the oestrogen receptor sites, oestrogen is a mitogen so causing cell division, including fat cells, it also causes water retention. Progesterone opposes both these actions of oestrogen. But once progesterone becomes dominant the increase in either fat or water diminishes. In fact progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims, see here. Take care, Wray

May 27, 2010

Progesterone weight gain
by: Rose

I am on bio progesterone 100 x3 daily and I am gaining weight so bad. My saliva test says that may Estradiol is 1.1L pg/ml luteal and my progesterone is 134 pg/ml luteal and my ratio Pg/E2 is 122. So my question is: Do I need to take estrogen also since my estradiol was low? Thanks.

May 28, 2010

Progesterone weight gain
by: Wray

Hi Rose. The weight gain is caused by oestrogen, you should have been warned of this. It occurs so often in women when first using progesterone. Once progesterone becomes the dominant hormone it should fall away. For more info please see here. I don't believe any woman needs more oestrogen, we have more than enough in our food, water, air and skin 'care' we all use, please see here. Oestrogen is a mitogen, it stimulates cells to divide and multiply, hence it's danger in cancer, for more info please see here. Are you taking the progesterone or using a cream? The dose you are on is higher than need be if a cream. But if you are taking oral progesterone it does have to be high, as most is destroyed by the gut and liver. Oral progesterone is not the best delivery system, please see here. And here.

Although the tests show one thing, symptoms are quite another. Have yours been helped? If they have then I would have no worries, saliva levels from supplementing via a transdermal cream can go as high as 10 000 to 100 000ng/ml. But I would suggest switching to a cream if you are using oral progesterone, it's a very effective system, please see here. And here. For more info on using a cream see here. Take care, Wray

Jun 11, 2010

I want to gain weight
by: Anonymous

I want to gain weight, so I decided to use the Depo shot which is a progesterone based birth control. I've seen and heard that it causes weight gain. Well, I was on it for about 3 years and nothing. I actually think I loss weight. Why didn't I gain weight from the progesterone?

Jun 12, 2010

If we have too much estrogen then why?
by: holly

When my blood is tested it shows barely none, when not on hormones? Why do I have hot flushes and all the symptoms of menopause without it? Progesterone alone did not help, it just made me fat.

Jun 14, 2010

I want to gain weight
by: Wray

Hi there Unfortunately depo provera is not progesterone, but a progestin. I'm glad you seem to be off it, it might interest you to read what it does to us here. Progesterone does not cause weight gain, it's slightly thermogenic, which speeds metabolism slightly. The women who gain weight using it are not using enough to counteract the oestrogen dominance. Oestrogen and only oestrogen causes fat cells to divide and multiply. Oestrogen also causes water retention, whereas progesterone is an excellent diuretic. Take care Wray

Jun 14, 2010

If we have too much estrogen then why?
by: Wray

Hi Holly Did they check your progesterone level too? If the ratio is out between the two hormones that would explain it. Progesterone should be higher than oestrogen at all times, otherwise we have adverse symptoms. Progesterone cannot make us fat as it's thermogenic, meaning it speeds metabolism slightly. It sounds as if you weren't using enough, between 100-200mg/day is needed to help. Hot flushes stop within about 4 days if about 400mg/day is used. So if you still have hot flushes please try this amount. Take care Wray

Jun 16, 2010

When to stop taking prog. cream during pregnancy?
by: Marie

I am very thankful for my bio-identical progesterone cream that finally made it possible for me to get pregnant without miscarrying (so far). I have also gained weight (a lot!!! just in a matter of few weeks and this now puts me in the category of obese... not so good for the baby and for me either).
Anyways, there is different information out there as far as when it is safe to stop the progesterone cream during pregnancy. Week 12 -14, or post 20 weeks? Please help! I want to stop it as soon as possible because this weight gain will kill me (I am eating healthy and exercising as much as I can but as you can imagine it's not easy with being pregnant) I need to stop gaining massive amount of non-pregnancy related weight, but I want to do it safely to not to hurt the baby. The ob-gyn is clueless! Please help!

Jun 19, 2010

When to stop taking prog. cream during pregnancy?
by: Wray

Hi Marie Progesterone is not causing you to gain weight, oestrogen is. Unfortunately progesterone does have a stimulatory affect initially. But it's only oestrogen which can cause cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. These in turn produce oestrogen so a vicious cycle is set up. Oestrogen also causes water retention, which only adds to the problem. Progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent oedema forming. It's difficult to advise on when you should stop. If you've had recurrent miscarriages I would advise 4 months, if not then 12 weeks should be fine. If and when you do stop please do so very slowly, ie take a month to reduce the amount. Any sudden drop causes a miscarriage. Don't forget your body is now making it's own progesterone, so reducing the dose is not going to make much difference to your weight. Although in the early days it's low, sometimes too low and a miscarriage occurs, but once the placenta takes over production which is normally around 8 weeks, then production increases considerably. Until we can make up to 400mg/day in the third trimester, far more than you are using now! It almost sounds as if you have developed insulin resistance, you might like to read more about it on our web page Insulin Resistance. We also have a web page on Conception and Pregnancy. which you might like to read too. Take care Wray

Jul 07, 2010

Spare tyre still!
by: sara

Hi, I have been using the cream for 6 months now (increased to 2 x 50m a day for the past 3 months) and still I have a roll of fat around my stomach. I have always been naturally slim and have not changed my eating habits or exercise, but I have stashed all my crop-tops as I cannot wear them now :-( I would have thought the weight would have shifted by now, is this normal?

Jul 09, 2010

Spare tyre still!
by: Wray

Hi Sara 100mg/day is the minimum I generally recommend, it could be you need more. But progesterone is not something I would suggest for weight loss. Yes it does suppress oestrogen, which being a mitogen does cause fat cells to multiply and grow. It's also an excellent diuretic, whereas oestrogen causes water retention with it's resultant weight gain. But there is often insulin resistance behind weight which won't shift. Oestrogen, both endognenous and that found in the contraceptive pill and HRT causes this. It could be this is your problem, please have a look at a web page we have on Insulin Resistance for more information. Take care Wray

Jul 09, 2010

reply
by: sara

Thanks Wray - please don't get me wrong, I'm not taking the progesterone to lose a bit of belly fat!! It's helped me enormously with peri-meno symptoms, it's just that I grew this gut a year or so ago when the symptoms appeared, and I would have thought with a rebalance of prog/oest it would have sorted itself out. I will reseacrh insulin resistance, thanks.

Jul 10, 2010

reply
by: Wray

Hi Sara I'm relieved! So many think it is, and the last thing I want is disappointment that the weight didn't drop off. I'm pleased it's helped with the P-M symptoms, but it could be you need to increase the amount you're using to 150mg/day for a month and see if that helps. I can't say if it will, we're all so different. The amino acid arginine does help reduce fat and increase muscle mass, you could try that. Taurine, another amino, has helped others. You'll need about 2000mg/day of each. Take care Wray

Jul 12, 2010

Thanks again
by: Sara

Thanks Wray, I will look into the supplements you advised - most of the insulin resistance info I found seems to assume a person is overweight, which I am not at 52kg and 5'5" - I even did an online test and it told me I was obese! Lol!!

Jul 16, 2010

Progesterone and DHEA
by: Danielle

My naturopath put me on Progesterone 50mg/day and DHEA 10mg/day to help with an adrenal deficiency problem. So far I have not read anything too greatly positive about taking DHEA. I do want to feel better, however, I am not happy with things I have heard about progesterone either (weight etc...) Is there a natural way to restore your adrenals? How are your adrenals related to progesterone?

Jul 16, 2010

I lost...
by: Anonymous

After hyst 4 years ago I have gained and gained. Afer reading for years about this I had my doc check my hormones... of course they were 'normal' but I didn't buy it.

Last month I got some progesterone cream and had no idea I would feel this much better. Though I am hot and sweaty a lot (now I know why) I have dropped 20 pounds by doing nothing, have way more energy and a lot LOT less aches and pains. Less depression and so much more.

I had no idea that progesterone played this big of a role, I thought it was just pre menapausal symptoms. Yeah. Don't ever give up till you figure out what your body needs. And I do take vitamin D as well after reading all the research published the past year or so.

Jul 18, 2010

Thanks again
by: Wray

Hi Sara As you might have seen from our web page on insulin resistance, not everyone is over weight. Currently no one knows why, but it could be those that are have reactive hypoglycaemia too. Blood glucose drops too fast, too low causing hunger, depression, tiredness. Instead of eating some protein or slow release carb, they eat a fast pick-me-up like bread, chocolates or a drink full of sugar. This would certainly cause weight gain. And obese at 5'5" and only 52kg?! Something wrong with the test! Take care Wray

Jul 18, 2010

Progesterone and DHEA
by: Wray

Hi Danielle The progesterone will help, but not that amount, it really needs to be between 100-200mg/day to have any affect. And DHEA should be avoided as it can increase the risk of cancer and cysts, please see here and here, and here. Although the ovaries are the main source of progesterone in women, the adrenals make it too. It's made in the adrenal cortex and then converted into cortisol, before this is released into the blood stream. Cortisol is one of the stress hormones, so if stress is high, the adrenals will be working overtime making progesterone. High stress means the adrenals are stressed, so supplementing with progesterone takes the pressure off this process. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, hence the weight gain. This can be both fat and water retention, as oestrogen causes both, it's essential enough progesterone is used to overcome this quickly. By using too low an amount it merely keeps stimulating oestrogen. Take care Wray

Jul 25, 2010

Weight Gain!!! Help!!!
by: Cynthia

I've been using transdermal progesterone 9.5mg. Using 6 drops twice aday for days 1-12 and 8-10 drops twice aday for days 13-26. I've done this for 7 months & have gained 20lbs. Went to my GP doctor and blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol was all great, my thyroid was 2.8. Saliva testing showed normal estrogen, low progesterone, high testosterone, high coritsol. The progesterone has really helped my perimenopausal symptoms but I hate hate hate this weight gain. Is there any thing I can do to reverse the 20lb. weight gain to a weight loss?

Jul 30, 2010

Weight Gain!!! Help!!!
by: Wray

Hi Cynthia Does the progesterone contain 9.5mg per drop? Assuming this to be the case you're getting about 114mg/day for days 1-12 and about 190mg for days 13-26. If so you are getting a very good amount of progesterone, which should reflect in the saliva test as high. And the oestrogen and testosterone as low, as progesterone suppresses these. Although you say it's transdermal, are you taking the drops? As this would account for the low progesterone, high testosterone, normal oestrogen. Oestrogen is a mitogen, stimulating cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. It also causes water retention and insulin resistance. Unless progesterone is the dominant hormone, you are going to continue gaining weight and water. Progesterone is thermogenic, so increases metabolism slightly, it's also an excellent diuretic. Apart from the fact it suppresses excess oestrogen. So it's essential for it to become dominant for this to occur. The ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be no less than 300:1, better still if it's 600:1. To find this divide your progesterone result by the oestrogen result. I would never recommend progesterone during the first half of the cycle either, the idea is to follow the cycle. Unless symptoms are very severe when I recommend using it daily. Otherwise it should be used from ovulation for the last 14 days of the cycle. This varies dependant on the length of the cycle, but in every women it's always 12-14 days before we bleed. For more info on this please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. As you mention peri-menopause you might like to see our page on Peri-menopause. Take care Wray

Aug 08, 2010

Too litte progesterone, too much estrogen?
by: whozy

I have a question, it is clear from reading the previous texts that progesterone can cause weight gain by stimulating oestrogen when rx'd in lower doses, so then why is it rx'd in lower doses? I have been on natural progesterone cream for about two months at 20mg per day, also estrogen cream 1 mg a day. I have gained 10 lbs and cellulite which I never had before, I won't even wear shorts, I look horrible. It sounds the estrogen cream may only be making the problem worse. Should I quit it? No levels were done before putting me on the creams I am 54 and was having terrible daytime, nighttime sweats, poor sleep and extreme mood lability. I am feeling great in those regards but wonder if I should quit it all, I cannot continue with this weight gain. Seem to be retaining water too. Thanks for any help.

Aug 09, 2010

Translating recommended 100/200mg to tsp
by: robin

Dear Wray, thank you for connecting the dots of adrenal insufficiency, progesterone, cortisol and (hopefully temporary) weight gain.

You advise between 100-200 mg/day. I feel like an idiot, but I've tried to do the math on my Emerita Pro-Gest progesterone cream (450 mg USP prog/ounce) directions. The directions read 1/4 to 1/2 tsp twice a day. So: 100-200 mg = how many (fraction) tsp?

Main complaint: fatigued to the point of disability, starting when my period returned 8 months after completing chemo, which had put me in temporary menopause (breast cancer at 33; now age 43 = ten years of hell). Now - severe adrenal insufficiency, so on lots of adrenal supplements; supposedly hypothyroid, so on Armour; 5 mg DHEA daily). This is getting expensive and who knows what's doing what at this point. Hard to discern any benefits.

Thank you very much for your detailed and informed responses.

Aug 09, 2010

low/no testosterone
by: Robin

I can find almost nothing in the medical literature on low testosterone in pre-menopausal women! The only lit is on menopausal women, addressing low libido.

I don't care about libido. I just want the energy to break through cognitive hell. (I have an MPH and PhD.) At age 43, pre-menopausal, I have "undetectable levels" of testosterone. Because I have a history of breast cancer, no doctor will take the risks of any supplementation, so I have started on DHEA myself. I can find nothing on how to interpret lab tests (I've given up on endocrinologists), to monitor my good/bad estrogen levels/ratios.

Any comments on undetectable testosterone in pre-menopausal women? I can't even find a menstrual cycle curve for women that includes testosterone, as if we don't even have it!

Thank you so much.

Aug 11, 2010

Mirena IUD with progesterone
by: Anonymous

I have never been a thin girl... always over weight... but I have been the same size FOREVER. Last January after being told that the fibroid tumors I had had made me infertile I got pregnant. I terminated the pregnancy (spare me the lectures I'm 40, single and unemployed) and at the same time had an IUD implanted to prevent future pregnancies.

I have since gained 20lbs. I am not sedentary. I am not a gym goer at all but I have not lessened my activity in the least... nor have I increased my caloric intake. I have recently secured a job and have been doing more running around than I had the 6 months prior to this event and have made a conscious effort to eat less meat and increase my veggies. I'm no dietary angel... but I would have to say I am doing better than I was a year ago.

The only difference is my Mirena IUD that contains progesterone.
Given my history with uterine fibroid tumors I couldn't take an estrogen rich birth control method and without health insurance a tubaligation surgery was not a possibility.

Could my IUD be doing all this? I LOVE what it has done for my cycle, love not getting pregnant, love not having to have a hysterectomy and most of all LOVE not having to think about any of it. I read in another post that the side effect is an increase of estrogen produced. Do I need to be wary of future tumors? Not sure what to make of all this. Help.

Aug 11, 2010

Too litte progesterone, too much estrogen?
by: Wray

Hi Whozy Progesterone can cause weight gain initially, please see this web page on Oestrogen Dominance. It explains why it occurs, but you should have been warned it could happen. Briefly it stimulates oestrogen, but as you are adding more with the cream you're using, it will only compound the problem. I don't believe any of us needs more oestrogen, whether it's synthetic, natural or our own endogenous oestrogen. Please see our web page on HRT for more info. I generally recommend 100-200mg/day of progesterone. The 20mg amount you are using will only exacerbate the situation. And progesterone should be used for a minimum of twice a day as levels drop after about 13 hrs. As for why progesterone is made in such low strengths, and why such low doses are recommended, it depends on which authority one listens too. I was fortunate enough to meet Dr Dalton while she was alive, she advised me on several occasions about how to use progesterone and the amount too. It most certainly is not 'dose' related, but is entirely dependant on symptoms. The minimum she recommended was 100-200mg/day, but on occasion she would give 2400mg/day for her patients with post natal psychosis. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. As these are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen a vicious cycle is set up. Oestrogen also causes water retention. Progesterone on the other hand inhibits mitosis, and is such an excellent diuretic it's now being given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema that forms. So it is essential that progesterone becomes the dominant hormone before symptoms can resolve. Take care Wray

Aug 11, 2010

Translating recommended 100/200mg to tsp
by: Wray

Hi Robin It can be confusing! Of course I'll do the math for you. 450mg prog/oz (or per 30g), so each gram contains 15mg progesterone. So 100mg will require 6.6g cream, 200mg will require 13.3g. In teaspoons this is 1 1/3rd tsp for the 100mg and 2 2/3rd tsp for the 200mg. So the container would last 9 days if using 100mg/day or 4.5 days if using 200mg/day. Please see this page on How to use progesterone cream. My reason for using 100-200mg/day is based on my own experience using it, of the many thousands of women I have advised over the past 14 years, but most of all on the advice from Dr Dalton. She was the foremost authority before her death, having used it for her patients since 1948. She gave me her advice freely, as she knew I was trying to help other women. She would in fact use up to 2400mg/day for her very ill patients, ie those with post natal psychosis. I'm so sorry to hear of your 10 years of hell, many nutrients could have been given to help you over it. The one that concerns me the most is vitamin D, a lack of this leads to cancer, to fatigue, to hypothyroidism. Please have a test done. The following gives an indication of levels found in the blood. The test should be done for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also called calcidiol. Sufficient - 50?100ng/ml or 125-250nmol/L, Hypovitaminosis - less than 30ng/ml or 75 nmol/L and Deficiency - less than 25ng/ml or 62.4nmol/L. For more information please see here. Plus a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. The fatigue also leads me to believe your cells are not getting the nutrients they need. Although you probably don't have Insulin Resistance, please read our page on it, as it explains what happens if no fuel is going where needed, ie into the cells. As the fatigue also started when your periods returned it's indicative of a lack of progesterone, myopathy too is helped by progesterone. And it seems you also suffered from this, when you mention "to the point of disability". I'm surprised you have been given DHEA, it can cause cancer and cysts, please read these papers here, and here and here. You might like to read this story and this story too. Take care Wray

Aug 11, 2010

low/no testosterone
by: Wray

Hi Robin The jury is still out on whether in fact it's testosterone that increases libido, in fact it looks increasingly likely that it's progesterone. Please see this paper. Although anecdotal, we have many men using progesterone to increase theirs, they find it more effective than testosterone. The following are the ranges of testosterone found in women. Serum: 30-95 ng/dL or 1.041-3.297 nmol/L. Saliva: 16?55 pg/ml or 0.56- 1.91nmol/L. References from Medline and ZRT Labs. I believe your cognitive fog is due not to low testosterone, but to too high an oestrogen level. Whether it's from our own endogenous oestrogen, or natural or synthetic supplements, high oestrogen increases cognitive decline and dementia. Please see our page on HRT. Peri-menopause can start 5-10 years before menopause, which on average occurs at 51. Please see our page on Peri-menopause. With it comes dropping progesterone levels and normal oestrogen levels. When the ratio is skewed too greatly, problems start occurring. You don't give your levels, but to find the ratio divide the progesterone result by the oestrogen result. Bear in mind oestrogen is often measured in pg/ml and progesterone in ng/ml, to convert, divide the progesterone result by 1000, to bring it to pg/ml. I've found to be really well progesterone must be the dominant hormone. So the ratio should be well over 300:1, better still if it's 600:1 or more. Like you I have yet to find what the ratio of testosterone to the other hormones should be. But as I believe oestrogen is the problem hormone, I prefer to concentrate on getting the level down, and the progesterone up. So I recommend between 100-200mg/day progesterone, it must not be used as a 'dose' but is entirely dependant on symptoms. The more severe, the more progesterone is needed. If you should consider using it please see this page on Oestrogen Dominance first. It can occur and is disconcerting if it does. Finally I would avoid DHEA as it can cause cysts and cancer by increasing oestrogen and testosterone levels. Please see these papers here, here and here. Take care Wray

Aug 11, 2010

Mirena IUD with progesterone
by: Wray

Hi there Unfortunately the Mirena does not contain progesterone, but a synthetic progestin. These have many adverse side affects, please see our web page on Contraceptives. It won't increase oestrogen levels, but it can induce insulin resistance, this is turn causes weight gain amongst other things. For more info please see our web page on Insulin Resistance. There is a link on this page to another giving advice on food. For an equally effective contraceptive, far safer too, please consider the copper T IUD, it leaks no progestin into the body. And please avoid a tubal ligation, even if you get health insurance! For more info please see here. Fibroids are stimulated by oestrogen, for more info please see our page on Fibroids. As you have them, it's evident you have excess oestrogen, so you might want to try progesterone to suppress it. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. But before you do please see the page on Oestrogen Dominance. This can occur, specially if there is excess oestrogen, and it's disconcerting if it does. Take care Wray

Aug 17, 2010

Androgen Deficient
by: Anonymous

In October I came off my birth control because i thought it was giving me low grade fevers. Since then, I have had blood work and saliva tests done to see what my levels are. My Estrogen is very normal and my Progesterone is within expected range (while using progesterone cream) but because estradiol is very high, the progesterone/estradiol balance is not optimal. The cream was making me very hung over the next day and now i am on 100 mg progesterone pills a day. Testosterone is within normal range. DHEA is within low-normal expected age range. They suggested i use .25 mg DHEA which i have been doing but according to your recommendation, it is not safe. My thyroid levels are fine even though i have many symptoms that it is low. Please let me know your thoughts. Before I started using the cream, the progesterone was on the low side. Obviously not balanced since my estrogen is very normally high. Thanks Michelle.

Aug 20, 2010

Androgen Deficient
by: Wray

Hi Michelle I'm pleased you've come off the BC, for more info on them please see our page on Contraceptives. All contraceptives stop ovarian function, so no oestrogen, testosterone or progesterone is made. Once stopping them the ovaries can begin working again, but initially they only make oestrogen and testosterone. It can be weeks, if not months before ovulation occurs. Which explains why your ratio is out, in spite of supplementing with progesterone. Oral progesterone is the least affective delivery system, please see our page on Progesterone application methods. Most of the progesterone is destroyed by the gut and liver, which is why you are better able to tolerate it. The progesterone from the cream is absorbed without destruction, so you were getting a higher level. This is the reason for the 'hung over' affect, for more info on this please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I don't believe we need supplemental DHEA, please judge for yourself by reading the papers here, here and here. Low thyroid symptoms are very similar to low progesterone symptoms, in fact progesterone can help the thyroid, as it suppresses oestrogen which slows it down. I generally suggest 100-200mg/day progesterone, but in a delivery system which is effective, ie injections, suppositories or a cream, not oral. In fact for oral to work the dose has to be 300mg/day. Take care Wray

Aug 22, 2010

Which is better synthetic or bio Progesterone?
by: dawn

I currently have hypothyroidism and take 5mg of Armoud daily. I also take hydrocortisone for my adrenals which are flatlined. I just took a saliva test and am awaiting the results on my progesterone. My Dr. said that she can tell my progesterone is very low as my adrenals were flatlined because your body pulls from the progesterone when your adrenals are shot depleting your progesterone also. Over the course of 5 years I finally got a doctor to do the right tests and see that I had a thyroid problem. I always ran 5 miles a day and worked out with weights and ate so healthy it's ridiculous. I was a fanatic! I gained about 30 pounds and can't lose a pound no matter how I work out. If my progesterone is put back in check will this finally be the missing piece to help my body get back to where it was?

Aug 24, 2010

Androgen Deficient
by: Michelle

Thanks for responding Wray. This is so confusing UGH - may I ask some more questions? You are right, after 5 months my dr. put me on progestrin for 7 days for me to start my period. It worked. Although I know progestrin is not good for me, my hair stopped falling out, my libido went out the roof and I felt so good! Is there a natural dosage that equals the progestrin? Will the higher dosage of progesterone make me sleepy as well? Will the progesterone help the androgen deficiency? I can tell the 100 mg dosage of progesterone is not enough because of the acne, libido, pms, excessive retaining water. I am assuming I am getting enough progesterone just to stimulate the estrogen. please help :(

Aug 26, 2010

Which is better synthetic or bio Progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Dawn The missing piece could be a lack of vitamin D, was this checked? A lack of this leads to weight gain, it also leads to hypothyroidism and insulin resistance, plus many other things. IR leads to weight gain too, which no amount of exercise or good food will reverse. For more info on this please see our page on Insulin Resistance. Supplemental progesterone does help the adrenals, as these have to produce progesterone before converting it to cortisol one of our stress hormones. Stress drops progesterone levels too, so does excessive exercise, as it depletes cholesterol from which progesterone is made. Progesterone is thermogenic, so speeds metabolism slightly, but it's not a weight loss solution. But if your oestrogen is higher than it should be, this is another possible cause for the weight gain. Oestrogen and only oestrogen stimulates cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. Fat cells are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. Again no amount of good food or exercise will help. Progesterone does suppress excess oestrogen, but the level used should be between 100-200mg/day, preferably as injections, suppositories or a cream. For more info on delivery systems please see Progesterone application methods. Avoiding all carbs, legumes and dairy would be a good plan, please see this page of more info on Nutrition and Diet. Please have a vitamin D test done, for more info please see the Vitamin D council website. Take care Wray

Sep 12, 2010

Mirena IUD with progesterone
by: Anonymous

You were saying that merina has progestin which causes insulin resistance. Is there a way to reverse that and avoid weight loss or removal is the only way?

Sep 13, 2010

2 questions on progesterone and diet
by: Anonymous

I am experiencing the exact same weight gain problems as described previous. I am 43 and have gained 15 pounds that are unexplainable in the last two years. I am a rigorous exerciser and healthy eater. And I do understand the role of progesterone on oestrogen. I have these questions: 1. My doctor prescribed 150 mg progesterone EVERYDAY though I am still ovulating. I was getting a period every two weeks. Her comment was that this was turning testosterone into estrogen and that I should take even more to counteract. The weight went on even quicker that month. Still a period after two weeks. She advised stop the progesterone while bleeding and start on day 7. I am leery of this. I would think better to start at day 14 (?). You also mentioned that it takes a while for the progesterone to dominate the oestrogen - how long do you mean (days, weeks, months?) 2. As for diet to help with IR how do I interpret low carbs? Does this mean only fats and meats or will it include grains, fruits, veggies? Thanks so much!

Sep 16, 2010

Any Help is Appreciated!
by: AF

Wow, Im so happy to come across this. I am 24 and have had a Mirena IUD for 4 years, hypothyroid, and insulin resistiant. I have gained over 60 pounds in the last 2 years. Recently I have started testing for cushings and wondering if this has anything to do with anything. If someone has a good idea where to start please do so.

Sep 19, 2010

Mirena IUD with progesterone
by: Wray

Hi there Removal is the only way, as by leaving it in it will still be leaking a progestin into the body. For more info please see our page on Contraceptives. A safe contraceptive is the copper T IUD, it leaks no drug into the body. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2010

2 questions on progesterone and diet
by: Wray

Hi there 150mg/day is an excellent amount, but unless you have severe symptoms I would not recommend it every day. Progesterone can initially upset the cycle, and using it daily in that amount could continue to upset it. You don't mention severe symptoms so I suggest you use it following your cycle. You don't say how long this is, but progesterone should be used from ovulation, for the next 14 days. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. As you are nearing or in the beginning stages of P-M, please see our page on Peri-menopause. Weight gain can be a problem when first starting progesterone, for an explanation on this please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. And it can take a while for progesterone to dominate, also dependant on symptoms. It can take up to 6 months, but during those months symptoms gradually go or stop. Some resolving very early. For more info on IR please see our page on Insulin Resistance.
There is a link to diet on this page, but I'll give it here too..... Nutrition and Diet.
Low carbs are all animal proteins, all good fats and oils like coconut, olive, flax, butter, all green leafy veggies, including things like stalks, shoots, sprouts, flowers like cauli and broccoli. Limit fruit to the ones with low sugar, ie apples, berries and under ripe bananas and pears. Take care Wray

Sep 20, 2010

trying to conceive
by: zoe

Hi,

I have had endometriosis since I was 16.I am 37 now and trying to get pregnant. I have had two previous pregnancies which resulted in miscarriages.I know that I am oestrogen dominant due to the endo. My OB-GYN recently prescribed clomid and duphaston to help me get pregnant. I replaced the duphaston with natural progesterone cream 60mg/per day which I began using 1 day post ovulation.However,within 3 days of usage I have felt slightly nauseous, weight gain around my waist and abdomen, white clumpy discharge (sorry TMI). I know its the oestrogen dominance acting out. My question is should I increase the progesterone dose? How long will it take for the oestrogen/progesterone levels to balance? Thank you.

Sep 21, 2010

I don't understand
by: Eloise_please

I am using progesterone cream and have put on about 5 lbs in a week. What I don't understand is that if I am suffering from oestrogen dominance, then why does taking progesterone make the oestrogen dominance worse? Surely the prog I am taking now is more than I was taking before so the ratio between prog and oestrogen must be better than before so why weight gain now
and not before?

Sep 28, 2010

Wray is wrong
by: Anonymous

You most certainly can be intolerant of progesterone.Look up "non-compliance" with combination hormone replacement therapy. These women didn't want to give up the estogen, it is the progesterone that makes some of us feel like s***! If I could afford 6 weeks off for recovery, I would have my uterus removed tomorrow! I felt marvelous on estrogen, but needed to take progesterone to prevent hyperpasia of the uterus. I tried it in pill form (yes,it was bio-identical Prometrium). I tried it vaginally. We tweaked the doses (lowered, or introduced it gradually). Then I tried other forms of progesterone or progestin. The combi-patch. Does not matter! I can't tolerate it! I remember reading Dr.John Lee and trying the cream some years back. That made me feel awful as well. We aren't the only ones reacting this way either. I don't care if progesterone is "natural" in a women. It's the hormone most to blame for pre-period bloating, irritability and fatigue. During pregnancy there is a lot more hormonal activity going on in addition to progesterone levels increasing. Also, it is happening IN your body, not modified from horse's urine or a plant.

Sep 29, 2010

Progesterone makes me so sleepy!!!
by: Anonymous

In June, I was put on 20mg progestrone cream for estogen dominance (saliva test) - i was having breakthrough bleeding every two weeks and so sleepy - in July, my dosage was upped to 30 mg. - still breakthrough bleeding and sleepy - in August i was changed to 100 mg in the pill form and two weeks later i upped it to 200 mg - i did not have a period that month and my weight shot up 6 lbs and my hips gain 1/2" - i am miserable -in September, i went back on the cream and started with 15 mg - hoping that it would not make me so sleepy - this past week, i again didn't start :( - am i just stimulating the estrogen?? any thoughts?
thanks

Sep 30, 2010

Wray is wrong
by: Wray

Hi there. You say I'm wrong, if so, then the many thousands of studies I have read and quote from must be wrong too. I never give advice or information unless there is a study to back it up. I do agree about non-compliance to HRT, it's dangers too, you might like to look at our page on this subject..... HRT. But HRT comprises synthetic oestrogen or progestins, not progesterone. There is great confusion between the two in the medical profession and lay people alike. If in fact progesterone did make us "feel like s***", every pregnant animal, including women, would feel terrible while pregnant! There would be no offspring on this planet, as no woman would be prepared to go through with pregnancy. In actual fact all but 10% of women feel wonderful while pregnant, the 10% who don't are not producing enough progesterone. The average amount we make in our monthly cycle is 20mg/day, during the third trimester of pregnancy we make over 400mg/day. Skin, hair, nails, mood etc are all greatly benefited by the progesterone we make during pregnancy. It's now used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims, at doses over 1200mg/day. It saves 50% from dying and the disability rating is greatly reduced. If as you say progesterone makes us all ill, I would love to know how the TBI researchers could be so wrong. So wrong, that they are now doing (2010) a 1000 people study on the benefits of progesterone for TBI! They are also doing a study on MS and on stroke, as they believe it will help. Please see here and here. Progesterone drops sharply just before our period, the ratio between that and oestrogen becomes badly out of balance. By using supplemental progesterone it reverses the ratio making progesterone the dominant hormone. Space doesn't allow me to give you the papers on this. I've found the amounts recommended are far too low to have any affect, beyond causing oestrogen dominance, please see Oestrogen Dominance. The amount needed should be between 100-200mg, entirely dependant on symptoms, the more severe, the more is needed. Oral progesterone (Prometirum) is a waste of time, please see Progesterone application methods. Progesterone does not come in patches, progestins do, they cause serious side effects, please see Contraceptives. Take care, Wray.

Oct 03, 2010

trying to conceive
by: Wray

Hi Zoe I'm not sure why you've been given clomid, as it stimulates ovulation, and yet you don't seem to have problems falling pregnant, only in keeping the foetus. Please see the WebMD website for more info. Duphaston is not natural, so I'm pleased you've replaced it. But 60mg/day is not enough, certainly not if you have endo. We do have a page on this please see Endometriosis I'm not sure how severe this is, but I've found amounts up to 500mg/day are needed if there's pain 24hrs a day. You don't mention pain, which is a good thing, but I still believe you will need at least 200mg/day to suppress the oestrogen. So please increase the amount you are using. This should help the oestrogen dominance you are getting, more info on this here. I wish I could tell you how long it will take, but can't. I've found it can take 3-6 months before things settle down, although during that time many symptoms go. Please also read our page on Pregnancy. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2010

Any Help is Appreciated!
by: Wray

Hi AF All contraceptives come with adverse side effects, some we are not aware of, please see this page on Contraceptives. They can cause IR too, please see our page on Insulin Resistance. And can slow the thyroid. I wouldn't be surprised to find the levonorgestrel caused your weight gain too, as this is also one of the side effects, please see here and here. It also causes a decrease in progesterone production, see here. I can't find any evidence that levonorgestrel causes Cushing's, so that could be an underlying problem. There is evidence that women with Cushing's also have PCOS, has that been looked for? The symptoms are very similar, although you don't give any beyond the weight gain. Please see here. We do have a page on PCOS, please read through it, it might help. If you should consider progesterone please read this page on How to use progesterone cream. But before you do please read this page on Oestrogen Dominance. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2010

I don't understand
by: Wray

Hi Eloise That does happen when you increase the amount. You don't say how much you were using, or how much you are using now, so I can't help much. But evidently the amount you were using was not enough. Fro more info please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. The ratio is probably better, but it's not until progesterone becomes the dominant hormone do things settle down. Please persevere, and try to use between 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms of course. The more severe the more is needed. For more info please see the page we have on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Oct 12, 2010

Nobody knows anything..
by: Marta

I spent the last 10 years trying to find a decent endocrinolist, I read many books on hormones, I'm a very educated person myself... and here is my conclusion.

Regardless of your age NEVER TAKE SYNTHETIC HORMONES. During perimenopause you might try some bioidentical hormones, but it's almost next to impossible to balance out your hormones. Once you're postmenopausal under no circustances replace Estrogens, because they stimulate cell growths (not even bioidentical estrogens are a good idea). I tried to use some bioidentical Progesterone cream (just to have some hormones in my body). I just decided to stop that too because I'm getting larger and larger with no reason.

The one thing that did help me tremendously and let me sleep uninterrupted for 10 years is my fan. I lie down, take 1 Benadryl to sleep, turn on my fan (even the sound is very relaxing)... and I sleep through the night. I didn't have one single episode of nightsweats. I use fans during the day too..they always help.

Now I'm post-menopausal, taking nothing, and sleep like a baby. During perimenopause I suffered so much, I was suicidal. I found there is tremendous confusion out there, nobody has any answers... this really is a terrible situation. Thank you.

Oct 13, 2010

Progesterone makes me so sleepy!
by: Anonymous

In June, I was put on 20mg progestrone cream for estogen dominance (saliva test) - I was having breakthrough bleeding every two weeks and so sleepy - in July, my dosage was upped to 30 mg. - still breakthrough bleeding and sleepy - in August I was changed to 100 mg in the pill form and two weeks later I upped it to 200 mg - I did not have a period that month and my weight shot up 6 lbs and my hips gain 1/2" - I am miserable - in September, I went back on the cream and started with 15 mg - hoping that it would not make me so sleepy - this past week, I again didn't start :( - am I just stimulating the estrogen? Any thoughts? Thanks.

Oct 17, 2010

Nobody knows anything..
by: Wray

Hi Marta It is a confusing situation, but having used progesterone and a high amount for 14 years, I can say it saved my sanity as I was suicidal too. I do agree about synthetic hormones, and about oestrogen too, even the phytoestrogens have an oestrogenic affect. The reason you got larger and larger on progesterone was because you were advised to use too little. The amount should be between 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. Progesterone does initially stimulate oestrogen, hence the weight gain, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. It must be used in a high enough amount to prevent this occurring. It's also important to make progesterone the dominant hormone. Incidentally it's excellent for ageing, please see here, here, here and here. It is also protective against the many oestrogen mimics our planet is now flooded with, see the website Our Stolen Future. Take care Wray

Oct 17, 2010

Progesterone makes me so sleepy!
by: Wray

Hi there 20mg/day is the amount we make in a normal monthly cycle. If you have oestrogen dominance, it would only have made it worse, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. Oral progesterone is not the best delivery system either, as much of it gets destroyed in the gut, with the liver metabolising the rest. Please see our page on Progesterone application methods. I recommend between 100-200mg/day progesterone, but not in oral form. It must be used in a system which enters the circulation rapidly, ie injections, suppositories or a cream. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. If progesterone levels drop too low in ratio to oestrogen you would experience break through bleeding. Progesterone must become the dominant hormone to prevent this. Take care Wray

Oct 18, 2010

Progesterone makes me so sleepy!
by: Anonymous

Thanks Wray, but should 20 mg of cream be making me sleepy? I am now taking 10 mg and it helps but I am still gaining weight. I guess I am not getting enough? I'm afraid to up it more because of it making me sleepy. Maybe the sleepy is depression UGH!

Oct 20, 2010

Weight Gain... more than depressing
by: Erin

Hello, I am new to bio-identicals. I am working with a hormone specialist, I am estrogen dominant, 32 years old, never had kids, and a marathon runner and ironman athlete. I cannot explain the pain, physical and emotional that I have suffered over the past year. I was sort of at a loss as to how to handle my situation. So I had started a personally compounded progesterone, 40 mg twice a day and it sent me into a tailspin. I went into a deep depression and all of my symptoms got significantly worse. My doc said to go down to 40mg a day but Wray, you are saying that is not enough? My weight is disgusting, I used to be a size zero and I have gained 15 pounds and I am more than upset. This is not what I wanted at all. And the water retention is still horrendous. Not sure what to do? However, I do see my doc again next week. Thanks.

Oct 22, 2010

Progesterone makes me so sleepy!
by: Wray

Hi there The 20mg and the 10mg are only ramping up the oestrogen dominance affect. Progesterone does have a sedative affect, but it's more like a calming feeling than sleepy. It can be used as an anaesthetic but only in pharmacological doses of many hundreds of mg. I can only suggest you increase the amount you are using, but please read this page on Oestrogen Dominance first. Take care Wray

Oct 22, 2010

Weight Gain... more than depressing
by: Wray

Hi Erin I do recommend between 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms, so the 80mg you are currently getting is not enough. The tailspin you experienced is nothing more than oestrogen dominance, for more on this please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I can only assume you can't be ovulating each month. This would mean your progesterone level is low, but you will still be making oestrogen in the first half of the cycle. As you did go into a tailspin, and you've retained a huge amount of water, I believe you will need the 200mg/day to begin with. I can't say if this amount will prevent the oestrogen dominance symptoms occurring again, but if you persevere they will go. You might even have to go higher to prevent them. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. These are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. It also causes water retention, progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema occurring. Please see here and here. for more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Oct 29, 2010

Frustrated with Progesterone
by: Daniela

I have been on Progesterone 100mg once a day (at bed time). This is my second month on it. I was instructed to take it 14 days after my 1st day of my period.

Here is my big problem. I take the pill under my tongue, BUT I have liver problems (hep b positive). I just had a liver biopsy done because my liver enzymes were outrageous, and I was told by the liver doctor that "there is definitely activity". I am freaked out at this point. Should I stop taking Progesterone?

Oct 31, 2010

Frustrated with Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Daniela Oral progesterone is not the best delivery system, as most gets destroyed by the gut. The liver has to metabolise the rest which puts a strain on it, so it's not surprising you have more activity in your liver! For more info please see our page on Progesterone application methods. Far better systems are injections, suppositories or a cream, the cream is very effective and the easiest to use. For more info please see How to use progesterone cream. Progesterone should always be used a minimum of twice a day too, as levels drop after about 13 hours. If you have a 28 day cycle using progesterone on day 14 is fine, but if it's longer or shorter, it's incorrect. Progesterone should only be used at ovulation, there is an explanation about this on this on the link above. I recommend using 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. If you change the delivery system to a more effective one, please see this page on Oestrogen Dominance, it can occur and is disconcerting if it does. Take care Wray

Nov 04, 2010

Weight gain after miscarriage
by: Maria

Dear Wray, I wonder if the progesterone cream will help me. Prior to my pregnancy last year I was on contraceptive pill for a long time - approx 10 years. After I went off the pill in April 2009 we have been trying for a baby. I fell pregnant in September 2009 and have been experiencing TERRIBLE sickness from the very beginning (6 weeks). Sadly, my 12 weeks scan revealed silent miscarriage at 8.5 weeks. Since the miscarriage I have been gaining water weight like crazy, although eating very healthy and exercising often, the scale wouldn't budge. I have tried special diet eliminating most common allergens (wheat, diary products, etc...) and this helped me to lose some of it. It's not easy not to eat general stuff like bread, milk etc and also very expensive to have substituted with special products, so I have often slipped and that made me to gain the weight back. I always feel that I am more bloated from around day 6-7 in the cycle when the estrogen kicks in and then feel better and less bloated strangely after ovulation. I am 20 pounds heavier than I was before pregnancy since December 2009 and it's making my life miserable. I have purchased progesterone cream as my last resort - have started using it yesterday. I am on 70mg a day halved to am and evening time. Do I need to up it to 100mg? Can I be progesterone deficient (miscarriage, horrible sickness during pregnancy and also short cycles - 24 days only)? Thanks in advance. M.

Nov 04, 2010

Too soon to tell....
by: Anonymous

I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 39 (now 44 1/2) Was put on HRT right away and felt pretty good for a few months but didn't like taking meds so went off. Vaginal dryness was a problem so started estrogen pill vaginally. Developed a reaction so I discontinued that as well. For many years did nothing and seemed to gradually get better although had little energy, no sex drive and arthritis symptoms worsened. Just about a week ago started "Internal Harmony" progesterone cream. Lost weight immediately and energy level was way up! Feeling great and my mood has not been this upbeat in a looong time! I hope this is just the beginning of more good things to come :)

Nov 08, 2010

Weight gain after miscarriage
by: Wray

Hi Maria Hyperemesis indicates your progesterone was far too low, this also explains the miscarriage. I've found once started, about 330mg/day is needed to stop it, but it can take 2 months to do so. Far better to use the progesterone to boost levels before it starts. High oestrogen causes the nausea, water retention too. Progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims. I'm pleased you've eliminated those foods, no one should eat them. There's no need to substitute with special products either, veggies are cheap and vital for health. But avoid the sugary, starchy carbs, things like potatoes, etc., go for the green veggies. You might like to see our page on Nutrition and Diet. You would feel better after ovulation, as your progesterone is rising. Cycles can vary between 21 to 35 days, so there's nothing unusual about a 24 day cycle. You should be ovulating round about day 9-10, are you? The progesterone should be used from ovulation for the 12-14 days of the luteal phase. I prefer to use the 14 day, as it means enough progesterone is being used. Progesterone can upset the cycle when first using it, this is nothing to be alarmed about. Please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. Oestrogen Dominance can occur too, please read this page before too long. If you find the 70mg is not enough, increase the amount. I've found the higher the amount the less likely oestrogen dominance occurs, or if it does it's mild. As I'm sure you'll want to try to fall pregnant again, please read this page on Pregnancy. These nutrients are vital for a healthy child and successful pregnancy, please consider taking them. Taurine, see here, here and here. Vitamin D, see here, here, here and here. And omega 3, see here. Take care Wray

Nov 08, 2010

Too soon to tell....
by: Wray

Hi there I'm so pleased the progesterone is helping you. I've been on the website, but it doesn't say how much progesterone you are getting. if you should feel symptoms come back, please increase the amount you are using. One thing to remember, stress drops progesterone levels, so use more when stressed. In case you get Oestrogen Dominance please read this page we have on it. Take care Wray

Nov 09, 2010

post menopausal
by: Anonymous

Can you give me some advice, I am 57 postmenopausal, many problems still with insomnia, hot flashes, anxiety, fuzz brain. Doctor put me on 40mg. of progesterone cream, bio-identical, and 5mg of DHEA. I have been on for one month, so far It has done nothing to relieve any of my symptoms and I am gaining weight to boot! Especially around the middle. I do not need this as I am a little overweight already, but I excerise alot and eat very healthy. ALso I take 3,000 mg of Vit D because my Vit. D levels were low.

Thank You.

Nov 09, 2010

Post Depo Provera
by: Anonymous

Hello there,
I was on depo provera for approx 14 years. Whenever I tried to come off it, I would experience bloating and breast tenderness & welling etc. A couple of years ago (aged 38 then) I decided to come off it & go through what I can only describe as menopausal symptoms. My breasts doubled in size and I resorted to having a breast reduction...only to find that they continue to swell & have increased. I'm only a small frame and an outdoorsy person who enjoys jogging etc and don't feel comfortable with two heavy & sore balloons on my chest. My doctors didn't understand and were at a loss... so I resorted to researching myself & found there are a lot of women who have experienced similar issues. I really want to get my health back post depo provera... I feel constantly fatigued, poor sleep, constantly hungry (even if I eat large meals), gained a tummy, breasts feel inflammed & sore (last two weeks of cycle). I am wheat/yeast free with a very healthy diet of no junk and lots of steamed vegies & fish... I have been prescribed 20 mil progesterone cream & have been recommended to apply 1 mil per day. I'm concerned that the dose (after reading the very valuable posts) is too low... Should I wait one month & if no change then see doctor to increase to 100 mil? I look forward to your response. LizzR

Nov 11, 2010

post menopausal
by: Wray

Hi there The 40mg /day will not do anything to help, in fact it will do just what it has done, cause you to gain weight. Oestrogen, and only oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. Gaining weight around the middle is typical of excess oestrogen. It's often seen developing in peri-menopausal and menopausal women, with dropping progesterone levels. When first using progesterone, and such a low amount, symptoms of oestrogen excess occur. The reason for this is progesterone stimulates oestrogen initially. For more info please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I recommend between 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. As you still have insomnia, hot flashes, anxiety and a fuzzy brain, I suggest you increase to the 200mg/day. Although I've found 400mg/day for 4-5 days either reduces dramatically, or eliminates hot flushes. Once they've been helped, the amount can be reduced slowly till the optimum is found. It should be used a minimum of twice a day, often hourly is of help if symptoms are bad. You might like to read our page on Menopause. The minimum daily dose of vitamin D should be 5000iu's, please see the Vitamin D council website for more info. Please avoid the DHEA as it can cause cysts and cancer, please see here, here and here. There are nutrients which also help with your symptoms, please see this page we have here. It could be Insulin Resistance
has developed, this often does in peri-menopause/menopause. Please read this page, it might shed some light on it. Take care Wray

Nov 11, 2010

Post Depo Provera
by: Wray

Hi Lizz My views on all contraceptives (HRT too) are probably sueable, so I'll leave the studies to speak for me! Please see our page on Contraceptives. The page also explains why you felt so awful coming off it. I understand what you mean about balloons, unfortunately I've always had large breasts, I avoided the running races at school! Oestrogen and only oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But it affects hormonally sensitive tissues far more than other cells, hence the enlarging breasts. It also causes water retention and inflammation, which just adds to the pain and discomfort. Progesterone stops this proliferation, and causes differentiation. It's also an excellent diuretic and anti-inflammatory, so good it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims. Contraceptives can cause Insulin Resistance, which is probably what you have now, please read this page we have, it might throw some light on the problem. The sore breasts two weeks prior to your period indicate a very low progesterone level. In fact it could be you haven't started ovulating yet. I do find this happens after stopping a contraceptive, although it normally starts within the first year. It could be your corpus luteum is not producing enough progesterone, it's difficult to say. The 20mg will do nothing, but will probably cause Oestrogen Dominance. Progesterone when first using it, or if a low amount is used, or when increasing the amount, stimulates oestrogen, so symptoms become worse. I do recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, dependant on symptoms. If you do increase the amount, you will need to use 5ml (1tsp) of the cream to get 100mg progesterone. For more info on using it please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. Please also read our page on PCOS. I know you don't have it, but your ovaries have been damaged by the contraceptive, and this page will help explain what has occurred and what to do about it. Take care Wray

Nov 25, 2010

Chemo Induced Menopause
by: Mish

Glad to find you.
I'm 43 and went into chemo-induced menopause after treatment for lymphoma. I went on the Wiley Protocol with the goal of supporting my immune system with a normal hormone function and getting my normal cycle back. I never had any menopausal symptoms, but believe a normal hormone function would help me stay in remission. Well... It has turned out to be a disaster. I gained 25 pounds in 5 months. I was on estrodiol and progesterone as I was extremely low in both. I was ready to quit both, but I'm staying on the progesterone only in the hopes it can help me drop some of this weight. The dosage I am on is much higher than you are mentioning here. Day 14-28 the levels increase up to 560mg of progesterone on day 21. I'm a marathon runner and very active. The weight has been very difficult for me to deal with emotionally. I did get my period back while on Wiley. Not sure if it will continue. Hope you can help me! THANKS!!!

Nov 27, 2010

My experience with HRT
by: jenny

Wray, what are your credentials please? We do know a fair bit about hormones (at least enough to know it is not a simple story!) However, there is so much we have not yet discovered - like the idea that there are chemicals involved that have not yet been identified!

I had a hysterectomy including removal of both ovaries 3 years ago as preventative measure due to BRAC positive genes. I never had any issues with hormones prior to my ovaries being removed, but using the knowledge and HRT that is available I know it is the case that I can make do, but I will never be the same again. I have been adjusting my hormones with HRT (progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone) for 3 years now. Its a slow process with 3 months allowed for each adjustment, but I have found the best balance for me regarding the symptoms I have. I have managed to control all the symptoms pretty well except for a trade off between anxiety (too little progesterone) on the one hand and too relaxed muscles leading to bits of urine released when I laugh or strain, and reduced orgasm, and weight gain (too much progesterone). I am an academic and have obsessively kept up on the literature and know that the current research says that progesterone probably does not cause weight gain, but I have to question that because I have done the ABA experiment and about 15-20 lbs are gained or lost depending upon my progesterone intake. By the way, testosterone (cream) does have a huge effect on my engergy level, joint aches and pains - I take just the smallest amount (too much and I start feeling dysphoric), but feel a huge difference when I don't take it for a few days.

Nov 27, 2010

HRT
by: Anonymous

Folks should rely on their doctors before initiating or making changes to their HRT. I have checked into the research that Wray presents. It is patchy at best. Her recommendations concerning both progesterone, and estrogens are simply unfounded. Reader beware!

Dec 01, 2010

Progesterone cream
by: Anonymous

Wray:

I truly believe that the progesterone cream helps me with anxiety, weight gain and sleeping well. However, my periods are still irregular and if I up the progesterone cream to 30 mg because of feeling like my I am having pms symptoms, such as acne, my acne gets worse. My doctor suggested that the progesterone is stimulating my testosterone causing the acne, etc. My testosterone is already low. I am afraid to up the progesterone even more. Please tell me your thoughts. Also my doctor has put me on Aplezin for PSTD. Could this be causing more hormonal imbalance? Thanks

Dec 05, 2010

Chemo Induced Menopause
by: Wray

Hi Mish I would never advocate oestrogen to anyone who's had cancer, irrespective of the kind of cancer. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, Wiley knows this, so I'm puzzled oestrogen is included in her protocol, see here and here. You'll notice progesterone inhibits the protooncogene bcl-2 and stimulates p53, often called the guardian of the genome. This paper might interest you on lymphomas and p53, see here. Oestrogen has a profound affect on fat cells too, it stimulates their division, hence the weight gain. But fat cells are a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle begins. Furthermore oestrogen causes water retention, whereas progesterone is such an excellent anti-inflammatory and diuretic, it's given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to reduce the inflammation and oedema that occurs. I'm pleased your period came back, it rarely does after chemo. You might like to read these two stories here and here. I'm pleased you've dropped the oestrogen, and using progesterone only. I have no difficulty with the high amount of progesterone, I just feel it's a waste for most people. I often recommend 400-600mg/day for severe symptoms, you've had cancer, so I feel it will only be of benefit. I take it you are doing this in conjunction with a health care practitioner? I would monitor your symptoms and gradually reduce the amount you're using. I've found it of more concern to use high amounts the few days prior to bleeding, rather than following the peak in the luteal phase. There is less need to use the ultra high amounts if this is followed instead. The 2-3 days prior is when progesterone drops sharply, whereas oestrogen does not. The ratio then becomes skewed and symptoms worsen. You might like to see these two pages we have on How to use progesterone and Peri-menopause. Take care Wray

Dec 05, 2010

HRT
by: Wray

Hi there Strange you should say the research papers I give are of no worth. Strange too that they have all been published in reputable journals! I wonder if the authors would agree with you. One thing I make clear is I'm not forcing anyone to use progesterone, I give as many papers as I can in the space allowed, to back up any argument I give. It remains for the individual to do more research, and not on the blogs, which is maybe where you got your information from? You'll notice at least 25% of the queries come from people who have been given progesterone by their doctors. I'm merely filling in the gaps, doctors on the whole are not good at explaining what might occur. As for HRT, you might care to read the papers (all published in reputable journals) on it's dangers, see HRT. I do encourage women to come off it. Take care Wray

Dec 05, 2010

Progesterone cream
by: Wray

Hi there You must be on a very low amount of progesterone, if you say you up it to 30mg! I recommend 100-200mg/day dependant on symptoms. Initially progesterone does increase oestrogen and testosterone, for more info please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance, it explains why this occurs. We also have a page on Acne. Please read through it as it explains why it occurs. The Alpenzin could be exacerbating things, have a look through this list here. We also have a page on Anxiety. It gives a list of natural anti-anxiety nutrients which all help. As you are taking bupropion you might find the greatest benefit from the amino acid tyrosine. You need to increase your protein intake too, this will increase tyrosine levels. Please consider increasing your progesterone, but it would have to be a substantial increase, to overcome oestrogen dominance and the PSTD. Please have a vitamin D test done too, a low level reduces the benefits of progesterone, it also causes depression, see here and
here. Take care Wray

Dec 06, 2010

My experience with HRT
by: Wray

Hi Jenny I've been studying progesterone for nearly 15 years now. I get my info from research studies done on progesterone and never quote anything that is not found by the studies. I always give links to the papers so people can verify it themselves. I've also learnt from my own experience in using it and those of the women who write in. Our web site has been up since 1998. I'm also in touch with a number of health practitioners around the world, including naturopaths and MD's, who use progesterone. We also run saliva tests regularly, via a naturopath in the UK. I've learnt from these results too and the impact progesterone has had on the doctor's patients. Interestingly the ratios of progesterone to oestrogen should range from 200 to 2000. But we've found to feel well the ratio should be 600:1 or over. Please see our page on Saliva Tests. I've frequently had women who's ratios have been far lower, the lowest being 9:1, and with it of course the attendant problems. But as progesterone rises they begin to feel well. As you say it's not a simple story, for instance it's recently been found a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone, see here. Please consider having a vitamin D test, for more info see the Vitamin D council website. I don't believe anyone needs more testosterone or oestrogen. Oestrogen is a mitogen, see our page on HRT. And testosterone given to a woman is converted to yet more by aromatase. There seems evidence to suggest progesterone increases libido, and not testosterone, see here. We have many men using it to good affect. These 3 hormones activate the others receptors, so with continued use of oestrogen and a low 'normal' amount of progesterone, oestrogen will be the dominant hormone. Oestrogen stimulates fat cells to divide/multiply, but fat cells are a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle ensues and weight is gained. Oestrogen also causes water retention, which leads to more weight gain. It's a known initiator of inflammation too. Progesterone is now used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims, as it's such an excellent diuretic and anti-inflammatory. To reverse the dysphoria, use progesterone as it causes euphoria! Take care Wray

Dec 08, 2010

chemo induced menopause
by: Anonymous

Wray, my period has actually stopped. It came back when I was on the high dose of estrodiol and progesterone, but I don't believe it was actually a period, but withdraw from the estrodiol as I changed the dosage through the month. I'm wondering if I should stay on progesterone alone even though I don't have a period. Should it be every day? I don't have a way to adjust the dosage based on menstruation. Also, my hormone levels of estrogen are extremely low. Should I stay on a low dose of estrodiol? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY!!! Just trying to sort this out. I've already dropped some of the weight I gained from the high doses.

Dec 09, 2010

chemo induced menopause
by: Wray

Hi Mish As I mentioned oestrogen is a mitogen, it causes the lining of the uterus to build. It's only when progesterone levels drop at the end of the luteal phase, that MMP's, enzymes that break down the lining, can get to work. Progesterone inhibits MMP's. So the oestradiol was obviously building your lining up. If you do consider using only progesterone, and you don't have a cycle, it can be used daily. It's far easier and no harm is done, I've done this for nearly 15 yrs now. In fact even during late peri-menopause when I had regular cycles, as I found symptoms coming back during the break. We make three major oestrogens, oestradiol a potent mitogen and the main oestrogen of pre-menopausal women. Oestriol, low at all times, but increasing greatly during pregnancy, and is therefore regarded as a safe oestrogen. And oestrone, which increases during our menopause years. This is also a mitogen, although not as strong as oestradiol. For some reason only oestradiol levels are checked in women who are menopausal. But these decline during menopause, as oestrone rises. So your oestradiol should be low. I can't advise on whether you should stay on the oestradiol, but you might like to read this page we have on HRT. I would hope it would convince you not to! Incidentally, oestrogen causes Insulin Resistance which in turn also causes weight gain. It seems the progesterone is helping, as you say you've lost some of the weight gained. You might consider having a vitamin D test done, in fact I should have asked you in my previous answer. Most of us have too low a level, and not only does a lack reduce the benefits of progesterone, but they've found 20 different cancers linked to a low level. For more info please see the Vitamin D council website. You might like to see this video on Vitamin D too. Take care Wray

Dec 10, 2010

Progesterone not for everyone!
by: Anonymous

Well- I can't agree with all Wrays comments! I am perimeno and simply can't tolerate progesterone! Previously i took it in my mid 30's and ended up with progesterone dominance and severe depression. Presently my hormone doc, who is sensitive to my own observations, advised me to take estrogen continuously and to add in the prog after 3 months for a week then stop in order to stimulate a bleed. I also tried cycling the prog too. How do you explain that when I'm on the estrogen I feel great- I stay slim and there is no weight gain . The minute I go on the prog I gain weight- my appetite increases and I get depressed! There is a school of thought that says John Lee's claim that prog is the 'cure all' is not in fact the case, and that 'ostrogen dominance' is bandied around as an explanation to any woman who is having hormonal symptoms!

Wray continues to advise that we will only experience weight gain initially but some posters have written that they are still gaining weight after 6 months!

Bottom line is progesterone can work for some but not for many- just google progesterone side effects!

Dec 13, 2010

chemo induced...
by: Anonymous

I'm on 120mg of progesterone a day. No estrogen. I'm also taking vitamin D. Still having a problem with dropping the weight I gained on estrodiol/prog. Will the progesterone alone help me do this? what about testosterone or cortisol?

Also, another complicating factor is the yeast infection I've had for several weeks. I'm using fluconazole and monistat and it keeps coming back. Could this be from the progesterone?
Thanks!

Dec 20, 2010

Joint Pain
by: sr

Started taking bioidentical progesterone cream 2 months ago. Moods and sleeping are sooooo much better, but now I have developed severe joint pain all over which the pharmacist believes is from the progesterone cream. Does anyone know how long it takes for this stuff to get out of your system? I don't want to stop as I am feeling so much better in all of the other areas, but I can't handle the constant pain.

Dec 24, 2010

Progesterone
by: Al

Hi Wray,

I have been suffering from pcos due to which i do not ovulate regularly. However, I do not have cysts in my ovaries. I tested for progesterone (roughly day 40 of my cycle) and the value was 0.6. I also have a mild hypothyroid. My dr. says i have a deficiency of progesterone and has prescribed natural progesterone cream 300mg along with bio identical T3 and T4 (for hypothyroid). My question is, what days of the cycle should I use progesterone, as I have heard taking progesterone before ovulation actually suppresses it. And how do I monitor ovulation since my menstrual cycle does not have a set pattern. What exactly is progesterone's role in ovulation and increasing fertility as I am trying to conceive? Thanks

Dec 30, 2010

Going Off Depo
by: Anonymous

Hi!
I'm on depo, have been for 2 years now, and love it, except for the weight issues. I have always had horrible life altering periods, and that ceased on the depo, but now, at a chunky 165, I am not getting my next shot on Jan 24th, because I have been working out 6 days a week for 4 months and GAINED 10 pounds. I tried to quit depo last year and suffered hideous side effects. Headaches, horrid mood changes, SEVERE bone pain, bloating, cramping. Will using the cream help me come off of the depo this time without the side effects? I'm under the impression I am estrogen dominant when I'm not on any bc. Will decreasing the cream after a few months help my body balance out?

Jan 04, 2011

Trying to conceive
by: Anonymous

In regards to Zoe. I had 4 misscarriages before I became pregnant with my 1st son. I had no problems becoming pregnant, but my OB-Gyn had me on a baby asprin and clomide. Wray wonders why you are on clomide...the answer is it will cause you to ovulate twice...in both ovaries causing a rise in your hormones (HCG and progestrone). I know this is not your concern, but I didn't want you to doubt your doctor. Wray does have good pts, but then I would consult with your OB-Gyn with anything Wray says. Well it has been 3-4 months...I hope you have good news or soon. Oh also, after my D & C's, my dr. adviced me to try to get pregnant that very month with the clomide...that very month, I was pregnant with my 1st son and is 7 now. Good luck!

Jan 04, 2011

Response to coming off depo
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

I just read your post about coming off depo & thought I?d share my personal journey of coming off depo with you ? which may shine some light??

I was off & on Depo for 14 years. I loved being on depo as my breast swelling etc all went away?after further research I now understand that depo lowers estrogen which is why my body reacted well to it. I think my body naturally produces high amounts of estrogen hence bad PMS & breast soreness etc?not having a period & going through monthly cycles was (I thought) a god send. However, every time I tried to come off depo & give my body a break I would experience huge hormone surges (it felt like I was going through menopause). My breasts increased two cup sizes due to the surge of estrogen. I basically experienced estrogen dominance every time I tried to come off it & no doctor really understood. No amount of exercise, eating right etc fixes this. What I recommend is having a saliva test to find out what your hormone levels are & then trying to fix the hormone imbalance. I?m currently on progesterone cream (2nd month) & initially found that a small dose will make estrogen issue worse as it ?wakes up? estrogen receptors?so you may need to have a high dose initially for the first 3 or so months so the progesterone opposes the rising estrogen. I have also come across a product called DIM which is meant to be a natural estrogen blocker ? it can come in a gel form. I have ordered it online as I am desperate to fix this problem. We also need to take into account that women can be perimenopausal from the age of 35 years onwards where our estrogen levels start to gradually decline?I actually think depo completely stuffed up my hormones and I have also come off it at an age where my body is now in a perimenopausal state ? which is a double whammy?.Definitely get a saliva test done so you know your hormone levels. I hope by sharing my story helps you on your journey to feeling well again.

Eliza

Jan 06, 2011

insomnia from progesterone cream?
by: Anonymous

Hi,
If I use more then 40 - 60 mg (2 - 3 tsp) a WEEK I get severe insomnia. I use prog.cream now for 3 mnth and I gained 7 kg!! (after initially losing 1,5 kg). I did take soya isoflafones and I decided to stop them today.

Can you please help me! I am so bloated it is terrible and if I use more cream I get severe insomnia...
HELP!!
KC

Jan 06, 2011

Progesterone v plant estrogens
by: J.

Hi,

I really need some advice, It feels like I am suffering from all the symptoms of the menopause!!, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain - you name it. I have one friend recommending natural progesterone cream and another recommending Ymea, plant estrogens (isoflavones)
I'm not sure how they both work and which to take. I've been reading the comments about the progesterone cream but would like to understand about the isoflavones as well and any weight gain or
or side effects associated with those.

Thanks.

Jan 07, 2011

Progesterone not for everyone!
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for your contrary comment! There is one question I'd like to ask. Have you ever been pregnant? Experienced the calmness that comes with it, the wonderful hair and skin? Our progesterone rises from 5-20ng/ml made during the luteal phase, to over 400ng/ml made in the third trimester. Have you ever experienced the depression and food cravings of PMS, and been helped by progesterone? Or experienced the depression, exhaustion, muscle weakness and more of post natal depression and been helped by progesterone? Or the debilitating hot flushes, suicidal depression and more of peri-menopause, and been helped by progesterone? Countless women will tell how they've been helped by it, myself included. I could have done with it for my post natal depression, but unfortunately I knew nothing about it then. And yet Dr Dalton had been using progesterone for PND for more than 30 years previous to the birth of my daughter. She would use up to 2400mg/day for those patients who had it. Have you read of the wonderful work they are doing with it for brian trauma victims? Where over 1200mg/day is given via IV transfusion, over 70% of the victims are men too. How it's helped not only with preventing the oedema and inflammation caused by the injury, but lessened the disability considerably. 50 drugs have been tried to date, and not one of them has worked. But progesterone has. Not only is it vital for the very beginnings of life, as no foetus would grow to term without it. But studies are finding it's benefit at the end of life too. How it helps old nerves to regenerate, how it helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer's, stroke too. I would ask you not to read the comments made by myself and others, but to read the studies. There are hundreds on the site, I've read them all, plus countless others that are not on it. As for Oestrogen Dominance we have a page on that too. There's no question progesterone and oestrogen, testosterone too, activate the others receptor sites, plus countless other hormones and neurotransmitters too. Oestrogen by activating progesterone does make one feel good, provided the dose is low. Progesterone is thermogenic, so speeds metabolism, thereby preventing weight gain. Whereas oestrogen causes water retention and is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. As these are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, a vicious cycle can start. Reading the comments where women complain about weight gain, you'll notice the amount they were all given was the standard 20-40mg/day, this merely stimulates oestrogen. I would ask you to read our page on HRT. You'll notice in the studies that oestrogen, be it exogenous or endogenous increases the risk of cancer, incontinence, heart disease, stroke and dementia. I could never endorse it's use. Take care Wray

Jan 07, 2011

chemo induced...
by: Wray

Hi there Progesterone is thermogenic, so does speed metabolism slightly. But if you have been using oestradiol, it could be it's caused Insulin Resistance. If this is the case progesterone will assist, but will not reverse IR. There are many nutrients which do though, so please read through the page. A lack of vitamin D also causes weight gain and IR, the minimum you should be taking is 5000iu's per day. For more info please see the Vitamin D council website. I wouldn't advise testosterone. Although it does increase muscle mass, it can also causes acne, oily skin, facial hair and scalp hair loss. And cortisol upsets blood glucose and causes us to put on weight. Interestingly progesterone is helpful against candida. Oestrogen increases the glycogen content of the vagina, this is perfect food for Candida. Please see this page and the research papers too. I've found the best thing for candida is caprylic acid. This does come in oil form, which is much easier to take, besides being beneficial for the skin. It's referred to as MCT oil, do try to get some. Take care Wray

Jan 07, 2011

Joint Pain
by: Wray

Hi there I'm pleased the progesterone has helped in some areas. The joint pain is caused by oestrogen, which is a known initiator of inflammation. Progesterone activates oestrogen, I can only assume you are not using enough to prevent the pain, but sufficient for the other symptoms you had. For more info on this apparent paradox please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. If progesterone caused inflammation, every pregnant woman on this planet would suffer hugely. We make over 400ng/ml during the third trimester, whereas we make between 5-20ng/ml during the luteal phase. I recommend 100-200mg/day dependant on symptoms, for more info please see How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Jan 07, 2011

Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Al Strange you have PCOS and yet you don't have cysts on your ovaries. Please read through this page we have, as it explains why it occurs. There are several nutrients which all help the ovaries ovulate. It appears that PCOS is caused by oxidative stress, and the antioxidants mentioned on the page all assist it righting this. I'm puzzled why your progesterone was tested on day 40, as this in itself is an exceptionally long cycle if you bled then. Never mind testing for progesterone. Using a large amount of progesterone before ovulation does suppress it, so it's best to use it when it should be used, ie at ovulation. I can only suggest you choose an average cycle length. Then start using progesterone 14 days before you are about to bleed. If you want help working this out please come back to me, I would need at least 3 months of your past cycles to go by. For more info see How to use progesterone cream. The amount your doctor has prescribed is a very good amount, I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. Please use it at least twice a day. Progesterone plays no role in ovulation, this is controlled by luteinising hormone. But once ovulation has taken place, progesterone levels increase. Once pregnant it increases hugely, from 5-20ng/ml during the luteal phase to over 400ng/ml in the third trimester. Without progesterone no foetus would grow to term. We do have a page on Pregnancy. Please read through it, as it explains how to use progesterone. Take care Wray

Jan 07, 2011

Going Off Depo
by: Wray

Hi there Contraceptives of all kinds can cause weight gain, the reason being they can cause Insulin Resistance. I think this must have happened to you, as you can't loose the weight. Please read through this page as it explains why it occurs and what to do about it. We do have a page on Coming off Progestins, it's best if you start the progesterone before the cold turkey affect sets in to prevent those symptoms. Judging by how bad they are I suggest you use a high amount initially. I recommend 100-200mg/day, I believe the 200mg/day is the amount you would need. It's easy enough to reduce the amount slowly once symptoms have resolved, till you find the optimum level. For more info please see How to use progesterone cream. The life altering periods sound very much like an oestrogen dominance issue. Progesterone certainly helps, it inhibits the prostaglandins which cause pain. Plus it reduces heavy bleeding till it's normal. But a high amount is initially needed to do this. Take care Wray

Jan 10, 2011

Progesterone does cause weight gain
by: Julia

I have been thin all my life. I started progesterone 150 MG and I gain 15 pounds in two months without changeing diet. So when I read people write and say it don't cause weight gain. I wonder if there selling it I read so many stories of more women gain weight from progesterone then women that don't.

Jan 11, 2011

insomnia from progesterone cream?
by: Wray

Hi KC 40-60mg a week is a very low amount, far lower than the lowest recommended amount of 20mg/day. It doesn't surprise me you get insomnia when increasing it, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance which explains why this and the weight gain occurs. Oestrogen causes water retention, hence the bloating, and weight gain. Soy isoflavones have an oestrogenic affect in the body, I don't advise taking them. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, dependant on symptoms. For more info on this please see out page on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Jan 11, 2011

Progesterone v plant estrogens
by: Wray

Hi J I don't recommend soy isoflavones, in fact I don't recommend any soy product. Please see MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT SOY FOODS for more info. The isoflavones have an oestrogenic affect, and if you are already suffering from symptoms of Menopause you don't need more. Progesterone if insufficient is used, can cause weight gain, as initially it stimulates oestrogen. For more on this please see the page on Oestrogen Dominance. I recommend 100-200mg/day dependant on symptoms. Take care Wray

Jan 11, 2011

Progesterone does cause weight gain
by: Wray

Hi Julia Initially progesterone can cause weight gain, as it stimulates oestrogen, leading to Oestrogen Dominance. Oestrogen causes fat cells to divide and multiply. But fat cells are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle can start. Oestrogen also causes water retention, which adds to the weight gain. Even on the amount you were using it does take time to settle down. You don't say what kind of progesterone you were using. If it was oral, then this will take a great deal longer, as it's not the best Delivery System. There are more stories of women putting on weight than not, and it's because the amount they are recommended is far too low. For more info see the page on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Jan 11, 2011

Trying to conceive
by: Wray

Hi There Unfortunately clomid will not only cause a woman to ovulate twice, but generally multiple times. There are far safer ways to increase progesterone levels than giving clomid too. Ovulation induction drugs increase the risk of cancer, see here and here. Take care Wray

Jan 13, 2011

Weight Gain - Vaginal Atrophy
by: E

I started Natural Progesterone Cream this past month because I have severe vaginal atrophy. I have been using label instructions of 1/4 tsp two times a day. USP 500 mg/ounce. I finshed my 21 days and am on the Day 6of a break. I am 59 y/0 - post menopausal.

The first day I started with the cream, I got immediate postive results. I lost water weight. My nights sweats are GONE. My insomnia is much better. Body aches and low back pain diminshed. Vaginal pain lessened.

However, the atrophy is still pretty bad. I have ordered an Estriol Oil to use intravaginally. Natural Estriol. I have read that this in combo with Progesterone can quickly resolve the issue.

MY huge concern is that I am getting thick around the middle. I have gained about 3# this first month. I have always been able to keep my weight in balance. From what I have read here, I will need to up the Progesterone.

My questions:
1. Do I up the progesterone until I start losing weight? The other symptoms are pretty much regulated.

2. What will the Estriol do to the mix. Will this make the Oestrogen dominance worse? I have really been suffering with the atrophy and need to address this.

HELP!

Jan 15, 2011

Weight Gain - Vaginal Atrophy
by: Wray

Hi E I'm pleased the amount you are using is helping, I generally find 100-200mg/day progesterone is needed. I have no experience in using or advising on an oestriol cream/oil in the vagina. Oestriol is the pregnancy oestrogen and I wish I could tell you if it makes oestrogen dominance worse, but I can't. Oestradiol is the oestrogen normally recommended for vaginal use. But as this increases the risk for cancer and is inflammatory, it's not advisable. Progesterone is an anti-inflammatory, and in some cases has been beneficial for cancer. So I use progesterone in preference, and advise all women to use some in their vagina each night. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, as this stimulates fat cells to divide and multiply, weight gain can be experienced. It could be you need more progesterone to overcome this aspect of Oestrogen Dominance. I suggest you do increase the amount and see if this helps. The progesterone cream you are using contains 16mg progesterone per g, 1/4tsp will give you 20mg/day, the standard recommended amount. So you are getting 40mg/day with 1/2tsp. I suggest doubling this and see if it helps. I would be interested to hear if the oestriol oil helps you. Take care Wray

Jan 15, 2011

I hope you can help...
by: Colleen

Hi I hope you can help me. When I was pregnant (2x)I was not a happy person. Severe insomnia, irritablity, pregnancy mask, you name it. No one seemed to be able to tell me why this was happening just that it was hormonal. In June of 2009, my dr put me on synthetic progesterone. It was like I was pregnant again, except I still have the pregancy mask, whereas before it went away. Now she is having me take bio identical progesterone and being sympathetic to my feelings about this she wants me to take 25mg on night one. Adding another 25 mg on each of the following nights. I took 50 mg and was up all night. I cannot do it. I am up all night and irritable. I am 45 years old and perimenipausal.

Jan 18, 2011

I hope you can help...
by: Wray

Hi Colleen The symptoms you had when pregnant were hormonal, caused by a lack of progesterone. All Contraceptives come with adverse side affects, please read through this page. The dark patch is melasma, it's caused by excess oestrogen stimulating melanocytes, these make melanin, the pigmentation in all skin types. Please see here. It's often a sign of adrenal fatigue too. Progesterone does resolve the problem, as it suppresses the excess oestrogen and it takes the strain off the adrenals. These make progesterone before they can convert it into cortisol, one of our stress hormones. Stress drops progesterone levels, thereby allowing oestrogen to dominate. The symptoms you are now experiencing are due to excess oestrogen. When using progesterone it initially stimulates oestrogen, until progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. Giving you such a low amount will merely exacerbate the symptoms. For more info on this affect, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance. You should have been warned about it. It happens to many women, and the only way to overcome it and make progesterone dominant is to use a far higher amount. You mention taking the progesterone, oral delivery is the most ineffective system there is, most of it being destroyed by the gut and liver. For more info on this please see our page on Delivery systems. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, you are currently getting about 5-10mg/day as it's oral. Please consider changing to a more affective route, and using far more than you are. You might like to read our page on Peri-menopause too. Take care Wray

Jan 19, 2011

weight gain with 200mg & 2 months
by: sunshadow

Ok I have been on armor thyroid (works well) and recently the oral, natural progesterone for 2 months. I gained 20lbs and my breasts hurt like crazy. I stopped the oral, and started the cream in the am and pm. Plus added some testosterone lozenges in the am. The breast tenderness diminished, and I sleep ok, but I am still gaining weight and starting to get way too sleepy by 3pm. I just decided I've had enough. I'm going to stop the progesterone. All I do is convert it to estrogen. The compound pharmacist can't believe I am sleepy even after taking the testosterone along with thyroid. Oh well. I'm a freak, apparently. There seems to be no cure for the ideal hormonal balance. My doctor suggested an estrogen detox. and then restart. I'm losing faith. How long is one to take 200 mg of progesterone, before it stops adding the pounds?

Jan 21, 2011

weight gain with 200mg & 2 months
by: Wray

Hi there Oral progesterone is not the best Delivery system. Most of it gets destroyed in the gut and liver, which means too low an amount is being absorbed. This would be enough to stimulate oestrogen. It's not being converted that rapidly from progesterone, it goes through a multi step process before that occurs. I'm not sure what age you are, but as you're taking armour and testosterone, I would imagine you must be in either Peri-menopause or Menopause. These seem to be standard treatment, apart from oestrogen which luckily you haven't been given. If I'm right then not only will the stimulated oestrogen be causing a problem with fat increase, plus it also causes water retention, but testosterone too. This rises in older women as the ovary becomes an androgen producing organ. There's more than enough evidence now to indicate this is another major factor in weight gain, see here, here, here, here here and here. Both excess oestrogen and testosterone can cause Insulin Resistance which quite possibly you have. This does increase in P-M due to changing hormone levels. It's difficult to say how long it will take as it's dependant on so many factors, you are using a good amount of progesterone. It's essential to make it the dominant hormone, this will only occur once the oestrogen and testosterone level has diminished. Please have a vitamin D test done, a lack of this reduces the benefits of progesterone, and can cause weight gain and insulin resistance. For more info see the Vitamin D council website. Take care Wray

Jan 23, 2011

gained weight with Prog and Est bio creams
by: PJ

I had a hysterectomy at age 35 and they left my ovaries. Age 49 I began to have menopause symptoms and started oral estradiol because the oral progestin made me insane!

For years I have been off and on the estradiol because of water retention. Never any progesterone.

My new doc put me on the bio identical creams. I do .75 Progest at night, .25 Est at night.
.25 Progest in morning, .5 Estrogen in morning.

So, I put on 10 pounds in 2 months. I feel much better, am sleeping better, calmer, etc.
But I cannot keep gaining weight.

I am also on a combo cream of B12,B6 B9, Vit D.

What has increased my appetite?
Dr. said being on the B cream would "wake up" my brain and I would make better decisions about eating, and everything. I do feel more awake but also hungrier. I feel the afternoon Bs make me sleepy!!

My stomach got flatter after adding progesterone tho.
Now I am thinking of dropping the estrogen cream altogether.

What do you think of the weight gain and appetite increase after starting these? I weighed 146 3 months ago and now am up to 165. I am 5 ft 6 and need to be at 145 to look my best.

Has adding these hormones caused the weight gain?

My mom has dementia and never took any hormones at all for menopause and now cannot keep a straight thought in her head.
So I want to do something for my brain too.

I would like to lose at least 10 lbs but continue progesterone as it makes me so much sweeter.
Thanks.

What do you think Wray?

Jan 26, 2011

gained weight with Prog and Est bio creams
by: Wray

Hi PJ I'm not in favour of extra oestrogen. Oestrogen causes sodium retention, hence the water retention. Progestins could make you insane, as they suppress progesterone levels. Oestrogen stimulates cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But these are a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. Oestrogen also stimulates the appetite, one of the reasons women get cravings the few days prior to bleeding. Progesterone is dropping then, so is oestrogen, but if the ratio of the two hormones becomes unbalanced, many adverse symptoms occur. When starting progesterone it does stimulate oestrogen, which initially would have created more. Especially if the amount used is low, as yours appears to be. This would have hastened the weight gain, for more info on this see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, if you do increase the amount, please make sure you read the page on oestrogen dominance, as this can occur when increasing. You might like to read our page on Menopause too. I'm pleased you're taking the vitamin D, I hope sufficient. The minimum dose should be 5000iu's/day, for more info please see the Vitamin D council website. A lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone and there's evidence a lack is implicated in dementia, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Please have a vitamin D test done on your mother. You'll notice in one of the links that a physician gave an Alzheimer's patient 5000iu's/day. Not having spoken a word for a year, she started speaking again. It's certainly worth trying for your mother, no harm can come of it, but potential good. It's very lucky they left your ovaries in, see here. Progesterone also has protective effects against Alzheimer's, see here. Whereas oestrogen increases the risk, see our page on HRT Take care Wray

Jan 28, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Joanne

Hi Wray
I have just turned 34 years of age and in September 2010 (4 mths ago), I completed my first figure sculpting competition. I had a 16 week prep and was under instruction from my coach to take estrogen blockers. I only had 6 periods in the last 12 mths. My bodyfat got down to 10% on the day of the comp. After comp I had saliva and blood tests done which showed my Estrogen was normal but I was very low in Testosterone, DHEA and Progesterone. My doctor prescribed 10mg of DHEA each morning and 100mg of oral Progesterone at night from 14 to period. I?ve been on the medication for 7 weeks and I am rapidly gaining weight and retaining a hell of a lot of fluid. I hardly fit into my work clothes and I?m becoming more and more depressed. This has sent me into a tailspin because I am eating very very healthy and exercising moderately 5-6 days per week. My calories don?t go over about 1400 per day. Does it mean the Progesterone amount is too low? I am so tempted to go off the medication all together. I have also been experiencing hot flushes and getting up in the middle of the night to pee 2-3 times. I?ve also had some constipation. Given this, my doctor has instructed I go for another blood test on day 21 to see if my levels have returned to normal.

Help!!!

Feb 02, 2011

Bio Identical Progesterone Cream
by: My Three Sons

Hello, Everyone!
I have a question. I will start by saying that I am 31 years old and have been diagnosed with having high estrogen levels and very low progesterone. I was instructed to use 20mg of bio identical cream 2x a day. I was having wonderful results...increase in energy, weight loss, increased libido and very little pain from endometriosis, etc. I was feeling like I had found the magic cure for my suffering for the past 14 years. And THEN, I had a horrible acne breakout and cold sores started appearing all over my cheek. It was terrible and very embarrassing. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this happen or could possibly shed some light on the subject for me.
Thank you!

Feb 05, 2011

Take at least 100 to 200mgs to see a difference!
by: Jenine

Hi, All,

I was gaining weight, mostly water, within my first week of using too little progesterone in a cream other than Natpro. I have since upped the dosage, even with this other cream, and am losing weight, especially in my stomach area! I also feel like I'm in my 20s again (I am 45) in the best sense. Wray, I am wondering if I lost my period a few months ago due to stress or if it is just peri menopause. How often should I be using the cream, 14 days until (hopefully) my period shows up, 21 days or everyday for a month then maybe try 14 or 21 days? I normally have a 28-day cycle. I have ordered Natpro and am looking forward to using this much more effective cream! Thanks, Jenine

Feb 07, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Joanne Well you have me so puzzled, why on earth would you have to loose all that body fat, and in such a dangerous manner?! Strangely it doesn't seem to have reduced the oestrogen at all if you say it's normal. This, together with taking the DHEA which increases both oestrogen and testosterone, would cause Oestrogen Dominance with the addition of the oral progesterone. This is not the best Delivery system as most of it get destroyed by the gut and liver. The small amount which does enter the system is enough to stimulate oestrogen. Oestrogen is known to cause inflammation, cellular proliferation (including fat cells) and water retention. You are in a catch 22 situation. Oestrogen is drawing water from your intestines, causing constipation and oedema, the progesterone is causing you to pee, it's an extremely good diuretic. I would avoid the DHEA, it not only increases levels of oestrogen and testosterone, but by doing so can cause cysts and cancer, see here, here, here and here. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, but in a form which is absorbed well, more info about this on the delivery system page. You might like to read our page on How to use progesterone too. So yes I do believe the amount of progesterone you are getting is too low. I'm also concerned about your low calorie intake, a lack of fat plays havoc with our endocrine system. We do have a page on Nutrition and Diet, on it are links to 3 eating options, all written by experts. Please have a look through it. Take care Wray

Feb 07, 2011

Bio Identical Progesterone Cream
by: Wray

Hi there I'm pleased the progesterone helped you, it should have done initially. But the amount you are using is very low, and it's now got to the point where oestrogen has become dominant. Progesterone stimulates oestrogen, unless sufficient is used Oestrogen Dominance kicks in. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, up to 500mg/day for endo if the pain is severe. Please see our page on How to use progesterone cream for more info. And our page on Endometriosis for more info on this. Excess oestrogen can destabilise blood glucose. If insulin increases so to do the androgens, these are responsible for acne break outs. One reason teenage boys get it far more frequently and worse than girls. You already have high oestrogen levels, plus a further stimulation from progesterone, please consider using more. But if you do please read that page on oestrogen dominance, as this can occur when increasing levels. We also have a page on Acne. Take care Wray

Feb 10, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Joanne

Thank you for your comments Wray. I?m so disappointed by what?s happened to my body, but I was just going under the guidance of a coach. I?m never doing this again. I just want to get back to normal. What you say about the odema is interesting - at the end of the day I am so fluidy all over, not just in my tummy, but in my legs too. It?s such an uncomfortable feeling. So you say that I?m actually estrogen dominant because the progesterone dosage is too low? But if I keep increasing the dose, will I keep getting estrogen dominant over time and thus having to keep increasing the progesterone also which means I?d need to stay on it for life so don?t go into estrogen dominance? I?m so confused and feel so unbalanced. I?m having a blood test in 2 days time to test my normal levels (i.e. I won?t be on progesterone or DHEA when the test is taken). I will talk to my doctor about having a cream instead then the dosage can be controlled. I?m so scared this has ruined my metabolism forever. Am I panicking too soon?

Feb 13, 2011

Allergic to Bio-Identical Progesterone?
by: Anne

I'm at my wits end. I stopped getting my period in the latter part of 2009. Normal transvaginal ultrasound in May, 2010. My doctor thought I was in menopause, as my physical exam seemed to indicate that, though she apparently did not test my hormone levels at that time. Went through stress in the last several months, eating rather poorly, limited exercise. 1/18/2011, I began spotting + then bleeding. Stopped for a week, then started again on 2/4. 2/7 Ultrasound now indicates 2 cysts + a thickened endometrium. Prescribed 200 mg/day of Prometrium to get bleeding to stop. Second night, I reacted to it. (No known peanut allergy). While waiting for a compounded patch, I moved to the Emerita cream. Tiny amount caused a similar reaction. What can I do? I'm 46, NOT menopausal, never on estrogen, 5'8", size 12. I've cut out refined carbs, high sugar fruits, exercising again + am dropping weight. But still bleeding, tho less.

Feb 19, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Joanne I don't think you need panic! By increasing the amount of progesterone you use, but in a form that's absorbed well, it will overcome the oestrogen dominance. Which means you don't have to keep increasing the progesterone. But it would be essential to stop the DHEA as that only increases oestrogen and testosterone. It will take time to get your body back to normal again, but I don't doubt this will happen either. The body has a remarkable capacity to regenerate. It would assist if you took a good B complex, with a sufficient dose of each vitamin. Please consider having a vitamin D test too, most of us are lacking this vital nutrient. Please see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray

Feb 19, 2011

Allergic to Bio-Identical Progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Anne The cysts and thickened endometrium do indicate excess oestrogen, hence the progesterone. But if it was oral most of this is destroyed in the gut and liver, it's the least effective Delivery system. I've found 400-600mg/day progesterone is needed to stop bleeding, but in a form which is absorbed well. The amount is then reduced slowly over a few weeks. You say you reacted to both kinds of progesterone, in what way? Did you have a skin outbreak, ie dermatitis? Assuming you did, some papers call it progesterone dermatitis, some oestrogen dermatitis. Although progesterone is normally blamed. If the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen becomes skewed, with oestrogen dominating, dermatitis can occur. One study blaming progesterone says "The patient... had recurrent cyclic lesions on the skin... that appeared just before regular menstruation and persisted until a few days after." Ironically the anti-oestrogen drug tamoxifen was given to suppress it. Another study mentions "a significant premenstrual flare of skin lesions", but in this case it was caused by oestrogen. The paper ends by stating "Women can become sensitized to their own estrogens; the major clue is worsening of the skin problem premenstrually" Again the drug used to suppress it was tamoxifen, but in both cases the outbreaks occurred just prior to bleeding, when progesterone is very low, see here, here and here. Another study suggests "the possible impact of estrogen mimetics....is associated with mast cell activation" Progesterone inhibits mast cell secretion, see here. If I'm on the right track, when first using progesterone it stimulates oestrogen, causing Oestrogen Dominance. This almost always affects women with already high oestrogen levels far more than those with low levels. There is only one way to overcome it and that is to persevere. I find a much higher amount more effective, as the symptoms, although unpleasant, resolve far quicker. Please see our page on Peri-menopause for more info. The compounded patch sounds suspect, is it a progestin? Take care Wray

Feb 22, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Joanne

Thanks for your comment Wray. My natural blood test results a week ago showed I was still low in progesterone and DHEA so my doctor increased my DHEA from 10mg to 15mg. I was not prescribed the progesterone cream given the previous side effects I had with the oral one. Now I have been on the increased DHEA level for a week and today I?ve been the most bloated ever and holding a hell of a lot of fluid. I?m so very uncomfortable and my skin and scalp have been a little itchy too in various places. As you say, I guess I am estrogen dominant. I s?pose I am very sensitive to these sorts of oral medications - yes? I?m still doing everything right - training and eating a really good diet with organic meats, free range eggs etc. I?ve cut out gluten, wheat and dairy products and have done so for well over a month. I?m taking Vit B, Vit C and Vit D supps also along with a progesterone vitamin to help my body produce it on its own. From tomorrow I will stop the DHEA and continue with just the natural vitamins and see how I go. I hope I am not insulin resistant or my thyroid is damaged either - my thyroid did show on the test that it was normal though. I am SO frustrated!

Feb 24, 2011

Weight Gain & Fluid Retention with Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Joanne Did you read those papers I gave you on DHEA? The risk is not worth taking, it increases both oestrogen and testosterone, hence your discomfort. Yes you are oestrogen dominant, and in part because of the DHEA. But you also have excess testosterone because of it too. The only way to suppress these two hormones is via progesterone. But the amount does have to be high, 100-200mg/day, but in a form which is absorbed well, not oral. This will only increase adverse symptoms. Your diet couldn't be better, but I've never heard of a progesterone vitamin! You'll find you will need to use progesterone to suppress oestrogen, but see how you get on. If you'd like to read about Insulin Resistance, have a look through our page. Excess oestrogen does cause it. It also slows the thyroid down. But it could be you're lacking vitamin D, please have a test done. You say you're taking it, but the dose should be 5000iu's per day minimum. Are you taking this much? For more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray

Feb 25, 2011

Progesterone cream
by: Anonymous

I am getting ready to start taking Bio identical Progesterone cream. It is 450mg of USP per ounce. How much should I put on my skin and how many times a day. I am using it for severe PMS and health reasons. Thanks

Feb 26, 2011

Such a thing as too much progesterone?
by: Jenine

Hi, Wray,

I have been achieving a good success in reducing my estrogen dominance symptoms by taking about 350 mg of progesterone daily via the Natpro cream, which equals a tsp twice a day (two tsp total). My thinking is to keep up this dosage until the symptoms are gone, then reduce by about a half tsp daily until I am at 200 mg daily.

Is there any danger in taking this higher dosage if I don't have fibroids or more serious symptoms? Is there such a thing as too much progesterone? What would some of the symptoms be if I was taking too much progesterone?

I don't want to be wasteful, but more importantly, don't want to endanger my health.

Thanks for your help, as always!

Mar 02, 2011

Menopausal
by: Addison patient

Hello.

I am female with Addison ( primary adrenal insufficiency) and on estrogen for menopause. I take progesterone only 12 days a month to balance my estrogen. ( uterus taken out).

Progesterone stimulates aldosterone a mineralcorticoid made from the adrenal glands. This hormone tells kidneys to retain fluid. That is the reason women gain fluid and feel bloated during luteal phase. This is also why when you go through menopause why your eyes and skin dries out during menopause. If you have an Endocrinologist she/he can
explain this. I have a good study at explain more. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/91/10/3981

Mar 02, 2011

DIM
by: sima

Hi,
What do you think about DIM?

Mar 07, 2011

Progesterone cream
by: Wray

Hi there If you have severe PMS the cream you are using is not strong enough. Or you will have to use a great deal to help. I recommend 100 to 200mg per day. So If you want to use this amount you would need for 100mg/day 6.6ml per day of cream, or 1 1/3tsp. If 200mg/day you would need 13.2ml or 2 3/4tsp. So the container will be finished in approximately 4 to 9 days. I'm concerned if you use a low amount, ie the 20-40mg/day normally recommended, your symptoms will become worse. Progesterone stimulates oestrogen, a low amount will continue stimulating it, progesterone will never become dominant. So you will be in a state of continual Oestrogen Dominance. It should be used a minimum of twice a day, so whatever amount you choose divide that in half. Please see our page on How to use progesterone cream for more info. Take care Wray

Mar 07, 2011

Such a thing as too much progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Jenine I'm so delighted you've gone for a high amount initially. I can see no reason at all to suffer the symptoms of oestrogen dominance when first starting progesterone. Yes it does cost more, but to my mind worth it. I find too many women are influenced by web sites, forums, their doctors, into using only 20mg/day. This only gives progesterone a bad name, as evidenced by the forums which are filled with dire warnings! You are right, stick to that amount till symptoms have gone, then reduce. But please don't reduce too fast, you might find 1/2 tsp daily is, as that's ±80mg, see how you get on. If it is too fast, just increase slightly till you feel stable again. Wait a few days, a week, before attempting a further reduction. You should find you don't need 200mg/day, only if you have much stress. I normally use about 170mg/day, increasing when stressed! Many find 100mg/day is fine. It should always be used as and when needed, increasing and decreasing the amount to suit. High amounts of progesterone give a sense of euphoria! Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, can induce anaesthesia when used in high amounts, see here, and here and here. It's also an excellent anlagesic. Highly unlikely anyone would get enough progesterone onto their skin for it's conversion to allopregnanolone to knock themselves out! So yes it is safe in high amounts. All of us have excess oestrogen, we can't avoid it now, it's been found in every living animal, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Oestrogen is rising the world over due to oestrogen mimics, over 100 have been found, plus water contaminated by HRT and contraceptives. These are not removed by purification plants. Please see the excellent website Our Stolen Future for more info. The only safe way to counter this is with progesterone. As it's not a sex hormone it can be safely used by both sexes. Excess oestrogen is to my mind serious enough to warrant using a high amount of progesterone to reduce levels. Take care Wray

Mar 08, 2011

Menopausal
by: Wray

Hi there Interesting paper, thanks. As many previous studies have found, progesterone does increase aldosterone, during both the luteal phase and pregnancy. But what they all found, including the paper you gave me, is that progesterone also increases urinary aldosterone secretion, see here. It stands to reason an increase in progesterone causes an increase in aldosterone, as progesterone is the precursor to aldosterone. It also stands to reason that urinary excretion would be greater too, as progesterone blocks the aldosterone receptor sites. If there wasn't this counterbalance, we'd all blow up like balloons and burst. Conversely if we only made progesterone we'd loose too much water. Progesterone is such an excellent diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims, see here. So, far from progesterone causing water retention, and making us bloated, it does the opposite. Women only retain water if excess oestrogen is present, as this hormone causes water retention by blocking the action of progesterone. During the luteal phase and pregnancy, oestrogen also rises, but if the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone is too high, bloating occurs. Please see this paper on water retention here. Progesterone has an effect similar to a low sodium diet, by increasing aldosterone synthase, and subsequently aldosterone production, see here. Oestrogen causes water retention by drawing moisture from peripheral tissues, ie the skin, eyes, mouth, plus the gut, which can lead to constipation. In it's most severe form it's called Sjogren's syndrome. High levels of oestrogen are found in Sjogren's, see here. The reason our skin and eyes dry out in menopause is lack of progesterone to counter the oestrogen. Progesterone is excellent for the skin, see here. Whereas oestrogen has no effect, see here and here. Please see our page on HRT for further adverse effects of oestrogen. Take care Wray

Mar 08, 2011

DIM
by: Wray

Hi Sima Oestrogen is broken down into 2 principle metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). 16alpha-OHE1 is regarded as a potent oestrogen, whereas 2-OHE1 is a weak oestrogen. DIM increases levels of 2-OHE1, by doing so it also increases the ratio of 2-OHE1:16alpha-OHE1. This increased ratio is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer, see here. Other studies have found a protective role too. Any natural substance which reduces the potency of oestrogen is to my mind worth taking. Take care Wray

Mar 08, 2011

Pro-gest
by: Anonymous

I am using one of the other brands you recommended as an OK substitute. It is Pro-Gest. I start using it tomorrow as per my cycle and I planned on using 1 teaspoon t times per day. I had already purchased this before I saw your site. I have a economy size tube I think there is plenty to last at least 1 month at the does of 1 teaspoon 2 times per day. If you think this is still not the right amount please let me know. From my calculation this should give me about 125 a day. If I start to get worse symptoms I will increase it. Thanks.

Mar 08, 2011

Thanks, Wray, re progesterone amount!
by: Jenine

Thank you for your post re whether or not one can take too much progesterone. I DO feel euphoric on it! Never too much of that for me : )

One question: a friend of mine who is 56 and post-menopausal and also has fibromyalgia (and possibly other health problems) said that she gained wait on progesterone, then lost it when she started using a bit more of her oestrogen cream. I'm thinking this may be due to her post-menopausal status and wonder if you know if that is a time to take it.

She is a naturally thin person, I tend to gain wait if I am not careful, so perhaps this has something to do with her experience vs. mine. She sees a doctor who says different bodies respond to progesterone and the other hormones differently, but it seems to me that they each still do their "thing" and aren't going to do radically different things in different bodies (ex. oestrogen is still going to make cells divide and multiply)

What do think the reason could be behind her weight loss with added oestrogen and do you think there is a time after menopause when women should possibly use oestrogen cream?

Thanks, again, Wray! You are doing a world of good here on your site.

Blessings,

Jenine

Mar 10, 2011

progesterone and ms
by: lili from australia

i would like to share my story with readers interested in the benefits of progesterone cream.
in 2000 age 40 i started feeling very unwell my feet started feeling numb like they were anethatised this continued to spread up my body, eventually reaching my neck,i knew something was terribly wrong. i craved oils and sun so stayed at home waiting on test results.i was finally diagnosed with ms had lessions in my brain and spinal cord. doctors recomended steriod/cortisol treatment and of course antidepressants . i was not keen to take either so i went on my own journey to find what would work. i had hair analysis blood and saliva tests. went on a product called SAMe a mood lifter from the local health store. it immediatetly started to make a huge difference it was my lifeline, ill explain later why this helped so much. next step i found a great doctor though a little alternative she put me on natural progesterone cream which also seemed to make a big difference all the symptoms started to subside i also got plenty of sun and started on flaxseed oil liquid which i put into my breakfast. within a few months i was feeling much better i knew that the prog. cream played a big factor. and did suggest to a doctor that research needed to be done in relation to ms and prog. so Wray im glad that someone has started this research. i believe oestrogen dominance caused a huge amount of my health problems inparticular xeno oestrogens which i would have absorbed in great amounts in my job as a dental technician using monomers and polymers, the stuff plastics are made from. back to SAMe, i later found out that SAMe was not only good as a mood lifter but it was also used to improve liver function, opening blocked pathways (gilberts syndrome usually diagnosed in persons with high billirubin readings) i found out i had this condition which means that the liver is not able to function properly in getting rid of excess hormones such as oestorgen. so for me the combination of SAMe, the progesterone cream, more sun for vitamin d and omega 3 oils were like a magic bullet. i am now 50 and have started noticing a return of some of the symptoms like a period every 2 weeks, tatt (tired all the time) more than likely due to the start of menopause so started back on the prog. cream and the SAMe periods allready back to monthly cycle and tiredness has lifted some weight gain though i know this will sort itself out. so for those of you having problems, im not sure, but there is a good possibility that your liver is not functioning effectively enough to rid your body of the excess hormone so perhaps a liver clensing formular could help also giving your liver a break by not taking any alcohol during this time. would like to hear your opinion on this Wray.

Mar 10, 2011

Pro-gest
by: Wray

Hi there Progest is good, but unless they've changed the amount in the container, each ml gives 15mg of progesterone. 1 tsp is equal to 5ml, so 1tsp will give you 75mg progesterone. 2tsp will give you 150mg progesterone. This is an excellent amount, if you say you have an economy tube I hope it lasts the month. You might find you have to use it more than twice a day, as 2tsp is a lot of cream! I once used this amount of our cream as I had added stress, and found I needed to divide the amount into about 4 applications. I see you've read our page on Oestrogen Dominance which pleases me. So many are not warned about it's occurrence, it can be most unpleasant for some women. I have found the more oestrogen present before starting progesterone, the worse the symptoms. In case you haven't seen it, please read our page on How to use progesterone cream. The advice I give is very different from other sites. But I have found a high amount does work, it's essential to get progesterone the dominant hormone. You might like to see our page on Saliva Tests too. These are run for us by a naturopath in the UK, from the results it's evident the progesterone is well absorbed. The ratio of progesterone to oestrogen is over 600:1, higher than the ratio normally given, but her patients responded and now feel well, which is the all important factor! Take care Wray

Mar 10, 2011

Thanks, Wray, re progesterone amount!
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Well I'm so happy you feel euphoric! About your friend, it's the paradox of oestrogen and progesterone again. They activate the others receptor sites, so she evidently wasn't using enough progesterone in the first instance, so gained weight. But by applying the oestrogen, that would have activated the progesterone receptor sites, hence the weight loss. Progesterone, by opposing oestrogen, stops it's mitotic action, particularly on the fat cells. It would also cause any water retained to be lost too. So I suggest she uses more. She should have had some relief from the fibromyalgia too, as I said to you, the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone is an excellent analgesic. You are right, both hormones do their own thing, they can't do otherwise, in men too. You might like to look through Ray Peat's web site, he has some harsh things to say about oestrogen. So in answer to your question, no I don't think anyone needs more oestrogen. As you can see from my previous reply we all have far too much. Re the fibromyalgia, your friend is deficient in vitamin D, please ask her to have a test done, see here. Most of us have too low a level, this is implicated in all inflammatory conditions. In fact all autoimmune diseases have a low level too. Plus low vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. This could be the reason for her other health problems too. For more info on vitamin D please see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Thanks for your kind words, and blessings to you too! Take care Wray

Mar 17, 2011

Bio-Identical
by: Anonymous

Is Natpro Bio-Identical?

Mar 17, 2011

nat pro
by: Anonymous

I just ordered nat-pro thinking it was bio-identical and now I am not finding on your website that it is.

Mar 22, 2011

Medroxyprogesterone 1mg
by: Anonymous

My doctor prescribed this for me about two years ago because my menstrual wouldn't come. I work out frequently and eat pretty healthy but I'm starting to think this pill is conflicting with my weight loss. Questions: Am I not losing weight because of the dosage amount of this pill? How long is this pill safe to take? I know this drug won't make my menstrual regular but do I have to take this forever to get a period? I honestly think this pill is preventing me from losing weight. Is there something else I can take equivalent to this and it not affect my weight?

Mar 23, 2011

Bio-Identical
by: Wray

Hi there Yes, Natpro contains progesterone and not a progestin. For more info on the ingredients please see this web page here. Take care Wray

Mar 23, 2011

Medroxyprogesterone 1mg
by: Wray

Hi there I'm not in favour of any Contraceptives due to the adverse effects they have on us. MPA also has androgenising effects too. Have they checked you for PCOS? This disrupts the cycle and causes anovulation too. The body needs natural hormones to work correctly. Often progesterone is lacking, but the MPA reduces levels even further. Progesterone can help to get the cycle going again. If you should consider using, please see this page for more info on How to use progesterone. Before you do start it, please see this page on Oestrogen Dominance too. It can occur, especially if oestrogen levels are high. I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. Take care Wray

Apr 01, 2011

Can you give me a time estimate?
by: Heather

I've been reading all of this and I am very concerned. I was prescribed progesterone pills to help me with my unruly periods that last sometimes past 14 days. I want a partial hysterectomy but my doctor refuses to do it until I try the progesterone. I DO NOT want to be on hormone pills!! I am terrified of the weight gain. I am currently seeing another doctor for weight loss.. and I am trying so hard to lose weight. how long does it normally take for the progesterone to become the dominant hormone so that the cell mitosis can subside that is cause by the oestregen which causes the weight gain?!?!?!!?

Apr 09, 2011

Progesterone cured sleepless nights but added 20 pounds
by: Anonymous

I am wondering if anybody has had my situation. At age 35 I began sufferring from anxiety. I stated having fullblown panic attacks that landed me in the emegency rooms are a few occassions. No doctor could find anything wrong with me. I just started living with the attacks. Then when I was 40 I started having multiple attacks as I slept at night. ANother frightening symptom is just as I would fall asslepp I would be jolted awake by what felt and sounded like a electric shock inside my head. I heard and felt it. It began to happen over and over as I slept. Needless to say I was very frightened. SInce I had gotten off birth control a couple months prior to these symptoms appearing and no docctor could over find anything wrong with me I decided to see a hormone specialist. He prescribed progesterone. I have been on it for a year. My daily anxiety is pretty much gone (which is amazing) My panic attacks at night have decreased signiicantly. If I do have one it is so minimal that it does not frighten me. I can not stress how wonderful it has been for that reason. I started thinking I was just a freak that would always live with this horrible anxiety. I now live a normal life without negative thought and worry about my health and family all of the time...So here is the problem. I have gained 20 pounds in the last year. (all in the belly) I have never had a belly in my entire life. I am depressed about it but know that I cannot go back to sleepless nights and debilitating anxiety. I have tried diet and excersize but it doesn't seem to help much. Any thoughts? I do not take anything else other than the progesterone.

Apr 09, 2011

Panic Attacks
by: Anonymous

I started having panic attacks in the daytime when I was in my thirties. Then around forty I started sufferring with attacks as I would fall asleep or as I slept. When I was having them every night as I would fall asleep I began to be very concerned. As I would drift off I would feel and hear a loud shocking noise and jolt in my head and I would be abruptly jolted out of sleep. It was very scary. I thought I had MS or something wrong with my brain or nervous system. i was put on 75 mg of progesterone 25 in MA and 50 in PM. It stated worig pretty quickly. I have been on it for a year and I would say I only have an issue once or twice a month. Have you ever heard of this problem? ALso I have gained 20 pounds in this year mostly in the belly which is odd since I have never had a belly before. Any ideas?

Apr 10, 2011

re how long does it take (Heather)
by: Jenine

Hi, Heather!

I'm sure Wray will answer your question more thoroughly, but up the amount of cream/progesterone you are applying to at last 100-200mg. I used abut 350mg for awhile, in order to become progesterone dominant more quickly and it worked. Now I am using between 100-200 each day (divided into two applications in the morning and evening) and everything is great regarding my weight and other symptoms. It took about a month for me at the highest dosage to see the full results, but I saw my weight dropping and mood improving within about a week and a half. If you take too little of the cream, you will only worsen your symptoms, including wight gain. I highly recommend the Natpro cream sold on this site--much better value and be sure to fill out the questionnaire first and you will get the best price of all on the cream! Have faith, it gets better, Jenine

Apr 10, 2011

You will not see weight loss on progesterone
by: Annie

Progesterone will likely make you feel better by reducing or eliminating the effects of PMS, peri-menopause, menopause, etc. There is a better than good chance that you will never loose weight while taking bioidentical progesterone. You will gain weight. This idea of waiting a little longer so that everything balances or increasing the dose is nonsense when it comes to the issue of weight gain. Decide what your priorities are and base you decision about taking progesterone on that.

Apr 13, 2011

Can you give me a time estimate?
by: Wray

Hi Heather Are you sure they are progesterone and not a progestin? Do you have a name for me? Please avoid a target="_blank">Hysterectomy. Progesterone is excellent at stopping heavy bleeding, but I've found between 400-600mg/day is needed. Once it's under control the amount can be reduced slowly till the optimum is found. But it must be in a form which is absorbed well. Oral progesterone, if it is this you're taking, is the least effective Delivery system. The best are injections, suppositories or a cream, but sufficient must be used. I recommend 100-200mg/day for normal use. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. It sounds as if you could have Insulin Resistance, this can be caused by excess oestrogen, or a lack of vitamin D. Please have a test done, for more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. It's impossible to tell you how long it will take for progesterone to become dominant, it certainly won't with oral progesterone. From Saliva Tests we run, we've found the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 and over to feel well. You'll see from these results that the progesterone became dominant in a month. Take care Wray

Apr 13, 2011

Weight loss does and did happen for me
by: Jenine

Annie, my experience is not unique and Wray consistently advises users to use the dosage all the studies used--100 to 200 mg daily--then adjust from there. The amounts recommended by most manufactures on the back of the packaging, 20ish mg daily--is simply not enough. Heather, read all of the posts on the subject and make your own decision. I gained weight for about a week and a half on the low dosage and lost weight, especially around my middle, when I increased it.

Apr 16, 2011

libido question
by: Anonymous

how in the heck would you know if your libido is better or worse?
Like, do you get horny. How do you know your horny? Do you want to screw everyone or just certain people? I'm really serious. Like I don't even worry about my libido, whats to worry about. Like if you are repulsed to have sex with someone you love and want to have sex with that seems to be a mental problem. Why would anyone even think they have a libido problem

Apr 17, 2011

Progesterone and no period
by: Anonymous

I have always had an irregular period, so I had my hormones checked. My progesterone was very low. So my doctor started me on some oral progesterone. The first few months it helped with my period but I was still having other symptoms. So my doctor upped my dose. In February he put me on 500mg, 200 in the morning and 300 at night. For some reason I haven't had a period since January. What can this be from? Is the progesterone too high? Do I need to take Estrogen also? Please help! Thanks!

Apr 23, 2011

Compounded biodenticals and weight gain
by: Tracie

I'm on 20-30 mg compounded progesterone cream. If I use more than 30mg I tend to feel sick in the morning and am afraid to increase it. Will this go away and what is the time frame on increasing it to 100-200mg? I'm also on compounded bi-est 5mg 80/20. I'm tired of not being able to lose weight and want to believe you when you say to increase progesterone but don't want to feel like morning sickness all over again. I'm 49 and going through menopause. I've tried quitting the bi-est buy my anxiety came back. If I increase the progesterone can I still stay on my bi-est? Should I change my bi-est back down to 2mg 80/20 (this was what I was originally on). I've been on biodentical hormones for 3 years now and feel great except for the weight gain. I take ample supplements and 5000 iu of vit d every day. My vit d level is 70 and I'm also on a low dose of iodine and t3. Thanks for this great website. I'm learning alot. I also work at a compounding pharmacy and we are helping alot of women by educating them on BHRT.

Apr 29, 2011

Weight loss does and did happen for me
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Bless you for this advice, it really does need to be a high amount if any meaningful results are wanted. And patience is needed too! It's not a quick fix, and like you said initially using more than the 100-200mg/day I recommend for daily use, does make the passage quicker too. Thanks for recommending the cream we have, we have tried to make it as simple as possible, with the best raw materials we can find. Take care Wray

Apr 29, 2011

Progesterone and no period
by: Wray

Hi there 500mg is a very high amount and could stop your period. Oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system. There are others which are absorbed far better, and the amount doesn't have to be as high. Please consider switching. And no I don't believe any of us needs extra oestrogen, please see this page we have on HRT Take care Wray

Apr 29, 2011

Progesterone cured sleepless nights but added 20 pounds
by: Wray

Hi there I'm pleased the progesterone helped the panic attacks, it should. A drop in GABA causes them, but progesterone activates the GABA receptor sites. Without the progesterone the GABA doesn't work. We do have more info on Anxiety, there's a list of nutrients too which all help. I believe the weight gain was caused by too little progesterone, for more info see our page on How to use progesterone. You don't say how much you were using, but I recommend 100-200mg/day, please try increasing it. But before you do see this page we have on Oestrogen Dominance, as it can occur, and is disconcerting if it does. A drop in blood glucose also causes panic attacks, please avoid all sugar and sweet, starchy foods. It could be you have developed Insulin Resistance, as this also causes weight gain. A lack of vitamin D also causes it, please have a test done. For more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. If you are using oral progesterone, this is the least effective Delivery system. Please read the comment Jenine made below, it's such sound advice. The amount of progesterone really does have to be high if good results are wanted. Take care Wray

Apr 29, 2011

You will not see weight loss on progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Annie Progesterone doesn't cause weight gain, it's thermogenic like testosterone, so in fact causes weight loss. It will only appear to cause it if too little is used. A low amount will merely stimulate oestrogen production, now that does cause weight gain. Oestrogen causes water retention, plus it stimulates cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But fat cells are a non ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. I recommend 100-200mg/day, anything less and oestrogen is stimulated. For more info see our page on How to use progesterone. Take care Wray

Apr 30, 2011

Hoping for a reply
by: Anonymous

I was really hoping to get a reply back on experience with panic attacks and progesterones effect on the problem. Should I post somewhere else?

May 03, 2011

No Estrogen?
by: Anonymous

I had my estrodiol level tested and it is n<20 which is almost nonexistant. My progesterone level is 1.7, also very low. I'm trying to adjust my hormone levels without gaining too much weight, although it seems that you can't be on HRT without gaining weight. My question is... should I be taking both estrodiol and progesterone? I'm taking 100 of prog and 20 of estrodiol per day. It seems that neither one is really having any effect. How should I modify the dosage of each hormone. THANKS!

May 04, 2011

Compounded biodenticals and weight gain
by: W

Hi Tracie Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately using a low level of progesterone merely stimulates oestrogen continually, leading to Oestrogen Dominance. You are also using an oestrogen cream too, so adding to the problem. Oestrogen in any form, be it natural or synthetic, has the same effect in the body, please see our page on HRT. I don't believe any woman needs more, there's already too much on the planet, see the website Our Stolen Future. Plus this excellent paper here. If you wish to come off the oestrogen, please see our page on Coming off HRT. It's always best to do it slowly, cold turkey is not dangerous, but the side effects can be very unpleasant. Oestrogen is a mitogen, stimulating cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But fat cells are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. Oestrogen also causes Insulin Resistance, which also causes weight gain. I'm delighted to hear you're taking so much vit D, and that your level is so high. I've only had one other correspondent who has been in the correct range. I'm also delighted to hear you're taking iodine and T3, iodine is so often overlooked. Sore breasts are experienced by so many women, and yet it's often only a lack of iodine causing it. You might consider taking tyrosine, this is the precursor to T4 and T3, plus our two stress hormones adrenaline and nor-adrenaline, plus dopamine. It's also so often overlooked and yet such a vital amino acid. You might like to see our pages on Peri-menopause and Menopause. Take care Wray

May 05, 2011

Still gaining wait. Please Help!
by: Brendarella

I started using Progesterone cream last August for relief of hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue. After starting I gained five more pounds right in the belly, the last place I needed even more weight, I discovered that (according to this site) I was not using enough. So I increased the cream from 20-40m to over 100m a day during the last two weeks of my cycle. The first cycle at 100m + I gained 5 more pounds and was nearly a week late with my period. The second cycle, my period came on time but I have another 5 pounds! I am now up to 165 pounds when I started using the cream to assist with weight loss and belly fat at 150 pounds. I am now fatter than ever and scared to death to keep using this cream only to get the OPPOSITE effect of what this site says. I am supposed to start the next cycle on Monday and am TERRIFIED! PLEASE HELP ME!

May 05, 2011

Natpro 100mg for two months and fatter than ever
by: Anonymous

I've gained 15 pounds since starting progesterone cream. I started it to help with weight gain and hot flashes. The first few months (according to this site) I did not use enough, only 20-40mg. I went from 150lbs (needing and desparately wanting to lose weight) to 156lbs. The next cycle I increased to 100mg+ daily for the last 14 days of my cycle. My period was a week late and I gained another 5lbs. Up to 161 (devastated now). I kept reading thinking maybe I was experiencing the "temporary" weight gain and did a third cycle of Natpro 100mg+ daily for the last 14 days of my cycle. I got my period on time, hot flashes are gone but now I weigh 165lbs. And the 15 pounds is all in my stomach and waist. I have never been more depressed and fat and defeated. All because I wanted to feel better and lose weight. I am supposed to start another cycle next week and I am absolutley terrified. PLEASE help me.

May 05, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Anonymous

Hi-I am 8 years menopausal, after a hysterectomy and ovaries out. (I am now 42 and had cervical cancer when I was pregnant with my child) I stopped Cenestin last year because I was kind of freaked out about taking hormones so much. I have fought the hot flashes since then, and now the zero libido, and vaginal dryness, and now the fuzzheaded feeling and emotionalism. I have been doing the 25 mg yam-type cream for several months, which I see now is not enough. I have ordered some of the good cream and am eager for it to arrive and will keep you all posted. I intend to start at at least 200. I recently started Effexor to help with hot flashes, and testosterone cream for libido which, after 5 doses, has not helped at all. I have stopped it until I can get the progesterone started, and I look forward to stopping some of my sleep supplements too!

May 11, 2011

Still gaining wait. Please Help!
by: Wray

Hi Brendarella Please don't be terrified, although it appears that progesterone is at cause, it's not. All the hormones interact with each other, so progesterone stimulates oestrogen production, and vice versa. I've found at the low amounts you were using, it will continue to stimulate it, leading to Oestrogen Dominance. The reason for the weight gain is twofold. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But as these are also a non ovarian source of oestrogen, a vicious cycle starts. Progesterone stops this mitosis, plus it's slightly thermogenic like testosterone, so speeds metabolism. Secondly oestrogen causes water retention, this accounts for the rapid weight gain you've experienced. Progesterone on the other hand is an excellent diuretic, so good it's now given to traumatic brain injury victims via IV transfusion, see here and here. I don't believe the 100mg/day is sufficient. Unfortunately you were using a low amount, which had stimulated excess oestrogen, plus you had excess to begin with. The symptoms you mention all point to it. Oestrogen also causes Insulin Resistance, which in turn causes weight gain and fatigue. I also believe you could be short of vitamin D, a lack of this reduces the benefits of progesterone. Please have a test done, for more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. If you still have hot flushes, I've found 400mg/day is needed to stop or reduce them. Once under control the progesterone should be reduced slowly till the optimum is found. We do have a page on Menopause which has more info. Take care Wray

May 11, 2011

Natpro 100mg for two months and fatter than ever
by: Wray

Hi there I hope my previous explanation helps. You might also like to see this comment here too. Take care Wray

May 11, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Wray

Hi there I do hope it helps you, it's helped so many others. I'm sure the previous post must have alarmed you, but I see you intend starting on 200mg/day. I'm relieved, as I know this amount helps. It's impossible to tell how an individual will react, no one knows the stressors involved and how progesterone will respond. It really is a question of experimenting! I would suggest you use some in your vagina too, it can help with dryness and inflammation. If you find the 200mg/day doesn't help the hot flushes, I do know 400mg/day for 4-5 days does, then once under control, the amount should be reduced to the optimum. Testosterone is often given in the mistaken belief it increases libido. It appears that possibly progesterone is the hormone responsible for this, see here. Please avoid testosterone in fact, see here, here, here, here, here here, here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray

May 16, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Anonymous

I finally received it. About how long does it take to feel effects?

May 16, 2011

Such a high amount of Progesterone
by: Tracie

If I use more than 40 mg of my compounded biodentical progesterone cream I feel like I'm drunk the next morning and I feel sick. How can you use 100-200 mg without any side effects? I put the cream on thin skin like my wrists, inside elbows, behind the knees, and top of chest. I stay away from fatty skin because of it being absorbed in fat and staying there.

Thanks

May 18, 2011

menopause and me
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am a 61 year old and have had an estrogen implant put in about 3 months ago. Before that I was taking it in tablet form. (I have had an hysterectomy about 15years ago.) I have been feeling depressed, teary, dreadful mood swings, weight gain which I hate. I started pro-gest about 3 weeks ago and my weight seems to have gone up but did notice not so teary at the moment. I am on 40mg daily should I up it to 100mg?

I am confused as to what I should be taking. I intend to come off the estrogen and will not replace the implant when it is due. I just want to get myself back and also get rid of the 13kilos of excess weight.

May 22, 2011

Bailing out
by: Anonymous

I finally decided the weight gain wasn't worth the benefits of being on this stuff. Slowly tappered off both E and P cream after being on it for 2 plus years. I've dropped 10 pounds and my clothes are finally starting to fit again. Face it....this stuff causes weight gain and that's the truth. I haven't had too many issues coming off other than I'm not sleeping nearly as well,which is a bummer. My headaches however have gone away which I was getting a lot of as well. You have to decide for yourself what your willing to put up with.

May 23, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Wray

Hi there I wish I could tell you but can't. All of us are so different there's no way of telling. Some experience bad Oestrogen Dominance to begin with, some mild, some not at all. Some find a benefit immediately, only to go into oestrogen dominance a few weeks later. Many things effect progesterone levels, stress, a lack of vitamin D, large meals, dark winter days and more. Oestrogen levels can vary too. There are over 100 oestrogen mimics on the planet now, in our food, air, water, the skin and body 'care' we use and more. There's no way of telling how much each of us is being effected by these mimics. If interested, please see the excellent website Our Stolen Future. As I said in my previous reply, please experiment with the amount. You might find you do need the 400mg/day to help the hot flushes, that 200mg/day is not sufficient. Take care Wray

May 23, 2011

Such a high amount of Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Tracie The reason you are getting these adverse symptoms when increasing the amount is caused by Oestrogen Dominance. It does pass, although it's impossible to tell how long it will take, or how much progesterone you'll need to counter the excess oestrogen. The skin comprises 95% kerotinocytes, these all have ample progesterone receptors. So the cream can be applied to any part of the body, not just the thin skinned areas. I've not found it 'stays' in the fatty layer. Yes fat cells do absorb progesterone, but that's because progesterone is lipophilic. The red blood cells travelling through capillaries in the fat pick up the progesterone and transport it around the body, see here. The vagina and rectum are also good areas to use it too, as these have a plentiful supply of red blood cells. For more info see our pages on Peri-menopause and Menopause. Or if you are pre-menopausal see our page on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

May 23, 2011

menopause and me
by: Wray

Hi there It doesn't surprise me you don't feel good on the oestrogen implant. Please see our page on HRT for the reasons why. It does take time for progesterone to work, I see it has already helped your mood. I feel you would benefit from a higher level, I don't find the usual 20-40mg/day very effective. This is the amount I started using 15 years ago, and it took me 6 months to feel normal again. If you do increase the amount, please be aware that Oestrogen Dominance can kick in. In fact you already have one symptom of it, the weight gain. Oestrogen causes fat cells to divide and multiply, plus it causes water retention. This last accounts for your immediate weight gain. Progesterone is an excellent diuretic, so good it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema that forms. We do have more info on our Menopause page. Please experiment with the amount, you might find you need more than 100mg/day to begin with. Take care Wray

May 23, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Anonymous

Here is an update--I started at the 200 mg dose and my hot flushes immediately went away. I thought it was a fluke, but nope! What a joy to not have those! And as a result, I am also sleeping better! I almost feel like myself. My libido has not increased but I am hopeful it will since it has only been a week. And I have not lost any weight, but I haven't gained any either. My fuzzy-headed feeling has decreased about 60% also. I am very tickled with the results so far!

May 25, 2011

Bailing out
by: Wray

Hi there Unfortunately you were given oestrogen with the progesterone. This would cause you to gain weight, plus it's not worth the risks, see our page on HRT. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells, it also causes water retention. Both these combined will increase weight. Progesterone is thermogenic, which means it speeds metabolism slightly. It's also an excellent diuretic, so good it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent oedema forming. So this 'stuff' doesn't cause you to gain weight, only the oestrogen will. Progesterone is also helpful for sleep, see here. Oestrogen is an excitatory and inflammatory hormone, whereas progesterone calms and is an anti-inflammatory. Hence the headaches you were getting, progesterone is also excellent for these too, see here, here, here, here and here. For more info on How to use progesterone cream, please read through this page. Take care Wray

May 30, 2011

Anxious to start!
by: Wray

Hi there You can imagine my delight that your hot flushes have gone! They were the most awful aspect of P-M for me, although the depression was bad too. I'm so pleased the lower amount of 200mg/day worked for you, often women have to go to 400mg/day, which gets costly. Progesterone is excellent for sleep too, see here. I do hope the libido gets better too, as you say it's only been a week on the progesterone. I found slowly, slowly over 6 months all the symptoms I had went, or the ones I wanted back came back. Like my short term memory, which was so bad I thought I had early onset senile dementia! But I was using the normal recommended amount of 20-40mg/day which is why it took so long. Take care Wray

May 30, 2011

Anxious to start
by: Anonymous

.Ok, I have been on this about 3 weeks and it is wonderful! I feel like my body is breathing a sigh of relief. I have stopped my evening Effexor which I took for hot flashes, and my homeopathy I was taking for them also. I have decreased my sleeping meds by about 1/3 to 1/. Still have trouble with libido, but vaginal dryness is gone now, so maybe the other will kick in soon! I started at 200, now doing about 150. Haven't gained any weight either! This is just fantastic!

May 30, 2011

Progesterone-Not strong enough??
by: Laura

While having my tubes tied my Dr. discovered I have endometriosis. After hearing my options I went with the Progesterone cream. My rx is only 20mg a day days 5-26 of my cycle. From what I am reading that is doing nothing but of course putting on some weight. I have been on it now for a few months and have no idea if it is helping anything. I was ready to just stop until I read the posts here. Should I ask for a stronger dose? Not real thrilled with my gyno. She pretty muched scoffed at me wanting to just do the cream. She wanted me to do heavier drugs that would put me into menopause.

Thanks for any help on this!

May 31, 2011

Bio Identical Progesterone
by: Michelle

Hi, I have been taking bio identical Progesterone and topical Testosterone for a month now...I have put on almost 10 pounds and am not happy about it at all. I am extremely active, lifting weights and 5 days of cardio and am still gaining weight. My stomach looks bloated. Is this from the Progesterone?

Jun 01, 2011

STILL gaining....
by: Brendarella

Update from last month. I am absolutely devasted. Despite being terrified from my last post I took the advice and continued another month of Natpro, increasing to about 200mg per day. Lo and behold I gained more weight. I'm terrified to continue but I'm terrified not to. I wish I had never bought into this seeking relief. I've gained more than 15 pounds in my stomach. I look like I'm pregnant with twins. My biggest fear come true. Give me hot flashes all day long over this nightmare.

If the person who bailed out is reading this, I read you lost 10lbs by discontinuing, would you please respond and let me know how you went off it and how you are doing now?

And if there is anyone out there who has NOT gained or has but then has miraculously lost, PLEASE respond. Fat, terrified and devasted is worse than hot flashes.

Jun 03, 2011

Anxious to start
by: Wray

Hi there This is such good news! The fact you are able to reduce your drugs too. I'm so relieved you chose to use the higher amount of 200mg/day to begin with. So many have trouble with following this advice, primarily because of the warnings they've received about using too much. But in every case, I've found it works far quicker to effect a change. Plus Oestrogen Dominance is minimised. Progesterone is excellent in the vagina, I can't remember if I told you that. So if dryness or inflammation should bother you again, try applying it there, a finger or syringe is best. You might find the libido is helped by applying it there too. Best done at night, as the cream tends to leak out when upright. Incidentally, progesterone is excellent for men too, it also increases their libido, see here. So if you have a partner, he need not worry about the effect it has on him if you use the vaginal route. I'm also delighted you haven't gained weight as so many do. It's always the low amounts of progesterone which cause this. Take care Wray

Jun 03, 2011

Anxious to start
by: Anonymous

In addition, I have lost about 4 lbs. Granted, I am also going to Weight Watchers, but have not found it more difficult to lose weight. Definitely not gaining!

Jun 03, 2011

Dear Still Gaining:
by: Jenine

I gained weight on the lower amounts but found that if I did 300+ for awhile, to get my body progesterone-dominant more quickly, the weight gain slowed and eventually went down. I've been taking only 150 mg lately and feel like I've leveled off but am not quite down to my ideal weight so I am going to up my dosage again.

Since my main weight is in my stomach, I think it is related to stress and hormones and that the progesterone will help again. Stay with it and go higher for a week or two--Wray will confirm this is safe (pregnant women have much higher progesterone levels than we are giving ourselves with the cream). You should see and feel a difference soon.

Jun 08, 2011

Just Starting Progesterone
by: Penny Lane

Hi - I am 48 and developed irregular periods and flooding - words cannot describe the mayhem, but I'm thinking that my hormones had been low for quite some time now. So I am starting on estrogen cream. I think I started around day 18 or so of my cycle but it's hard to say because after bleeding for two weeks and letting up for less than a week my body wanted to bleed again; so I doubt that I was ovulating. I began with 1/4 tsp twice a day of non-prescription cream, 22 mg per 1/4 tsp (per package directions.) I did this for one week, and the hemorrhaging stopped, but there was still spotting and irritability, and I could tell that my body still wanted to bleed, so some days I would take a little more - say an extra 1/4 tsp. Also, after 1 week I notice bloating. SO - after reading these comments I am ramping up this 2nd week to 3 tsp a day at least. This will provide 264 mg. of progesterone. If I feel I need more I will go to 4 tsp. / 352 mg.

My question is - without having a regular cycle, I am not sure whether I should take a break or not. How long should I continue the application, and when should I consider taking a break? Starting out I assumed I would do 2 weeks on and two weeks off, but now I am not sure. Would appreciate any advice and thank you so much for this forum!!

Jun 09, 2011

Correction to the above post!
by: Penny Lane

I can't believe I typed 'estrogen cream' above when I should have typed 'progesterone cream!' I have been taking between 350-440 mg of progesterone a day for the last couple of days, and cannot believe the relief I am experiencing. My question is about how long I should take it. I had monthly periods until recently, but the last 2-3 months they became irregular, with pronounced symptoms of estrogen dominance. How long should I continue at this dose? 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off? 3 weeks on and 1 week off? I have been taking progesterone for a week and a half now but only for 3 or so days at the higher dose. Before that I was following package directions. Thanks!

Jun 10, 2011

Anxious to start
by: Wray

Hi there So pleased you've lost some weight, and not found it more difficult. If you're interested in diet, please see our page on Nutrition. There are links to three websites I believe offer the best advice on what foods we should eat. I've given three options, as we all have different tastes. Take care Wray

Jun 10, 2011

Dear Still Gaining:
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Thanks for your support, once again! You are right, it is best to become progesteorne dominant as quickly as you can. It is only oestrogen that causes the weight gain when using low amounts of progesterone. Progesterone is thermogenic, so increases metabolism slightly. The weight gain over the stomach is related to hormones, particularly testosterone. In fact the menopausal ovary is an androgen producing organ, see here. You might like to read what testosterone does to us. And yet so many women are given it, in the mistaken belief it increases libido, there's evidence it's progesterone which is resoonsible for this, in men too. See here, here, here, here, here here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray

Jun 10, 2011

Just Starting Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Penny Firstly I do hope you meant progesterone cream and not oestrogen cream! Peri-menopause is a most difficult time, with mayhem as you say! With spotting or flooding, 2 weeks between periods to 3 months between, and periods which last weeks in some cases. There is simply no way we can follow the cycle once in P-M, so I always suggest using it daily, ignoring periods which will come and go at will. I'm delighted you've been encouraged to increase the amount of progesterone. I've found that low amounts merely exacerbate Oestrogen Dominance. Please be aware this can occur when increasing the amount from the 44mg you were using to the 264mg you intend using. You might like to read this comment for encouragement, see here. Thanks for the kind words too! Take care Wray

Jun 13, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Lauren

Hello! I am 27 and have had problems with what I believe is myofasical pain syndrome (lots of trigger points in my muscles), fatigue, and weight gain/not being able to lose weight. My thyroid bloodwork came back within range, but had been given different doses of T3 (25mcg-75mcg), and have tried Armour and Nature-throid (became hyper on 1 grain) with little to no relief from symptoms. I am starting to think that I do not have a thyroid problem, so I changed doctors. My new doctor has tested my testosterone (high-55; 2-45 ng/dl), estradiol (in range 65; 11-212), and progesterone (in range 0.5; <1.0). She has also tested my vitamin D which is a little low at 37 so I am taking 5,000 iu. The doctor has given me a bio-identical progesterone cream and told me to take 100 mg for 10 days before my period starts. The prescription bottle says apply 1-2 clicks which I am assuming means 100-200 mg. I am starting to wean myself off of my thyroid medicine because I don't believe it is helping, and know progesterone can help stimulate it. My question is, does it seem like I am in fact low in progesterone? Also, do you recommend starting out at 100 or 200 mg? In case this is helpful, I have never had kids, have not been on birth control for about a year, and have normal cycles typically with very painful cramps. Thanks for your help!

Jun 13, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Anonymous

Hi Lauren-I am just a lurker/user of progesterone. I wanted to address your pain issues. I also had many myofascial trigger points, and after I stopped all artificial sweeteners, they went away completely. Pains I had had for years. I was certain I had fibromyalgia. It is worth a try-I know several people personally who have been helped by this dietary change.

If my post is inappropriate, please accept my apology. I just would like to help. Thanks!

Jun 14, 2011

Artificial sweeteners
by: Lauren

Thank you for your advice. I don't really drink diet soda, or much of any soda. But, maybe I am getting too much from it in other food sources. I am starting a clean diet so we'll see if that helps, but I just can't let go the possibility that it is something hormonal/chemically within my body. I never used to have this pain before these last few years.

Jun 16, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Wray

Hi Lauren It does sound as if you need progesterone. Artificial sweeteners are notorious are causing adverse symptoms, so I'm pleased you don't drink diet soda. But there are many hidden sources, see here. It appears your tests were done in the follicular or first half of the cycle, as you give 0.5ng/ml progesterone. The tests should never be done then, but mid luteal phase. This is when progesterone levels peak, the range being 5 to 20 ng/ml. It's meaningless to do it any other time, as progesterone will be low. Your vitamin D is very low, it should be between 70-100ng/ml, and not the 30ng/ml the labs use as a reference. 5000iu's is a good dose, but it could be some time before levels rise sufficiently. You might consider taking 10000iu's for a month or two to get it up. I believe this is why you have the pain, fatigue and weight gain, a lack of vitamin D effects us hugely, these symptoms you have being but a few. A lack also reduces the benefits of progesterone. Plus it impacts on the thyroid too. It's best to make certain how much progesterone 1-2 clicks gives. I do recommend 100-200mg/day, but it is dependant on symptoms and how much oestrogen is present. I feel initially you would benefit more from the higher amount, due to the symptoms you have. But before increasing, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance first, as this can occur. And progesterone should be used from ovulation, not 10 days before your period. A normal luteal phase is always 12 to 14 days long, and always occurs between ovulation and bleeding. I prefer it if women use the progesterone for the full 14 days, as this ensures sufficient is used. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Progesterone is an excellent analgesic, please rub some on your tummy when you get cramps. It's not harmful to use it while bleeding, far better to get rid of adverse symptoms, than suffer monthly. For more info on vitamin D, please see the Vitamin D Council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Take care Wray

Jun 16, 2011

Three's a charm?
by: Judy

Hi Wray, I've spent thousands of dollars after my partial hysterectomy with multiple doctors, both MD's that do homeopathic and others, drugs vs hormones, all kinds of tests and it's almost defeating..but I remain hopeful. My saliva test came back Estradiol 2.5, Progesterone 69.3, Ratio of PG/E2 27.3, Testosterone 48.3, Dhea 120.3, Cortisol 3.1, Cortisol Morning 3.1, Cortisol Noon 4.7, Cortisol Evening 0.05 and Cortisol night 0.08. My Pg/E2 ratio intimates estrogen dominance. There was some consensus in that most of the doctors put me on the progesterone cream (50 MG per day the highest). This is my third attempt at the progesterone cream. I usually can't get through a month at 1pump = 20 mg per day. You mention taking 3 to 4x's that amount per day. That's a lot of cream and this stuff is thick and hard to rub in! If you are trying to overcome the oestrogen effects doesn't it make sense to take the progesterone cream daily without stopping until the oestrogen dominance effects have diminished? Otherwise it seems to me that you have to go back to almost square one when you start, stop, start, stop, etc..the progesterone in the initial phases.

It's been three weeks on the cream and I'm up four lbs already. I know it's the oestrogen, but how can you curb it's effects while you are waiting for the good effects of the progesterone to kick in? A water pill, other? Also, I am buying my progesterone cream over the internet per a doctors advice (PBalance Cream w/Progest-10 complex). Not sure of it's effectiveness. It sometimes feels grainy when I apply it. Thoughts most appreciated. Have a blessed day! Judy

Jun 16, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Lauren

Thanks Wray! I will have my next test done in mid luteal phase. Would I be looking for a certain ratio between my progesterone and estradiol? I also have other symptoms but the ones I listed are my major complaints. I believe I have adrenal fatigue and am waiting for my saliva cortisol results. I have read that some progesterone is made in the adrenals and if they get fatigued it can affect your thyroid too. I tried a new thyroid medicine a couple weeks ago which made me turn hyper so now I am trying to get that normalized again. That has given me a lot of anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, and on top of that I've had severe acid reflux/heartburn that I can't get to go away. Some of my other symptoms that relate to estrogen dominance besides the trigger points in my muscles, weight gain, and fatigue are hypoglycemia feelings if I don't eat in time, irritability, sugar/carb cravings, mild depression, sometimes my periods are a few days off, and pms symptoms before my period starts and during my period which include hot flushes, bloating, breast tenderness, severe cramps, and low back pain.

Jun 16, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Lauren

Wray, I'm glad you told me I need to clarify how many MGs are in each click. I was under the impression the doctor wanted me to have 100mg, but the pharmacist said that's the concentration (something like that). Each click is 25mg, so the doctor wants me to apply 25-50mg. I know from reading your website and all the comments, this is not enough and those who have increased to 100+ have had better results. I guess I am just looking for a confirmation that going above the amount the doctor wants me to do will not negatively affect me permanently. Trust me, I have learned through all of this that doctors are a lot of times wrong, but I'm still scared of going against what a doctor says haha. Please understand that I do not think you are wrong, and I will be taking your advice when I start the cream for the first time in my next cycle. I appreciate the help you have given us all!

Jun 16, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Lauren

It's me again, I'm sorry for so many posts! I just wanted to say that my doctor just told me that I need to start at the lower amount and work my way up otherwise I may get acne and bloating. I guess she knows what she's talking about a little bit, but not enough to know that those are symptoms of the oesteogen receptors being activated (I think that's what you've been saying hehe) and can be overcome faster by using a higher amount. As long as I will not damage myself by using a higher dose, I will start with 100 mg. I know from everything I've read on your site that it is safe, and I guess I'm just trying to get it through my head and not be nervous about it! Thanks again for all your knowledge and help, Wray!

Jun 18, 2011

Caps vs. Cream
by: VMR

Hi Wray...

This is a great website! I'm still learning about all this stuff, but was wondering if I could get your opinion on something. I am taking 200mg Progesterone Time Released Cap at bedtime from day 12 to menses (these are from a compounding pharmacy). They are working great for sleep and I have been feeling generally better overall (this is my second month using). It's nice that my insurance covers them, as well, but it seems cream is the best way to go. So if I wanted to convert to a cream instead, am I correct in assuming the 200mg oral the same as 20mg of the topical cream? Is it okay to add some cream for morning and then take the pills in the evening or is it best to get off the compounded pills all together and go cream only? Seems like there is definitely some room for me to increase my dosage from where I am currently at to get even better results. Thanks so much for your help!

Jun 18, 2011

Hey, Judy!
by: Jenine

I just wanted to share that the Natpro cream sold on this site at a great price is a much better ratio of progesterone-to-cream. You can get 166 mg per teaspoon and it's not quite as thick as other brands. And, if you take the questionnaire on progesterone deficiency (top right side of web page), you can get the cream at an even better price!

I experienced those beginning symptoms and actually went up to around 300 mg a day for a few weeks to hurry the process along a bit. I did not find water pills helpful but did keep up exercise, not eating late and other good general habits. Just love yourself through a brief period of change--it's worth it : )

Jun 22, 2011

Hi Jenine
by: Judy

Jenine, Thanks so much for the response. I hadn't yet looked through the entire site but did discover the cream after I sent the comment. Also after shopping around I did not see a higher dose available elsewhere. So this is great. I'm curious, how many weeks/months before the progesterone kicked in for you where you were finally getting relief and losing the temporary weight? Did you gain more than 10 lbs?

I discovered by reading earlier posts that I also have a Vit D deficiency. I was at 25. something. So I have started on Vit D3 drops (5000IU 2x's day which is pretty painless)last week.

My daughter is to be married the first week in August and my gown is going to be less forgiving if I stay on the progesterone and gain more weight in the interim. So my plan is to go off the progesterone and give my body a rest for the time being and revisit in late September with the higher dose cream you mentioned at 300mg (1/2 am/1/2 pm). By then, hopefully the Vit D should be better. Thanks again for info and encouragement.

Jun 24, 2011

Three's a charm?
by: Wray

Hi Judy Yes I agree your progesterone to oestrogen ratio is too low. We've found from Saliva Tests we run, that the ratio should be 600:1 and over to feel well. Yes again to the amount, I do recommend much higher than 20 to 50mg/day, in fact 100-200mg/day and over, particularly if symptoms are severe. It is not a one size fits all, people with mild symptoms need far less than those with severe. In fact Eve on occasion went up to 1000mg/day. You might like to see these other comments here, here and here. And you are quite right, I often suggest using progesterone daily, throughout bleeding too, to overcome severe symptoms. Generally 2 to 3 months is sufficient, but I do know of women who've continued for months before finding stability. I don't normally push our cream, I'm happy to answer all queries from users of other brands. But in this case I would ask you to try ours, I think you'll find it's not thick and hard to rub in! You might like to see this comment here. And Jenine has also kindly recommended it too. The graininess is caused by progesterone precipitating out or not being fully dissolved when being made. The weight gain is caused by oestrogen, and it will continue to plague you on the 20mg/day. It really does have to be higher to overcome the Oestrogen Dominance. Take care Wray

Jun 24, 2011

What dose to start with
by: Wray

Hi Lauren Well I'm going to answer all your comments in one! Most of the time you seem concerned about using progesterone. Don't forget when pregnant we make over 400ng/ml per day, whereas in our monthly cycle we make a maximum of 20ng/ml per day. This is the reason women are advised to use 20mg/day progesterone, which on reflection is daft. If we have adverse symptoms, then it stands to reason the amount we're making is not sufficient. So more is needed, in some case far more, see here. These comments might encourage you too, see here, here and here. The adrenals do make progesterone, it's the precursor to cortisol, so I've found progesterone helpful for adrenal fatigue. It takes the strain off the adrenals having to make it, they often rob other sources too, notably the ovaries, which then effects our reproductive system. In fact stress stops ovulation, which means there's no ovarian production of progesterone. Did I give you our page on Anxiety? There are numerous nutrients which help. And please see our page on Insulin Resistance too. I wouldn't advise starting low, as that usually makes the oestrogen dominance symptoms worse. You could of course try it and see! Take care Wray

Jun 24, 2011

Caps vs. Cream
by: Wray

Hi VMR Thanks for the kind words! I'm pleased the progesterone is helping you, as you've probably seen oral is not the best Delivery system. It's difficult to make a direct comparison, but generally only 20% of the oral is available. But for instance, if someone has hot flushes, I recommend 400mg/day for a few days, they generally stop or are certainly manageable. But in one study, oral progesterone at 300mg/day, reduced the hot flushes by 56%, over a period of 12 weeks. So it's important to assess how severe the symptoms are, and use enough progesterone to reduce or eliminate them quickly. And to use a system which delivers the progesterone effectively. I would never recommend 20mg/day to any woman, as it exacerbates the symptoms, but if you are using the caps too, then it's worth trying together. If you want to stop the caps and use a cream, then I suggest you use 100mg/day via the cream. It's impossible for me to say how you will react once the caps are finished, but if symptoms come back apply more cream. It's important to monitor symptoms and use the progesterone accordingly. For instance stress drops levels sharply, so more is needed to prevent return of symptoms. If you do increase the amount at any time, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance first, as this often occurs. I'm not sure what age you are, but you might like to see these two pages we have on Peri-menopause and Menopause Take care Wray

Jun 24, 2011

Hey, Judy!
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Thanks for the support! Take care Wray

Jun 24, 2011

Hi, Judy!
by: Jenine

I would say my weight went back down in about a month to six weeks, but I bet it would have been sooner if I had taken a higher dose (around 300 for me) earlier.

Kokoro is a good, clean brand, too, but less progesterone for the amount of carrier cream. If I need to buy that or a brand other than Natpro, I just go by how much progesterone is in the entire bottle and divide it up so I am still taking the right amount for me.

I hope you do okay without it before the wedding, but I would recommend upping your dosage now so you reach your goal by then. I tried going without progesterone for a few days, to see what I noticed, and I felt lethargic, more stressed and looked heavier due to water retention, which progesterone gets rid of. I feel bright, energized, happy and more slender now that I am on it again.

Jun 24, 2011

Progesterone and depression
by: PJ

Well, I am 61 and menopausal and fighting the belly fat. I had a hyster at 36. I wrote in a few months ago when I started 100 mg of compounded progesterone and gained 10 lbs almost over night. I was also doing a small amt of estrogen.

No matter what I do I cannot lose. I have gone from a 12 to a 14. If I increase the progesterone I get too depressed. So I cannot do that.
I also noticed the more I use the more relaxed and unmotivated I feel!

I am considering going off all of it. As I said I am not having periods so it is impossible to tell what stage of the month I am in.

My doc said if I feel "Blue" I am taking too much.
So I just don't think it is for me. Plus even on 100 mg I still have nightime hot flashes. About one a night.

Help.

Jul 12, 2011

So Sad .... Keep Gaining
by: Anonymous

After a terrible 6-8 months of mood swings, sleeplessness, night sweats, etc. I was thrilled to finally have a saliva test and find out I was deficient in Progesterone and DHEA. I was soooo excited the first 10 days or so of my Biodentical Replacement. I felt like I was finally going to get "myself" back. While I would have put up with the physical symptoms, just kind of "gut it out," I was very very concerned with my mood swings, they were seriously affecting my marriage and my children. Now, after almost a month .... I have gained TEN POUNDS. Vanity aside, I am so bloated it is painful. I am so sad because I thought I was finally getting somewhere and I feel like I may need to quit the bioidenticals...

Jul 12, 2011

Hi, PJ!
by: Jenine

I'm sure Wray will comment shortly, but I would use the cream, not anything oral as about 90% is the dose destroyed by the digestive acids. That may be why you are gaining the weight--you are in effect only taking in a small amount of progesterone when using 100 mg orally. I know Wray has also stated that she is not a fan of taking any additional estrogen. I am perimenopausal and take it everyday, at least 150 mg total divided in morning and evening doses. When I stopped briefly, I felt sluggish and cold, so I am going to stay on it. My weight also dropped a bit more when I added more vitamin D into my routine. Good luck, stay tuned!

Jul 12, 2011

Continued Progress
by: Penny Lane

Hi Wray -

I have actually been taking 440 mg of progesterone a day, and I cannot express how much relief I have experienced! But I am worried that I will become progesterone dominate if I continue at this dose for too long.

I took a couple of days off from the progesterone just as a monitoring check, and my symptoms returned with a vengeance. I started up again and all was well. A couple of weeks later, my symptoms returned when I tried to taper from 440 to about 300. So now I am back up to 440 again. My question is, how long should I continue at this amount, and when will I know to taper?

Thanks so much for your encouragement!

Jul 15, 2011

Progesterone and depression
by: Wray

Hi PJ It seems you can't have read my first answer to your query on 23rd Jan, so I will paste it again here.......
Jan 23, 2011
Hi PJ I'm not in favour of extra oestrogen. Oestrogen causes sodium retention, hence the water retention. Progestins could make you insane, as they suppress progesterone levels. Oestrogen stimulates cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But these are a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. Oestrogen also stimulates the appetite, one of the reasons women get cravings the few days prior to bleeding. Progesterone is dropping then, so is oestrogen, but if the ratio of the two hormones becomes unbalanced, many adverse symptoms occur. When starting progesterone it does stimulate oestrogen, which initially would have created more. Especially if the amount used is low, as yours appears to be. This would have hastened the weight gain, for more info on this see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, if you do increase the amount, please make sure you read the page on oestrogen dominance, as this can occur when increasing. You might like to read our page on Menopause too. I'm pleased you're taking the vitamin D, I hope sufficient. The minimum dose should be 5000iu's/day, for more info please see the Vitamin D council website. A lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone and there's evidence a lack is implicated in dementia, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Please have a vitamin D test done on your mother. You'll notice in one of the links that a physician gave an Alzheimer's patient 5000iu's/day. Not having spoken a word for a year, she started speaking again. It's certainly worth trying for your mother, no harm can come of it, but potential good. It's very lucky they left your ovaries in, see here. I?ve run out of space, so will continue the answer in a new comment. Take care Wray

Jul 15, 2011

Progesterone and depression
by: Wray

Hi PJ Progesterone also has protective effects against Alzheimer's, see here. Whereas oestrogen increases the risk, see our page on HRT. Also on the 23rd Jan you sent another similar query entitled 'gained weight with Prog and Est bio creams' which I also answered by pasting the same answer as above. I hope this has answered this query. Take care Wray

Jul 17, 2011

Mexican Dioscorea Villosa cream, Weight Gain, Graves Disease and Adrenal Stress
by: Ellen in Mexico

Hello Wray. I am unable to get Natpro sent to me in my current location. I am working on my Adrenal Exhaustion, hormones etc. and I have Progecyv Wild Yam Extract Cream, 60G to a tub, Wild Yam Extract(Dioscorea Villosa), Almond Oil, Carbopol 934, Trietanolamine, Estearic Acid, DL-Panthenol, Glicerolate, Water. The Mexican creams do not say exactly how much progesterone is in them. I have checked several. This one costs me about $12 a pot. I read on this site that in a 60G jar there might be 900 mg. of progesterone. Did I get that right? I am using about 1/4 tsp 3 or 4 times daily and I am gaining weight. I read that this might be Oestrogen Dominance. At times my thyroid hurts as well. This has recently started again so I am thinking I need more cream? (I am in remission from Graves).

I have never forgotten your incredible kindness, time and energy a few years ago when I was in such a crisis. I went through 9 tubes of Natpro before I could not get it any longer due to circumstances here.

I did not use anything for a number of years which was, a big mistake! I am done suffering now and a recent crisis has kicked my ass and I am back on the train of recovery. I am improving daily and feel much more level. I have been gluten free now for over a year and that alone transformed my life and I got back to my normal weight. Now, I am suddenly gaining weight again around my lower back, hips and thighs.

I started this new program in earnest near the end of June so it has not been a month yet. When I started I was full of irrational fears, anxiety, sweats and so on due to a very stressful year. You know the story. Now, only 3 weeks later I am soooo much better already. I have sweats, and the night ones have gotten worse with this protocol (which means I need more cream?). I have no nausea, my body feels good for the most part and so far, no breast pain or tenderness. I had a hysterectomy many years ago and am 56 now. I have no idea if I am finished with menopause. I have 1 and a half ovaries if I remember correctly.

I am most interested to hear your opinion of the cream I am using. It is made by Corporacion CYVPHARMA in Zapopan, Jalisco. (That is just outside of Guadalajara)

I just want to know if what I am using is doing anything or if it is just the vitamins and oils and if the cream is good, do I need to increase my dose? I really do not want to gain weight permanently. For a while is OK.

Thank you in advance. Do you have a Facebook page that I can send my contacts to?
Ellen

Jul 18, 2011

Hi, PJ!
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Bless you for encouraging PJ! It's interesting you felt sluggish and cold, progesterone is thermogenic, so increasing temperature and metabolism slightly. Take care Wray

Jul 18, 2011

Continued Progress
by: Wray

Hi Penny I'm so happy you trusted me enough to use a high amount, and that it did help! You do need to become progesterone dominant and it's obvious you're not quite there yet, as your symptoms return when you take a break. Tapering back to 300mg from 440mg is too big a jump, reduce by no more than 30mg/day and stay on that amount for about a week, or more if necessary, before attempting to reduce again. How long it will take is the perennial question. You might like to read these comments from users of high amount for encouragement, see here, here, here and here. You might like to see the Saliva Tests we run too, these give an indication of the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen. You'll notice that the ratio varies from 600:1 to over 1000:1. Take care Wray

Jul 18, 2011

So Sad .... Keep Gaining
by: Wray

Hi there You don't say how much progesterone you are using. If it's the standard 20-40mg/day it doesn't surprise me you've gained weight. I take it you were also given DHEA, as you say it was low. This increases testosterone levels, and with it not only weight gain due to visceral fat, but it increases the risk of cancer and heart disease, see here, here, here and here. It's essential to make progesterone the dominant hormone, I recommend 100-200mg/day. For more info see our page on How to use progesterone cream if you're a young woman, or our pages on Peri-menopause and Menopause if older. You also don't say if the 'bio-identicals' contained oestrogen. I gather they must have for you to have bloated so quickly. Oestrogen causes water retention, it's also a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. Please consider increasing the amount of progesterone only, and please use a Delivery system which is effective. Take care Wray

Jul 18, 2011

Progesterone and depression
by: Wray

Hi PJ I don't believe 100mg/day is sufficient, certainly not if you still have those symptoms, particularly the hot flushes. I've found 400mg/day is needed to stop those within a few days. Oral progesterone only reduces them by 56% and took 12 weeks to do so. The dose was high too, 300mg/day, see here. The reason for the depression, weight gain etc was not progesterone, but oestrogen. When first using progesterone, particularly if the amount is too low, it stimulates oestrogen. It's essential to use enough to overcome this, there's more info on our page about Oestrogen Dominance. If the amount is too low it continues to stimulate oestrogen. Although I do recommend 100-200mg/day, many women find they need more. You might like to read these comments from other users, see here and here. Take care Wray

Jul 21, 2011

.
by: Susan

I'm not sure I agree that progesterone is the "cure-all" hormone.. some women DO NOT tolerate it, and I highly doubt it's from an increase in oestrogen.

Like any other hormone, if your body has too much progesterone, there are negative side effects.

Progesterone causes migraines for me. I get them in the latter part of my cycle, when progesterone rises and estrogen lowers. Progesterone is not produced in large amounts in the female body until (normally) two years after your first menstrual cycle.. coincidentally, that's when my migraines started.. a drop in estrogen causes them for me.. not to mention weight gain the abdominal area! I've always had the flattest stomach, but after getting on natural progesterone, I began gaining weight in that area.. and depression.

The abdominal weight gain from progesterone makes sense, because like you said, progesterone is the pregnancy hormone! Your body needs to gain weight at that time, and so you eat and eat and eat, and what hormone has the highest levels during pregnancy? Progesterone.

It's not good for everyone. For some it might work, but for me it causes headaches, weight gain, and depression (as well as acne). So no thanks! Just be cautious when using ANY type of hormone- natural or otherwise!

Jul 21, 2011

.
by: Susan

Also adding to the weight gain side effect- there have been numerous studies relating to estrogen and leptin. Estrogen has a similar effect in the brain as leptin, and leptin controls hunger.

Progesterone on the other hand, often increases your desire to eat!

Jul 26, 2011

INSANE Weight gain
by: Linda

Just looking for validation. I started hot flashing on oral estradiol and oral progesterone a few months back. I made the switch to trans-dermal as a result of my research. My initial dosages were WAY too low to report here--I was hot flashing more than ever. I figured out that 1 MG Bi-est and 200 mg progesterone x 14 fixed the initial trans-dermal withdrawal.

But I'm gaining weight like a bat out of hell, and ladies, I'm doing Beachbody's INSANITY--that's right--heart pounding, vigorous cardio--the hell with the stupid idiocy that declares women should engage in moderately intense exercise because anything vigorous would cause hot flashes...doh.

I had a clue in May about progesterone, but needed to do more adjusting. I finally realized that the cravings kick back up with the progesterone application. Anyhow, I'm going to return to my original oral dosing of 100 mg x 1 with the trans-dermal and see if that kicks the weight loss in and keeps the hot flashes at bay. I can't stand my gut like this when INSANITY delivers but I can't! I was at 130 in March and I battle 136-138 constantly. Yuck. I want my six pack!

Aug 03, 2011

by: Susan
by: Wray

Hi Susan I agree progesterone is not a cure all, there are so many other factors to take into consideration. But often supposed adverse side effects when starting it, are in fact caused by progesterone stimulating oestrogen. I've found it's the low amounts of 20-40mg/day that are to blame. Take your migraines for example, oestrogen is an inflammatory hormone, it also causes water retention. It's when the ratio of the two hormones becomes unbalanced that problems arise. Catamenial migraines always occur just prior to bleeding, ie in the latter part of the cycle, and they are caused by excess oestrogen. Progesterone is effective at reducing or stopping them, see here, here, here, here, here and here. Progesterone is thermogenic, making it difficult to cause weight gain. It's also an excellent diuretic, so reducing weight gained by water retention. Oestrogen and only oestrogen causes cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells, progesterone inhibits mitosis. It's also effective against depression/anxiety, see here, here and here. I've run out of space so will continue below. Take care Wray

Aug 03, 2011

by: Susan
by: Wray

Hi Susan The weight gained during pregnancy is not caused by progesterone, see here. Abdominal weight gain is due to testosterone, not progesterone see here, here, here, here, here here, here, here, here and here. Oestrogen disturbs blood glucose, progesterone helps to stabilise it. Which is why so many women get cravings just prior to bleeding, the ratio becomes unbalanced with progesterone dropping too fast. Supplementing with progesterone prevents the cravings occurring. Interesting you should mention leptin, as there's evidence progesterone increases levels, and not oestrogen, see here. Take care Wray

Aug 03, 2011

INSANE Weight gain
by: Wray

Hi Linda I doubt if the 100mg/day will help, particularly if it's oral. This is the least effective Delivery system. If you continue taking oral, I suggest you increase to 300mg/day, but you'll find it will only reduce the hot flushes by about 56%, and will take an average of 12 weeks to do so, see here. I've found 400mg/day progesterone in a form that's well absorbed is needed to reduce or stop hot flushes within a few days. As for the weight gain, please read the papers I've given Susan above. Take care Wray

Aug 04, 2011

Please Help! So confused
by: Vicki

Started 50 mg/ml compounded progesterone cream 7/21. My stomach is bloated and cellulite (which I do not have a problem with) is gathering on belly and back of legs and butt.

So far, still not sleeping through the night.

Not sure what to do - typical symptoms of estrogen dominance (saliva test results also).

Can't deal with the weight gain and cellulite - I work to hard to stay in shape.

Should I increase or decrease progesterone before I stop all together.

Every website contradicts the other.

Thank you!

Aug 06, 2011

Please Help! So confused
by: Wray

Hi Vicki I agree there are many contradictions. I've found for most people that using low amounts of progesterone merely exacerbates symptoms. Plus adding others which hadn't existed. I always recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on the severity. More if they are very severe. For instance Dr Dalton would give 900mg/day to her patients with post natal depression, see here. And 2400mg/day progesterone to her patients with post natal psychosis. Over 1200mg/day is given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims, see here and here. They need high amounts, often we do too, it's pointless using a low amount in these cases. If you're not sleeping well, there are a number of nutrients which help, tryptophan, inositol, B3, vitamin D, please have a look at our page here on how to take these. Unfortunately progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, this leads to Oestrogen Dominance. Increasing the amount of progesterone can also lead to oestrogen dominance, please be aware of this should you consider increasing the amount you are using. Another unfortunate thing, before oestrogen is made, testosterone is made first. Amongst other problems, this leads to viseral fat deposits in the belly, see here and here. Oestrogen also causes water retention which leads to bloating, progesterone is such a good diuretic, it's one reason it's given to TBI victims, to prevent oedema forming. I'm not sure what age you are, but we have more info on our Peri-menopause and Menopause pages. Take care Wray

Aug 21, 2011

Also VERY Confused about Progesterone-help!
by: Anonymous

I am really confused, here's my story: I have been plagued with anxiety, depression and migraines my entire life (I'm 37). I saw a naturopathic doctor 6 months ago who put me on intra-muscular Progesterone (shots) twice a month on days 18 & 24 of my cycle--this is all bioidentical by the way. It was helping alot with no side effects, except that it wasn't doing anything for my insomnia (which I also had since I was in my twenties). And so I was switched after 3 months to oral Progesterone at 120 mg/daily for days 18-28 of my cycle. I almost immediately began having bad symptoms: extreme breast pain, headaches on & off around my period, weight gain/bloating in my stomach, etc. Now my doctor isn't sure if I am on too much Progesterone or not enough. When I first started my therapy, I tested at an 8 on day 21 of my cycle. After 3 months of shots, I tested at 24 and he was pleased with the results. Should I have stayed on the shots instead of switching to oral Progesterone? He never offered the cream as an option, saying it wouldn't be strong enough. Any advice is appreciated, I am VERY frustrated. Oh--the pills have helped my anxiety alot and I do sleep better. But now I have all these other issues....

Aug 22, 2011

Also VERY Confused about Progesterone-help!
by: Wray

Hi there Injections, suppositories and the creams are the best Delivery systems. Oral progesterone is the least effective, as most gets destroyed by the gut and liver. So the 120mg/day you are taking is giving you about 12 to 24mg/day. This is the reason you are getting those symptoms. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, so using a low amount merely exacerbates this, see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. The injections were giving you a reasonable amount, plus bypassing the liver too. But I don't believe you are getting enough from them. We make progesterone after ovulation, and for the duration of the luteal phase, which should last 12-14 days. Anything less and it's defective. So supplemental progesterone should be used during the luteal phase too, and not just on two days, or from day 18-28. And is your cycle 28 days, as it can vary from 21 to 35, 28 is only the average. For more info see our page on How to use progesterone. I recommend 100-200mg/day, more if symptoms are severe. I would really recommend you use more and throughout your luteal phase. As injections are painful I wouldn't advise those daily, but he might prescribe suppositories. Progesterone is excellent for Anxiety and depression. It's also excellent for migraines too, I recommend rubbing the cream under the ears and over the neck, should they start. See here, here, here, here, here and here. I'm running out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray

Aug 22, 2011

Also VERY Confused about Progesterone-help!
by: Wray

Hi there And please have a vitamin D test done, a lack of this not only causes anxiety, depression and migraines, but reduces the benefits of progesterone. See here, here and here. For more info on vitamin D see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital websites. Take care Wray

Aug 22, 2011

Adolescent Weight Gain - Implanon
by: Anonymous

My daughter who is 16 - almost 17 had an Implanon progesterone implant inserted in her arm about a year ago. She has gained 30-40 lbs out of the blue. She eats well and didn't have any changes in her activity level. The weight gain has been horrible to deal with as a teenager. The Implanon was inserted to relieve hormone-related migraine headaches. I'm sure she would rather have the headaches back than the weight gain. I would appreciate any comments on younger people using progesterone.

Sep 09, 2011

Progesterone, Wt Gain, Inflammation, Cancer
by: Anonymous

Can't understand why progesterone causes weight gain, inflammation, tiredness, cotton mouth and other symptoms. When I was taking a pill dose, it relieved PMS and I was able to maintain a healthy weight. The doctor said I was not absorbing enough of it. So she prescribed the cream. Since then, I have been unable to lose weight even though I have reduced my calories and upped my exercise. The PMS solution is now gone. I don't see any benefit to taking Progesterone if PMS symptoms came back and this medicine is making my more tired, pain, inflammation and bloatedness. Where is the benefit? If I take more than 50mg a day, is there more of a cancer risk? I have tried 100mg and felt better, but the PMS symptoms are still here & aggrevation of other health problems. Help.

Sep 13, 2011

Adolescent Weight Gain - Implanon
by: W

Hi there Unfortunately your daughter is not getting progesterone, but a synthetic progestin called etonogestrel. It's a great pity, but the doctors believe progestins and progesterone are one and the same. Nothing could be further from the truth, the progestin molecule is so changed, it's barely recognisable as the same. You might like to read about it here and here. Oestrogen is implicated in migraines, it's an inflammatory, excitatory hormone, whereas progesterone is an anti-inflammatory and calming hormone. It's been used successfully in migraines for over 60 years now, first by Dr Dalton who would give progesterone injections to her patients with migraine. You might like to read these studies here, here, here, here, here and here. I recommend using 100-200mg/day, we have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. I would also suggest your daughter has a vitamin D test done, a lack of this can also cause migraines, see here, here and here. Interestingly, a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. For more info please see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital websites. I must add I put my daughter on progesterone when she was 14, and she hasn't looked back. She's still using it and is nearly 30. Take care Wray

Sep 14, 2011

Diving In
by: Judy

Hi Wray/Jenine, If you recall I wrote back in June (3's a charm title)
I'm now going to revisit the progesterone therapy now that the wedding is over. I've ordered my cream off the site w/discount (!!!). I read Wray's story which was encouraging and empowering. I'm ready to dive in. As discussed previously, my doses were quite small (25-50MG) which exacerbated the oestrogen. I am nervous about the high doses I will need to take, but it's the only option I have. I want this to work, so quickly overcoming the OE is critical. I don't have hot flashes, bleeding, etc like other women. I mean I feel like crud most of the time, but when I read what others are going through it's harder to complain. My major symptoms are weight gain, hypoglycemia, severe exhaustion (big issue). So I'm thinking 200-250MG might be the ticket, or should I start higher? This is my last shot, I will give it 6 weeks to see improvement(if I can hold out that long).

Also, what are the best places to put the cream first, I know it needs to be rotated.

I love the fact that you are providing vital information to women that gives them options. God willing this therapy will be a help to me. Thank you for your efforts!!

Sep 19, 2011

Mexican Dioscorea Villosa cream, Weight Gain, Graves Disease and Adrenal Stress
by: Wray

Hi Ellen I can't believe I didn't see your query, I'm so very sorry! I wish you'd emailed me, you did have my address, maybe not anymore? I found our correspondence so interesting. Now to answer your questions. I found the Progecyv, but it says it's $81.67 for 60g, you must have got it on a special. Like you I can't find anything on the site to say what the ingredients are, or how much progesterone. It's puzzling they don't give the progesterone content on the tub. The only thing I can suggest is writing to them and asking, it's essential to know how much you're using. My Spanish is not up to it! Most creams do contain about 900mg per 60g, although the Natpro contains 2000mg per tube. I'm also puzzled you can't get it, as we send to people in Mexico. I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. The worse they are the more is needed initially, then it can be reduced slowly until the optimum is reached. If the cream you're using has only 900mg/per container, it contains only 15mg progesterone per ml. So the 5ml you're using would be giving only 75mg/day. As you now have Oestrogen Dominance I would suggest you increase to 2tsp per day, giving you 150mg progesterone, you might need more than this, symptoms will tell you. I would imagine with your age now, that you are in Menopause. The ovaries will not be producing any progesterone, but unfortunately testosterone, see here. This increase causes so many women to get 'middle age spread' and more, see here and here. Plus our fat cells produce oestrogen, to be precise it's oestrone, but it still has a mitogenic effect on cells, including fat cells, so a vicious cycle starts. So not only are the fat cells increasing, but oestrogen also causes water retention. Luckily progesterone is an excellent diuretic, so good over 1200mg/day is now given via IV transfusion to TBI victims, see here and here. I've run out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2011

Mexican Dioscorea Villosa cream, Weight Gain, Graves Disease and Adrenal Stress
by: Wray

Hi Ellen Please have a vitamin D test done. I know you live in sunny Mexico, but most of us spend 90% of our time indoors, getting little vitamin D. A lack is implicated in Grave's, see here, here, here, here and here. In fact it's low in all autoimmune diseases, all inflammatory disorders. For more info on testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital websites. I do have have a FB page, but never look at it. Partly because I'm hopeless with it, and partly because I'm answering so many of these queries I don't have the time. But I do have a friend who does understand the intricacies, in fact she has a Natpro FB page, which is full of info and amusing incidents! See here. I do hope you eventually get my reply to you. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2011

Diving In
by: Wray

Hi Judy I do hope the wedding was fun and it went well! Pleased you took Judy's advise about the discount, it's something I rarely remember. Pleased too you thought my story worth reading, but when I read what others have been through, mine pale in comparison. Start on the 200mg/day and see how you get on, it's so easy to increase the amount if you feel even more 'crud'! As for high amounts, you might like to read these comments here, here, here and here for encouragement. Please don't give up after 6 weeks, in many cases it can take much longer. But over this time you'll notice that gradually symptoms decrease or go. In fact many you never thought were related to hormones. My severely cracked heels healed, my finger nails no longer flaked off and starting growing again, my dizziness went and the chronic fatigue too. Although this last can be caused by Insulin Resistance. Please look through this page, as I feel this could in part be your problem. The weight gain, hypoglycaemia and severe exhaustion indicate it. And please whatever you do, read our page on Oestrogen Dominance, this often catches women unaware of it. It's very disconcerting too, as everyone thinks they should immediately feel better. Please have a vitamin D test done, most of us lack it, and it can do wonders to how we feel. The weight gain, hypoglycaemia and severe exhaustion are also indicative of a vitamin D deficiency. A lack of this vital nutrient causes insulin resistance, so too does excess oestrogen. For more info see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital websites. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, and the blood level should be 70-100ng/ml, and not the 30ng/ml used by labs and doctors as adequate. The skin comprises 95% kerotinocytes, these have ample progesterone receptors, so the cream can be applied anywhere, even hair follicles absorb it well. The vagina is another excellent place to apply it, as it helps prevent inflammation and dryness, plus being protective against candida. Bless you for the kind words. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2011

Progesterone, Wt Gain, Inflammation, Cancer
by: Wray

Hi there It seems your doctor didn't warn you about oestrogen dominance. This occurs in many women when first using progesterone. It's actually oestrogen causing all those symptoms you give, not progesterone. It's explained on our Oestrogen Dominance page. I'm pleased your doctor changed your script to a cream, oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system as most of the progesterone is destroyed by the gut and liver. The change explains why you are now getting bad symptoms. They do pass, but often a much higher amount than you're currently using has to be applied. 50mg/day merely exacerbates the symptoms. I recommend 100-200mg/day. Progesterone will not cause cancer, but oestrogen certainly, see our page on Cancer and progesterone. Plus our page on HRT. Oestrogen initiates mitosis, progesterone inhibits mitosis. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray

Sep 19, 2011

What about Amberen?
by: PJ

I have not had success with progesterone helping with much of anything. I did notice feeling happier, but I have gained 20 lbs this year all after going on the Progesterone. Obviously for a lot of women it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the right dosage to keep from gaining weight.

So I have tried Amberen. I don't think it has helped me at all except my breasts now hurt and after taking it I feel very hungry.

I am really disgusted with all of the hormone stuff. Also I was told by a health food store guy that bioidentical hormones are still not natural. The only thing truly natural is what our bodies make.

It seems progesterone made me so calm I didn't really want to do much. I also have only 1/2 my Thyroid and take Synthroid and Cytomel and feel pretty good otherwise.

Any comments, Wray?

Sep 21, 2011

What about Amberen?
by: Wray

Hi PJ You don't say how much progesterone you used. I did advise going up to 400mg/day for the hot flushes, did you try this? The weight gain is explained on the oestrogen dominance page. Unfortunately progesterone is not a quick fix, many women needing 6 months or more of a high amount before they start to feel better. Bio-identical hormones are identical to that made by the body. Progesterone itself has been used successfully for over 60 years now, with not one adverse study published. If it weren't safe or identical, TBI victims would not be given, via IV transfusion too, amounts over 1200mg/day, see here and here, here. And a new study is being conducted with 1000 people, see here. Incidentally over 70% of the TBI victims were men. As for Amberen, I can't see how any of the ingredients would help. There's only 800mg per dose, and amino acids, of which glycine is one, should be given at no less than 500mg to be effective. That only leaves 300mg for the rest, including 8 fillers. Take care Wray

Sep 22, 2011

getting off Amberen
by: PJ

I have a couple of weeks left on Amberen but I am getting off. It has made feel hungry, and have strong hunger pangs.

Feeling extreme hunger like that is not typical for me. I had a hyster at 36 and am now 62. It is possible that Amberen is not as effective once you are older and had a hysterectomy. They left my ovaries and I went into menopause at 51.

I understand what you are saying about the progesterone, but still... I weighed 148 when she put me on progesterone and estrogen. I gained 10 lbs in month. She said increase the progesterone and decrease the estrogen. So i did that. I started feeling moody and blue, she said the progesterone can do that. So do less.

Consequently with less estrogen I still had hot flashes. So the bio hormones did NOT take away any symptoms. And I kept gaining.

So now I am just going off of EVERYTHING for a month. Something is also causing hives every few days and I am stopping all vitamins for a month also.

I will slowly adding back in things one at a time. I recently ordered Progesterone from Neurobiologix instead of the prescription. Do you know anything about that product? It is much harder to determine how much a dose really is. I don't like that.

I do feel that the progesterone helped flatten my stomach last November/December, which is what the doc said would happen.
However, bio's caused a 10 lb gain, and the Amberen has put on 10 more. I am going nuts.

Thanks for your input. I literally feel I have no one to talk to as both my sisters refuse to do hormones anymore. They both gained and hated it.

Sep 25, 2011

scared to take bio progesterone
by: ScaredyCat

After reading everybodys post im scared to take the bio progesterone. I have hashimoto's disease which causes me to be hypothyroid. Well i just found out thru a saliva test that my progesterone level was a low 22. my bio dr. told me to take 50 mg during days 5-11 of the cycle and from 11-26 to double it. I am already soooo overweight from having my thyroid problem. I'm just now starting to lose weight and I'm afraid to gain the weight not just because of being fat but more so because its uncomfortable and I spent the last 6 months with swollen abdomen, face, legs and ankles. I was so miserable and now that I'm not I don't want to go back to that. ok with that being said does anybody have any advice as to what to do if i notice a weight gain when i start taking it?

Sep 25, 2011

Dear Scaredy Cat
by: Jenine

I know Wray will get back to you soon, so I will be brief: Start off by taking more rather than less cream. It's a bit counter-intuitive, but works to get you past the oestrogen-dominance stage more quickly. I started with the recommended amount on the box of a brand I bought at a health food store, 20 mg per day and did so for a week or two, gained weight, wrote to Wray and took her advice of applying not less than 100 to 200 daily, based on all the studies in this area. I noticed improvement, but went up to 350 a day for a week or so and noticed the weight gained earlier going away. Now I usually take about 200 a day and if you use the brand Wray recommends, Natpro, which is found on this site, you get a lot more hormones per mg so you won't spend all day rubbing cream in : ) Progesterone therapy has not made me skinny, but it's ruled out some of the culprits (water retention and too much oestrogen or cortisol via the adrenal glands when stressed), so now I can focus on addressing whatever is causing the now relatively minor weight gain I've had in recent years. I also notice I am much sunnier in mood when I use it, which inspires me to excersize more often. Hope this helps, Jenine

Sep 26, 2011

Just started on Progestrone
by: Anonymous

Wray, just curious...what is your opinion of Progestrone Mist? From reading your previous comments, I don't think I started on a large enough dosage. My dr recommended 1-3 sprays daily on days 14-28 of my cycle. I don't want to gain any more weight! I'm up 15 lbs in 2 yrs. My saliva test showed my progestrone levels were low.

Sep 26, 2011

SCAREDY CAT
by: Anonymous

It's not the cream its the capsules. I think I'm gonna have to just try it and ask them to adjust as needed :/

Sep 26, 2011

Scaredy cat
by: Scaredy Cat

Unfortunately it the dr did not prescribe a cream, he gave me capsules. i guess i will have to try it and see what happens. if i start gaining weight then ill have them adjust it. :/

Sep 28, 2011

Dear Scaredy Cat
by: Jenine

You can buy the cream, Natpro, right on this site! And if you take the progesterone deficiency quiz, you will get each 2000mg/2oz tube for under $20 each. I've paid almost twice that for less in the health food stores--and this is a great cream!

Oct 03, 2011

getting off Amberen
by: Wray

Hi PJ It is a good idea to get off everything, you never know what it is causing the problems. But to my mind there's no question the oestrogen you were on caused the weight gain, plus the low level of progesterone. This merely ramped up the oestrogen even more. The Neurobiologix comes in a dispenser which gives 20mg/pump. The ingredients are all fine, but if you use only 20mg you'll find you will get Oestrogen Dominance. The amount really needs to be 100-200mg/day, so you would need between 5 to 10 pumps per day. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2011

scared to take bio progesterone
by: Wray

Hi ScaredyCat It doesn't make good reading! But as Jenine says, the recommended amount is on the whole far too low. Progesterone is only made after we ovulate, so I see no point in using it during the follicular phase, unless symptoms are severe. In this case I suggest using it daily for 2-3 months until stable, then following the cycle. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. You mention 'taking' progesterone, so I'm assuming you mean oral? This is not the best Delivery system. Please consider changing to one that is. And please see this page here for advice on the thyroid. There is evidence that Hashi's is caused by a lack of vitamin D, see here, here and here. Please have a test done, for more info see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. A lack of vitamin D can cause weight gain, and Insulin Resistance, which itself causes weight gain. Excess oestrogen also causes weight gain and IR, so it could be more than just a problem with your thyroid. For more advice on How to use progesterone, please read through this page. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2011

Dear Scaredy Cat
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Bless you for your input, always so good. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2011

Just started on Progestrone
by: Wray

Hi there Without doing a detailed search, the only mist I can find is made by Progesta-Care. 3 sprays give 20mg progesterone. So if this is the product you're using, and this is all you're using, it doesn't surprise me you've put on weight or that your saliva results showed low progesterone. I recommend 100-200mg/day, 5-10 times the amount you're getting. Fro more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. But before you consider increasing the amount, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance first. Take care Wray

Oct 03, 2011

Response to Wray and Vit D & progesterone
by: SCAREDY CAT

Wray, thanks for the information. I am actually low on Vit D. that was the first thing to show up in my blood tests. My TSH kept coming back normal but my Vit D kept coming back low 29 to be exact. Eventually my TSH started to rise and thats when I was dx. I think i have been suffering from hashis for a long time it just didnt show up in TSH and well you know most dr dont test for FT3, FT4 or antibodies... I am currently taking 4000 iu of Vit D a day. All these pills and supplements, plus everything else starts to feel like a burden. :(

As for the progesterone, do you have any articles that discuss weight gain and daily dosage so I can show my doctor? I'm not sure why he thought capsules were the best decision; however, he started me on the 5 day of my menstration because he said i was more than likely either ovulating very little or not at all. My saliva test result revealed that it was at 22. From my understanding this is really low. He said that he was trying to mimic my body's "ovulation time".

Also yes I was concerned about the dosage because I know that meds are cut by a large percentage because of the first pass which is why I would like an article or something to show the dr. If you have any links or whatever I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for your time!

Oct 03, 2011

Also still very confused
by: Michelle

Wray:
I have been on progesterone cream for about 2 years now. My dr. doesn't really talk about anything over 60mg. I have experimented and even 30 mg seems to make me blah and more and more sleepy. In April 2011, from a saliva test, my estradiol was 3.9 and progesterone 3690. Also my vitamin D was low. How many IUs of vitamin D am i suppose to take? Still i feel so bad and am gaining more and more weight. (more stomach bloating and cellulite and inches rather than actually "weight") I am 46 and still have a monthly period. I can't imagine taking more progesterone. I have reduced it from 30mg to 25mg and made me feel better for a few days but now back to feeling bad again and gaining more and more bloat makes me feel more bad. HELP!

Oct 03, 2011

I am still confused
by: PJ

Wray--about the neurobiologix cream. I was afraid that the dosage was low. The woman at the store said that women who are progesterone dominate tend to be thinner. And the opposite is true.

I wonder if not having my periods since I was 36 changed the way hrt works for me. I took estrogen only for 8 years from age 52 until I just stopped at 60, because of weight gain and a belly.

When the new doc put me on progesterone (age 61) it was a godsend emotionally, I felt better but put on more weight. Which I have had trouble shedding.

Even increasing the progesterone didn't help. So is iot a useless battle, since I have had a hyster and I am older. I am not just beginning the menopause like so many women on this site.

I am off everything and have hot flashes again, and my ability to cope with stress is gone. My husband is so frustrated with these issues, so he wants me to STAY off of everything for awhile.

But I heard that adding hormones back after being off, & later in life is what causes dementia and breast cancer! And yet some sites say est/progest prevents dementia.

Thanks for reading Wray...
PJ

Oct 03, 2011

Also very confused
by: Michelle

Wray:
In addition to my last comment of a few minutes ago, i exercise daily and try to eat right most of the time. My thyroid and everything has been checked.

Oct 03, 2011

Thanks, Wray!
by: Jenine

You do a much-needed service in the world, Wray, and I am happy to sing your praises and back up your info anytime. I am a professional researcher in television production and respect your thoroughness--and I love your positive and helpful attitude!

Oct 05, 2011

Response to Wray and Vit D & progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Scaredy Cat 29 is very low, it doesn't surprise me your thyroid is in trouble. Specialists are now recommending it should be between 70-100ng/ml, and not the 30ng/ml doctors and labs consider adequate. And they say the minimum dose should be 5000iu's per day. Please consider taking 10,000iu's per day to get it up quickly and have a test done in 2-3 months. I have no papers stating specifically that oestrogen causes weight gain. But there are plenty showing it has a mitogenic effect, in other words causes cells to replicate. Many other papers, seemingly obscure, show how progesterone first stimulates oestrogen, then suppresses it, this is one here. Another showing how progesterone effects the oestrogen receptors, see here. This paper explains oestrogen's proliferative effects on breast tissue, see here. This paper shows how oestrogen blocks progesterone if in excess, see here. As I said they may seem obscure, but ultimately explain the role the two hormones have. As for daily dosage, you might have gathered I don't agree with the amounts generally suggested, all far too low. Progesterone usage is not dependant on dose, weight or size, but on symptoms. If they are severe, far more is needed. For instance Dr Dalton would give 2400mg/day to her patients with post natal psychosis, over 1200mg/day is given via IV transfusion to TBI victims, see here, here and here. Incidentally over 70% of these are men. From 200-600mg/day is given to women who've had recurrent miscarriages, or are going through IVF treatment, for papers see our Pregnancy page. I've run out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray

Oct 05, 2011

Response to Wray and Vit D & progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Scaredy Cat For more info and papers on the various Delivery systems please read through this page. There are some referring to the first pass through the liver. You don't say when your saliva test was done, saliva should always be taken ±7 days after ovulation or before bleeding. In other words mid-luteal phase. Progesterone is always low in the follicular phase, these are the ranges 12-100 pg/ml (follicular) or 75-270 pg/ml(luteal). Normal cycle lengths vary from 21 days to 35 days, ovulation always occurring 12-14 days before bleeding in all women. So a 21 day cycle the woman would ovulate on day 7, if a 35 day cycle on day 21. So to start you on day 5 makes no sense. Progesterone should be started at ovulation, and continued for the next 14 days. Only if symptoms are severe, do I recommend using it daily for 2-3 months, during the period too, and then following the cycle. Take care Wray

Oct 05, 2011

Also still very confused
by: Wray

Hi Michelle Using such a low amount of progesterone will make you feel blah. Progesterone has to become the dominant hormone before feeling well. To do this it's essential to use enough, too little and it merely exacerbates the Oestrogen Dominance symptoms. We've found from Saliva Tests we run that the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 and over to feel well. The naturopath who runs these tests has just had a test done for herself, and her ratio was 800:1. Although she's 57, she still looks and feels like a younger women, in fact her body would be the envy of many. I recommend 100-200mg/day or more if symptoms are severe, please consider increasing the amount you're using. We do have more info on our How to use progesterone cream page. The minimum for vitamin D should be 5000iu's per day, and the blood level should be 70-100ng/ml. Not the 30ng/ml doctors and labs regard as adequate. As you're in Peri-menopause you might like to read through this page. P-M is a very difficult time. Take care Wray

Oct 05, 2011

weight gain--candida?
by: Jenine

Hi, Everyone!

I just wanted to share that perhaps as a rule it's good to go on a candida cleanse, if not permanent diet. I couldn't lose whatever else I did, but eating lots of fermented veggies and coconut kefir, plus attacking it with high-quality herbs is working. The progesterone continues to keep my mood sunny and prevents water retention, of course.

I'm doing a cleanse for a few weeks (Dr. Christopher's herbal formula--order online) and have added in colon hydrotherapy, few sessions within a couple of weeks, and probably every month after that. Just be sure to take a great pre-biotic/pro-biotic (I like the Friendly Flora from Vitality Herbs and Clay) and ease into a candida diet over a week or so vs. cold turkey.

There is also a product called Candisol that breaks up the yeast cells so you don't get as many detox symptoms. Just sharing.

Oct 06, 2011

I am still confused
by: Wray

Hi PJ Oestrogen is oestrogen, no matter the age, or whether a hyst has been preformed or not, it's still a mitogen, it still stimulates cells to divide and multiply. So HRT in any form has the potential to cause harmful side effects. As I explained, the amount of progesterone you were given was enough to cause weight gain in anyone in Menopause. Furthermore, the menopausal ovary is an androgen secreting organ, see here. Testosterone causes visceral fat to be deposited, which of course is all around the abdomen, hence the 'middle age spread' so many women get, see here and here. So taking oestrogen, and with your ovaries producing testosterone, it really doesn't surprise me you gained weight. I asked you to use 400mg/day to stop or reduce the hot flushes, did you use this much? It will also help you cope with any stress, and prevent any Anxiety. Oestrogen is certainly implicated in breast cancer, you can't have read the page I gave you on HRT, please take time to read it. It also gives info on dementia too, oestrogen also causes this. I think once you've read the page your confusion will end. Progesterone has in fact been given successfully to cancer patients, a number of people who write in have it and use progesterone. See our page on Cancer and progesterone. There are countless papers on these pages which support what I've written. Take care Wray

Oct 06, 2011

Thanks, Jenine!
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Bless you for saying this, you've given me a prickly nose. I get this if someone says such kind things! I've always had a 'need to know', so this certainly influenced my approach to the info I give on the site. I can't help but be positive, I've seen and heard about so many remarkable recoveries due to no more than vital nutrients, and progesterone of course! Many blessings to you. Take care Wray

Oct 10, 2011

Breast Gain
by: Julia

Hi Wray. I also would need your assistance. I heard progesterone results breast gain. Is it true? If yes how much can it increase? Can it also increase thighs? I am currently intaking progesterone pills and afraid of gaining extra weight around thighs as i have enough there. Thanks Julia.

Oct 10, 2011

weight gain--candida?
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Excellent advice, as always. Candida is a monster, and that from a man I helped! It's so often overlooked, and yet so many of us have it. I've found the best thing for suppressing it, impossible to kill it all, is caprylic acid. But not the variety that comes in tablet form, it's not a high enough dose. Besides being an impossible size to swallow. I use MCT oil, more correctly known as caprylic/capric triglycerides, it's the oil we use in Natpro. It's colourless, tasteless and doesn't have an oily feel when taken, well I don't find it so. I use it daily on all my veggies and salads, in preference to other oils. It's extremely stable, as it's a medium chain triglyceride, a fractionated oil from coconuts. A minimum of 5ml per day is needed, this gives ±3000mg caprylic acid. But I use much more than that on my food. It does have a slight laxative effect too, an advantage sometimes! One excellent aspect about MCT oil is how soft the skin becomes when taking it. It can also be used on the skin too, it's absorbed rapidly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy. Probiotics are essential too, thanks for the make. Take care Wray

Oct 12, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Debbie

I started on Progesterone cream 2 years ago because of cysts in my breasts, and because of my perimenopause symptoms. I've been taking only 20 mg a day, per the directions of the label. Almost immediately after using the Progesterone, the cysts disappeared so I assumed that the amount of Progesterone was enough. However, over the last year my menstrual cycle is still irregular, I still have severe cramping, migraines, and then my hair started falling out.

It's because of my hair loss that I started looking for additional information online, and I read that the amount of Progesterone I've been taking is not nearly enough. So, last week I upped my dose to 20 mg twice a day - that's still way under the recommended amount, but I thought increasing it gradually would be a good idea. For that whole week, I literally could not function, I was so sleepy, all the time. If I sat down, I'd fall asleep, and I am not a napper to begin with. I felt like I was a zombie. What's going on? I can't even imagine what I'd feel like if I took 100 mg.

After 7 days of this, I backed the dose back down to just the 20 mg, once a day. The sleepiness went away, and I feel normal again, but I know this is not even close to what most people recommend taking. I just don't know what to do. I don't want to be sleepy, but I don't want to be bald either.

Oct 12, 2011

Wray, what do you think of this?
by: Jenine

Hi, Wray!

Thanks for the info re candida--I will look into that oil. Since it comes from coconuts, how effective is taking raw coconut oil orally or topically?

Also, I want to get your take on this article by Dr. Mercola re progesterone, especially the last few paragraphs re applying it only in mucous membranes (like the vagina or rectum) versus all over. He is saying that instead of going into the bloodstream like it naturally would if one's body was making it, progesterone gets stored in the fat cells sot become ineffective after a few months and the recommendation is to go off of progesterone for up to two years to "wash" it out of the body's fat stores. I hope I don't need to do this!

Also, being peri-menopausal, I have been taking it everyday for about 8 months and stopped getting my period during the last 5. Dr. Mercola says the body needs the plunge of low progesterone levels to instigate a period and that a constant high level prevents that. What do you think??? I would love to get my period again, being only 45.

Thanks, Wray, as always!

Oct 13, 2011

So sleepy
by: Anonymous

I am exactly with you Debbie!

Oct 18, 2011

Wray, what do you think of this?
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Raw coconut is excellent, but it only contains 9% caprylic acid, not enough to do much against fungi. But certainly worth using, lovely to cook with too. So is the MCT oil. Ah yes, the saturated fatty layer! I get asked this question so often. I don't believe it's true, although I have only found one paper to date which backs up my argument, see here. It states?" Despite the low serum progesterone levels achieved with the creams, salivary progesterone levels are very high, indicating that progesterone levels in serum do not necessarily reflect those in tissues." If the fatty tissues were indeed saturated, and little progesterone was 'escaping', the study would have found the reverse, i.e. low saliva levels. From Saliva Tests we run, it's evident the progesterone is getting around. The tests are done by a naturopath in the UK, and she does a before and after test for comparison. You'll see levels have risen dramatically, but more to the point the women were feeling well. The naturopath herself has been using progesterone for 15 years, and has just done a test herself. Her progesterone level was 4000pg/ml, her oestrogen 5pg/ml, and her ratio 800:1. Incidentally we've found it's best to have a ratio over 600:1. If her fatty layer was saturated, her level of progesterone would have been low, her ratio too. But again, the aim we are all trying to achieve is to feel well, which she does. Not only that but she tells me she still feels feminine, as I do, and certainly has a young figure to prove it. She still has a waist, as I do, and sent me a picture in a bikini, and she's 57! I doubt if this would stand up in a court of law, but it satisfies me! It appears, if using progesterone early enough, i.e. in Peri-menopause or before, it suppresses the excess androgens women make in Menopause, see here. This prevents visceral fat forming and causing 'middle age spread'. Testosterone is notorious at increasing visceral fat, see here and here. I've run out of space so will stat a new comment below. take care Wray

Oct 18, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Wray

Hi Debbie You'd feel better if you used 100mg/day! In fact I think you'd need more than that. Breast cysts are normally one of the first things to respond to progesterone, but cramping and migraines I've found need far more progesterone. It's best to rub the cream on the tummy for cramps and under the ears and over the neck for migraines. Although progesterone travels rapidly around the body, I've found it's quicker if applied directly to any painful area. Progesterone suppresses the prostaglandins that cause cramping, and it's effective against migraines, see here, here, here, here, here and here. Those adverse reactions you experienced were caused by oestrogen. Progesterone when first using higher amounts, or when increasing it stimulates oestrogen, causing Oestrogen Dominance. It's essential to use more progesterone to make it the dominant hormone. I recommend 100-200mg/day, more if symptoms are severe. We do have info on our page How to use progesterone cream. You say your cycle is still irregular, has it recently become so? And I don't know how old you are, possibly you're in Peri-menopause? Hair loss is such a difficult problem, researchers have spent years looking for the cause, there appear to be many. You might like to read this page here. Please have a vitamin D test done, it's essential for hair growth, migraines too, see here, here and here. For more info on testing etc, see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Take care Wray

Oct 18, 2011

Thanks, Wray!
by: Jenine

Thanks for sharing your take and the study, too, Wray. I have to say that since I do feel better on the progesterone, it must be getting where it needs to go. I do wonder about stopping it to see if my period will come back, if sharply dropped progesterone levels are the trigger. What do you think? Stop for a week and see what happens?

Oct 18, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Debbie

Thanks for your comments. I had read somewhere that excessive sleepiness meant that it was an overdose, but at 40mg I guess that couldn't possibly be it. I didn't realize that the sleepiness could be the estrogen kicking in more. I am actually menstruating right now, but I will try upping my progesterone to 100 mg afterwards.

The problem is knowing when to apply the cream. I read the article about when to apply it, but my cycle is so weird I have no idea when to apply it. One month it might be 21 days in between cycles, and the next might be 30. I just never know when to expect it. And no, my irregularity is nothing new. I've always been a bit off (few days here and there)but it has gradually gotten worse over the years. I am 39 years old, so I just figured it was part of aging. So, when do you think I should apply the cream? should I just start on day 14, and hope that over time my cycle regulates itself?

Also, how long do you think the excessive sleepiness should last? I do have to work, so I can't be a zombie forever.

thanks for the help.

Oct 19, 2011

Breast Gain
by: Wray

Hi Julia, Progesterone does not cause proliferation of the breasts, only oestrogen does that. Oestrogen also causes water retention. Unfortunately when first using progesterone it stimulates oestrogen, it's essential to use sufficient to overcome this effect. Often the amounts suggested are so low they keep stimulating oestrogen. Hence the apparent effect progesterone has on enlarging breasts etc. I recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, more if symptoms are severe. And particularly if Oestrogen Dominance symptoms occur. I understand you are taking oral progesterone, and not a progestin? Oral progesterone is not the best Delivery system. Most of it gets destroyed by the gut and liver. Please consider using a form which is absorbed well, and not oral. Take care Wray

Oct 19, 2011

Wray, what do you think of this?
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Incidentally, it seems progesterone stops the lines women get on their face and upper lip when they get older, I have none, see this study here. He is right about the drop in progesterone causing bleeding. 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, see here and here. Oestrogen stimulates their production during the first half of the cycle. Although a high level of MMP's can lead to inflammation, spotting and/or excessive bleeding in the uterus. But during a normal cycle, i.e. normal oestrogen levels, the bleeding pattern is also normal. Progesterone suppresses both MMP's and oestrogen. So the drop in progesterone allows the MMP's to break down the lining. So you could try stopping it, but please read the P-M page, as your cycle could now be irregular. Just be aware of any oestrogen dominance symptoms when you do. Thanks to you too for all the support you give me! Take care Wray

Oct 21, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Wray

Hi Debbie You are right, 40mg would not constitute an overdose. TBI victims are given over 1200mg/day via IV transfusion, Dr Dalton would give 2400mg/day to her patients with post natal psychosis. In both cases large amounts were needed, the same applies if someone has severe symptoms. Far more is required than the 20mg/day the female body normally makes. I can never understand why this amount is recommended. Because if it was sufficient no one would have bad symptoms, but that's not the case. Progesterone should be used as and when needed, and not as a fixed daily amount as if it were a drug. So many things affect it, stress being top of the list. This drops progesterone levels sharply, so more would be needed over a stressful time. I'm pleased you'll try the 100mg, but you might find you need more. As you have such an erratic cycle, I suggest you use the progesterone daily for 2-3 months, during your period too. This will ensure the excess oestrogen is suppressed and progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. Then when you feel stable, begin following a cycle by first stopping the progesterone. This is best done using the average length of 28 days, starting the progesterone ±14 days after the first day of bleeding. Use it for 14 days, then stop, you should bleed within a day or two. You will find your own cycle begins to assert itself, at whatever length it choses. I would hope less erratic. The sleepiness will continue if you use a low amount of progesterone, it really does need to be higher. Take care Wray

Oct 21, 2011

Thanks, Wray!
by: Wray

Hi Jenine Firstly I must tell you I absentmindedly forgot to give you the rest of my reply to your previous question! It's dated 19th Oct, with the same heading as you used. Pleased the study and my take on it helped. The main thing is are you feeling better, and it seems so. By all means try stopping it, a week sounds good. But please watch for Oestrogen Dominance symptoms appearing. If they do and whether your period has come or not, I feel you should start using the cream again. I see no point in suffering needlessly. But do let me know how you get on. Take care Wray

Oct 22, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Debbie

Thank you so much! I will try that.

Oct 24, 2011

So sleepy!
by: Wray

Hi Debbie Do let me know if it helps. Take care Wray

Oct 24, 2011

100-200 mg progesterone
by: Michelle

Hey Wray:

How can we talk to our doctors about upping our progesterone? They (nor the pharmacies) have heard of prescribing progesterone that high. They cannot find anything on the internet about it either except on your site. Should I buy extra online and use the 30 mg that I am prescribed as well? I am terrified that I will fall asleep driving however, I practically do that now anyway. I am 46 and I start spotting every 2 weeks for about 7-8 days. My saliva test shows that I am definitely estrogen dominant and over the last 6 months I have gained 5 inches in my stomach of bloat. I have no energy and fall asleep going home from work. 3 years now and counting.... I still can't get this right.

Oct 31, 2011

weight gain
by: Och

had been using Duphaston for a ten days to prevent misscarrige, but it did not help. It's been 3 months since the last day, but stil i am gaining weight. I gained app. 22 pounds and cant get in the shape, even though i am very active, work 5-6 days a week, and have healthy diet. What should i do to get in shape and loose these extra pounds. will the site effects of hormone intakes eventually wear off?

Nov 03, 2011

100-200 mg progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Michelle Some doctors listen, some don't! If they cared to look on PubMed they will find levels in excess of the ones I suggest. And my suggestions have only come from these papers! Plus of course using it myself and helping others too. The only reason you can't get it right, is the amount you're using is far too low. It really does have to be high to help. You might like to read this comment here. She was prescribed 400mg/day by her doctor and had no Oestrogen Dominance symptoms. Unless you increase the amount of progesterone, you will continue getting adverse symptoms. Please consider it! Take care Wray

Nov 03, 2011

weight gain
by: Wray

Hi there Duphaston is a progestin, often given for pregnancy problems. Although it's not regarded as a Contraceptive it has the same composition. They all have the potential to cause harm. We do have a page on Nutrition which should help you with the weight. If in future you fall pregnant again, please consider using progesterone to help prevent a possible miscarriage. We do have more info on our Pregnancy page. Take care Wray

Nov 14, 2011

Started taking prog cream but have ?
by: Linda

So I guess I sound like others on the board here. I am 50 tomorrow and this year the periods starting getting really irregular. Purchased Prolief prog cream by Arbonne early this yr but didnt really take it as I read it caused weight gain. Well, after my last cycle in Oct I started taking the cream, and yes have seen a MINOR weight gain but want to know when the progesterone will kick in to offset the oestragen dominance you talk about?? I used 1 pump of the cream at nite, and I think I read somewhere that the cream delivers 200 mg of prog. per pump. But need to get clarification on this.

Nov 17, 2011

Started taking prog cream but have ?
by: Wray

Hi Linda Too low a level of progesterone does have a tendency to cause weight gain. Simply because it's activating oestrogen, the amount has to be high to prevent this. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But as these are also a source of oestrogen a vicious cycle starts. It's essential to use sufficient progesterone to prevent this. The pump you are using is giving you 20mg/day and not 200mg/day, I wish it was! As I recommend 100-200mg/day, but it must be used twice a day as levels drop after about 13 hrs. Unfortunately the amount you are getting will cause weight gain, it's very low. Please consider increasing it. You are now in the last year or so of Peri-menopause which is a difficult time. Weight gain often occurs as progesterone levels have dropped very low, whereas oestrogen is still at normal levels, and testosterone is rising. Both these hormones cause weight gain in women. Take care Wray

Nov 22, 2011

More weight gain questions
by: Holly

Hi. I started using a natural progesterone cream a couple of months ago. Based on your recommendations, Wray, I have been using 4 pumps (80 mg) spread over two doses.

One of the best results is that I no longer experience vaginal dryness during intercourse. That has been a miracle!

However, as others have mentioned, I have gained some weight. About 5 or so pounds. Would it typically take more than 2 months to reduce the estrogen dominance? Do you recommend I increase my dosage?

Thank you for your feedback!

Nov 28, 2011

Also weight gain
by:

Hi,

I have taken 'natural' progesterone for three months. While I felt good for the first month, I have had some awful symptoms from the second months that included a sudden weight gain, headache, chest pain and I felt very very tired. My doctor did a blood test on day 21 last month that showed that my progesterone level was 89 (ideal is 40) and my estrogen level was 230. It seems to me that it is possible to have progesterone dominance and not only estrogen dominance.

Regards.

Nov 28, 2011

Update after 4 months
by: Anonymous

I just wanted to give an update. I have been doing progesterone cream for about 4-5 months. A little less than 1/2 tsp twice a day. I am menopausal for the last 9 years. It is as though my body has breathed a sigh of relief! And I have lost 15 pounds! I have been actively trying to lose weight, watching my diet and exercising. I have been losing about a pound a week. I believe, as Wray says, that it is important to get the proper dose and there shouldn't be a problem with weight gain. I am so glad I found this site!!

Dec 01, 2011

More weight gain questions
by: Wray

Hi Holly I'm delighted the higher amount helped the vaginal dryness. Please consider using some there too, if you're not already doing so. Incidentally it's helpful for low libido, in men too. In fact there's reason to believe progesterone and not testosterone, raises libido, see here. I can see I'll have to do a web page on weight gain! I get so many comments from women complaining about it, many stop using it too. In every case I've found they have been using the normal recommended amount of 20-40mg/day. This is perfect for stimulating oestrogen, but insufficient to make progesterone the dominant hormone. Oestrogen causes water retention and bloating, this is the reason for the immediate weight gain. It's also a mitogen causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. But adipose cells are a source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle starts. This results in long term weight gain. Please use more, I really believe over 100mg/day up to 200mg/day for normal use is best. Many women have to use far greater amounts to achieve any balance. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, ie a high excess oestrogen level, the longer it takes and the more progesterone is needed. Some women require up to 6 months before symptoms abate. Take care Wray

Dec 01, 2011

Also weight gain
by: Wray

Hi there It's not the level that's critical but the ratio between the two hormones. Your P/E2 ratio is reasonably good compared to most I've seen, it's 387:1. We've found from Saliva Tests that are run for us by a naturopath, that the ratio needs to be 600:1 and over to feel well. It's obvious you were not warned about the effect progesterone has on oestrogen when first using it. All those symptoms describe perfectly Oestrogen Dominance. It's seems paradoxical, but if using too low an amount of progesterone, it stimulates oestrogen, hence your symptoms. Oestrogen causes water retention, which causes sudden weight gain. Progesterone is such a good diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims, see here, here and here. Progesterone is also excellent for headaches and migraines, whereas oestrogen being an inflammatory hormone causes them, see here, here, here, here, here and here. You might like to read this page here o

Progesterone & Weight Gain

Comments for Progesterone & Weight Gain

Comments for
Progesterone & Weight Gain