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Switching brands

by Jenna
(NM)

I want to switch to using Natpro, but I have a few questions. I'm now using Progesterall and I use 300mg/day. What should I expect from switching brands? Will I experience any side effects or estrogen dominance effects? Is there a proper or recommended way to make the switch?

I could also use some help with the math on figuring out the dosing for Natpro. With the Progesterall, I use 15 dots four times a day (I have found that four doses works better for me than two). This works out to 300 mg per day since the Progesterall has 20mg per 4 dots. How many dots per day would I use of the Natpro to get 300 mg?

Thank you so much for all your help!

Comments for Switching brands

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Jan 26, 2012
 switching brands
by: Anonymous

Hi Jenna. I felt I should respond to your question because I also switched from Progesterall but after only 3 weeks I suffered estrogen dominance symptoms in a huge way! After a blood test revealed my progesterone had dropped dramatically I went straight back on Progesterall. That was a year ago & I have not had another problem. I also use it every day, with no break which I find best works for me.
Jan 27, 2012
 Switching brands
by: Wray

Hi Jenna I'm relieved you're using such a high amount of progesterone. Too little can cause Oestrogen Dominance symptoms to occur. It must be costing you a small fortune too. I don't know anything about the 'dots' you mention! But I do know Progesterall is half the strength of the Natpro. You would be using about 18ml (3.6tsp) of cream per day to get the 300mg progesterone. If you want to stick to this amount, you would need 9ml (1.8tsp) of Natpro. We have found from Saliva Tests a naturopath runs for us, that the progesterone is absorbed very well. As you'll notice when looking at the before and after results. You might find you still get oestrogen dominance, I don't know how well the progesterone in the Progesterall is absorbed. If you do, just persevere with that amount, or increase slightly to overcome it. Have you found your symptoms have gone on that amount? If so I feel you could start reducing very slowly, by no more than 16mg (1/2ml of cream) each reduction, until the optimum is found. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Do let me know how you get on, I would be particularly interested if you do get oestrogen dominance again. I've found this often occurs when switching brands, in spite of keeping to the same amount of progesterone. I'm pleased you're using the progesterone as it should be used, as and when needed. We have many women using it hourly for very severe symptoms. Take care Wray
Jan 28, 2012
 switching brands
by: Wray

Hi there As I explained to Jenna, switching brands can cause Oestrogen Dominance symptoms to flare. I'm not sure if you used the same amount of cream, if so you would have doubled the amount of progesterone. This would undoubtedly result in oestrogen dominance. If you used the same amount of progesterone, the symptoms could be because the progesterone was better absorbed. They don't appear to run saliva tests, so there's no way I can compare the two. I've given Jenna the link to saliva tests we run, which you might like to look at. Progesterone stimulates oestrogen initially, this would result in oestrogen rising, which would account for the drop in progesterone levels when you had the test done. I'm not sure if you use the same amount of progesterone as Jenna does, which is a huge amount. This would be costing her a fortune using the Progesterall. I'm glad you use it daily, I do too, as I've found that works best for me. Stopping and starting allows oestrogen to rise again, this is particularly noticeable when in Peri-menopause with dropping progesterone levels. Take care Wray
Jan 31, 2012
 Re: Switching brands
by: Jenna

Thank you both so much for your comments!

I am just starting my fourth month of using progesterone cream and am still experiencing symptoms, although they are much more mild and less frequent. I AM spending a fortune on progesterall, but I really don't want to spark up any further estrogen dominance symptoms at this time. I just don't feel like going through it again. I think I'll stay on the progesterall for now and once the symptoms are truly gone, I'll start reducing the dose.

Thanks again!
Feb 01, 2012
 Re: Switching brands
by: Wray

Hi Jenna I do understand how you feel, I can't tell you if you will get oestrogen dominance again. But if you do it will be very slight. If the cost gets too much you can always switch! When you do reduce please do so by no more than 16mg/day, and stay on that amount until you feel ready to reduce again. Take care Wray
Dec 07, 2012
 Re: Progesterone resistance
by: Wray

Hi Jenna I remember that comment, I keep all my replies and went back over the few you'd submitted. Luckily I could recognise it was you as you always put NM. I somehow feel she must have used the same amount of cream she had been using, which would have doubled the amount of progesterone she was getting. As I pointed out to her this would initially cause Oestrogen Dominance. But if she had persevered it would go. The best route is to stick to the same amount you're using, i.e. 300ml/day, which would work out to 9ml of Natpro, or 1 4/5tsp. We do have a chart at the bottom of our page on How to use progesterone cream, which gives the breakdown between ml and tsp. Plus how long a tube will last. I did give you the results of the Saliva Tests we run, so we know the progesterone is absorbed very well. It's a very light cream and goes in easily. I have found with heavier creams the progesterone is not absorbed as well. I don't know what the Progesterall is like in terms of lightness. But if you do try the Natpro, and find it lighter, then I suggest maybe using 7-8ml and see how you get on. The symptoms, if any, shouldn't take too long to go, you can always increase the amount to counter this. Please keep in touch. Take care Wray
Dec 13, 2012
 Re: Switching brands
by: Jenna

Thank you again for all your help, Wray. I've decided to make the switch to Natpro in January (after the holidays just in case I experience estrogen dominance symptoms). Is there any particular day of the cycle that you think is best to make the switch?
Dec 15, 2012
 Re: Switching brands
by: Wray

Hi Jenna I'm pleased you've decided to do it after the holidays, as the change over could cause a few upsets. The best time to switch is when you've finished the cream you're using. There's no point in wasting any. And please don't forget to use the same amount of progesterone, not the same amount of cream! Please let me know how you get on. Take care Wray

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