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Can heavier bleeding be caused by using too much progesterone?

by L
(South Africa)

Dear Wray, I am 50 and have cycles of 40-60 days apart. I have been using the cream twice a day, every day.

My last period of 7 days long was the heaviest period ever in my life, I was flooding for 3 days, soaking large pads every hour. Preceding and during this period I used the cream more excessively than the months before. I wonder if that was why my period got so heavy for three full days and nights? The period stopped 4 days ago and I have not started using the cream again.

My question for now is when and how should I start using the cream again? Also, I have been very nauseaous for one full day during this last period. Thank you so much for a fabulous site. You are heaven-sent to many of us.

Comments for Can heavier bleeding be caused by using too much progesterone?

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Sep 02, 2010
 yes, a Godsend
by: Michele

Yes, Wray - thank you for helping us! There seems to be a conspiracy of silence from the medical establishment on progesterone therapy - it actually makes me angry.

again - thanks

Michele
Sep 02, 2010
 Re: Heavy Bleeding
by: Eve

Everything I have read/researched suggests heavy bleeding is due to excess estrogen not progesterone. My guess is your dose of progesterone is far too low (you didn't specify the amount). As far as restarting your dose, I would suggest starting progesterone back up after your period stops since you are in pre-menopause. There is some fabulous research out there by a Dr. Kitte (Katharina) Dalton. She passed in 2004 but some amazing information about progesterone. She was a pioneer of her time...good reads! Bless you in your journey!
Sep 02, 2010
 Can heavier bleeding be caused by using too much progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi L Thanks so much for the kind words. Peri-menopause is the most difficult time, thank heavens it's behind me! Periods come and go when they want, there is no way to control them. Sometimes it's nothing more than spotting, sometimes flooding as you've just had. Sometimes 2 weeks apart, sometimes two or more months apart. For more info please see our page on Peri-menopause. You are using the cream correctly, as it's impossible to follow the non existent cycle. Oestrogen stimulates cells to divide and multiply, including those in the endometrium. Your ovaries are still making oestrogen, so each cycle this builds up, sometimes excessively. So when your period does occur there will be far more blood than normal. Some months little oestrogen is made, so there will only be spotting when you do have a period. So using more progesterone won't affect how much you bleed, that's entirely dependant on oestrogen and how thick the lining is that cycle. The nausea is caused by excess oestrogen, lack of progesterone too. Interesting this, as the nausea in early pregnancy has the same cause. In fact Dr Dalton would give very high amounts of progesterone to her patients who had nausea when pregnant. So don't be concerned it's the progesterone causing the heavier periods, there's nothing you can do about it. So if the progesterone was helping with other symptoms, please continue using it again as you were. I wish I could say it will help the erratic cycles and flooding, but it can't. Take care Wray
Sep 07, 2010
 yes, a Godsend
by: Wray

Hi Michele Thanks for the kind words! I do wonder myself, is it a conspiracy or ignorance? Many believe it's only valid during IVF treatments or for recurrent miscarriages, believing it to be only a pregnancy hormone. And yet it plays so many roles. Progesterone regulates gene expression, has a positive fundamental effect on cell differentiation and growth, with anti-oxidative and autoimmune anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It positively effect the nervous system by stimulating neurotrophic factors, quenching oxidative hyperactivity and regulating autoimmune responses. It reduces oedema and inflammatory cytokines, prevents neuronal loss and improves functional outcomes in traumatic brain injury. Progesterone's neuroprotective affect is shown in motoneuron neurodegeneration and myelin formation. Many beneficial roles! Take care Wray
Sep 07, 2010
 Re: Heavy Bleeding
by: Wray

Hi Eve You are right heavy bleeding is due to excess oestrogen. I'm so pleased you mentioned Dr Dalton, she was my mentor when alive, always giving her time freely to me if I had a query. A wonderful woman who saved the sanity of many thousands of women, we need more like her! For those interested there is a link to one of her books here Take care Wray
Sep 18, 2010
 here I go again
by: L

Thank you so much for all the valuable info and references. I have been using the cream twice a day (=half a teaspoon twice a day. Today my period has started again (27 days after the last one) and I am already incredibally worried how it is going to go this time; whether I will make it through my very demanding job this week and avoid nausea and flooding. I will keep applying the cream and hope with all my heart this may be a manageable period. This is my fourth month of using the cream... many thanks again,L x
Oct 06, 2010
 here I go again
by: Wray

Hi L Pleased they were of help. This comes too late to reassure you, we've had such problems with our server, I'm now very behind in answering queries. Please let me know how you fared. One thing you didn't mention, and I forgot to ask, was the strength of the cream you are using. Some creams are only 1.6% progesterone, if yours is, the 1tsp would be giving you only 75mg/day progesterone. It really needs to be between 100-200mg/day, in your case the higher amount would be optimal until things calmed down. Maybe you could let me know. It can be used more than twice a day too, rub it on whenever you feel nauseous or stressed. Take care Wray
Oct 17, 2010
 Progesterone cream works like a dream
by: L

Hi Wray, thank you so much again. I am happy to let you know my last period (a month ago) was only 7 days long and without any problem!!! The first two days were heavy but then it eased off; no flooding; no nausea! All thanks to your wonderful advice: On day 1 and 2 I used the cream hourly; it worked wonders. From day 3 I used it around 3x a day. What a change it made!! I am supposed to start menstruating any day now; but as I am 50 and perimenopausal it might be delayed. I experienced ovulation pain about 2 weeks ago, so I think it may show up. I am ready with the progesterone cream. I have checked the compostion: 3% m/v (30mg/ml)(xenoestrogen-free). I intend using this cream for many years ahead, instead of synthetic hormones. Is it true that it may lose its effect if used too long? Thanks again Wray.
Oct 22, 2010
 Progesterone cream works like a dream
by: Wray

Hi L I'm so pleased my advice worked and you now have no flooding or nausea. It really does help to go high too, so use more if you feel you need it. I've checked the instruction leaflet, and the website too, and it does not say what other ingredients it contains, besides lecithin. I'm mistrustful of companies that don't give full disclosure, please make sure the lecithin is from non GMO soy beans, as most lecithin comes from GM soy. Non GM is much more expensive. Their instruction leaflet is confusing too, as several times it says use once a day, but in one para it says use twice a day. To use if from day 10 is incorrect too, as this would only apply to a woman who ovulated on day 9, giving her a 24 day cycle. I suggest you try increasing the amount you use to 200mg/day for day 1 and 2, if not the entire period. I would hope this would shorten your bleeding time, but I can't tell you if this will work, it's a question of experimenting. I will never stop using progesterone, it's excellent for ageing and protecting us from the many oestrogen mimics we now have in our food, water, air and the skin care we use. Please see this excellent site Our Stolen Future. I've used progesterone daily for 14 years now, and I still use the same amount, except when stressed, when I use more! Take care Wray
Apr 03, 2014
 Can heavier bleeding be caused by using too much progesterone?
by: Vicky

You say that estrogen causes bleeding not progesterone. Then please explain this:

I was bleeding for 10 days, went to the doctor, she put me on progesterone, and I bled even heavier. After day 22 of bleeding, and being put on estrogen, did I finally stop bleeding.

The doctor started me again on progesterone and after taking it for 2 days, I bled for 5. I have quit taking it and am relunctant to ever take it again.

I have been diagnosed with hyperplasia and I have read that the treatment is progesterone, but I am not willing to live every day on my period.

I am 52 . . . I'm ready for my periods to stop not get worse.
Apr 04, 2014
 Can heavier bleeding be caused by using too much progesterone?
by: Joy

Hi Vicky

The explanation is this. If progesterone is not used correctly it will not work and in many cases cause adverse symptoms. However, it is not progesterone causing these symptoms, but estrogen. By using too little progesterone and if the progesterone used does not contain the correct amount of progesterone concentration, it aggravates estrogen and you land up with a ‘war’ taking place between the two hormones. The aim is to make progesterone the dominant hormone. What delivery method are you using and how much? Please read How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance.

At 52 you are in Peri-Menopause, heading towards Menopause. It is a difficult time for most women, the monthly cycle becomes very erratic and bleeding/spotting/clotting occurs. Because of this, it is suggested that progesterone be used every day, with no breaks, ignoring any spotting/bleeding/clotting which may take place. It also becomes difficult to use progesterone while following a cycle because of this.

Progesterone is excellent for hyperplasia - see here and here, which is caused by excess estrogen. Quite often those using HRT and BCP suffer from this because of the estrogen.

Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a vital role as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone, do you know what your level is?

Hope this helps.
Jun 28, 2014
 progesterone and bleeding
by: Anonymous

I am 46- last year I started getting peri menopausal symptoms. low dose estrogen was causing high blood pressure- so they took me off that and put me on progesterone pills - the blood pressure came down and I started having heavy periods every other week. I stopped taking it - and without any meds had not periods for about 4 months but then the hot flashes started earnest - I had not slept for 6 weeks - went back to the Gynecologist, who put me on a combination of estradiol and progesterone - it has been 6 weeks now sine I started this - hot flashes have gone, but now I have had a week of heavy spotting, 1 week after that of period and followed right away with 3 days of spotting and just started a period again! Of course though all this I have tried to exercise and eat healthy - but it is really hard. While I understand what you are saying that it is not progesterone that causes the bleeding - I did not have any periods when I was not on progesterone (or estradiol) - but when I was only on progesterone, I had reasonably heavy (for me) periods every other week! I am going to try or an appointment with my doctor next week- but just wanted to see I anyone had had similar issues.
thanks
Jun 29, 2014
 Progesterone and Bleeding
by: Joy

Hi

Peri-Menopause is a difficult for most women, but it need not be. Progesterone is needed to help you through this difficult time and to prepare you for Menopause. If you read the post above to Vicky all of this is explained there, please read the pages suggested. I am pleased that you stopped taking estrogen, no women needs to take extra as there is over 100 estrogen mimics in our environment as it is. Any form of oral progesterone is not the best delivery method as 96% gets destroyed by the gut and liver – see here.

For your hot flushes I suggest that you use 400-500mg per day for 4-6 days of the correct progesterone concentration, this usually eases the hot flushes. Once they have gone you can slowly reduce the amount of progesterone cream used to a level that suits you. Never use less than 100mg per day as this will allow estrogen to become the dominant hormone again.

Do you know what your Vitamin D level is, as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone? It is also connected to every single cell and it’s formation in our bodies. Both vitamin D and progesterone helps with insomnia.

Hope this helps.
Oct 31, 2015
 Hormonal War
by: ELiza

I am 68 and quite overweight. Last summer I had a small amount of spotting (mini-period) when I changed my levothyroxin dose. Because I ran out of higher dose, had to take lower dose for a few days. When I switched to back higher dose, had another 3 days of light spotting. I wasn't worried, but I told my PCP who sent me for a pelvic sonigram, thick lining. Biopsy showed simple hyperplasia. Doctor started me on continuous northinedrone (5 mg). After 3 weeks started bleeding. By 6 weeks, bleeding way too heavy and I was dismally depressed. Told doctor I wanted to stop and he said he needed to do the inside camera and d&c thing because bleeding was unusual. Too depressed to even deal with it. I wasn't bleeding like that when I first had symptoms. In fact, bleeding stopped before I ever saw a doctor. After a week off norethindrone, bleeding is much slower. Depression has been terrible. Called my antidepressant doctor and she said I was suffering from withdrawal from progesterone and I have had to double up on antidepressant.

I feel like norethindrone was the wrong thing. I actually felt that way many times while taking it. I have been messing medically since minor spotting the end of July. That is 3 months ago. I want to start losing weight, exercising, and dealing with the estrogen dominance. I need a positive direction in my life. But doubt remains. I feel like I ended up in some sort of hormonal Perfect Storm. I don't have the emotional energy to face more tests. But doctor made it sound like bleeding was proof positive of worse problem and I struggle with doubt. Did I mention I take antidepressants because of OCD. How ironic!
Jul 18, 2016
 Hormonal War
by: Joy

Hi Eliza

Well Norethindrone is not natural progesterone it is progestin, a drug and all drug based HRT’s and Contraceptives have a potential to cause harm. So you have been pretty much misguided with that. It’s clear that you do have a build-up on estrogen lining in the uterus. The medical professionals love to suggest D&C’s, but we find that natural progesterone works just as well without all the side effects. However, even with using progesterone it will also cause bleeding and in some cases clotting. This is a good thing as the lining is being expelled and is exactly what is needed, things will then settle down.

Have you had your Insulin level tested? If you are battling with your weight you might like to try the Ketogenic Diet it has helped so many people. What is your Vitamin D3 level? A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone. Please consider taking the calming aminos mentioned on the Anxiety page.

Please read the following pages:

How to use Progesterone Cream - www.progesteronetherapy.com/how-to-use-progesterone-cream
Estrogen Dominance - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/estrogen-dominance
Menopause - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/menopause
Stress - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/definition-of-stress.html#axzz2og853i1N
Ketogenic Diet - http://markmaunder.com/2012/07/22/the-basic-ketogenic-diet
May 10, 2017
 Peri menopausal & prolonged bleeding
by: Frustrated!

I am 47.

I had a normal cycle 2/7, 3/2 and then on 3/30 had what I thought was an early menses which turned out to only be 1 day of light spotting.

Then, on 4/19, had 2 days of very light spotting followed by, on 4/21 what appeared to be my real period beginning (heavier) and I am now on 5/10, still bleeding!

It has been on the heavy side and with some clotting. The clotting seems to be abating the last 5 days, but when I wake up in the morning, I have several smallish clots flushing out when I go to potty.

I have to add, after the 3/30 1 day of spotting, I used my progesterone cream for over 2 wks. It is this one: Progesterone Cream Bio-Identical USP - NO Phenoxyethanol - 3oz Bottle - All Natural Premium Fast Absorbing Fruit Extract Based Progesterone.

Please help! This is the 1st ever for this to occur!

I have to add, for my 2 youngest children I was low in progesterone during pregnancies and had to supplement with suppositories so as not to miscarry.

I am scared to death of progesterone now with this bleeding! If I skipped an ovulation in my March cycle, why am I having this bleeding after using the cream?

Thanks. I hope someone responds!
May 17, 2017
 Heavy
by: Anonymous

I have hyperadrenergic POTS and heavier periods for the past few months.

I'm 37 years old and my mom started what was perceived to be early perimenopause at 30.

I used to take birth control for PMS and stopped it before my second child. For a few years I used progesterone cream from the natural path, now I use 100 mg progesterone pill.

The past few months now, except for one month, seem heavier with many clots (some large, some the size of the Silverdollar, one almost the size of my palm). I exercise several times a week to keep my parts from getting worse and I continue to do so but I can't do it as much or as intensely.

I had a pap done recently and heard nothing back so I'm assuming it was OK.

I'm guessing I should probably start back on progesterone cream. The crazy thing is I started the progesterone pill because of what seemed like POTS symptoms, I was having crazy brain at night so bad that I cannot rest at all, I was even having patterned images flashing repeatedly and I could not sleep. Progesterone and Benadryl are my sleeping aids, or my brain will not shut down.

I just wonder if it's ever stopped if it causes complications? I know of people that have had cancer issues with stopping estrogens.
Mar 09, 2018
 Bleeding on Progesterone
by: Anonymous

I am 57 and in menopause. I am also a breast cancer survivor of 10 years. I have been on progesterone pills (300 mgs) for about 5 years now, (after my cancer treatment stopped ie: Tamoxifen). Haven't had any issues with progesterone until recently. Had missed some doses here and there for about a month and then yesterday noticed some heavy spotting when going to the bathroom. Today there is nothing. Should I be concerned?

Thank you!
Mar 12, 2018
 Heavier bleeding definitely caused by too much progesterone
by: Anonymous

Several years ago, I had a small amount of spotting post menopause. Had a pelvic ultrasound and endometrial biopsy. Found simple hyperplasia, no cancer. Dr. had me take Norethindrone to lessen hyperplasia. After 3 weeks I started bleeding a little, then more and more and more. Blood clots, flooding and definite symptoms that I was bleeding to death. Did I mention depression. I stopped the Norethindrone. Within a week, the bleeding stopped, never to return.

Original doctor wanted to do more testing for cancer. I was in no shape to deal with anything more. Went to a naturopathic doctor to deal with estrogen dominance. I took a natural progesterone supplement for two years, absolutely no bleeding.

Had a hysterectomy this Fall for totally unrelated, but unavoidable, reasons. Uterus was completely without cancer and uterine lining was within pretty normal limits.

So yes and no on progesterone causing bleeding. Maybe the synthetic progesterone is the culprit.

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