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Daily dosage-2 or 4 times per day

by Alex
(Canada)

Greetings,

I am a 46 year old male. I have a question re. daily regimen to apply progesterone transdermally. I have tried to apply it on 2 separate occasions at 50 mg in AM and bedtime (100 mg in total), as well as 4 times per day at 50 mg with at each meal time and bedtime (200 mg in total). Both times I have experienced clear weight gain over short period of time (a week). I now realize that weight gain is due to estrogen dominance. I have read that some recommend taking it in AM and bedtime, while others prefer to take it 3-4 times per day.

Could you clarify what the best way to take it? Is twice per day a preferable option? Should I start with higher amounts (at least 100 mg in AM) as well as 100 mg at bedtime? Is it possible that starting with higher amount in Am would prevent estrogen dominance, and therefore, not lead to weight gain? I had no other side effects on progesterone creme except weight gain but it was quite rapid which prompted me to stop it.

Just for completeness, I would like to mention that I take 20 mg of Cortef in split dosages for adrenal fatigue as well as thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism which is not optimized at the moment. I have insulin resistance, sleep issues and have gained 40 lb over last 4 years.

Thank you very much for your responses.
Alex

Comments for Daily dosage-2 or 4 times per day

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Jan 14, 2019
 Daily dosage 2 or 4 times per day
by: Joy

Hi Alex

There is nothing wrong with using progesterone cream more than twice a day. The main thing is to never use it less than twice a day in order to keep progesterone levels stable. Progesterone can cause weight gain when first using it. Weight gain could also be due to water retention which is an Estrogen Dominance symptom. Estrogen is a mitogen causing cells to proliferate. Your body needs time to adjust. I suggest that you give it more time on the the amount that you are using. You might also like to read the page on Insulin Resistance.
Jan 16, 2019
 Re. Daily dosage-2 or 4 times per day
by: Alex

Hi Joy,

Thank you for your response. I really believe that my weight gain is due to estrogen dominance. I will do more research but I remember reading on this site that if one experiences estrogen dominance side effect, it is advisable to start with higher dosage to prevent it from happening in the beginning. I have given it enough time and, unfortunately, cannot afford to gain more weight as I seem to gain weight quite easily on progesterone. At the same time, I am not sure if 100 mg in AM and 100 mg at PM will be enough to prevent this problem.

Do you know if some men take more than 200 mg of progesterone?
Jan 18, 2019
 Daily dosage 2 or 4 times per day
by: Joy

Hi Alex

If estrogen dominance symptoms are severe it is suggested to use more progesterone. It can take 2-6 months for the body to adjust. If you feel that the 200mg per day is causing weight gain then increase the amount. You will have to experiment to see what works for you. Once your body adjusts and there is an improvement with your weight, then slowly reduce the amount of cream.

Men can use more than 200mg but it depends on symptoms, the more severe symptoms are the more progesterone is needed until the body adjusts.
Jan 22, 2019
 Daily dosage-2 or 4 times per day
by: Alex

Hi Joy,

I have experimented with increased dosages for 2 days (3 times/day 100 mg each). Unfortunately, I also noticed weight gain, but besides that, I have developed quite severe constipation whereas I had pretty normal bowel movements daily just prior to the start of the trial. This led me to believe that maybe weight gain (especially over such a short period of time) is not so much due to estrogen dominance but because progesterone converts to cortisol really well which, in its turn, pushes down thyroid, thus constipation and weight gain which are symptoms of hypothyroidism.
I am thinking it is not realistic to gain 3 pounds in 2 days just because of estrogen dominance but it can happen one become more hypo.

Is it possible that in order to avoid gaining weight, we must increase thyroid meds at the same time?

I know weight gain on progesterone has been discussed many times on this board but I did not see a clear connection with thyroid when one starts on progesterone.

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