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Dr. Mercola article

by Chris
(Maryland)

Hi Wray, I wrote to you earlier and you replied with advice. I thank you. While I was waiting for your reply,I found this article by Dr. Mercola.

It talks about "dermal fatigue", and how the fat tissue gets saturated with progesterone and your levels get too high and it stops working.
He recommends using it vaginally. How would you apply it and do you recommend that? If you could, would you please take a look at this article and tell me your opinion on it.

http://www.mercola.com/article/progesterone/cream.htm

Thank you.

Comments for Dr. Mercola article

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Mar 02, 2011
 about Dr. Mercola
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for putting the site to this article. I had a feeling something was terrible wrong with the amount of progesterone I had been using. I had been feeling terribly drained and ran 4 miles a day and still drained and didn't lose weight. I had already quit using progesterone in hopes of reversing some of my symptoms.
Mar 10, 2011
 Dr. Mercola article
by: Wray

Hi Chris I do know the article, as I subscribe to his newsletter. In the 15 years I've been advising on progesterone, I've yet to see this problem arise. Progesterone is lipophilic, so the fatty layer is essential to the absorption of progesterone, see here. I've also used it for 15 years, about 170mg/day. Last year I had extra stress, nothing serious, just too much of the normal stresses we get! My finger nails were peeling off, much as they were before I discovered progesterone. I must admit it took me 3 months to figure out I needed more progesterone. So I increased the amount to 2tsp or 330mg/day progesterone for 2 weeks. I suffered bad oestrogen dominance, all my joints ached, my muscles, I was very tired and irritable. But at the end of the 2 weeks I had wonderful strong nails again and all my aches and pains had gone. So in spite of the high amount I use daily, I still had bad oestrogen dominance on increasing the amount. Obviously my progesterone receptors were still working! So as you can imagine I don't think it's an issue. In fact I've not found one woman using progesterone, who on increasing the amount, doesn't get adverse symptoms. Something most of us forget, we are all full of oestrogen, it's rising the world over. And none of us can escape it, it's been found in all animals, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. When I first discovered progesterone 15 years ago, there were 50 oestrogen mimics in our environment, there are now over 100. More are being found all the time. Not only that but all the HRT and contraceptives women urinate out, are not removed by water purification plants! Only in Nov 2010 have they found a means of doing so, but it will be many years before it's implemented world wide, see here. The only way to counter this rising oestrogen is with progesterone, as it's not a sex hormone it can be used safely by both sexes. I do recommend using progesterone in the vagina, I use it there nightly. Either an applicator, a tampon case or a finger can be used. In fact there's not a place I haven't used it, except in my eyes. A friend is using it on her tongue, as she has 'burning tongue', and it's helping her. Take care Wray
Mar 10, 2011
 about Dr. Mercola
by: Wray

Hi there Not knowing how much progesterone you were using, it's difficult for me to help you. I also don't know how long you were using it for. When first starting progesterone Oestrogen Dominance can be a problem. I've found this is always the case if a high level of oestrogen is present beforehand. The weight gain is caused by oestrogen, it's a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. As these are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, a vicious cycle starts. It also causes water retention. Progesterone is thermogenic, so speeds metabolism slightly, plus it's a potent diuretic. So good in fact, it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims, see here, here, and here. I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone. Take care Wray
Apr 29, 2013
 natural hormone brand
by: Anonymous

Hi, I just found this website today and found it very interesting..I have suffered with migraines and chronic body pain for 10years now.. I'm 35yrs. old.. 10-15 migraines a month.. I am now trying birth control to help with fluctuating hormones but it hasnt really worked.. but through taking it I have noticed I feel a little better with higher levels of progesterone.. So, I'm thinking of maybe stopping birth control and maybe trying natural progesterone.. Is there a certain brand you recommend and a dosage to start off with? My migraines are during period,even after my period.. ovualtion and week before period.. so basiclly all the time.. I only have one ovary also.. Please any help with direction in starting something like this would be very helpful.
Apr 30, 2013
 natural hormone brand
by: Wray

Hi there I'm glad you found the site interesting, we try to make it so! Unfortunately no Contraceptive contains progesterone, but a progestin or synthetic version. I can't believe you have 10-15 Migraines a month and for 10 years too, how horrific. Please look through this page, as it gives details and studies on how progesterone helps. It strikes me that only having one ovary you are not making progesterone each month. The ovaries alternate, see here, here and here. Plus it could be your corpus luteum is not producing sufficient progesterone once ovulation has taken place, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. I normally recommend 100-200mg/day, but feel you might need at least 400mg/day if not more. I've found with any severe disorder, much more progesterone is needed. Both oestrogen and progesterone stimulate each other, so too little progesterone will stimulate oestrogen. This is an excitatory, inflammatory hormone and will only make matters worse. It could be one cause of your chronic body pain too. Progesterone is a potent anti-inflammatory. There's more info on our Oestrogen Dominance page. We do make a progesterone cream, you can find info about the ingredients here. I also think your vitamin D level is far too low, a lack of this causes migraines. Plus a lack reduces the benefits of progesterone, in fact I'm finding that it's pointless using progesterone if the level is too low. Please have a test done. Continued below
Apr 30, 2013
 natural hormone brand part 2
by: Wray

Hi there A lack of vitamin D causes pain, a lack of magnesium causes pain too. It increases levels of substance P, a neuropeptide that is involved in pain and nausea, see here and here. You'll notice on the migraine page that substance P is involved in migraines. If increasing levels of vitamin D pain is experienced it shows magnesium is low, the reverse is also the case. So please consider taking about 800mg/day magnesium. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although recent research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray
Apr 30, 2013
 Migraines and body pain
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your response.. The last time I had a test done which was a few years ago my progesterone was 18.3, Estrogen 95.2 and testosterone 7..and I think my Vit. D was 24 or 28.. I have been on Vit.D 5,000 iu with no change. So, I guess my ovary is producing some but I guess not enough.. They had me on bioidenticals for that last 2weeks of my cycle at that time but I cant remember how much I took but really didnt notice much difference..I felt like I needed more or more often than 2wks.. Do you recommend I use this everyday than at 400mg to start? I will get the magnesium to see if that helps and stop my birth control as I dont see this helping me at all. These migraines are debilitating to me and I do get nausea and everything else.. One month is worse than the other but still with migraines in both. Also, would I have to wait until I start a period before starting progesterone?
May 01, 2013
 Migraines and body pain
by: Wray

Hi there Taking your results from a few years ago, your P:E2 ratio is 192:1 which is not as bad as some I've seen, but still low. You might like to look at Saliva Tests we run. You'll notice the ratios are over 600:1. If you were on bio-identical hormones, I imagine it contained oestrogen too? That would not have helped and of course together with the BCP would have just been an added burden. I'm glad you're going to stop this. Yes I do recommend you use it daily, through any bleeding too. Do this for 2-3 months or until you feel stable enough to start following your cycle again. I feel you will need 400mg/day, it's not worth risking a lower amount. There's no need to wait to start the progesterone. But please be aware it can upset the cycle when first using it. Making it earlier or later than normal, it's nothing to worry about as it does settle in time. As you will be using it daily, there is even less concern about your cycle being regular. But it's essential to get your vitamin D level up, it's far too low. Please consider taking 20,000iu per day for a month, then reduce to 10,000iu for another 3 months, then have a test done. Too low a level makes progesterone ineffective. Please get it up between the 70-100ng/ml range, better in fact if it's in the 90ng/ml range. I think your level is so low and the 5000iu hasn't made a difference, is because the inflammation caused by the migraine is depleting the vitamin D very quickly. 5000iu is a good dose, but it's only a maintenance dose, it won't raise levels quickly, if at all when is inflammation present. Take care Wray
May 01, 2013
 migraines and body pain
by: Anonymous(Gypsy)

Ok Thank you so much.. Since my vit. d is so low would I benefit more to get that up first before starting progesterone? Also, when I feel stable enough to start my cycle after having been on this as you said how would I than take the progesterone? Would I still take it everyday and just stop taking it at a certain day? Sorry for all the questions!
May 01, 2013
 Migraines and body pain
by: Gypsy

Also, how long would I have to stay on the 400mg after being on it as suggested 2-3 mos.?
May 02, 2013
 migraines and body pain
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy If you take the amount of vitamin D I suggest, it will raise levels quickly, so you can start the progesterone at the same time as taking the higher vitamin D. After using the progesterone daily, and once you feel stable, stop using it when you bleed. I don't know how long your cycle is, but we do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. This explains when and how to use it following a cycle. Symptoms are the best guide as to when to begin reducing the amount, which must be done very slowly. Take care Wray
May 02, 2013
 migraines and body pain
by: Gypsy

Thank you so much! I'm so excited to start this.. I feel I have a new hope..I hope this helps me.. I will be purchasing the cream tonight.. Thanks for taking the time to write me back.. I really appreciate you doing so.
May 02, 2013
 Dose question
by: GYPSY

I just ordered my cream. I ordered 5 tubes. By reading the chart on dosing I'm a little confused on it. If I start by using 400mg/ day how much would I use a day and how long would a tube last? I thought by the chart I would use close to 2.5 teaspoons/ a day, which would last 5days, is that correct?
May 03, 2013
 Dose question
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy You have understood the chart correctly, it would last 5 days. Another way of working out the amount used would be to divide the daily mg progesterone into the number of mg in a tube or container. In the case of Natpro 2000mg divided by 400mg gives you 5 days. I always use the metric system for volume too, as most of the world uses it, and all scientific disciplines. The US and UK teaspoons are based on historical oddities, both are smaller than the 5ml teaspoon. So having found the number of days, you would divide this figure into the number of ml or gm of cream shown on the container. For Natpro this would be 60g/ml divided by 5, meaning you would need 12ml of cream. This translates roughly into 2.4 teaspoons. So if you bought a cream containing 960mg progesterone, and it also had 60g/ml cream, you would need to use 25ml of cream, and the container would last 2.4 days. Please don't forget the vitamin D! Take care Wray
May 03, 2013
 Dose
by: Gypsy

Thank You! I bought the Natpro so I will take as you said.(400mg=12ml) Plus I like the communication I have on this site.. Big plus for me when making a decison on which cream to buy and I thank you for that.. I wont forget my Vit. D.. As of today I have been taking 20,000 iu for 3days now! I read the pages on how to use the prog. cream and I'm guessing taking it straight through for 2-3 months is to help get my progesterone higher than my estrogen and than according to that page after the initial 2-3 month use I can start taking it only at ovulation until I start bleeding.. Is this correct? And than if I feel good I can taper down the dose slowly??
May 05, 2013
 Dose
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy Yes that's correct, 400mg progesterone = 12ml of cream. And only when you feel ready should you consider following your cycle again and tapering down. I actually don't mind helping others using a different brand. It does mean people get to see that progesterone is progesterone, and no matter what the brand the effect is the same. I'm so delighted you've increased your vitamin D, don't forget to have a test done after about 3 months. I've found in some the level rises quite quickly, and others very slowly. It's best to keep your level in the 70-100ng/ml range, it's pointless taking too much. And don't forget magnesium. I find it is best to use progesterone daily if symptoms are severe, and yours are. Far better to get rid of symptoms, the cycle is not that important, unless wanting to fall pregnant. Even then I ask women to get well first. Progesterone should be used a minimum of twice a day, but I suggest you use it immediately you feel a migraine starting. Rub it under your ears, all over your next, face too. It doesn't matter how many times you apply it. Please be aware you have added nutrients to your diet and your body will react. It can be a bumpy ride in the beginning. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
May 06, 2013
 application question
by: Gypsy

Today I should be getting my progesterone cream and I want to start using it ASAP.. but my question is do I have to be careful around my husband or animals using this cream.. I know on bioidenticals they said to.. so was just curious on that. Also, do you have anything certain you use to measure out your cream? I need 12mls a day and need to split that up in two.. I think I am going to use smaller amount in morning and larger dose at night, is that good? So, just thinking of something I have to start measuring this out with. How long do you think it will take for me to see results and will I feel worse before better considering you said this could be a bumpy ride??!
May 08, 2013
 application question
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy You don't have to be careful around your husband or animals at all. It's only if the creams contain oestrogen that you do, as this can feminise males. Progesterone is not a sex hormone and can be used safely by both sexes and animals too. You might like to read our page on Traumatic Brain Injury for reassurance, also our page on Man Boobs. We actually have many men using the cream for various reasons, this is one page you could read here. A metric measuring spoon is best for the cream, usually found in kitchen or health shops. But this is a site which sells them here. As you are going to use 12ml of cream I feel you will need to split it into more than twice a day, 6 ml will cover your entire body. But see how you get on, some women put small amounts on hourly to keep 'topped' up. The 400mg/day I suggested is a rough guide, you might need more, you might need less, it's impossible for me to know, or even the woman using it until she does. And how long? Another impossible question. I found my hot flushes went in 10 days, but other symptoms dragged on until I finally felt better 6 months later. But I was using a smaller amount as I hadn't done any research on progesterone at that stage. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
May 11, 2013
 doseing question
by: Gypsy

Hi Wray.. today is the fifth day on the progesterone cream at 400mg a day.. But I just had a question after reading some of Dr.Lee's book "What your dr may not tell you about premenopause." And in his book he talks about the dose you should use and it never mention to take any high amounts like I am. I think it says 15-30mg a day.. Now I know you said depends on symptoms and I have migraines but he talks about migraines and never mentions that high of amount..He said to avoid the more is better mentality.. Also, he said you shouldnt use the cream in the same place over and over.. you should pick 3 to 4 diff. spots and rotate..I know you said you dont have too but he says it will saturate the area.. I think I read you said this isnt true..So, I'm just confused now.. I just want your opinion on this..Also, since I dont know what day I'm on with my cycle will my period just start whevever?? Or since I'm taking such a high dose it will stop it? I know in his book he mentions taking at least a 3 day break or 1week depending.. I eventually want to try to get pregnant even though we have suffered with infertility for over 5years with no kids.. but I at least want to give it a shot while on the progesterone. I know with this situation we start cream around ovulation.. but right now I'm more concerned with getting symptoms under control first. Thank you!
May 13, 2013
 dose and period
by: Gypsy

Hi Wray, I found in other places on the forum where you answered my questin about Dr. Lees book.. So, I guess the only thing I'm wondering about is my period.. since I dont know what day I'm on with my cycle, will my period just start whevever?? Or since I'm taking such a high dose it will stop it? I know in his book he mentions taking at least a 3 day break or 1week depending.. I eventually want to try to get pregnant even though we have suffered with infertility for over 5years with no kids.. but I at least want to give it a shot while on the progesterone. I know with this situation we start cream around ovulation.. but right now I'm more concerned with getting symptoms under control first. But curious on how to taper off to get my period so I can adjust cream for my cycle. Thank you!
May 15, 2013
 doseing question
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy Yes Dr Lee did advocate low amounts, too low as I've found out. Luckily I met Dr Dalton and she advised far higher amounts. She started using it for her patients in the 1940's and continued to do so until her death a few years ago. It's not that I don't advise rotating, I've found some women will apply it to the same spot over and over again. It'll wear the skin out! My argument is against using in only on the thinner skinned areas, i.e. the inner arms, thighs etc, then one should rotate it. But it's absorbed well everywhere, so why not use it everywhere. One would then automatically rotate it, unless using a great deal, in which case the whole body would need to be used. I'm a bit confused when you say you don't know what day in your cycle you're on. I wasn't aware your cycles were erratic, you didn't mention this. But as you are going to use it daily it doesn't really matter, bleeding will come and go. It could stop if using the 400mg/day, although some women need more before this occurs. I also didn't realise you wanted to fall pregnant. We do have a page on Pregnancy you could look through and another here. It's lucky you have increased your vitamin D as this is not only essential for conception and a successful pregnancy, but the growth of the foetus too. Please take time to watch the videos at the end of the page. It could be your failure to fall pregnant is due to low progesterone and vitamin D. Nutrition plays a big role too, insufficient protein and high carb diets will lead to "a hostile oocyte environment even before conception or implantation", see a here. Although the study was on IVF patients, it's immaterial, as low protein, high carb diets will affect all women. We do have a page on Infertility, which is so often caused by simple things as I've outlined above. Please look through our page on Inflammation as I really feel you need high doses of anti-inflammatory nutrients, they are listed on the page. As you say getting rid of symptoms should be the first thing you do, give the body a chance to heal, and then consider pregnancy. Take care Wray
May 15, 2013
 dose
by: Anonymous

Thank you Wray.. My periods are not eractic its just I was on birth control when I contacted you and I ended up quitting it about a week and half in to this last pill pack I had.. I have been trying to figure when I had my last period since I was taking the pill without the placebo pills so I could not have a period.. I think this weekend should be 4wks so maybe I will get a period. Me wanting to try to get pregnant was just a thought since I'm starting this progesterone and its def. something I want to do only when I feel better. Plus there are other issues with fertility that my husband has..I just wanted to know how to exactly taper off this high amount to get to where I can use it around ovulation.. Like should I just taper the amount down first and than not use it as many days in a row.? This is just to know for future and plus it is expensive for me to use this high of an amount for an extended amount of time. But anyway since I use so much cream I dont get to rotate areas that much (400mg).. and I also put it on my neck alot since I read you said when you feel a migraine coming on put it on that area(this is where mine originate first).. and it has helped so far but I have had to put alot on that area throughout the diff. days I have been using the cream. Is this ok? Thank you!
May 15, 2013
 dose
by: Gypsy

Also, If I am correct and this being the week before my period would be one reason I have been having to top off every hour or so with progesterone cream due to feeling like I'm going to get a migraine.. the week before my period and the week of is my worse for migraines. So far and I have only been on it 8days I feel some days I need to top off more regular than others but I guess that depends on where I'm at in the month. I agree I do need something for inflammation.. I will check out the link.. Thanks
May 21, 2013
 dose
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy The only way you'll know when to taper off is by your symptoms. If you feel better and stable, then you can begin reducing. Once you're back down to a reasonable level, about 200mg/day, then you can stop the progesterone at the next bleed. But please watch for any adverse symptoms when you do. It's fine to use it on the same area, i.e. your neck when you feel a migraine coming. I've used it on my face, neck and breasts twice a day now for about 16 years. You will find you need more during the days when you would normally feel worse. I hope once your vitamin D level is high, you won't need to use as much progesterone. Do let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
May 21, 2013
 update
by: Gypsy

I Wray I have now been on Natpro 400mg for 2wks today. Last week was the week before my period and I had a migraine on wednesday and Thurs. morning and also Saturday and Sunday.. which Sunday I started my period. I had to take meds all of these times. I know I have not been on this cream for that long so I am hoping to feel better by my next period and the time in between. I just wanted to give you an update and see if you had any thoughts. I hope its ok my body gets the cream on the same spots daily since I take so much... Thanks!
May 21, 2013
 update
by: gypsy

Sorry I think we wrote at the same time.. disregard my question on putting on same area twice!! Thank you!
May 24, 2013
 update
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy It does take time to work through the system, so would have been too early to stop the migraines. If they should occur next cycle, please rub a bit of cream around your ears, all over your neck and face each hour, that might help. Using that much cream you will have to apply it to the same spots, but no harm done, it will still work. Please keep in touch. Take care Wray
May 29, 2013
 Natpro out of stock
by: Gypsy

Thanks Wray.. I'm down to my last tube for my first month and went to order some today and it is out of stock.. Do you have any recommendations of another comparible or should I cut down on the dose until Natpro comes in stock?.. I'm going on vacation June 7 so I would def. need something by then.. One tube at 400mg. only last me 5days so I hope they get it back in stock..I can tell the cream is doing something because I'm now spotting ten days after my period.. I know you said this can happen.. I'm hoping next month I will start to feel a little better. I've been on Vit. D and Magnesium now for a month today. I love using the cream on my face.. Its like an antiager skin cream!
May 29, 2013
 Vit D and Cream application
by: Gypsy

Sorry, I thought of something else I wanted to run past you.. I wrote in my last comment today I would of been on Vit. D 20,000 iu for a month.. In recent conversation you said I should take 20,000iu for a month than drop down to 10,000 for 2mos. than get it checked again.. Do you still think thats ok? I tested several years ago at 28 and I know you said we should be between 70-100..Just wanted to make sure being on 20,000iu for a month than dropping would be long enough to raise the level. Also, is it a good idea not to apply another cream(like sunscreen) over the progesterone cream if you need to reapply cream over same areas through the day? I find it to be hard esp. going on vacation soon where I will need sunscreen on my whole body.. Whats your opinion on this?
May 30, 2013
 Vit D and Cream application
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy I'm so sorry about the stock out, it's happening too frequently now. I think it agitates me more than the people trying to get it. Knowing what it's like to run out, which has happened to me before. It's supply and demand, plus cash flow too. But this last batch we doubled up on production to prevent another stock out. I've looked at over 30 brands, the ingredients, the amount of progesterone it contains and the price. And the only one I can recommend is Progensa, the ingredients are all good, so is the price. But it is half the strength, so you will have to double up on the amount of cream you use. Although I must admit to being slightly puzzled, as they use grape seed extract as a natural preservative. Well it isn't one, it's an antioxidant which won't protect the cream from bacterial or fungal attack. It could be they meant to say grapefruit seed extract (GSE) which is used as one. Although if natural it doesn't have any bacterial or fungal affect, we've tried this before and had it tested in a pathology lab. What has been found is some GSE's contain parabens and other preservatives which are not declared on the label, which do have an affect, see here and here. I do know stock is on it's way and only ask you to keep trying the site daily. Using a good sunscreen over the progesterone won't affect it at all. You can apply the progesterone over the sunscreen too. But please make sure you get a safe sunscreen, most of them are the most toxic of all skin care creams. We do have one you could look at, see here. So pleased you like using it on your face, it is anti-ageing, see here. Very happy you're taking the vitamin D and magnesium, hopefully soon you'll begin to feel the affects of them all. I'm being cautious about dropping down to 10,000iu/day, as some can overdo the dose. I have taken 100,000iu per day for a month with no ill affects, but can't ask others to do this! One woman began taking 210,000iu per day and of course her test result came back with a toxic level. Provided you have a test done 3 months after taking 20,000iu it should be fine. It's easy enough to bring the level down if too high, simply stop taking it. Take care Wray
Jun 24, 2013
 progesterone and migraines
by: Gypsy

Hi Wray, I recently ran out of progesterone cream due to the Natpro being out of stock.. I than ordered the Progensa like you recommended but had to stop that because the cream was so sticky on my body and never absorbed I couldn't stand it.. If you know how to help with this that would be great. I tried powdering myself afterwards to soak the stickiness up but that didn't work.. So than the Natpro was in stock and I ordered two tubes. Since all this happen the way it did and I had to buy something else that I was unable to use I had to drop my dosage from 400mg to 200mg. I cant afford to keep 400mg up. I haven't felt any different either way but maybe less tired since I dropped it down which is a good thing.. but the thing I noticed with my migraines and have for a while now.. I get extreme sensitivity on the back of my head when I lay down or just rest my head back one week before my period and the week of. Its very uncomfortable. I have had this forever but I'm narrowing it down to those 2wks and than it goes away for the most part. I remember reading that if you have estrogen dominance your blood vessels in the brain can dilate or constrict I forget which one. Do you think that could be what's happening? If so, is there a way I can up my dose around that time to make it cheaper for me like maybe with buying vaginal suppositories from an online pharmacy or something and also use my cream? Or is there something else I can do to relieve that pain around that time? I think the progesterone cream helps my lower back pain I get and it causes me to have less anxiety and heart palpitations. Thank you!
Jun 27, 2013
 progesterone and migraines
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy I'm so sorry about the stock out. I have never used the Progensa myself, but was only going on the ingredients, I'll know not to recommend it again. You could try adding the amount you need to a similar amount of skin cream and rubbing that on. We do have a page on Migraines you could look through, progesterone does help, so too does vitamin D. Once your level is high you should see it helping. They do say it's blood vessels dilating, but oestrogen constricts smooth muscle, so I feel it's the constriction causing them. But there's as much info as I can find on them on the link I've given you. And of course you can use more progesterone when you feel the need. I suggest applying it all over your neck, and up onto your scalp at the back of your head. The hair follicles absorb it well, see here. Progesterone does help Anxiety, as do a number of nutrients you could consider. It also help heart palpitations which are caused by oestrogen. Take care Wray
Jun 28, 2013
 progesterone and migraines
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy I'm so sorry about the stock out. I have never used the Progensa myself, but was only going on the ingredients, I'll know not to recommend it again. You could try adding the amount you need to a similar amount of skin cream and rubbing that on. We do have a page on Migraines you could look through, progesterone does help, so too does vitamin D. Once your level is high you should see it helping. They do say it's blood vessels dilating, but oestrogen constricts smooth muscle, so I feel it's the constriction causing them. But there's as much info as I can find on them on the link I've given you. And of course you can use more progesterone when you feel the need. I suggest applying it all over your neck, and up onto your scalp at the back of your head. The hair follicles absorb it well, see here. Progesterone does help Anxiety, as do a number of nutrients you could consider. It also help heart palpitations which are caused by oestrogen. Take care Wray
Jul 05, 2013
 body pain
by: Gypsy

Hi Wray, thanks for responding back. I have read on the migraine section on this page several times. But another thing I do experience is a worsening in body pain when I start to bleed. Like this month I started bleeding around ovulation which I guess is from taking the progesterone cause this has never happened before. Right when I started bleeding my migraines kick in and I get chronic body pain all over. This happens as well when I start my normal period. Do you know why this is? I know estrogen can cause inflammation but I am taking about 200mg a day and cant afford to take more. I have asked if you know of any ways to take more progesterone in a cheaper way as in suppositories maybe from online pharmacy if that would help?? Maybe I can take in conjunction with the cream. I just wondered if you have heard of this happening and if there is anything I can do to help this pain. Thank you!
Jul 09, 2013
 body pain
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy Pain is a common feature of excess oestrogen. Particularly evident at ovulation or just prior to bleeding. You'll have to look on line to see if there are cheaper forms of progesterone. I have looked at over 30 different brands, and haven't found any cheaper than ours. Although there were some but I was doubtful if they did use progesterone, and weren't some form of yam cream. I didn't look for suppositories though. Do you have any idea of your vitamin D levels? You have been taking a good dose, but maybe it's not high enough yet. And the magnesium too, they should help eventually. I wish there was some way of telling, but unfortunately not. Take care Wray
Jul 13, 2013
 pain
by: Gypsy

Hi Wray, thanks for your response. I am waiting on my results for my vit. D so I should know this week. I actually just took 20,000 iu. of vitamin D for a month than dropped down to 10,000iu. If my results are low I will go back up to 20,000 iu for a longer period of time. Also, I wanted to ask you this past month I had like break through bleeding around my ovulation time and I basically bled like I would be on my period.. for about a week. It is now time for my normal period and I haven't started, do you think I will since I already bled this month? I am just wondering because we are still hoping to conceive and we did try around the time of ovulation before I started bleeding. But again getting better is priority over conception.
Jul 18, 2013
 pain
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy I would be interested to hear what your vitamin D results are when you get them. It is possible to have bleeding at ovulation, although I've not heard of it continuing for a week. It's generally a day or two and not much in volume. It can be accompanied with pain too, the term is Mittelschmerz, see here, here and here. So whether it was this, or an early period is difficult to say. Although the length of the bleeding strikes me it was an early period. I'm very late in my replies, so now you are long past your normal period date. Did you get one? If not then the bleeding at ovulation would have been an early period. Take care Wray
Jul 18, 2013
 bleeding and vit.D
by: Gypsy

HI Wray. No I have not started my period so it was an early period due to the progesterone. I just got back from my Dr. with my results from Vit. D and Cholesterol. My bad cholesterol has always been high mainly from genetics. I don't eat bad and I'm not overweight by any means. When I went today she told me my LDL went from 155 to 184. And also my Vit. D was 129. So everything is higher. Th only I have changed is taking Vit. D and progesterone cream so I don't know if this could have anything to do with it or not when it comes to my cholesterol, Do you? I will stop taking the Vit. D for a while to get it lowered or maybe just lower down to 5,000 iu. What do you think. I def. want to get my bad cholesterol back down to at least where it was. What's your opinion? Thank you!
Jul 19, 2013
 bleeding and vit.D
by: Wray

Hi Gypsy Yes it must have been an early period. I'm delighted your vitamin D has shot up, it was so low. But please don't stop taking it, just lower your dose to 5000iu per day. Are you eating any starchy carbs, i.e. sweet, starchy fruits and veggies? Grains and legumes too? This will cause your LDL to rise. Please incorporate as much fat into your diet as possible. But only the good fats, butter, lard, coconut oil, medium chain triglycerides, olive oil and macadamia oil. Do not use the possibly GM oils like soy, or the polyunsaturated oils like sunflower etc. This should lower the LDL. You might like to see these papers here and here on what food to eat, and what not to eat. I know you were taking magnesium, but maybe you could consider increasing to about 800mg/day for a month. It could be it's not high enough yet. This could possibly account for the pain, and the seemingly adverse affect the vitamin D has had. Take care Wray
Jan 28, 2019
 Saliva Test
by: Anonymous

Hello. I had a hormonal saliva test done. I quite do not understand how to read it. I called the lab who did it and they wouldn’t give me info unless I was a Dr. My health practitioner gave me a prescription for estrodiel and progesterone. The test did say I have estrogen dominance. I’m concerned she has not given me the proper dosage amounts.

Wray, could you help interpret the results and advise what you would suggest dosage wise? Really enjoyed reading this post.

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