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Hair loss after using Progesterone Cream!

by Kay
(Ontario, Canada)

I have been using progesterone cream since May of 2009. I started to experience lots of hair loss, about 70% of my hair was lost. My last side affect was that I experienced lots of acne building up under my chin and around that area too.

My doctor sugested that he will decrease the amount of progesterone added to the cream. Please can you help me find another affective way of getting rid of my acne and hair loss.

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Jan 04, 2010
 Hair loss after using Progesterone Cream!
by: Wray

Hi Kay. The reason for the hair loss was not progesterone itself, but an excess of oestrogen. This can occur during the initial months of using progesterone, please see this web page on oestrogen dominance. The excess oestrogen is converted in androgens, which are actually responsible for the loss. Pity he wants to decrease the amount of progesterone, I would have suggested the opposite, increase the amount used. Generally the amount should be between 100-200mg/day. Please see this web page on acne.

You will find taking zinc very beneficial, 100mg/day. This is a high dose, but it's needed. Once the acne is gone, reduce the dose to 15mg/day. And please consider taking 2000mg/day of the anti-alopecia B vitamin inositol, plus 2000mg of N-acetyl cysteine. The hair, nails and skin comprise about 14% cysteine, supplementing makes them all strong and healthy. Take care, Wray
Jan 29, 2010
 Wild Yams - Progesterone
by: Vickie

I had been using Progesterone from Wild Yams for many years and found it to have helped with my PMT and heavy periods. Aprox 1 year ago I started spotting whilst still on the Progesterone and then started getting periods sometimes lasting for a month at a time, so I stopped taking the Yams. Since then I have experienced weight gain and problems with PMT so I went to my general practitioner who has put me onto the contraceptive pill Yasmin. It has helped with my PMT but I have since put on more weight and my breasts have enlarged a few sizes. Am I doing the right thing or should I consider going back to progesterone as I am 44 years old?
Mar 05, 2010
 No
by: Anonymous

Wild Yam cream is a natural estrogen cream, not a progesterone cream.
Mar 06, 2010
 Wild Yams - Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Vickie. You are now in peri-menopause, a very difficult time with dropping progesterone levels. Please see this web page. The amount of progesterone you were using was not sufficient to make up the deficit you now have, hence the spotting and long periods. All BCP's stop ovarian function, which would have lowered your oestrogen levels, this would have helped the PMT. But they stop all ovarian production of progesterone too which would account for the weight gain and larger breasts. They also cause insulin resistance which causes weight gain, please see this web page.

BCP's do have adverse side affects, you might like to read about them here. If you do decide to use progesterone again, the amount should be between 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. Take care, Wray
Jul 06, 2010
 Acne & Hair Loss
by: Anna

I'm 36 and started using the IUD, Mirena, about 4 months ago. Mirena has PROGESTIN added to it - to help with the heavy periods associated with the copper IUD. That sounded fine to me - had been on many birth control pills in the past with little side effects. However, now I have terrible acne and losing my hair. I'm wondering how the PROGESTIN (if different from progesterone) is contributing to these new side effects and if I should be taking something else to try to balance me out. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Jul 08, 2010
 Acne & Hair Loss
by: Wray

Hi Anna I'm not in favour of any progestin, the copper T IUD is far safer as it leaks nothing into the system, bar a small amount of copper. Yes bleeding is a bit heavier, but a small price to pay compared to the dangers of progestins. Please see this web page we have on Contraceptives Research papers. All OC's, whether a combo or progestin only, stop ovarian function, which means you are not making any ovarian progesterone. There are many progestins on the market, all have a similar molecular structure to progesterone, but all have been altered to make them patentable. The only similarity between them is the affect they have on the endometrium. Progesterone has many roles, and it's metabolites many too. The progestins cannot be converted into progesterone metabolites. Please consider the copper T in preference. Incidentally progesterone can stop heavy bleeding if enough is used. I suggest between 100-200mg/day, dependant on your symptoms. There are nutrients you can take to help hair loss and acne, but they won't do much against the Mirena's affects. Take care Wray
Aug 06, 2010
 Irregular since stopping BC pills
by: Samantha

I stopped taking Ortho-Cyclen in August of last year. Since then my periods have been really irregular, sometimes lasting 3 weeks, sometimes not coming at all. I have had light spotting for at least 3 weeks out of each month for the past year! I have also lost a ton of hair but it's finally starting to come back (it took a year!). I got some Progesterone cream but now I'm scared to use it, I can't lose anymore hair! I'm only 24, I don't know what to do. Should I use the Progesterone cream or would that make things worse?
Aug 08, 2010
 Irregular since stopping BC pills
by: Wray

Hi Samantha All BC's have adverse affects on us, some occur internally and we're not aware of them. Please see this web page we have on Contraceptives. Some affects occur after stopping them, as in your case. Progesterone will help, but the amount should be between 100-200mg/day. For more info please see this web page we have on How to use progesterone cream. Progesterone does not cause hair loss, as witnessed by most pregnant women who have lovely hair. It's the high level of progesterone we make while pregnant that encourages hair growth and beautiful hair. Progesterone will also help the irregular periods and spotting, a lack of it, plus excess oestrogen, causes the irregular periods. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, vital once a month to stimulate the endometrium each month to grow and thicken ready for a possible fertilised egg. But too much and the lining builds excessively. Matrix metalloproteinases (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. If they are over active, as would be the case with an excess of oestrogen in the body, (oestrogen stimulates it?s production), the result is a pathological reaction such as inflammation and excessive bleeding. Progesterone suppresses both oestrogen and MMP's. It?s only when progesterone levels drop at the end of the cycle that the MMP?s can get to work and breakdown the lining causing our monthly bleed. But with oestrogen continually stimulating more lining and the MMP's, and low progesterone, bleeding continues. I would advise starting on the 200mg/day initially, gradually reducing the amount until you find the optimum level. Please remember stress drops progesterone levels, so use more over any stressful time. Take care Wray
Aug 18, 2010
 ocp and hair loss
by: Anonymous

i used to have a full head of hair while I was using the mirena contraceptive. it was the only contraceptive that was able to make me have regular periods. I had it removed after the 5 years and since then my hair has been falling out at a great rate! I was put on baby yaz and then dianette, and my hair is still falling out. I take all the regular supplements and wonder if I should the wild yam cream in conjunction with the oral contraceptives and also use an adrenal support supplement with actual dessicated adrenal glands? I am also hypo thyroid but it is the normal range with low dose levothyroxine. What should I do?
Aug 20, 2010
 ocp and hair loss
by: Wray

Hi there The Mirena leaks a progestin into the body, this stops all ovarian function. Which means you were not making any ovarian oestrogen, testosterone, but more importantly progesterone. Now that it's out the ovaries are able to work again and to begin with they make oestrogen and testosterone only. It can be weeks, in some cases months, for ovulation to occur and progesterone to be made. Which means you have excess oestrogen and testosterone circulating now, as there is little to no progesterone to suppress them. These are causing the hair loss. All contraceptives cause adverse symptoms, please see our page on Contraceptives. The only safe one is the copper T IUD, as it leaks no synthetic hormone into the body. Progesterone does suppress oestrogen and testosterone, the amount to use is between 100-200mg/day. But before you consider it please see this web page on Oestrogen Dominance. A yam cream won't give you progesterone. I would also suggest you have a vitamin D test done, as hypothyroidism is in part caused by a lack of vitamin D, please see the Vitamin D council website for more info. I would also suggest you take 2000mg/day N-acetyl cysteine, 2000mg/day inositol and 2-3mg/day biotin, all three are essential for hair growth. Take care Wray
Dec 08, 2010
 Me too!
by: Lynne

Will using 2000 mg Inositol, 2000 mg N-Acetyl Cysteine replace the hair loss 'if' it was due to using the progesterone cream or is it a permanent loss of hair once it's fallen out?

I understood the zinc to be for acne or is it also part of the above for hair loss?

Thanks.
Dec 17, 2010
 Me too!
by: Wray

Hi Lynne Hair loss is not caused by progesterone, the reverse in fact, see here. Little is known about what causes hair loss, although some believe it to be due to an upset blood glucose. This is one reason the inositol is effective in reversing it, biotin and thiamine (B1) are helpful in this respect too. Low zinc is often a major contributing factor in acne, occasionally the only factor. Zinc is needed to stabilise blood glucose, but I've not found a study showing a direct link between it and hair loss. This doesn't of course mean there isn't one, simply that I haven't looked for a connection. If hair loss is a result of stress or de-stabilised blood glucose, it will grow back once these issues have been resolved. If the hair follicle has been damaged in some way it's unlikely to grow back. Take care Wray
Dec 27, 2010
 Help?
by: Sarah

I was on Yasmin about a year and a half ago. (I'm 20 by the way). As soon as I started it, my hair started coming out a bunch, so I stopped.. but it's been about a year and a half, and my hair is still thin. (I dealt with a loss of a family member within that year and a half too, so lots of stress as well).

I decided to get progesterone cream, but I'm hesitant to try it. I got my progesterone levels checked during my luteal phase a little while ago and my doctor said they were "low," but didn't suggest any sort of supplementation, so I don't think it was a deficiency.. just a little low.

Did the Yasmin cause excess estrogen in my body? Is that why my hair fell out?

I'm just not sure if I'm lacking estrogen or progesterone now?
Jan 01, 2011
 Using Natural Progesterone Cream with the Copper IUD
by: Kimmi

Recently, My OBGYN inserted the copper iud (12/31/2010) after 5 years of being on the Nuvaring. The first day of my cycle was 12/24/2010 and ended on the following Monday. How many days do I wait to use the progesterone cream? By the way, you help me out by recommending the copper iud as a non hormonal birth control method.
Jan 07, 2011
 Using Natural Progesterone Cream with the Copper IUD
by: Wray

Hi Kimmi I'm so delighted you opted to have the Nuvaring removed! I'm not sure of your natural cycle length, but if it's 28 days you should start the cream on the 8th Jan, and use it for 14 days. If it's normally longer or shorter, you'll have to work it out. Just bear in mind that all women ovulate 12-14 days before they bleed. I prefer to use the 14 days as it means enough progesterone has been used. As we only make ovarian progesterone during the luteal phase, and this starts after ovulation, if you know when you ovulate that's the best guide. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. But please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance first. This can occur and is disconcerting if it does. Initially progesterone can upset the cycle a bit, it's nothing to worry about, it does settle down in a cycle or two. Take care Wray
Mar 26, 2011
 hairloss
by: Amy

I too experienced hairloss right after starting progesterone cream...just a couple of days ago I increased the progesterone and began taking a zinc and B-12 supplement but its too early to tell if they are working. I just came across a website about the key to safely and effectively use progesterone cream....because progesterone is highly fat soluble within a few weeks to months you will saturate the fat tissue with the hormone and it will stop working, or symptoms will worsen. This Dr. Suggest applying the cream to your mucous epithelial membrane that line the vagina. This apparently has the hormone enter the same pelvic plexus of veins that your ovaries normally empty into. And because progesterone is normally cylical, she also suggests applying the cream 14 days before expected mensus, stopping a day before (so that you would start on day 12 and stop on day 26). The body needs this change in concentration to affect a proper physiological response. Has anyone heard of this?
May 07, 2011
 Have suffered hair loss since I was 18
by: Alexandra

I started losing my hair since I was 18. THe hair loss slowly tapered off but I noticed it did not grow back to it's former glory. At 22 I started birth control pills, this did not worsen or ameliorate my scalp hair, but it did help my skin clear as I had suffered with acne for most of my teenage years. At 25 my hair loss started again, I was on the same pill, so my hair loss and hirsutism was not attributed to the pill at all. By age 32 (March of 2010) I decided to get off the pill because my hair loss was getting worse. I lost even more hair, my hirsutism got worse, and I had mood swings from hell, I also did not have a period for 3 months. I finally got my period (june 2010), at this time I decided to research to figure out what was wrong with me because even though I finally got my period, it was still irregular. At first I thought I had PCOS, (I haven't ruled that out yet) but then realized that my hormone imbalance was much worse than just pcos. Unfortnatley I have no health insurance and I've been laid off so I have no way to pay for a saliva test or see a dr. I've been racking my brains trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Finally I came to the conclusion that I had low progesterone, and the use of the natural progesterone cream may be the solution and the way to stop all these symptoms. I bought a natural progesterone cream call meltdown that states has 6.88 % wild yam extract. I know you must think well wild yam extract on it's own doesn't do anything, but the cream also states it has natural progesterone which is why I bought it. I started the cream in January 2011 and my cycle has become regular and my hair started to grow it! That is until last week when I noticed my pony tail felt thinner than usual. I looked closely at the mirror and saw that my scalp was even more exposed than before and that the amount of baby hairs had reduced. I also take maca in order to encourage my body to start balanacing itself out on it's own. Bottom line I have been on maca and progesterone since January and the only thing that has improved is my cyles are back to normal now (thanks to your 14 day rule) and my acne has gotten better. My question is this: I use 2 1/4 teaspoons of cream daily after the 14th day, I use one in the morning, one at night and I rotate the places where I put it, then stop when I start my period. Is 1/4 teaspoon too much or too little? I see that you say a woman should use 100-200 mg daily, I have no way of knowing how much is in a 1/4 teaspoon. I've googled it and the results are ranging anywhere from 200 mg to 1000mg in a 1/4 teaspoon. Does the 6.88% matter at all? Why did it look like my hair was coming back in, only to discover that my hair is worse than ever? Please help me with this problem, like I said before I have no extra money to buy hormone saliva tests and I have no insurance to see a dr either. Did the progesterone stop working? What am I doing wrong?
Jun 11, 2011
 Hair Loss from using Progesterone Cream
by: Dharma

I started using progesterone cream a few years ago to help balance out my hormones as I was experiencing pms and in my late 30's so maybe perimenopausal. I used progesterone for two years and noticed during that time that my hair was thinning. Unfortunately I never made the connection to the cream. It was at the end of the 2nd year on the cream that I started getting a burning scalp and extreme hair loss. I went to a naturopath and he helped me understand that the progesterone cream caused an imbalance in my hormones. I stopped the cream however I have not been able to get my hormones rebalanced. It seems once you mess with the hormonal system it is difficult to correct. I continue to lose hair and have less than half of the beautiful long hair I use to prior to taking progesterone cream. I do think progesterone is good for some women but I would suggest that you get your hormones tested by a qualified naturopath (saliva test are best) before buying and using the over-the-counter creams. A compounding company can make exactly want you need and will provide you with a dispenser so you are sure of amounts. Also your naturopath can monitor your hormones and adjust things before your health gets impacted negatively.

Progesterone cream absolutely causes hair loss if the wrong amount is used. This isn't a harmless cream that can be used by everyone. Please be careful and seek professional advise before using progesterone cream. I wish I had of.
Jun 21, 2011
 hairloss
by: Wray

Hi Amy I've never, in the 15 years I've been using progesterone daily, experienced any saturation or worsening of symptoms. The web is being flooded with this information now and it's putting people off using progesterone. It's simply not true. If progesterone is needed it will be 'used' up. The body knows how to metabolise it, in fact one of it's metabolites, allopregnanolone, is a potent analgesic. Excellent for headaches and migraines, see here, here, here, here and here. Most brands of progesterone cream advise using far too low an amount, in the region of 20-40mg/day, I recommend 100-200mg/day or more if symptoms are severe. Unfortunately, when first using progesterone, it stimulates oestrogen production. But oestrogen first has to be converted from testosterone. So initially testosterone rises, before converting to oestrogen. The conversion occurs in the thecal cells in the ovaries. Testosterone causes hair loss, acne, oily skin and facial hair. This is the reason you experienced hair loss when starting it. Progesterone is lipophilic, so is preferentially absorbed by the fat cells in the skin. From there it's picked up by red blood cells, to be transported round the body. The vagina doesn't have a fatty layer, but does have ample blood vessels. The red blood cells pick up the progesterone and it's then transported round the body. I often recommend using it there, a finger or syringe are the best ways of applying it. It's an excellent anti-inflammatory and helps protect against Candida. We do have more info on How to use progesterone cream. If there is a cycle, it is best to follow it, progesterone should always be used from ovulation to bleeding, ie during the luteal phase when it's naturally made. Unless symptoms are severe, in which case I suggest using it daily for 2-3 months and then following the cycle again. A normal luteal phase is always 12-14 days long, in all women, and always occurs between ovulation and bleeding. Take care Wray
Jun 21, 2011
 Have suffered hair loss since I was 18
by: Wray

Hi Alexandra I've tried to find out how much progesterone is in meltdown too, but can't. If it is a 6.88% progesterone cream, then 1g contains 68.8mg of progesterone. Which means a 1/4 teaspoon contains 86mg progesterone, so you are currently getting about 172mg/day progesterone. Do the instructions not tell you how much progesterone is in a 1/4 tsp? It is important to find this out, as it could be less. The balance could be wild yam extract which is the plant sterol diosgenin, progesterone itself is not extracted. It's synthesised from many plant sterols, one of which is diosgenin. Contraceptives have many adverse side effects, so I'm pleased you've stopped them. Your symptoms do have many links to PCOS, please read through this page for any clues. If you do think you have it, it is possible to reverse, but progesterone alone won't do it. It is an essential part of the protocol, but there are many nutrients needed too. The most important being vitamin D, please have a test done. I know you're struggling financially at the moment, but have a look at the following websites, Vitamin D Council and GrassrootsHealth. GrassrootsHealth are currently doing a study on vitamin D, and the testing is much cheaper. Incidentally a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. Maca is good, but very expensive, see these papers here, here, here, here and here for more info. I'm running out of space, so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray
Jun 21, 2011
 Have suffered hair loss since I was 18
by: Wray

Hi Alexandra I believe the reversal you've had is the result of progesterone stimulating oestrogen, causing Oestrogen Dominance. This does occur when first using it, and when increasing the amount. There's no way of telling when it will occur, normally it's in the first few weeks, but I've found it can occur later. Stress causes progesterone levels to drop sharply, and you've been through great stress by being laid off and no health insurance. This could account for the return of symptoms, I don't know when you stopped worked, but please check the dates, as they could coincide. I'm pleased you're using the progesterone as it should be used, ie from ovulation. In case you haven't seen the page, we have more info on How to use progesterone cream here. Take care Wray
Jun 21, 2011
 Hair Loss from using Progesterone Cream
by: Wray

Hi Dharma As I've explained to the women above, using too low an amount of progesterone will cause hair loss. And it will continue too, as it keeps stimulating oestrogen production. It's essential to make progesterone the dominant hormone to prevent adverse symptoms occurring. This is only possible by using 100-200mg/day, or more if symptoms are severe. From Saliva Tests we run via a naturopath in the UK, we've found the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 and over to feel well. You might be interested in reading these comments from other women who struggled on the low amounts, and had to use very high amounts before finding relief, see here and here. Take care Wray
Jul 06, 2011
 re-hormone testing
by: Bettina

I read on one of the posts that Saliva testing is best. I disagree. A 24 hour urine test will be more accurate as it will be the results over a long period of time. I don't see how a saliva test, after a night sleep, as it is done early in the morning, can reveal your hormone levels when you are active, which is most of the time.
Jul 12, 2011
 Hair loss & awful perimenopause symptoms
by: Paige

Hi Wray, I started getting hot flushes, nausea, migraines and severe hair loss around 6 months ago. My doctor tested my hormones, and said I was perimenopausal. I was still having periods, but they were irregular and very heavy.

I went back to the Doctor recently, and asked for something to help with the awful daily symptoms, which made it hard to function. The migraines were so bad, they would often wake me from sleep, and I was weepy and miserable. My Doctor put me on 1mg Elleste hrt tablets. She said my estrogen was 8, which wasn't too low?

I researched all my problems on the internet, and bought progesterone cream, which I'm now using twice daily. I am feeling much more myself, but I'm still suffering a lot of hair loss. I eat well, and take vitamins. My Doctor suggested the cream I was using causes hair loss, but the hair loss started before I began using the progesterone cream. I've now been using the progesterone cream for around 3 months. Will the hair loss stop soon?

There is so much conflicting advice around!
Nov 16, 2011
 Continous use
by: Alexandra

Was wondering how many mgs of progesterone cream I would need to use for daily Continous use? I want to top off my progesterone levels and wanted to use the cream for 2-3 months to get rid of my remaining estrogen dominance symptoms.
Dec 12, 2011
 Please help
by: Tryingtostaypositive

Hello Wray,

I'm wondering if you can help me. Here's a quick summary of me.

-24 year old female
- both mom and dad have severe hair loss (mom's was gradual, dad's fell out in high school)
- took BC pills for ~2.5 years, but haven't been on them for 3 years now. I'm wary of taking anything that'll affect my hormones.
- my hair loss started when I was 18 years old (before I even went on the pill, and I don't think coming off the pill made my hair loss any worse or better - I went on it for my skin)
- my older sister also has hair loss, but mine is worse
- Thyroid problems run in my family. I went to a dermatologist in Toronto, ON and he had my blood checked for testosterone, thyroid, iron, etc... I have to go get the results.
- I'd say I've lost ~75% of my once thick brown curls

Who will actually take the time to look over my blood test thoroughly and help, not hinder my hair loss? This is so so so important to me. I don't want to mess around with doctors who aren't up to date on hormones and hair loss. It's so aggravating that hair loss is so poorly understood.

Can you suggest someone to see in Ontario Canada who will actually treat me like a person, not a number, and try to help my hair loss? Naturopath? D.O.? Endocrinologist? I'm so wary of putting hormones into my body. I recently switched to organic meat, and am thinking about organic milk. Also, my husband and I are wanting to get pregnant in January 2013, so if I was put on some sort of hormone supplement, could I continue taking it while trying to conceive or whilst pregnant?

I'm sorry that this message is unorganized and probably not the most coherent. Thanks for your time.

Tryingtostaypositive
Dec 31, 2011
 copper coil with natural progesterone cream
by: Anonymous

hi Wray, i have severe endometriosis and also along with this i have a bad reaction to bc pills of any sort ive tried numerous ones, i was told to try the mirena which i now have and im already having horrendous headaches. i have already been prescribed some natural progesterone cream and what i would like to know is could i use the cream if i have the mirena coil out and replace it with a copper coil?? i understand that copper one is not great with endo as it can cause heavy bleeding etc but do you think the two would work?? many thanks k
Feb 11, 2012
 Hair loss
by: Anonymous

I have low progesterone of 0.2 I am having thinning hair I have tried bio progesterone cream but I was putting on weight so I started agnus castus but I feel so depressed, should I go back on cream or try maca or stay on agnus castus
Jun 22, 2012
 PROGESTERONE DROPS
by: MISSY

i have been on progesterone drops for 2 months and my hair has been falling out since i started using the drops. my compounding pharmacist suggested i take orthro-tri-cylen low also with my progesterone drops to stop my hair loss. i did complete saliva testing and my progesterone was at the low end of normal, as my estrogen was also at the low end of normal. but testerone levels were higher than normal. i have bought hair vitamins and i have also tried using biotin. nothing is helping, any suggestions?
Jun 25, 2012
 PROGESTERONE DROPS
by: Wray

Hi Missy You don't say how much progesterone you're using, but the drops will not be supplying you enough. You need to use about 100-200mg/day progesterone or more, dependant on symptoms. Although progesterone is absorbed well by the mouth, the amount in the drops is insufficient, plus some of it is swallowed. Oral progesterone is not the best Delivery system. All drug based Contraceptives suppress progesterone, so you are getting even less by taking them. The Hair Loss is caused by the initial stimulating effect progesterone has on oestrogen, this leads to Oestrogen Dominance, sufficient progesterone must be used to prevent this. Testosterone is responsible for hair loss, and you say yours is higher than normal. If bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) testosterone becomes inactive, progesterone raises levels of SHBG, see here, so preventing the rise of free testosterone. SHBG drops if sugars are eaten, even those found in all grains, legumes, dairy and sweet starchy fruits and vegetables. Fructose, sucrose and glucose (all carbs are converted into glucose), reduce SHBG by 80, 50 and 40% respectively, see here. It's best to avoid all the foods and sugars mentioned. We have more info on How to use progesterone cream on this page. Please consider switching to a system which delivers progesterone more effectively. Take care Wray
Sep 26, 2012
 Bald spotsfrom progesterone cream
by: Anonymous

I have been on topical progesterone cream, 20mg once a day starting at beginning of my cycle and continuing for 14 days...i recently noticed massive amounts of my hair falling out each day and just this week noted 3 areas at base of scalp towards my neck with half dollar sized bald spots..bald as i dont see any hair regrowth..could this be from the progesterone cream? i was originally put on it because my estrogen levels were thru the roof..I also am 40 years of age with only one ovary...please help...
Sep 27, 2012
 Bald spotsfrom progesterone cream
by: Wray

Hi there Testosterone is responsible for Hair Loss. Unfortunately the 20mg/day you are using is stimulating oestrogen production. But before this occurs, testosterone is first produced. Women make more testosterone each month than oestrogen, but the enzyme aromatase converts most of the testosterone to oestrogen. The amount of progesterone you are using does not raise levels to that found in the luteal phase. I go into this on our Progesterone Misconceptions page. I recommend 100-200mg/day, more if symptoms are severe. Progesterone does suppress excess testosterone. If bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) testosterone becomes inactive, progesterone raises levels of SHBG, see here, so preventing the rise of free testosterone. SHBG drops if sugars are eaten, even those found in all grains, legumes, dairy and sweet starchy fruits and vegetables. Fructose, sucrose and glucose, reduce SHBG by 80, 50 and 40% respectively, see here. Thereby allowing testosterone to rise. It's best to avoid all the foods and sugars mentioned. You say you are using the progesterone from the beginning of your cycle, i.e. from day 1 of bleeding. If so, you have been told to use it incorrectly. It should be used from ovulation for the next 12-14 days of the luteal phase. We do have more info about this on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Mar 03, 2013
 Hair loss
by: Jan

I started to experience sticky areas of hair, then dry and brittle hair. This, after experiencing a lot of strange skin changes on face and hands. My once thick and long hair began to suddenly fall out. In 5 months, I lost 50%. It has been 19 months, 2 dermatologists, 2 rheumatologists, numerous tests and visits to my gp. I have low body temperature, cold hands and feet, dry eyes. All tests are normal. My hair loss has gotten worse instead of better. I have taken N-Acetyl Cysteine, MSM, Fulvic Minerals, Inositol, Vitamin D, C, E, Zinc, Selenium, digestive enzymes, the list goes on. Still, it gets worse. I am postmenopausal and all doctors say it comes with age. My friends all have full heads of hair. My only hope is progesterone. Scared to take it because everyone says you lose more hair. Can this be avoided if you start out at a high dosage? I miss feeling normal and having hair. I cannot touch it, run my hands through it, comb or brush it without tons falling out. It feels like wires and is always tangled. It used to be thick, soft and shiny. HELP.
Mar 05, 2013
 Hair loss
by: Wray

Hi Jan It's interesting all those nutrients haven't helped you, possibly you weren't taking enough? The ones I recommend are inositol, at least 4000mg/day, vitamin D at least 5000iu per day, more if levels are low, NAC at least 2000mg/day, biotin 2 to 3mg/day, 100mg/day thiamine. We do have a page on Hair Loss you could look through. There is some evidence progesterone can help too. But I do suggest you use a high amount to start with, at least 200mg/day, if not more. One of the reasons for hair loss in women going through Peri-menopause or Menopause, are higher than normal androgen levels. Testosterone causes hair loss. Progesterone is dropping during Peri-M, and is very low in menopause, whereas testosterone is still being produced by the ovaries, in fact the menopausal ovary is an androgen producing organ, see here. Progesterone suppresses testosterone. If bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) testosterone becomes inactive, progesterone raises levels of SHBG, see here, so preventing the rise of free testosterone. Take care Wray
Jun 11, 2013
 Hair loss
by: Sharon

I recently started using Progesterone 200 mg (Subst. for Prometrium) for heavy periods. I use it from day 16 thru day 25 of my cycle. I have noticed hair loss. Is this temporary till my body adjusts to it?
Jun 12, 2013
 Hair loss
by: Wray

Hi Sharon We do have a page on Hair Loss you could look through. It is a problem when starting progesterone, as are the many other Oestrogen Dominance symptoms. I'm puzzled why you are using it only for 10 days, a normal luteal phase is always 12-14 days long. And is your cycle only 25 days? If so you should be using it from day 11. Progesterone should be used from ovulation, which is always 12-14 days before bleeding. I have found 400mg/day is needed for heavy bleeding, plus a number of other nutrients. These are all listed on our Menstruation page. There's also more info in my reply to Missy 'Jun 25, 2012 PROGESTERONE DROPS'. Take care Wray
Jul 25, 2013
 Perimenopause/Hair Loss
by: Anonymous

I'm 49. Been losing hair for years, worse lately.have lost half my hair over time. Picking up, not slowing, Cycle very irregular (1-2x/yr), so I can't use that as guide for when to use prog. My doc recommended Restored Balance PMS prog cream, but I can't find a mg amount. I use 1/8 tsp twice daily. I went for 2 months, then ran out, started cycle 2 days later. Doc told me to stay off for 2 wks, then on for 2 wks (bc of my hair loss). But hot flashes returned, so I went off for only 10 days, then restarted prog. 3 days later, hair loss increased! I take thyroid (kelp iodine), adrenal support, biotin 5mg, B complex, zinc, omegas, Vit D (6000/d), shatavari (for hot flashes). I also have weight gain and swelling all over. I'm afraid to increase prog arbitrarily in case it increases hair loss and bloating. How long should it take to see a difference in hair loss? Has anyone on here experienced decreased hair loss with taking high prog?? Thanks so much.
Jul 26, 2013
 Perimenopause/Hair Loss
by: Wray

Hi there Unfortunately you are not using a 'high' amount of progesterone but very low. The 1/8 gives you 10mg progesterone, so double that and you're getting 20mg/day. I've found this usually exacerbates things, which it seems to have with you. Initially progesterone stimulates oestrogen leading to Oestrogen Dominance. Using the amount you are, it will merely continue to stimulate it, and not suppress it. I recommend 100-200mg/day often more is needed, see here, here, here and here. We do have a page on Hair Loss you could look through, it gives a list of nutrients which help, some of which you are taking. Please have a vitamin D test done. Although you are taking a good amount, if your level is low you should increase the dose. As you are now in the last stages of Peri-menopause before Menopause, you cannot follow your cycle. So don't, just use it daily. If and when you bleed continue using it, no harm will come of this. Many Contraceptives and some HRT scripts prevent any bleeding. But they come with many adverse side effects, whereas progesterone has none. I've found for Hot Flushes 400mg/day is needed. You might also like to read through the info I've given to the women above. Take care Wray
Jul 27, 2013
 Perimen/Hair Loss conti
by: Anonymous

Thanks, Wray. Yes, my D was low so doc prescribed that. I was luteal phase defect and had to use prog supps to carry my children to term. So obviously a problem there. So there are no harmful side effects from taking high doses prog? You can't take too much? I also noticed that when I'm on it, I get minor breakout on my forehead.
Jul 29, 2013
 Perimen/hair loss (conti)
by: Anonymous

I've read all your pages repeatedly. Very interesting. I upped the prog to 200+/d, hair loss has increased but no hot flashes. How do I know when to increase amount versus just wait to see if that dose is effective? How long does it take to affect the falling hair? I really don't have any severe symptoms, only the hair loss that really concerns me, so I don't want to create more problems. I'm concerned that I'll just have to increase prog for the rest of my life. Is that the idea? One doc told a friend that it's impossible to "catch-up" bc the prog will just continue to awaken more dominant estrogen receptors. Thoughts?
Jul 29, 2013
 Perimen/Hair Loss conti
by: Wray

Hi there No there are no harmful side effects from using high amounts, see here. And you might like to read these comments from users of high amounts, here, here, here and here. The breakouts are caused by the stimulating effect of progesterone. There's more info on our Acne page. Take care Wray
Jul 30, 2013
 Perimen/hair loss (conti)
by: Wray

Hi there I'm pleased the hot flushes have stopped, unusual as I've found 400mg/day is generally needed. It is always trial and error finding the right amount. I find symptoms are the best guide, if still troublesome then increase the amount. The idea is to get rid of them, and once gone to reduce the amount very slowly, i.e. about 20mg at a time. I've not found anyone yet who has to keep increasing the progesterone. I've been using it for 16 years now, and round about 170mg/day. When first starting it, when increasing slowly or decreasing too quickly, these will all cause oestrogen to rear it's ugly head. Take care Wray
Apr 28, 2014
 Hairloss
by: Karen

Hi Wray,
I am losing quite a bit of hair. You emailed me before. Here's what I have done.

I started on bio identical pellets in Oct. Testosterone and DHEA of last year. Three months later a second set of pellets with increased testosterone as my symptoms were the same. I have been on thyroid T3 and T4 for several years.

I decided to stop the pellets after finding a book called What your doctor may not tell you about menopause.

I found Paraben Free Progesterone by Kal local and it contains 500mg per ounce.

I started using 1/2 tsp per day more if stressed.
Now my hair is falling out quite a bit,looks like male pattern baldness.

My hot flashes have all but stopped, I sleep better. Just having the hair problem.

HOW LONG DOES TESTOSTERONE STAY IN YOU SYSTEM?
I take 6000 D3 per day.

I'm going to go get the amino acid you recommend and the inositol.

I have fatty liver so I am taking liver supplements for that. Mainly milk thistle.

Any other ideas on the hair. I have read the forums bare. I'm thinking I should increase the progesterone, but not sure.Thanks Karen
Jun 30, 2014
 Progesterone,Hair loss and Vaginal atrophy
by: Anonymous

I am 59 and postmenopausal. have been on too low a dose of Progesterone ( 25mg) for years ( Dr Lee ), and have just increased it to 100mg a day ( on advice of doc)
I am also hypothyroid and on NDT. Since increasing the Progesterone I have noticed large amounts of hair loss - particularly at the front hairline which is very upsetting as I have always had thick hair.
I have severe vaginal atrophy and have also just started using Estriol cream but the Propylene Glygenol in it causes terrible burning so will have to stop.
Can Progesterone used vaginally help reverse the atrophy/bladder problems or is it only estriol that can do that? Will the Estriol used vaginally cancel out what the Progesterone does?
Also - I have noticed that my Testosterone level is above normal level but the others hormones are below.
I am very confused - please help!
Jul 17, 2014
 A possible reason for Progesterone related hair loss.
by: Anonymous

I, too, have experienced hair loss when taking Progesterone cream. I was fine taking it for a while, and then it became a problem and I'm not able to tolerate it now. I can take it for a couple of days at a very low dose, and then hair loss will occur along with facial acne eruptions and a depressed/low feeling. The hair loss is also always in the front of my hair line. I have observed this systematically, and it is very clearly linked to the progesterone cream.

It is possible to convert progesterone into testosterone, which may be the source of the issue many women are experiencing with the supplemental creams. This fits with the facial hair growth, acne, and hair loss. Why this occurs, I don't know, but it is possible, and may be the reason some people cannot take the progesterone while others can.

How to stop and reverse this pattern, I have no idea. Nor does my Integrative MD. Even with very little of my own progesterone being produced, I cannot take anything but very small doses of progesterone without issue. This is not typically what is seen with progesterone supplementation, but it is how I'm responding at this point in time, although it wasn't always so. It appears I'm not the only one, which is reassuring, but I'd rather have my hair loss stop and reverse!
Jul 28, 2014
 Hair loss at 200mg progesterone. Increase?
by: Anonymous

I'm 36 years old. I started using 200mg natural progesterone cream just over a week ago. My hair loss is getting worse every day! I'm wondering how long to stay at this dose, and how do I know when or if to increase my dose? I'm almost positive I had estrogen dominance even before starting the progesterone cream. I've been losing too much hair for 5 years. All of my tests are normal except progesterone was low in a saliva test. I'm already using inositol and NAC. Please help!
Jul 30, 2014
 Hair loss at 200mg progesterone. Increase?
by: Joy

HI there

Progesterone therapy is not an overnight fix, it can take anything from 2-6 months, possibly longer, before you feel the benefits. You may even need to use more cream, it all depends on how severe your symptoms are. Hair Loss can take place when using progesterone for the first time, but it is not progesterone causing this, but too much estrogen. Inositol and NAC is a good idea, but do you know what your Vitamin D level is as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone.

May I suggest that you read Wray’s posts above as everything that you need to know on hair loss is explained in these posts.

Hope this helps.
Jul 31, 2014
 Hair Loss after 200mg progesterone
by: Anonymous

Dear Joy,
Thank you for responding. I have read all of the comments above, several times. Most of them say the hair loss is a result of using too little progesterone, thus causing estrogen dominance.
I know it can take some time to work, it's just very difficult to throw all of my hair away. On a positive note, my skin is now much softer than it has been in years, and my lips are no longer peeling really bad! I hope this is a positive sign about my body needing progesterone.
Aug 01, 2014
 Hair Loss after 200mg progesterone
by: Joy

I am happy to hear that your skin is much softer, progesterone is excellent for the skin and for aging. You might like to read the page sent in by Lynne James about her menopausal lips and how progesterone helped her. One really has to experiment with the amount used.
Aug 01, 2014
 Hair loss continued.....
by: Anonymous

Dear Joy,
I like the post about the menopausal lips. It reminds me of mine. Mine are definitely feeling better. I'm losing so much hair now though, that I'm struggling with staying on the progesterone. I want to be better so bad!! I increased my dose to 380mg per day. I'm also taking 6,000 units of vitamin D. I know that starting progesterone can cause estrogen dominance, and that there is no specific time frame about how long it can last. Do you know the average of how long? I'm just so scared that I'll have no hair left if this goes on very long! :( I began the progesterone in an effort to save my already problematic hair. I don't want to stop the progesterone if it's going to help. I'm just so scared!
Aug 04, 2014
 Hair loss continued ....
by: Joy

As mentioned, it does take time, anything from 2 - 6 months, possibly longer depending on how severe symptoms are. You have only been using progesterone for a month. We are all different, it is difficult to say exactly when things will get better for you. I am glad that you found the Menopausal Lips page useful.
Aug 04, 2014
 Dhea problem!?
by: Anonymous

Dear Joy,
I have been using ProgestaCare Complete. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, and I'm losing a lot of hair! This ProgestaCare has 7 Keto Dhea in it. I just read online that dhea can cause hair loss problems! Is this true? I'm going to change the type I'm using ASAP. But if it has caused a problem, what can I do now? Please help, I'm really worried! Thank you
Sep 03, 2014
 it helps ladies!!
by: beth

I can testify to the fact that progesterone does stop and even reverse hair shedding and loss. It takes time though. It took mine about 6 months to stop the shedding. I also went through a lot of estrogen dominance symptoms and almost gave up. I'm so glad I didn't because me hair feels so much better its such a relief. I was stressing myself out trying to figure out what to do not go bald. I already gave naturally thin fine hair so losing it was so devastastated. Hang in there ladies it will help!
Sep 10, 2014
 Various symptoms
by: Maddy

Ladies, please comment on if you have experienced these things too...

I am certain I am periomen. now at 46. I always had painful ovulation, now I have cycles but only infrequently experience the ovulation. My cycles shortened to 21 days, which was making me crazy. Evening primrose seemed to regulate back to normal. Hair loss for 2+ years. Pony tail volume easily only half now. much shedding around frame of face, and hair will only grow short there, then re-sheds. Very difficult to style. Need only one haircut per year. I used to have very thick hair, had thinning shears taken to it several times in my youth. Saw dermatologist: vitamin D, Biotin, and prescription Nizoral shampoo. Did not really help shedding. And disliked shampoo, felt it was making my hair grow weird - thinner shaft and more kinky vs. smooth. Desperate. Trying Prog cream. First day yesterday, abrupt leg muscle cramp in calf which woke me, mild nausea,maybe little lightheaded, and pretty heavy hair shed in shower today. Terrified as heavier shedding will leave me with precious little. cream using is 20mg per 1/4, I think I used about 1/2 tsp. I read about the converstion to T and needing higher dose, but scared.
Sep 11, 2014
 Soy Isoflavones
by: JG

I asked my endo if I should use progesterone and she said, because I am postmenopausal, that is ill advised since it causes heart attacks for women after menopause. She rcommended Soy Isoflavones instead. I have been losing hair for 3+ years now and my once THICK hair is extremely thin. I have tried everything, including progesterone for a short time. Any comments?
Sep 14, 2014
 Progesterone does make your hair fall out
by: JoAnn

Who ever says that hair loss cannot be caused by progesterone cream or pills, is dead wrong!!! I take bio identical hormones where you get a period every month by taking estradiol and progesterone. Everything is ok while I am taking the estradiol, but as soon as I add in the 11 days of progesterone, my hair falls out like you can't believe. I have tried less estrogen, more estrogen, but it doesn't matter. My hair still falls out with PROGESTERONE. I have been putting up with this for 6 or more years. No doctor has been able to figure it out. I have been told that the progesterone causes more of the hormone testosterone and my system may be sensitive to it and that is what is causing the hair loss.
I wish there was a solution. But if all doctors keep saying the progesterone doesn't cause hair loss, we may never get to a solution to this problem!
Sep 16, 2014
 My Doctor says progesterone isn't good!
by: Paige

I had been following all the advice on here to try to get through the menopause.
It's awful, and I seem to have every menopause symptom there is!
After starting my second tube of progesterone cream, my hair loss was awful. I went to my GP for advice, and she said progesterone cream is known to cause hair loss?

Its hard to know what to do now? I have had several blood tests, and according to the doctor everything is normal, but I certainly don't feel it, and I have lost over half the hair I had. Its now really thin, and my scalp shows in the light. Any advice?
Sep 17, 2014
 My Doctor says progesterone isn't good!
by: Wray

Hi Paige All I can ask you to do is read our page on Hair Loss and decide for yourself. Most women find progesterone actually helps hair growth. And you'll see on that page a few studies where they've given it to men to help with regrowth. You don't say how much progesterone you're using so it could be too little. Please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance for an explanation. Take care Wray
Sep 25, 2014
 Excess hair growth!!!
by: Anonymous

Ive been taking progesterone after ovulation until period starts for about six months In an effort to sustain a possible pregnancy as I've had three miscarriages and suspect it was low progesterone. Over the last month I've noticed my arm hair has grown very fast and is now long. I use to not have so much and it's like it popped out of nowhere. Also, I've noticed hair on my cheeks, upper lip, lower chip and chin. I don't know why this happening. Can you provide any information to why my hair might be growing in places I've never had it??
Dec 31, 2014
 Progesterone hair Loss solution
by: Paulan

Hi. This is to everyone who is experiencing hair loss by using progesterone cream. Please google the work of Dr Ray Peat and also Danny Roddy. All you need is a slight change of diet and the problem will rectify itself. My hair loss has stopped completely and it's now growing back fine. I know how upsetting it can be to loose your hair. So I wish you all the best of luck and hope you find peace of mind soon.
Jan 05, 2015
 How to stop hair loss due to progesterone
by: Paulan

In my last post I mentioned the work of Dr Ray Peat and Danny Roddy and how by following their dietary guidelines my hair loss stopped almost immediately. I would also like to mention that I do not use progesterone cream anymore. I feel I do not need to use a commercially manufactured product like this, when all that is really needed is a change of diet. Eat more citrus fruits and juice. Eat and cook with natural saturated fats. ie coconut oil, butter etc. Root veg (carots are excellent). And leave off all the nuts, seeds and their oils. Gelatin is especially good. This is not a paleo diet. It's more an estrogen reducing/ natural progesterone producing diet! This diet makes my body feeled balanced and healthy once more. Thank you very much Wray for printing this.
Apr 29, 2015
 Hair loss after increasing progesterone dose
by: Marie

Hi there
I have been on progesterone for 6 months to help with hair loss and perimenopausal symptoms. After using it for 4 months my normally regular cycle of 29 days reduced to 19 days 1 month and then 25 the next. The doctor who prescribed me progesterone told me to increase my dose to start using it from the day my period ended, twice a day, and then from day 12 three times a day till the end of the cycle.

however i have noticed a very large increase in the hair loss around my hairline (my hairline has receded by almost an inch) since i started this new regime of twice a day till day 12 and three times a day till end of cycle. Could this be linked? Having read the posts above - is this my body getting used to the new dose and then it will settle down?

Also - I find it hard to remember doing it three times a day so some of the time i have ended up just doing it twice a day every day from the end of my period to the end of my cycle. Will this have a negative effect?

Any guidance gratefully received.
Jun 21, 2015
 Progesterone and hair loss
by: JoAnn

I want every woman to know that taking progesterone as part of an HR therapy will definitely make some women lose their hair. I am one of them. I take it as part of a bio-identical hormone replacement. While the estrogen has been good for bones and hot flashes etc., the progesterone that must be taken with it is causing my hair to fall out. The reason I know it is in fact the progesterone, is because on the days that I am off of it, my hair ceases to shed for that amount of time! To date, I have not been able to find a cure for this problem. By the way, progesterone creams will have the same effect on your hair, it will fall out. Don't believe anyone who says that progesterone combats hair loss. For a significant number of women this is just not true.
Jul 02, 2015
 Progesterone and hair loss
by: Joy

Hi JoAnn

Well there is your problem right there. You are using estrogen and progesterone, it's not the progesterone that is causing your hair loss, it's the excess estrogen. When first using progesterone it can cause hair loss as your body adjusts and progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. Also if not enough progesterone is used this could also be a reason. Please read How to use Progesterone Cream.
Sep 20, 2015
 Significant Hair Loss
by: Chelsey

Hello! I am 25 years old. Two years ago I stopped taking my birth control. I had been on birth control since age 16 for ovarian cysts. Once I stopped taking the birth control, my hair starting falling out at an alarming rate. I have never had skin problems, but when I got off the birth control, I could not keep my face clear. I have been on micronized progesterone cream for about 4 months now. At first, I was only doing one pump(30mg) a day, but now I am doing two pumps a day (60mg), and I am still losing my hair. I am also taking a strong multivitamin, adrenal cortex fractions, suntheanine, 30mg of zinc per day, and magnesium. Should I increase my dosage of progesterone cream? Is vanginally administered progesterone cream more effective? These past two years have been very hard. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you!
Sep 24, 2015
 Progesterone/hair loss
by: JoAnn

That comment on hair loss not due to too much progesterone is TOTALLY WRONG for some people. In simple form the progesterone fights the estrogen and causes dht. That is one of the main reasons why some people (mostly women)lose hair. Progesterone can definitely, indirectly, cause hair loss.
Sep 30, 2015
 Hair loss
by: tweets

I had a hysterectomy over 8 years ago and have tried HRT and BHRT. I had a testerone pellet put in last June and by Novemeber my hair started to thin. Tangled very easily and noticed my color of hair even changed. It's been almost a year and I'm still loosing my hair. I can't even brush my hair, I need to use a comb. My gynecologist just put me on 1mg of Estriol with no progesterone cause I have no uterus, ovaries or cervix. I just want my hair back, I am absolutely devastated and now becoming very depressed. I am 48years old and have no interest in sex and I am burning up all the time. Also BHRT doc tells me my thyroid needs liothyronine and nature throid but my GP and endroconologist tell me nothing is wrong with my thyroid. I don't know what to take anymore or what to do. Please help!!!!
Sep 30, 2015
 hair loss and progesterone - and other supplements
by: Anonymous

Hi Tweets
I am 47 and have had hairloss for 2 years now and shows no sign of slowing down and despite trying I dont know how many supplements that supposedly should have helped including hair jelly, kelp, viviscal... and being on progesterone cream for over a year now has made no difference either. even seeing a trichologist has caused no improvement.

My iron levels have turned out to be terribly low though which can contribute to hairloss (I am hoping it will help the hairloss when my levels eventually get higher) so do get that checked out. I am sorry I have no answers for you but just wanted to say I really do hope someone on here has some good advice for you and can help because it is horrible not knowing how to fix a problem like hairloss and such a publicly visible problem at that.

best wishes.
Oct 15, 2015
 I too have lost hair
by: Anonymous

I too have lost hair and my health has gotten worse since I started using progesterone (as Prometrium or as transdermal cream). I have recently been diagnosed with calcifications in my breast shown in a mammogram. These calcifications are said to be likely to become DCIS (ductal carcinoma in-situ) and surgery was recommended. For me, progesterone just hasn't seemed to be a positive addition to my hormone program. I wondered what was happening to all those extra metabolites from oral Prometrium. And I've always had trouble with insomnia and anxiety (as well as hair loss) related to using Progesterone.

I don't have breast cancer in either side of my family. My mother used Premarin for 3 decades (I know I KNOW it's from horses) without using Progesterone and she is 90 years old and cancer free. Why is there more and more breast cancer these days?

I began researching and came across the following: http://www.gaiaresearch.co.za/progesteronecancer.html
It is very interesting reading.

We need to educate ourselves. We can't just read one MD's opinion or subscribe to one website's recommendations. We have to keep asking questions and trust our own experiences and observations about ourselves.
Apr 28, 2017
 Progesterone and hair loss
by: Anonymous

Well this is all very worrying.

So it seems that for the majority of women it does not cause hair loss and can in fact help.

But for a number of women out there it will indirectly cause hair loss and by the looks of it, it will never grow back. Then this said hair loss will be attributed to other things and sorry, you can't be helped just take some vitamins as given out by our doctors.

That is quite terrifying really. If some scientists could study why some women are so sensitive to progesterone that it only causes hair loss then that would be great. Because what is really going on here?

Yes supposedly it is increasing estrogen from testosterone and thus causing hair loss. What if that is all progesterone ever does for these women? The progesterone hasn't been studied on enough women with progesterone sensitive hair loss, so we do not truly know. They may feel better at higher doses but still experience hair loss as their follicles are different (more sensitive?)

Why does it recede around the hair line or neck for some women, why does it only cause all over shedding for others? Why do some women even with severe symptoms not experience hair loss (even when they get the dosage wrong and feel worse first) Why does it make some women feel better but their progesterone induced hair loss still doesn't grow back? I don't think even Wray could have answered this, bless her soul. Not enough is known in this area. And it's a pretty important area! Losing hair can be so damaging to self esteem!

So in conclusion be CAUTIOUS when using progesterone if you experience hair loss. Keep pushing and you may end up bald. Truly it might not be working the same for you, particularly with regard to hair follicles that are perhaps more over sensitive than others.

Nobody knows why on all this as of yet, not enough studies on the types of women who experience different types of hair loss on progesterone. Nobody knows the exact mechanisms happening in the body and the scalp.

Progesterone can be excellent for some women and not cause an issue, but it can definitely cause hair loss indirectly for a lot and you may never grow this back. There does need to be more caution advised for these types of women. It seems unfair that many women are helped and do great on all the advice given online or by a doctor, but at the expense of some women who have to suffer this hair loss as a result of following the advice (even though they weren't forced, phrases such as 'you need to increase' which I have read here, are very persuasive)

I do think more caution should be advised by everyone in general for hair loss sensitive women as it is affecting too many lives here. More research needs to be carried otherwise help will never be gotten.
May 10, 2017
 Hair loss
by: Tina

Has anyone stopped the cream after experiencing hair loss and the hair regrew?
May 17, 2017
 Frustrating
by: Mary

Yes. I was concerned about my hair loss and decided to try and eliminate some causes.

I came off BHRT and immediately my hair stopped falling. However, within a month or so mild menopause symptoms returned such as mild hot flushes and feeling out of sorts. I went to the Dr and told her, she seemed skeptical and decided we would take out added DHEA to my compound...im back on new script of BHRT, and my hair still falling. I am reading this blog and whether it's estrogen or progesterone, HRT causes hair loss it seems.

The question is, if you come off BHRT what do you replace it with? I've been on BHRT for 20 years. I started menopause at 40. I would love to find something that would ease my vaginal atrophy which is the sole reason I am taking BHRT. If I don't take BHRT, my intimacy experiences are extremely painful.

Comments welcome.
May 22, 2017
 Frustrating
by: Joy

Hi Mary

I bet you are frustrated, I would be too. It's the compounded cream that is causing you problems. They often come mixed with parabens, chemicals, estrogen and or testosterone, not what any woman needs.

Please read the Estrogen Dominance and How to use Progesterone Cream pages mentioned further up on this thread. I am pleased however, that your doctor removed the DHEA at least, it increases testosterone levels http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/288/3/E573 Your compounded cream is the problem not progesterone.

You replace HRT with a good quality progesterone only cream such as Natpro. You would need to wean off it carefully at the same time as using progesterone cream. Natpro is excellent when inserted in the vagina at night. It helps with dryness and inflammation, I do this nightly and I am 61.

What is your Vitamin D3 level? A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone, again explained further up on this thread.

All the best.
Jun 02, 2017
 Yes, Progesterone Cream WILL make hair fall...
by: Anonymous

Out in some women. I have never posted anywhere before but feel compelled to help someone else.

I am 50 and and on the tail end of Peri-menopause (still have periods). I suffer horrible estrogen dominance PMS (extreme breast pain/engorement, bloating/weight gain etc...) and research on various sites (like this one) for relief since my Dr was no help and just wanted to put an IUD in. No thank you because BCP started this mess.

A year ago I was prescribed a low dose pill for my symptoms....my hair started falling out in hand fulls. After researching this particular pill myself it had the highest level of androgenic qualities of any on the market. I only used it for a month but lost half the hair on my head. With help of Rogaine and supplements my hair started growing back very slowly. Unfortunately I should have left all alone but still wanted relief for my symptoms and started using Progesterone cream and OMG my hair is falling out just like before. I have only used it for a few weeks and of course stopped. I pray that the hair will stop falling out because it is just as bad as before. All the hard work and money spent to have hair coming out in the shower, on my bathroom floor, in my fingers when I run them through my hair again is so depressing!!! It is not worth it to me at my age to "wait six months" for the good effects to begin...if they even do...just to end up bald. If anyone has experience with the hair loss stopping after discontinuing Progesterone cream please let me know.....I need some good news.

Thank you
Jul 28, 2017
 Success with Progesterone for Hair Loss
by: Laura

I went through the same ordeal as you (anonymous above) a few years ago. I had a baby and went for my follow up and was put on BCP. After a few months, I decided I didn't want them anymore and stopped. I lost half my hair almost immediately. It just wouldn't stop coming out. I went back on BCP out of fear for about a year and hair loss did stop but went off again and it started all over again. (This experience alone told me it was hormonal hair loss).

Then, I started going through peri-menopause and started suffering with a barrage of other symptoms along with the hair loss. After several years of doctors who did nothing for me, I had no choice but to be my own doctor. I did loads of research and some testing and found my progesterone was extremely low. I guess some women can go around with no progesterone without any notice or symptoms but for me, it was devastating.

After years of anguish, I finally found this site and went on natural progesterone. It's helped me tremendously (with all my symptoms, not just hair loss). Yes, you have to get over the initial estrogen dominance flare in the beginning but I kept with it and everything started calming down and I started noticing that ALL my symptoms were going away (brain fog, blurry eyes, allergies, sore muscles, fatigue, acne, hair loss, keratosis, itchy, dry skin, bladder leakage, acid reflux). You name it, I had it.

Progesterone does not work alone. I take Vit D3, Magnesium, a food-based multi vitamin, calcium d glucarate and NAC. I would never use Rogaine. I would rather commit to Progesterone for the rest of my life than Rogaine. Yes, if I stop progesterone cream, my hair may start coming out again but it's the same with Rogaine (if you stop Rogaine, the hair you gained comes out all over again) and Progesterone takes away all my other debilitating symptoms so I'm sticking with Progesterone. Through trial and error, I am confident it's what my body was lacking all along. It is definitely a commitment but it's one I won't give up on.
Oct 13, 2017
 Progesterone does cause hair loss
by: Maribelle

I definitely think that progesterone causes hair loss. In total agreement with JoAnn. When I added bioidentical progesterone to my regimen, I experienced a significant amount of hair loss. Progesterone not only opposes estrogen, known for cellular growth, but also has a pathway to testosterone --> DHT.

Progesterone has become to golden child hormone because it is widely available, without prescription. Financial interests are involved. If estrogen (estradiol) were available without prescription I suspect many would be touting its benefits.

Bottom line hormonal imbalances and other sensitivities cause hair loss. For some that may be a lack of progesterone likely not at supra physiological dosages. For others, it could be insufficient estrogen, thyroid, vitamin/ mineral deficiencies, etc. The problem is identifying the cause and addressing at the appropriate level, the latter being the most difficult.

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