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How long will it take to make Progesterone dominate?

by MM
(Idaho)

First off I want to say thank you for this website! What a blessing to know I'm not alone! I started taking P cream 4 months ago. I've always had terrible PMS & then I started having menstrual migraines too. Then I had a migraine that stayed 3 mo & my Doc put me on pain meds which after 4 days I through away & started searching on my own. Nov 23, 2011 I started P cream & within 3 days I found your site & up my daily dose to 180-200mg which stopped migraines after 4 days. =) I tried following my next 2 cycles but when they hit they were even worse. I decided to use P cream straight thru my next 3 cycles to ante up the progesterone in my system. My symptoms were less & flo still hard. Still using 180-200 & try to add when it is worse another 30mg on top. (I'm always feeling tired-am I using too much?) Sometimes I still will wake up with a slight migraine, breast tenderness, nausea. (I'm using natural source progesterone ) it's 500mg/ounce. Wish P cream was sold in 5gal buckets. I have had shipping prob that's caused me to be without up to 4 days (migraine the whole time) I'm also taking vitamin D & B12. Not sure of the amount I should be taking. I am splitting the above dose. Can I just keep using it thru my cycles? (since starting P cream my cycles have gotten closer together & longer). If I'm still having a cycle even tho I'm using P cream thru it-is that an indicator that I'm not using enough? This will be my third mo using straight thru. Thank you for taking the time to answer. God Bless!!

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Mar 11, 2012
 How long will it take to make Progesterone dominate?
by: Wray

Hi MM Thanks for the kind words! No you're not alone, in fact there are far too many women suffering needlessly. And all they need is a little help from progesterone. I'm delighted it's helped you, specially the migraines, it's very good for that, see here, here, here, here, here and here. But as you discovered the amount does have to be high. I'm a trifle confused when you say you tried following your next 2 cycles but when they hit they were even worse. What hit? Do you mean when you started bleeding symptoms became worse? And I take it you have heavy bleeding? We have more info about this on our Menstruation page. I've found about 400mg/day is needed, sometimes more to stop this. The migraine, breast tenderness, nausea and tiredness are an indication your progesterone is still low. I'm pleased you thought of using the progesterone daily. I think you should continue this, but using more, certainly if you want to reduce blood flow. When you say your cycles are closer together but longer, do you mean you bleed for longer? Because this is another indication your progesterone is still too low. And another puzzle for me. You say you still have a cycle, even though you are using progesterone daily. By 'cycle', do you mean you are still bleeding doing this? Because you will still bleed, amounts of 400mg/day or more are needed to stop bleeding, depending on the amount of oestrogen present. Please consider increasing the progesterone substantially. I do understand about the cost of this, plus the fact you are using a cream with little progesterone in it. I don't often do this, but please consider using the Natpro, it's twice the strength and probably far cheaper too. Please see this page here. Continued below.
Mar 11, 2012
 How long will it take to make Progesterone dominate? Part 2
by: Wray

Hi MM You live in Idaho, so your vitamin D is probably very low, please have a test done. A lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone, and it's such a vital nutrient for health. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. It really does seem to make a huge difference to some women using progesterone, but still struggling with symptoms. Please see this lighthearted page here. As for how long will it take, I really can't answer that. But hopefully you'll get an idea by reading some on the comments on the page above. Take care Wray
Mar 11, 2012
 How long will it take ?
by: MM

Hi Wray,
Thank you for responding so quickly.
Sorry I should have clarified my statements better.
Yes, when the bleeding started ALL the symptoms became worse. I am NOW having heavier bleeding and bleeding for a week. It used to be 3 days of bleeding. My menstrual cycles were never regular 37 days to 21 now they are becoming regular(24) I am unsure how long I should continue using P cream, straight thru my menstrual cycle?

This morning I used 200mg and I will use 200mg tonight. Still have some breast tenderness so I was going to get some Iodine. ALL the other symptoms were not here today!! yeah!! I'm hoping the 400mg will slow the bleeding down. I've also upped the vitamin D to 10,000iu's. I'm expecting two more bottles of the same brand but I am going to change to Natpro.
So, if I'm using the correct amount of P Cream then ALL these symptoms should be completely gone? Given the fact that stress drops but just use more, right?
Thanks again for ALL your help. Your a blessing to so many women!! God Bless
Mar 12, 2012
 You're going to feel better
by: Andrea

I have to write in with comments like this as this is what I struggled with the most. Feeling like I was never going to feel better and was going to have to live the rest of my life feeling terrible.

My headaches were the hardest one of my symptoms to deal with as you know they're so consuming. I had very similar symptoms as you with a few extras and spend the first few months playing with the dose and trying to work with my cycle which looking back I feel really just slowed my recovery. It wasn't until I was on a higher dose and consistant through my cycle that I finally began to feel better.

My symptoms got worse initially and my bleeding got longer and cycles got shorter. It took me another few months once on a high consistant dose for things to finally start calming down. I have been on progesterone for 6 months now and I just finished my first cycle that was a normal length, no headaches, no anxiety, no hot flashes, I wasn't tired and out of breath, or heart palpitations. Yeah!!!!

Hang in there. Give it time. It will work. Everyone is different so it will take more or less time for each person. It took 6 months for me. I expect I will continue to feel even better and when I'm brave begin reducing my progesterone from 400 to my goal of around 100-200.

You are going to feel better.

Andrea
Mar 13, 2012
 How long will it take ?
by: Wray

Hi MM Ah thanks for clearing up the issues! I suggest you try using it daily, through any period for about 2-3 months. Then if you feel stable you can begin following your cycle. We have more info about this on our page How to use progesterone cream. I wish I could tell you how long it will take, but can't. I wold hope the 2-3 months does the trick. I'm pleased you're going to use a higher amount, it does work. Unless you over stress yourself! You might like to see this comment here. And please consider taking N-acetyl cysteine, it inhibits the MMPs which cause heavy bleeding. I suggest taking about 2000mg/day, but start off on a very low amount, about 250mg/day. It's very, very sour, and smells of sulphur too. I'm so used to it now, goes into my water bottle every day, along with glutamine for blood glucose control. The page I gave you on menstruation explains the MMPs. Very pleased you've upped your vitamin D, don't forget to have a test done in about 3 months. So happy the other symptoms have gone, I wish all women would respond as you have done. It would make my life so much easier! Always be aware that if symptoms do return, something has happened to upset the balance. Too many phytoestrogens in food, winter or dark, gloomy days, too many large meals, ie celebrations, and not forgetting stress. Bless you for the kind words! Take care Wray
Mar 14, 2012
 You're going to feel better
by: Wray

Hi Andrea Bless you for saying this, it's what all the women struggling need. It does take time, patience too, so many want to give up, particularly when Oestrogen Dominance hits. As you've found high amounts do work. You're so lucky to have a doctor who supports you in your natural quest for health, and even suggested the 400mg/day to you. I'm reluctant to suggest 400mg/day to everyone, although I know the majority of women will not get oestrogen dominance, and will recover quicker. It's the cost factor which concerns me, but in the long run it's actually cheaper than using lower amounts for longer. I'm so delighted you have no more symptoms! Specially the anxiety which was so bad for you. Take care Wray
Mar 16, 2012
 How long??
by: MM

Thank you Andrea for your encouragement!!
Well it's been 6 days of using 400mg a day & I'm so thankful I upped the dose!! I haven't had any symptoms, in fact I've lost 5lbs in these 6 days. Also have so much energy I've been doing spring cleaning!! The iodine has worked for breast tenderness, it's gone too!! Thanks again for the advice & encouragement!! Woohoo- life is good! God Bless!!
Mar 17, 2012
 How long??
by: Wray

Hi MM I'm so delighted!!! Thanks for letting us know! Take care Wray
Apr 25, 2012
 How long?
by: MM

Hi Wray,
I have another question & thank you for all your valuable advice!! Since taking 400mg I was feeling great! The day my period was suppose to start I was just spotting & have continued.. Today is day 10 of spotting & also have been having neasea, mild stomach & back cramps... Along with a slight headache. Today I increased my progesterone cream to 532mg a day (266 x2). Is this enough to stop the spotting soon? 17 days ago (7 days before my period) I had a really bad migraine that I ended up in my Dr office. Of course he says progesterone cream was the cause for all my symptoms, so no help there. Was really frustrating but he did admit that he doesn't know enough about the role of Progesterone. Is it possible to use too much? Thanks again, I look forward to your response. Take care & God Bless!!
Apr 25, 2012
 How long?
by: Wray

Hi MM Oh dear, it distresses me when people have set backs. It does happen though. I hope the higher amount will help, but please try taking 2000mg/day N-acetyl cysteine. This inhibits the MMPs which cause the uterine lining to breakdown. It's explained on our Menstruation page. I don't want you to continue increasing the progesterone. Let me know if the NAC helps you. You could also try stopping the progesterone, this might cause a proper bleed. Although you might also get your symptoms back again. If they do appear start using the cream again, but at 400mg/day. It's very interesting you had a migraine 7 days before your period. Oestrogen peaks mid-luteal phase, this is right at the peak time. The luteal phase lasts 12-14 days. Yes I can imagine your doctor saying that! You could give him these papers on catemenial migraine, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. He should know about them and the term too. They are caused by progesterone withdrawal at the end of the cycle, but they can occur throughout the luteal phase, and just prior to ovulation too. Oestrogen peaks at ovulation, progesterone should too, but if it doesn't, migraines, seizures, panic attacks, asthma, heart palps can all occur. If little progesterone is secreted in the luteal phase, or none at all, there's none to counter the rising oestrogen, so they can occur for 2 weeks. Finally the sharp drop in progesterone the few days before bleeding, skews the balance between it and oestrogen, so they can all occur then too! Is it possible to use too much, yes…..your purse would start complaining! Joking apart, Traumatic Brain Injury victims are given 1200mg/day via IV transfusion. Dr Dalton gave her patients with post natal psychosis 2400mg/day. The more severe the symptom the more is needed. It's always a juggle between too low, the optimum and more than required. I wish it wasn't such a hit and miss affair, I can understand why doctors like 'doses'. Take care Wray
Apr 25, 2012
 How long will it take ?
by: MM

Hi Wray,
Thanks for your quick response. I bought NAC but could only get 600mg pills, so I took 1800mg today. Is this enough? Should I take it daily? I am also wondering how long I should give it to see if it stops the spotting? Not looking forward to stopping the progesterone cream to produce a "proper bleed" but I will if needed. Since I've only upped the amount of progesterone cream yesterday should I just back down to 400mg/day? Thank you so much for your help and words of encouragement!! Take care & God Bless!!
Apr 27, 2012
 How long?
by: MM

Hi Wray,
Thanks for all you advice & encouragement!!
I posted yesterday & received an email saying a comment was posted but found none? Strange, so I'm reposting.. I bought the NAC & took 1800mg as the pills are 600mg ea. Is this enough? Also should I take this daily? Still spotting (day 2 on NAC) but its a lot less. =) I also backed the P cream to 400mg since it was upped only yesterday. I've also had an ulcer in the past & someone told me NAC wasn't good for that....? I plan on ordering your energy vitamins soon!! I'm so thankful for your advice!! God Bless & {{(((Big Hug!!))}}
Apr 27, 2012
 How long will it take ?
by: Wray

Hi MM The 1800mg should do it, it's not far off the 2000mg. And yes take it daily for as long as you like, it's one of the most important healing aminos there are. I doubt I will ever stop it! It's beneficial for so many things, not least ageing, see here, here and here. I feel now you've increased the progesterone you should stay on it, as it seems you're quite sensitive to it. Dropping back down from 532mg to 400mg might cause bleeding, not that that's a bad thing, but your symptoms would probably come back. If you do reduce please do it very slowly. But let's see how the NAC helps before altering the progesterone again. Of course if you feel the need to increase or decrease the NAC you won't have the same problem as with progesterone! Take care Wray
Apr 27, 2012
 How long?
by: Wray

Hi MM Well both your comments have been posted now! The 1800mg should do it, it's not far off the 2000mg. And yes take it daily for as long as you like, it's one of the most important healing aminos there are. I doubt I will ever stop it! It's beneficial for so many things, not least ageing, see here, here and here. I'm so happy the bleeding is slowing down now, you have responded quickly. Have you noticed any adverse symptoms from dropping the cream, as that was quite a drop from 532mg to 400mg? Let's see how the NAC helps before altering the progesterone again. Of course if you feel the need to increase or decrease the NAC you won't have the same problem as with progesterone! And as you've upped your vitamin D that should start kicking in soon too. ((Hugs)) to you too! Take care Wray
Apr 30, 2012
 still spotting?
by: MM

Hi Wray,

I've been using NAC, (6days total) for the first 2 days I used 1800 then I increased it 1200 2x. This is day 16 of spotting. It's less with the NAC. Guess I will stop P cream today to produce proper bleed. =( Hormones are such a precise function!! My main reason for starting P cream was migraines although I had most of the symptoms of estrogen dominance. I read another post on here where a woman had great results from NAC then next month she didn't because it was a different brand. So I'm going to order that brand, I will have to hunt that one down again. Sorry for rambling as I know you are very busy. I'm just frustrated & want me back. Thank you & God Bless!!
Apr 30, 2012
 still spotting?
by: Wray

Hi MM I do understand, but you're no more frustrated than I am! In some I find just the progesterone stops the bleeding, but in others it's a much harder battle. Annie did have the same problems as you, I feel most of them were due to stress, she reacts badly to it. She also increased the NAC too, but found her first brand had worked better. Let's hope it does for you too. It works better if B6, B12 and Folic acid are added. Most people take a multivitamin, but in case you don't I suggest you get those three B vitamins. Let me know how you get on with stopping, it might or might not cause a proper period, there's no way of telling. Just keep a watch for any symptoms you don't like. You can ramble as much as you like! Take care Wray
May 04, 2012
 angelique pills plus progesterone cream??
by: Anonymous

Wray , thank you for the fast response. I finally feel hope for my weight gain, hot flashes and Hair Loss, which is the worst. Can I take angeligue which has both estrogen and progestin? plus use extra natural progesterone 100 to 200 per day to start to balance my symptoms and hair loss? Have you heard of hair growing back with lots of progesterone cream? Should I put it on my scalp? When you say use progesterone or prometrium for vaginal dryness as a solution ..How much natural progesterone ? and.do you mean insert the prometrium capsule in a 200mg pill? Thank you for all your research and help to all of us women struggling for relief.
May 07, 2012
 angelique pills plus progesterone cream??
by: Wray

Hi there I'm concerned you're taking a Contraceptive, they all have the potential to do harm. Many of them suppress progesterone too. Progesterone can help Hair Loss, which is more often than not caused by excess testosterone. It has been used on the scalp by some people, hair follicles absorb it well, see here. But I feel much will be lost on the hair itself which won't get absorbed, unless you have very short hair. Prometrium won't help the dryness as much as a cream, as it comes in a capsule, the cream itself is soothing. And the amount to use is up to the individual, I use a portion of my night time amount. Maybe about 2-3ml. Thanks for the kind words! For more info on How to use progesterone cream please see this page. Take care Wray
Aug 20, 2014
 New progesterone cream user
by: Elizabeth

Hi! So I started using progesterome cream because my period cycle was off, and I was seeming to be growing more body and facial hair.
My period is generally about 33-34 days apart. Right now is day 20 and I've started spotting. Should I up my usage of progesteroume cream?
Oct 04, 2016
 Progesterone pill by Akorn
by: Pam

I am estrogen dominate. Physician, who is a D.O. Prescribed 100 mg of a supposedly natural progesterone pill manufactured by Akorn. I told the doctor I wanted to use the cream. She thought the pill would help better for sleep. I will use for10 days And her know how I feel. I went to the website and it states on the bottle, don't take if you have allergies to peanuts.
So this progesterone is made from peanut oil? The girl on the phone could not help me. Any comments? Much appreciated!
Oct 06, 2016
 Progesterone dosage
by: Teri

Hi guys! My progesterone level was 15 pg/mL which was so low it was almost off the charts. But my doctor prescribed me progesterone cream (0.25mL) 50mg/mL. (One click) The pharmacist said that was a very low dose. What dosage do u guys take? That makes no sense if I'm super low. I almost have no progesterone. Any suggestions? Keep in mind this was a general practitioner who prescribed this.

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