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How much progesterone should I use?

by Monica
(UK)

Dear Wray, I'm 44 and since puberty I have suffered from painful breasts, my right breast in particular. The pain starts after my period and leading up to and during ovulation and can last for about 4-7 days.

The right breast is much more full and lumpier than the left. My breasts then become fuller leading up to my period. I have discovered progesterone cream and take a good multivitamin and although my breasts do feel a bit better, the pain leading to ovulation continues. I use progesterone cream from day 14 till day 26 about 1/8th of a teaspoon as recommended but feel I should be taking more. I filled out your questionairre and I definitely appear to be progesterone deficient. I had a breast reduction last year because after the birth of my son my breast just got too sore and heavy. Respite through the month is minimal.

If you have any advice I would be more than happy to hear it as doctors over all these years have not listened to me or helped me. They just don't seem to understand my predicament.

Comments for How much progesterone should I use?

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Aug 28, 2010
 How much progesterone should I use?
by: Wray

Hi Monica It sounds as if you needed progesterone from puberty. This doesn't surprise me as many of our troubles can start then. Progesterone drops sharply just before we bleed, and doesn't rise again until we ovulate. But a few days prior to ovulation oestrogen peaks, which would account for the painful breasts. I've found many women have problems prior to ovulation, almost like a second PMS. If ovulation doesn't take place or the corpus luteum is making insufficient progesterone, the ratio of the two hormones will become unbalanced. As oestrogen is a known initiator of inflammation, plus causing water retention, the breasts can become sore and swollen, as they are so sensitive to oestrogen levels. I don't believe you are using anywhere near enough progesterone, or for long enough. The luteal phase is always 12 to 14 days in all women, and it always ends when we get our period. I prefer to follow the 14 day length, as it gives enough time for the endometrium to develop fully. Progesterone should be used from ovulation. For more info please see this page on How to use progesterone cream. If you are using 1/8th tsp twice a day, and it's a standard cream of about 1.6% strength, you will be getting about 20mg/day progesterone. A study conducted in London a few years back found that 40mg/day produced sub luteal levels of progesterone. Please see here. I recommend using 100-200mg/day, but it is trial and error finding the amount that suits. Stress drops progesterone levels too, so more should be used if stressed. As you are now 44, please see our page on Peri-menopause. If you should consider increasing the amount, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance. I also suggest rubbing some cream on your breasts too, this does help. Take care Wray
Aug 30, 2010
 Thanks for Advice
by: Monica

Dear Wray, Thank you for your advice, I'll read the information as you suggest and will be looking at a new regime. It was interesting you mentioned the effects of stress on progesterone levels. Every time I travel a long journey eg for holiday I always get breast pain. I find travelling very stressful. Kind regards.
Sep 01, 2010
 Thanks for Advice
by: Wray

Hi Monica I hope the info does help. And your experiences with travelling only bears out what research has found too, that stress drops progesterone levels. So next time you travel rub a higher amount on for a few days beforehand, and during the travelling too. It doesn't matter if you use it hourly either, specially if you're feeling anxious. You might like to read our page on Anxiety, as this explains what happens. Take care Wray
Jul 05, 2011
 Need a Little Advice
by: Monica

Hi Wray

Hope you are well. I have been in much better health since starting my regime of using Progesterone cream (Oct 2010) and feeling happier in myself. I have also been removing stuff from my diet and what I rub into my skin and also realised I was taking 1000mg of Evening Primrose Oil daily which I have stopped as I've read it contains a lot of estrogen. I had been taking it so long I didn't realise. I still however, get breast pain although not at the same degree. I note that it starts of day 10 and will last for 4-5 days and then I'm fine again, being find again afterwards is a big breakthrough because I would normally feel worse. Anyway, would it be ok if I started progestrone before day 10 perhaps after my period and finish earlier? I feel I need to get in before it kicks in. Look forward to your reply. Monica

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