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Learning about natural progesterone

by Caroline
(Gloucester, UK)

Thank you for this information which makes me feel empowered to move forward with seven years of health problems. At age 41 I was diagnosed with epilepsy; even though I saw a gynaecologist about difficult periods two eminent neurologists have ignored my attempts to make a connection.

After six years of epilepsy medication and only intermittent improvement it was suggested my 'seizures' were psychological. Six months counselling followed with a wonderful counsellor; I am more confident and a better communicator but still very unwell. Following mid-cycle bleeding my GP prescribed Norethisterone (which I now realise is synthetic progesterone) without even seeing me. Feeling sure something was not right I booked 'well woman' screening. Fortunately nothing sinister presented though I am scheduled for endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy to double check. I learned though that high estrogen levels/low progesterone can significantly increase your cancer risk. The doctor at this screening who was an excellent listener and clear communicator (very rare in my experience) queried whether the Norethisterone would be doing me any good. I persisted for another 2 days feeling I should but did some research.

Now I know why I have had more seizures this week than ever before and horrendous headaches. I know I have the information behind me now to demand hormone testing and try natural progesterone. I'm writing this to persuade any woman with seizures or who feels persistently exhausted after a 'good night's sleep' to check out hormones and resist ill thought through responses from GP's.

Comments for Learning about natural progesterone

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Aug 29, 2009
 Learning about natural progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Caroline. Thanks for the kind words. Your tale saddens me, but doesn't surprise me. The Norethisterone would have made you feel worse, as it stops all ovarian production of progesterone, something you can ill afford. Catamenial epilepsy does occur and the neurologists should have known this. Progesterone has been known for years as an anti-convulsant, Dr Dalton used it for her patients from the late 40's onwards. It appears to be allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone, which is responsible for the effect as it modulates the GABA receptor sites.

If you do decide to try it, I would suggest at least 200mg/day. Incidentally progesterone is excellent for headaches. The following amino acids have all been used to good effect for epilepsy... GABA, taurine and glycine. I find GABA difficult to administer, too much can have the reverse affect, but the other aminos pose no problems. Taurine is by far the best, it is also of great benefit to the heart as it calms this if the heart beat is erratic. Many studies find taurine is low in the brain of epileptics. I have given below a few links to papers on progesterone and epilepsy which might help. Take care.

Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
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Paper 9
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Paper 11
Paper 12

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