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Need some answers about how to use Natpro

by Bonnie
(Edmonton, Alberta)

Thanks Wray for the information to my first post about anxiety, etc. It seems like my response posts are missed so I'll just make a new posting. I'm planning to use the cream every day for 3 months as you advised (142.7 mg or almost 1 tsp a day). To do this, would I:

- Start the cream whenever it arrives regardless of what day my cycle is (almost 1 tsp a day divided into 2 doses)? Do I use this same dose for the whole month, or do I have to use more during the latter part of my cycle? Or increase if symptoms worsen?
- If I don't get a period, continue using the cream straight through?
- If I do get a period, do I stop the cream or continue using it (this is during the 3 months that I plan to use it every day)?
- Could I use the cream 14 days before my period instead of every day, but will doing it this way take longer overcome the estrogen dominance symptoms?

On the fourth month, to transition to using it only after ovulation instead of every day, I will stop the cream when my period arrives and start using it again after ovulation - is this correct?

Can I apply it vaginally only instead of on my skin?

It seems many women experience weight gain, even on Natpro - Should I increase the dose if this occurs?

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May 11, 2011
 Need some answers about how to use Natpro
by: Wray

Hi Bonnie I'm pasting my answer to your query below, as it seems you might have missed it on the other page.....
Hi Bonnie I'm sorry if I've missed your other posts, I am a bit behind as there are so many queries! To answer your questions....yes start the cream when it arrives. It might cause you to bleed early, so please be aware of this. If you do bleed continue using the cream throughout the period, and do this for the 3 months you want to try this system. Using the same amount daily is fine, but if symptoms increase, use more. In fact you might find the amount varies, as so many things influence progesterone. For instance if you normally experience bad symptoms the few days prior to bleeding, then in anticipation of this, increase the amount. No need to wait till they hit! If you have added stress one day, increase the amount. There's no hard and fast rule about how much to use, when to use it, or where to rub it. You might find you prefer to use it more than twice a day, many women do. And yes, when you transition, once you start bleeding, stop using the cream, and only start again at ovulation. Yes you can apply it vaginally, I do every night. You might find it a bit much to use all of that in your vagina. And if you do it should only be used at night, as it tends to leak out. As progesterone levels drop after about 13 hours, I suggest you also apply some on your skin in the morning. Weight gain can occur when starting progesterone, no matter the source. As I might have explained, it's the initial stimulation of oestrogen causing it. Watch out for it, and if you find it occurring, increase the amount. A rapid weight gain would be caused by water retention, this is an oestrogen effect. Progesterone is such an excellent diuretic it's now given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims. A slow weight gain would be the result of oestrogen stimulating fat cells to divide and multiply. In both cases more progesterone is needed to counter these effects. I have heard from another Canadian user that it can take 3 weeks or more to get there. Heaven knows why, as it's coming from across the border! Take care Wray
May 08, 2013
 I am also confused about using Natpro
by: Sarah

I thought you were only supposed to use the cream during the luteal phase. I'm confused because I see you telling people they should use it daily (so use it non-stop 90 days in a row even if bleeding?). I'm in my reproductive years (25) but have anxiety and depression. The only time I feel good is the week before my period. I'm going to buy some Natpro because I used Emerita this last cycle after I ovulated (when my temp went up) and through day 27 (my cycles are always 28 days), but this time my period didn't start for 5 days after I stopped the progesterone cream (day 33). I felt good while using the progesterone but very hot. I only used a 1/4 teaspoon 2x/day also because I seem to be so sensitive to everything but I know this is much less than you recommend (10mg 2x/day compared to 50-100mg 2x/day). I hope you can answer this Wray...I really want to feel better.
May 09, 2013
 I am also confused about using Natpro
by: Wray

Hi Sarah I do suggest using it daily for 2-3 months, or until stable, to ensure progesterone becomes dominant. It's far better to get rid of symptoms than to worry about a cycle. Some find they need to use it for longer before following their cycle, it depends on symptoms. When first starting progesterone it can upset the cycle, making it earlier or later than normal. It's nothing to worry about as it does settle in time. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. It's interesting you felt hot, progesterone is thermogenic, hence the rise in temps after ovulation. This occurs because it speeds metabolism slightly. If you felt good on the amount you were using then continue with it. I find in older women they need far more, as their progesterone is usually rock bottom, and their oestrogen normal. You are ovulating so making it each month. I suspect your vitamin D is very low. A lack reduces the benefits of progesterone, plus causes depression and Anxiety. This page gives a list of nutrients which can help too, please consider taking some. Please have a vitamin D test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although recent research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray

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