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Progesterone cream only suppresses symptoms

by Renee

After trying high dose progesterone therapy, as indicated on this site, I am not convinced.  To me it seems more like a way to suppress symptoms. 

I have spent countless hours scouring the pages on this site, and I see a lot of women struggling for a long time before they see results.  My conclusion is that the low progesterone/estrogen dominance is a much deeper issue, and the cream is just masking symptoms.  I see a lot of women trying to wean off of it without success because they have not healed underlying causes.  A lot of symptoms of the cream are also consistent with adrenal exhaustion -- weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, irritability...   Could the high doses of progesterone cream be contributing to adrenal issues and crashes? To me, it seems likely.

Rspectfully, I am also concerned about Wary's situation. If the progesterone cream had been effective, how would she be in burnout? Isn't that what the cream is supposed to prevent? I'm not trying to be insensitive, but how can I trust the opinions and information from someone who is unable to maintain her own health while on progesterone cream?

I tried it, and it did help me a bit for the first month.  The second month was rough and I feel that it was taxing my adrenals.  I stopped the cream and feel much better.  I am also working with a naturopathic doctor and using a glandular, adaptogenic, and nutritional supplements, and a nutrient denze diet to correct deficiencies and imbalances.  I don't feel that progesterone cream is an effective way to heal hormones all on it's own because I believe that it only suppresses symptoms.

Comments for Progesterone cream only suppresses symptoms

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Feb 01, 2014
 Wray
by: Anonymous

I believe I read that Wray was tirelessly working 16 hour days--all because she cares so much about people and helping and researching for them. I think anyone working 16 hour days would have burnout. You have a right to state your opinion.
However, Wray needs to rest so she can be more balanced working reasonable hours to help herself and others.
I can personally say that without me asking her to, even while on her sabbatical she felt she just had to reply to me about my concern if progesterone cream would help someone with Pakinson's Disease. She replied in 3 separate messages.
I think that says a lot.
Feb 02, 2014
 My thoughts...
by: Jill

Hi Renee! I'm certainly no expert. I'm just someone who is using the cream and finding results over time. Its been about 2 months for me.

I just wanted to give you my opinions. And that's what they are-- my opinions.

I agree that there can always be other things that need to be dealt with- underlying issues and such that help to promote an over all sense of well- being and health and all should be addressed.

Having said that- I don't know how I am supposed to fix the fact that our environment and many products we use are full of xenoestrogens that clog up our bodies. Yes, I can limit as much as I can-- but I think its impossible to completely limit exposure. Also- how am I supposed to fix the fact that my body just doesn't make progesterone like it used to in order to counter all the estrogen in my body?

I think its a hard thing to do. There was a time when people weren't exposed to so many hormonal type products in our food, cleaners, makeup, lotion, plastics... etc... (continued below)
Feb 02, 2014
 Continued from above!
by: Jill

-cont-And respectfully as well-- how can someone who has spent years of putting in 12-16 hour days not show burnout?! Progesterone is amazing and helps out so much-- but that doesn't mean that you don't need a mental, emotional and physical break from something so intense. I'm amazed that she did it for so long. I don't think I could!

People are complex beings made up not only of the physical, but the mental and emotional as well. And no matter how much progesterone can help those issues when there's an issue-- it doesn't mean that it will always prevent issues from happening. Especially if a person forgets to take care of themselves because they are so busy doing for others like a lot of women do!

I've also been amazed at how easy it is to disrupt progesterone. It drops if you sneeze or look at it funny. lol But seriously, I sometimes wonder how it ever builds up in the body if so many things lower it and it also lowers on its own after about 13 hrs. Maybe that's another reason why its hard to wean off of.

I think its good that you are also pursuing other methods for your health. Its important to be informed and proactive with your health. I have gone beyond some of the advice here (as good as it is) as well to stop my heavy bleeding. The protocol here didn't work for me. Everyone is different and I found other methods that did work for me.

But still- so much good advice and support here. I do wish it was set up more like a regular forum though so people could discuss things a bit easier-- but anyways I am grateful for this site and the info on it. But that doesn't mean that it is the only place I get my info from.

Take care! Jill
Feb 03, 2014
 Progesterone cream only suppresses symptoms
by: Renee

I understand that Wary has been working very hard to help others. Still, that doesn't reassure me very much because it shows that the high dose progesterone cream has not been effective for her symptoms, in the long run. It was only covering them up and now she has to deal with the underlying issue because it has only gotten worse. Studies confirm that estrogen dominance/low progesterone and adrenal fatigue go hand in hand. If you don't address the adrenals, you won't correct the estrogen dominance/low progesterone.

"Just as estrogen dominance can contribute to adrenal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency can contribute to estrogen dominance. Cortisol is made in the adrenal cortex from progesterone. When the adrenals are weak, there is a tendency towards a lowered progesterone output in favor of cortisol. A low progesterone level is often the result leading to a state of relative estrogen dominance with its many undesirable consequences mentioned above. This forms a vicious cycle. Excessive estrogen affects both thyroid and adrenal functions. In turn, dysfunctional thyroid glands and Adrenal Fatigue make estrogen dominance worse."

http://www.drlam.com/articles/metabolic_syndrome.asp
Feb 05, 2014
 Suppressing Symptoms
by: Anonymous

I think we all have to remember that there is not a miracle cure for anything out there. We have to search through a myriad of things in order to find what works for each of us individually, and it's an ever-changing journey. Progesterone therapy isn't a cure all but I feel so blessed to have found this site and to have received so much information from someone who is obviously passionate about helping others. I feel so much more confident using a NATURAL product without side effects, although how it works for each of us will be different. You would be hard pressed to find a drug out there that doesn't just mask symptoms - high blood pressure meds don't cure high blood pressure, same with cholesterol meds, pain killers don't cure injuries, and the list goes on and on. We all have to be our own advocate when it comes to our health and trust our hearts when it comes to treatment (although it is really difficult at times). There are so many things to consider - diet, exercise, hormones, stress, past injuries, spirituality, etc. so I think we should never rule out one thing or put all of our faith in one thing - because we're just too complex for that. I too wish there was a more effective way to communicate with each other - just because I think Wray has opened up doors for so many people who want to easily share their stories and offer their support. Mostly, I wish Wray well and am thankful for her tireless work.
Feb 08, 2014
 suppresses
by: Renee

For those who have adrenal insufficiency, progesterone is shunted and converted into cortisol, which is stimulating. So, at first the adrenals are stimulated and feel energized. Then, they can't keep up, because they should be resting, so they go into an adrenal crash. That seems to be what happened to me, anyway.
Feb 09, 2014
 Progesterone cream only suppresses symptoms
by: Alyce

Hello Renee

With all due respect to you, I find your comments extremely insensitive. You or anyone else, have absolutely no idea of Wray’s symptoms or how much cream she has/is using. I am quite sure that anyone spending 24/7 on a website for 17 years with no breaks would eventually take a knock! Hec she is not superwoman! As I see it she is simply exhausted!

If you have spent countless hours on her website you would have read countless posts where she repeatedly states that if not enough progesterone is used it causes weight gain/water retention etc etc all of which are estrogen dominance symptoms. You would have also read that hormones need to be balanced and the aim is to make progesterone the dominant hormone first and foremost.

I would rather use natural progesterone above drugs any day, now they really do SUPPRESS SYMPTOMS without a doubt. Progesterone rules as far as I am concerned, I certainly would not be here today without it as well as Wray’s guidance, care and dedication.

Take as long as you like Wray, come back only when you are well rested!
Feb 12, 2014
 p suppresses symptoms
by: Anonymous

Right on, Alyce! The comments by the OP were insensitive and inflammatory!
Feb 14, 2014
 My comments
by: Renee

My comments were not intended to be insensitive or inflammatory. I am very, very concerned because of the way this cream is marketed without knowing people's health conditions. That is irresponsible and dangerous!

Stop gas lighting me!
Apr 11, 2014
 Thanks Wray
by: Jamie

I started Natpro one week ago today. I was looking for a truly all natural progesterone cream after finding out that the one I previously used had some bad ingredients in it. I have been a hormonal mess for some time. I am coming up on a year of no periods and I will be 52 this summer. I ordered 3 tubes, and since it took a little while to receive them, I am going to order more right away. I am hoping it will be the answer for me. I found out that I had low thyroid, and when my hormones were tested ( don't have the numbers) they were really low. It doesn't sound like blood testing is the most accurate way to test, so I really do not know where I am. I have always been a naturally thin person but have packed on 20 to 25 pounds that won't budge for the life of me. I have had an EXSTREMELY stressful life for almost 18 years now. I have been seen by a couple of naturopaths, and have been put on a low dose of Naturthroid. Anyhow, why I am commenting here is because as I read and look for information on this site it seems very clear to me that there are some desperate people looking for some help, and Wray is there with genuine kindness and concern and support. And, as a person who is a 24/7 caregiver for my special needs child, I can tell you that EVERYONE needs a break sometime! Wray taking a break does not mean that the cream does not work. How silly! As far as what was said about progesterone causing adrenal burnout, where does this information come from? From what I have read, true adrenal burnout is rare. Cortisol levels can be tested easy enough anyhow. So far, my sense of well being seems to have improved. I started at 400 mg because it sounds like people typically start at too low a dose. Wray, whether this works for me or not, I sincerely thank you for what you are doing!
Apr 15, 2014
 Adrenal burnout
by: Renee

You would be incorrect.

"Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is one of the most prevalent conditions,afflicting almost every adult in one way or another. Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment programs, most conventional physicians were simply not informed of Adrenal Fatigue and not prepared to take Adrenal Fatigue as a serious threat to health."

http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp
Apr 16, 2014
 Adrenal burnout
by: Renee

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

Tendency to gain weight and unable to lose it, especially around the waist.
High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases and these symptoms tend to last longer than usual.
Tendency to tremble when under pressure.
Reduced sex drive.
Lightheaded when rising from a horizontal position.
Unable to remember things.Lack of energy in the mornings and in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.
Feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.
Often feel tired from 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.
Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.
Cravings for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.
Increased symptoms of PMS for women; periods are heavy and then stop, or are almost stopped on the 4th day, only to start flow again on the 5th or 6th day.
Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason.
Feels better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation.
Difficulties in getting up in the morning.
Lightheaded.

Other signs and symptoms include:

Mild depression
Food and or inhalant allergies
Lethargy and lack of energy
Increased effort to perform daily tasks
Decreased ability to handle stress
Dry and thin skin
Hypoglycemia
Low body temperature
Nervousness
Palpitation
Unexplained hair loss
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Dyspepsia

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