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Short Cycle

by Tiff
(PA)

Hi Wray, whenever I use progesterone cream my cycle shortens and I don't know when to apply it again. I have always had a short cycle of like 20 to 22 days but when I use the progesterone cream as you suggest, it shortens even more sometimes to like 15 or 16 days. How do I follow my cycle when that happens?

Also, I even lost my period completely one time when I was using the cream. Then I was wondering if I went into perimenopause but when I stopped the cream it went back to normal.

I would rather follow my cycle when using the cream but then don't know what to do. I am game to try again. Can you advise?

Thank you.

Comments for Short Cycle

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Sep 08, 2011
 Short Cycle
by: Wray

Hi Tiff When first using progesterone it can upset the cycle, making it longer or shorter. Although I've found more often than not it shortens it. It appears you are using it correctly, ie after ovulation, for the next 14 days. If it shortens to 15 or 16 days it means you are only having 1-2 days before bleeding again. This is certainly the shortest I've heard of. You certainly won't be ovulating in those 2 days, so I suggest you use the cream daily for about 2-3 months. During your period too. Once you're topped up with progesterone, and all your symptoms have lessened or gone, return to following a cycle. To do this stop using the progesterone when you're ready to, you should bleed in a day or two. As you normally have a 20-22 day cycle, you should start the progesterone again on days 7-8. To prevent bleeding before the 14 days are up, I suggest you use at least 150mg/day, if not more. If you experience spotting increase the progesterone, but if a full period should occur, stop using the cream, count 7-8 days and start again. It can take time to correct itself, but following the above protocol should help. I'm not sure how old you are, but you mention Peri-menopause, please look through this page for more info on it. You don't mention how much progesterone you're using, but if less than the amount I've suggested please look at our page on Oestrogen Dominance, as this can occur when increasing. Take care Wray
Oct 10, 2011
 Period
by: Tiff

Wray,
I stopped the cream and got my period. It is heavy with clots in it. Why is this happening and is this ok? Should I just go with your plan of waiting til the 7th day and starting again?
Oct 28, 2011
 same problem for me
by: Flo

My case is pretty similar. I'm 40. I've started to take progesterone cream (50mg day 7, then 75mg day 14 until the end of my cycle) this summer, but I can never do more than 14 days total as my period comes around day 22, lately even day 14, 16. The progesterone cream has really helped my cramping and severe bleeding, but I can't keep up with such a short cycle. Last cycle I was spotting on day 16, but I put up to 150mg and it puts the bleeding on hold. My doc does not think I should take it continuously. I am curious about your case Tiff, and want to know how you are doing now.
Oct 31, 2011
 same problem for me
by: Wray

Hi Flo Progesterone should be used from ovulation for the 12-14 days of the luteal phase. I prefer using the 14 days, as it ensures enough progesterone is used. Using any progesterone before ovulation can upset the cycle. I'm pleased you increased the progesterone, as it certainly helps extend the luteal phase. Plus it does stop heavy bleeding. There's no harm done using it daily for 2-3 months if symptoms are severe or the cycle is erratic. It does suppress any excess oestrogen, and ensures progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. It's easy enough to get the cycle back again, there's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Oct 31, 2011
 Period
by: Wray

Hi Tiff I seem to be missing so many posts recently, I'm not sure why. But many apologies, as my reply will be too late this cycle to help. The clots are old blood which hadn't come out during your last period. So this is a good thing, I've found progesterone does 'clean out' the uterus. I'm not sure what you decided, whether to use the progesterone daily for 2-3 months, or still follow your cycle. Let me know how you got on. One thing you didn't say, and I didn't ask you, is how much progesterone are you using? It could be it's not sufficient, please let me know. Take care Wray
Sep 06, 2016
 Side effects
by: Jen

I have just started on progesterone cream for PMS and PCOS and have started off on 20mg once daily. Iam on month 3 and so far have experienced a range of side effects. My cycle has shortened to 18 days from 28-30 before I started. I am starting in day 10 with the cream. Do I need to adjust this regime or will this settle? My skin has also become oilier although my moods have settled and I have no period pain. I have been told symptoms settle as your hormones balance. I want to continue on progesterone cream how should I proceed please?
Jul 12, 2017
 Progesterone shortened my cycle
by: Ana

I read your posts among so many others and was convinced to start progesterone cream.

Took it only for one day 2 months ago and had all the sickness symptoms as well as cycle on day 22-23.

Took it for 3 days only last month and had 23 cycle days again with bloatedness, anger, irritability, sugar glucose imbalance...everything I never had before, I had a normal cycle 28-30 days, occasionally 26 when I was extra active and tense.

I don't think progesterone is cure for all. In fact I think I should have followed my inner voice telling me that I didn't need it and that my body would regulate itself on its own given proper food and rest.
Jul 13, 2017
 Progesterone shortened my cycle
by: Joy

Hi Ana

Sadly you did not use progesterone correctly, nor did you give it enough time to work.

You don't state what cream you used or how much? There are many brands on the market, most of them do not contain the correct progesterone concentration. If not used correctly it will not work, it is not an over night fix, time and patience is needed. Between 2-6 months of constant use with no breaks at all is required. This will allow progesterone to become the dominant hormone which is needed as the body adjusts. One must expect cycles to go crazy during this time.

I suspect that you did not use enough cream. Between 100-200mg per day is needed, more if symptoms are severe. A good organic cream is needed like Natpro which does not contain parabens or chemicals. If you were using a compounded cream, this would add to your adverse symptoms as most come mixed with estrogen and or testosterone, chemicals and parabens, not what any woman needs!

Progesterone does not increase sugar levels, in fact it usually helps stabilise it. Estrogen on the other hand does, hence the cravings many women get before their periods. Estrogen causes insulin resistance, which results in impaired glucose tolerance or a rise in glucose levels, as it's not entering the cells where it's needed. Another indication that not enough progesterone was used.


You don't state what your Vitamin D3 level is either. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies making it vital.

Please read these pages and the study reference papers too:

How to use Progesterone Cream - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/how-to-use-progesterone-cream

Estrogen Dominance - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/estrogen-dominance

Vitamin D3 - http://www.progesterone-info.com/benefits-of-vitamin-dMagnesium - http://www.progesterone-info.com/magnesium.html

Magnesium - http://www.progesterone-info.com/magnesium.html

Insulin Resistance - https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/insulin-resistance.html#sthash.eLEMBngq.dpbs
May 15, 2022
 Shortened Period
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am 45 years old, my periods got shorter from 27/28 to 21/22 days in the last 3-4 months, do I need to use progesterone oil/ cream and in what quantity for how long? Kind Regards
May 15, 2022
 Shortened Period
by: Joy

You are in Peri-Menopause (PM). You must expect your monthly periods to become erratic from now on. A good natural progesterone cream such as Natpro which is a 3% cream and was formulated nearly 30 years ago, will certainly help you.​ It will help your journey through PM easier!​

If progesterone is not used correctly it will not work as already mentioned on this thread. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages. Usually between 100-200mg of cream is needed per day. ​​ More progesterone may be needed, it all depends on how severe your symptoms are.​ Do not take a break as so many uninformed people advise. ​Because of erratic cycle​s during PM,​ it becomes impossible to use progesterone from ovulation.​ Use half the amount in the morning and the other half at night. This allows progesterone levels to remain stable.

If you do not know what your Vitamin D3 level is, please consider having a test. If deficient it reduces the benefits of progesterone. It is also connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies. The co-factors mentioned are equally important. ​​
May 30, 2022
 Short cycle on Prometrium
by: Anonymous

Hi, I found out I have low progesterone, but my doctor didn’t tell me exactly how much. I had one miscarriage with very low progesterone (while using a topical progesterone cream) and I asked my doctor for a prescription. He gave me 100 mg per day, but no other instructions. After the miscarriage my periods have gotten short and shorter. The one before this one was 26 days, and the one I’m currently on was 20 days. I’m only 23, should I be taking breaks with the progesterone? Am I getting too much?
May 30, 2022
 Short cycle on Prometrium
by: Joy

I can never understand why doctors do not give their patients their test results.  Did you have your estrogen level tested?  Both tests are needed to work out a ratio. May I suggest that you phone your doctor and ask him for the results.  You can then compare your result to the correct tests results on the Hormone Testing page.  Low progesterone can cause Miscarriages.  How can your doctor prescribe progesterone and not explain how to use it?  Perhaps you need to change doctors.  I would not accept that.

Prometrium is usually oral which means that 96% gets destroyed by the gut and liver.  Any kind of oral progesterone is not the best Delivery Method. If oral, open the capsule and mix the contents with a good organic cream or MCT oil.  Or you may consider trying Natpro Progesterone Cream which is a 3% cream.  

Progesterone would not have caused your miscarriage but rather your low level of progesterone.  Your doctor should have explained this to you.  I suspect that your luteal phase is defective as well as your hormones not being balanced.  Progesterone needs to be the dominant hormone at all times.  If you are still TTC please read the Pregnancy page.

I suggest that you use progesterone every day with NO breaks until your cycle returns to normal.  Once it does, you can start to use progesterone cream by following yoru cycle  i.e.  a regular luteal phase. Between 100-200mg progesterone is needed.  Half the amount in the morning and the other half at night.  Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages.

Did you have your Vitamin D3 level tested?  It should be optimal.  A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies.

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