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What causes cream not to absorb well?

by Rhonda
(Ohio)

Before starting bht my zrt lab results were: progesterone 12, estradiol 1.1,testosterone 15, ratio of estradiol to progesterone was 11. I was put on 120 mg of progesterone compounded w/2mg testosterone. My symptoms were better, except for extreme fatigue and mental fog. I had saliva test done again and thyroid checked too (before bht I was being treated for hypothyroidism w/.88 mg synthroid).

My saliva test showed normal estradiol -1.7, normal testosterone-36, and my progesterone was still only 57, ratio of pg/e2 34. Lab comments were that this was much lower than expected since optimal range for progesterone is 200-3000 and that is w/only 10-30 mg topical progesterone and I was on a much higher dose of 120 mg. The comments said this could be because progesterone was not well absorbed or cleared rapidly. My doctor upped my dosage to 200mg along w/changing my thyroid medication to a compound t3 and t4, since i was low in t3.

My doctor had me applying it to my inner thighs and inner arms, from what I read its better in thinner skin areas and if you put it in different areas. I am afraid of taking too much, Most say 30-40 mg is the optimal dosage. What is the point in upping my dosage if I'm not absorbing it? Where is it going?

Comments for What causes cream not to absorb well?

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Dec 04, 2010
 What causes cream not to absorb well?
by: Wray

Hi Rhonda It could have been the progesterone was not well absorbed, although we've not found this to occur, see this page on Saliva Tests. Approximately 100mg/day was used. Or it was cleared rapidly. But I've found using testosterone too, the progesterone has an uphill battle. I don't believe any woman needs more. It could be your vitamin D level is too low, as it is in over 50% of people. A low level of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. Please consider having a test done, ZRT do them. For more info please see the Vitamin D council website. A lack of vitamin D causes parathyroid hormone to increase, this slows the thyroid down. Are you stressed, as adrenaline rises and this stimulates the production of rT3, this inhibits production of T3. Stress drops progesterone levels, as cortisol increases, this stress hormone is made in the adrenals from progesterone. If stressed, the adrenals rob other sources of progesterone, notably ovarian, or supplemental if it's used. I've found to feel well the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen should be 600:1 or over, which falls within the range you were given. I recommend between 100-200mg/day progesterone, dependant on symptoms. Occasionally much higher amounts are needed initially. You don't say how long you've used it, but it does take 3-6 months for progesterone to become fully dominant, so you might just have to give it time. Progesterone can be applied anywhere, the skin comprises 95% kerotinocytes, these have ample progesterone receptors. It appears you do need more, as you still have extreme fatigue and mental fog. We make over 400mg/day in the third trimester of pregnancy, it's needed then, as I believe you need more now. I'm not sure how old you are, but please see these pages on How to use progesterone cream and Peri-menopause. The fatigue and mental fog could be caused by IR, please see our page on Insulin Resistance. Take care Wray

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