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What is the correct amount of cream?

by Shelly
(Indiana)

I just received my test results back from ZRT Labs. My Estradiol level was 1.9, progesterone was 72L and the ratio was 38L.

I was wondering how low that really was and what you would think would be the correct amount of cream to use. My stepmom is thinking to use the amount suggested for a menopausal women. I'm only 30 years old though? My other question is, do you think any of the cream would rub off (affect) my children?

Thanks so much for all your wonderful information!!

Comments for What is the correct amount of cream?

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Sep 19, 2010
 What is the correct amount of cream?
by: Wray

Hi Shelly Your ratio is very low, well to my mind it is! I've found to feel really well it should be over 300:1, better still if it's over 600:1. We've had our cream regularly tested for 14 years now by a naturopath in the UK. She does a before and after saliva test, all the results have been good, including the last which pleased her as we've changed the formula slightly. The levels rose from 10-30ng/ml to 3000ng/ml, which gives a 600:1 ratio. The aim is to reduce symptoms, low amounts don't often achieve this, so I recommend between 100-200mg/day for all ages. It's entirely dependant on symptoms. For instance debilitating hot flushes need 400mg/day for 4-5 days before they are dramatically reduced or stop, then the amount can be lowered. But for general use lower amounts are fine. You might like to read our page on How to use progesterone cream. And your step mum our page on Menopause. But before either of you start please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance. And yes the cream could rub off, but as it's given to pre-term infants for respiratory distress syndrome, please don't have any concerns. In fact many women use a pin head amount on very young babies to help them calm down and sleep! One therapist I know rubbed a tiny amount on a very restless, demanding 2 year old girl, who wouldn't/couldn't sleep. Well within minutes she fell asleep in her rooms, was carried asleep to the car and continued sleeping for another 2 hrs, which was a delight to the mother, as this was the longest sleep she'd had, including night time. Don't forget the foetus is bathed in progesterone for 9 months, at levels far higher than you would be using. And bless you for the kind words! Take care Wray
Oct 17, 2010
 We have almost the same levels.
by: Andrea Ferguson

I just had my hormone levels tested by ZRT in my luteal phase and they are similar. Estradiol 1.6, Progesterone 72L with a ratio of 45L. My BHRT doctor put me on 100mg of progesterone in pill form at bedtime with an estrogen patch (.0375mg/24hr). I have been experiencing horrible headaches. Should I continue and will the headaches go away?
Oct 22, 2010
 We have almost the same levels.
by: Wray

Hi Andrea Oestrogen is a known initiator of inflammation, and causes migraines/headaches. For more info please see the page we have on HRT. Progesterone inhibits mast cell secretion of histamine and is excellent for headaches, please see here, here and here. Unfortunately oral progesterone is not a good delivery system, as most gets destroyed as it passes through the gut and liver. Please see this page for more info on Progesterone application methods. I recommend between 100-200mg/day, but in a form suited for delivery, ie injections, suppositories or a cream. For more info please see How to use progesterone. Take care Wray
Apr 25, 2011
 How much cream should I use?
by: Gina

My blood work shows:
Estradiol 430 pg/ml and Progesterone 1.2 ng/ml
If I've done my math correctly, that is 1200 pg of Progesterone to 430 pg of Estrodiol.
Is my ratio really 2.4:1???
If that is correct, that scares me. How should I proceed?
May 11, 2011
 How much cream should I use?
by: Wray

Hi Gina Yes it is, as a matter of fact slightly higher, as 1200 divided by 430 gives 2.79. Rounding it up gives a ratio of 2.8:1, which is low. You don't mention how you're feeling, but this ratio would normally cause many adverse symptoms. If you do consider using progesterone, please be aware that Oestrogen Dominance can occur, and with a ratio this low, almost invariably. It's nothing to worry about though, provided you use sufficient progesterone. I recommend 100-200mg/day, but it's very much dependant on symptoms. You might have noticed in the comments that many women opt for the higher amount initially, which is how I feel you should proceed. The best judge of whether you're using enough are your symptoms, are they getting worse or better. It really is a case of experimenting with the amount you use. I'm not sure of your age, but we do have a few pages you could look at, How to use progesterone cream, Peri-menopause and Menopause. Take care Wray

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