Progesterone Cream - Menopause Message Board

Stephanie1112 · 03-02-2006, 01:56 PM

Hi Everyone!

I'm 42 and I have been battling crazy symptoms for over 10 years. I've had several episodes of Thyroiditis and I currently take medication for heart palpitations.

After seeing a new Gyno last month she said that my progesterone was too low. She feels like this is the reason for all my problems. I sure hope so because I'm tired of Dr.'s trying to put me on antidepressants or send me to a psychologist!

She wrote me a prescription for progesterone cream. I started taking it two days ago. Last night I had horrible night sweats to the point where I had to change night gowns. Is this a normal side effect when you first start using this cream? Also, how long does it take for you to start feeling better?

Thanks,
Stephanie

pixiek · 03-02-2006, 05:59 PM

Hi, I am waiting for my bioidentical progesterone cream and reading all threads with interest. Just to let you know, my holistic doc is putting me on 1/2 what most docs usually start patients with for 4 months and then retest and see....apparently the progesterone can build up in the system and then do more harm than good eventually....I can't say from experience, but I wonder if you might to better to also start small and possibly work up if you need to? Also, I also have thryoid troubles, did you know that progesterone helps you use those thyoird meds more effectively? And if you are not on meds, I bet the progesterone can do somthing with the thryoid...all these are part of the endocrine system it is a delicate balancing act.... It is possible you need to now test your thyroid (FT4, FT3) and adjust from that end. Pixiek

Stephanie1112 · 03-03-2006, 09:23 AM

Pixiek,

Thanks for your post. I didn't have any problems last night, but you might be right about starting with a smaller dosage. One postive thing is that I sleep much, much better and wake up feeling rested. I was battling insomnia.

I have thyroid tests done about every 3 mos. It goes from normal to low every so often. I'm not on any medication for it other than the Toprol for heart palpitations. I've been to several Dr's over the years to no avail.

I'm just praying that this diagnosis is correct and I can start feeling normal.

Stephanie

manyboys · 03-03-2006, 01:36 PM

Hi guys,
I used a compounded progesterone cream for about a year. I was started on a very low amount (if you're interested, I could fish the dispenser out of my closet to give you exact amounts), then was told to gradually increase. Problem really is with finding the right amount for you. Everyone is different but I found that I had terrible side effects when the dose was higher than lower, but when it was lower it did not do enough. I got frustrated and gave up after just over a year. Now I am trying to balance both estrogen and progesterone and am doing that with BCP. Nasty side effects that I had with the cream were heachaches, very fatigued, sore breasts and weight gain. I would recommend to be very patient and work with your compounding pharmacist closely. They can be very helpful. There are also some really good books out there dedicated specifically to progesterone cream. They are helpful also (also in my closet, if you'd like specifics....

Cathy

Stephanie1112 · 03-03-2006, 09:31 PM

Manyboys,

Thanks for your reply. I would be interested in knowing what your dosage amounts were and also the books you were mentioning that were helpful. I just bought a book this afternoon from a Dr. John Lee. It seems very informative.

Stephanie