Hi,
My doctor has prescribed me a Bio Idential Progesterone Cream that has to be compounded at a compound pharmacy...and also a compounded testosterone cream as well.
My question to is, has anyone here tired this Progesterone Cream for your self and if so, how well did it work for you? Was you prescription a compounded formula? Did you have any side effects at all from the Progesterone Cream? Have you tried to stop the cream and have any withdrawals from not using the cream anymore?
I know these are a lot of questions to ask but I'm kinda scared to use these 2 compounded drugs as they do not come with a "Warning Label" like regular pharmacy drugs do.
Hi Sabrina, I just started on a presciption compounded hormone cream with testosterone included in it. I found that the dosage recommended to me made me nausous and bloated so instead of doing it twice a day I went to once a day. That helped. I did find it helped my sex drive a little. Not a huge difference though. I sort of feel that that the whole hormone thing is a pretty inexact science though because of the way our hormones flucuate from day to day. I wasn't having hot flashes or night sweats and my periods are still pretty regular (at 54!!!) ,but I tested at zero for estrogen and testosterone when I had my hormones tested so my GYN wanted me to try the cream. I think it's evened out my mood swings and that alone has been worth it.
One month ago my doctor gave me a Depo Testotserone shot (monthly shot) and I couldn't wait for that stuff to wear off. It caused depression something terrible. I told my doctor what this was causing depression and he said that DepoTestosterone doesn't cause depression. LOL
Well my next visit with him was last week and I took him what I had come across online about Depo Testosterone and it's possible side effects. Sure as heck one of the side effect was Depression. I showed him this and all he said was "I hate these online things"! I told him I refuse to do another shot of that poison so he prescribed me the bio identical testosterone cream instead.
I'm still debating about the testosterone cream too. I mean will it also too cause depression too!!!???
I keep hearing good things about bio indential hormone therpy and I hear bad about it too. I mean what happens when a person stops taking these bio identicals do they have withdrawals from the stuff? I am sure if I ask my doctor he will give me the wrong answer as he did with the Depo Testosterone shot ordeal.
Either way I am still scared to try these 2 bio identical creams, afraid it will bring back the depression.
Have any input on this?
Thanks,
Sabrina
Quote:
Originally Posted by kathryn+2
Hi Sabrina, I just started on a presciption compounded hormone cream with testosterone included in it. I found that the dosage recommended to me made me nausous and bloated so instead of doing it twice a day I went to once a day. That helped. I did find it helped my sex drive a little. Not a huge difference though. I sort of feel that that the whole hormone thing is a pretty inexact science though because of the way our hormones flucuate from day to day. I wasn't having hot flashes or night sweats and my periods are still pretty regular (at 54!!!) ,but I tested at zero for estrogen and testosterone when I had my hormones tested so my GYN wanted me to try the cream. I think it's evened out my mood swings and that alone has been worth it.
I've been using compounded progesterone and dhea cream for many months and have had very satisfactory results. I'm using the lowest strength and dosage which I play with on occasion. The progesterone cream helps me to sleep better at nights. I'm not sure about the dhea, but it does seem to help me to feel well.
Of course I understand your concern and hesitation, but my results has been favorable this time around.
I have not used compounded progesterone, only the over counter type that you buy at the health food stores. My periods got much worse once I started on it, very heavy with large clots. I stopped it, but still had problems. I am scared of the synthetic hormones and bio-identical too. My girlfriend is fighting breast cancer, no family history, she had been on the bio-identical hormone for 18 months before the cancer was found. Her GYN said there was no connection, but the oncologist said there was. She can't even drink soy milk anymore. I don't know what the answer is, the peri sumptoms are so miserable, but I don't want to go thru the misery she did with chemo and radiation. Research HRT for yourself and see what will work the best for you.
Hi cruisers&c,
I have done massive research online about HRT and I've come up with exactly what you said here. Cancer!
It's so scary and of course the docts (or mine has said) that bioidentical hormones will not cause cancer. The question here for me is Do I take That Chance or Not? I certainly do not need more problems like cancer on top of my problems now!
Thanks for your reply,
Sabrina
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruisersS&C
I have not used compounded progesterone, only the over counter type that you buy at the health food stores. My periods got much worse once I started on it, very heavy with large clots. I stopped it, but still had problems. I am scared of the synthetic hormones and bio-identical too. My girlfriend is fighting breast cancer, no family history, she had been on the bio-identical hormone for 18 months before the cancer was found. Her GYN said there was no connection, but the oncologist said there was. She can't even drink soy milk anymore. I don't know what the answer is, the peri sumptoms are so miserable, but I don't want to go thru the misery she did with chemo and radiation. Research HRT for yourself and see what will work the best for you.
Who the heck ever heard of bioidentical progesterone? How silly; I use ProGest by Emerita recommended by dr John Lee and after 4 days on it I sleep better and am Much more relaxed. More cheerful, too.
I have , however , heard of the bioidential estrogens. I use H.r.t. Naturally by Balance once a day and it's fabulous. I am sixty two w/a history of anxiety. The HRT Naturally is Much more expensive than the ProGest and I am having the worst time deciding which one to take!! lol HRT Naturally
has bioidentical estrogens in it WITH progesterone so it's convenient but NOT cheap. Its $20 for just 2oz. Decisions, decisions. And all this Premarin sitting around being ignored......
Who the heck ever heard of bioidentical progesterone? How silly; I use ProGest by Emerita recommended by dr John Lee and after 4 days on it I sleep better and am Much more relaxed. More cheerful, too.
I have , however , heard of the bioidential estrogens. I use H.r.t. Naturally by Balance once a day and it's fabulous. I am sixty two w/a history of anxiety. The HRT Naturally is Much more expensive than the ProGest and I am having the worst time deciding which one to take!! lol HRT Naturally
has bioidentical estrogens in it WITH progesterone so it's convenient but NOT cheap. Its $20 for just 2oz. Decisions, decisions. And all this Premarin sitting around being ignored......
There definitely IS bioidentical Progesterone. One is: Prometrium, Micronized progesterone Oral, and another is Crinone, Micronized progesterone, a Vaginal Gel. They are both synthesized from Mexican Yams.
Who the heck ever heard of bioidentical progesterone? How silly; I use ProGest by Emerita recommended by dr John Lee and after 4 days on it I sleep better and am Much more relaxed. More cheerful, too.
I have , however , heard of the bioidential estrogens. I use H.r.t. Naturally by Balance once a day and it's fabulous. I am sixty two w/a history of anxiety. The HRT Naturally is Much more expensive than the ProGest and I am having the worst time deciding which one to take!! lol HRT Naturally
has bioidentical estrogens in it WITH progesterone so it's convenient but NOT cheap. Its $20 for just 2oz. Decisions, decisions. And all this Premarin sitting around being ignored......
Hi:
I am utterly lost on what you mean in this post.
Dr John Lee was a big proponent of bioidentical or natural progesterone cream. It is also possible to get bioidentical estrogen creams. Bioidentical simply means that rather than being created from animal sources (estrogen pills are normally created from horse urine) that the hormones come from plant sources. They more closely replicate the progesterone and estrogen that our bodies normally produce. So yes, as per Dr Lee, I have heard of bioidentical progesterone.
I currently use natural progesterone cream (although sparingly). I have found that it makes a world of difference to how I feel. For the first time in nearly a year, I feel normal again. I am anxiety free on it, I no longer have tingling in my fingers and toes, sleep normally, don't have the nausea and appetite loss that plagued me and I'm totally back to my normal energy levels. I do use it very sparingly however because the jury is still out on what the long term effects are. Like most women here, I don't want to trade feeling great for a bout of cancer.
Dr John Lee was a big proponent of bioidentical or natural progesterone cream. It is also possible to get bioidentical estrogen creams. Bioidentical simply means that rather than being created from animal sources (estrogen pills are normally created from horse urine) that the hormones come from plant sources. They more closely replicate the progesterone and estrogen that our bodies normally produce. So yes, as per Dr Lee, I have heard of bioidentical progesterone.
I currently use natural progesterone cream (although sparingly). I have found that it makes a world of difference to how I feel. For the first time in nearly a year, I feel normal again. I am anxiety free on it, I no longer have tingling in my fingers and toes, sleep normally, don't have the nausea and appetite loss that plagued me and I'm totally back to my normal energy levels. I do use it very sparingly however because the jury is still out on what the long term effects are. Like most women here, I don't want to trade feeling great for a bout of cancer.
Progesterone alone should work for you unless you are deficient in Estrogen, which of course many menopausal women are. If your levels are are in the dirt, it won't do a lot for you. Many need a balance of both. Some do well on a bit of Estrogen alone. Some women use Estrogen, Testosterone, and Progesterone to feel their best.
I don't know anything about DepoTestosterone, but I do know that prescribed bioidentical hormones are in much less doses than other synthetic hormone prescriptions. There is an increase risk in breast cancer and stroke any time you take estrogen (bio as well as bcp and other synthetic pill forms of estrogen), but the theory is (since there isn't a ton of research) is that you can receive benefits from using bioidentical hormones with much less of a dose. That is why testing your levels before and after you start using the bio's to try to get you to a level that feels good for you (we're all different).
I've been on bioidentical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone for over a year, and feel miles better than I did when I started. My mother is a survivor of breast cancer after years of taking synthetic estrogen, so I'm very concerned about the risks. BUT, I did research and took stock of my own health overall and after consulting with a doctor I felt comfortable with, decided to go ahead. This is a very personal decision where you have to weigh many things, not just one thing.
Hi katidid95,
I'm 49, and weigh 140 lbs. Does the cream go by your weight as far as the amount you would apply to your body?
My estrogen leves are in normal range so my doctor is only prescribing the bio identiecal testosterone and progesterone cream for me. I will not be picking up these 2 creams til wednesday. I havne't even tired them yet.
Since being on these bio identicals you speak of have any caused depression? or have you had any side effcts from the creams?
Thanks,
Sabrina
Quote:
Originally Posted by katidid95
I don't know anything about DepoTestosterone, but I do know that prescribed bioidentical hormones are in much less doses than other synthetic hormone prescriptions. There is an increase risk in breast cancer and stroke any time you take estrogen (bio as well as bcp and other synthetic pill forms of estrogen), but the theory is (since there isn't a ton of research) is that you can receive benefits from using bioidentical hormones with much less of a dose. That is why testing your levels before and after you start using the bio's to try to get you to a level that feels good for you (we're all different).
I've been on bioidentical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone for over a year, and feel miles better than I did when I started. My mother is a survivor of breast cancer after years of taking synthetic estrogen, so I'm very concerned about the risks. BUT, I did research and took stock of my own health overall and after consulting with a doctor I felt comfortable with, decided to go ahead. This is a very personal decision where you have to weigh many things, not just one thing.
I've been on bioidentical progesterone/phytoestrogens for 2 wks and I started spotting after the first dose. Then I had a period for 7 days.
Since I'm sixty two I know I'm supposed to go in for many tests, some more painful than others and possible surgeries. I know all the names:
LEEP, hysteroscopy, biopsy, hysterectomy, pap, d&c. They had a video of a lady having one of these on tv and there were big clouds of SMOKE coming out of her, drifting up into the air. It did not appeal to me. And probably not to the doctor either Looked worse than a nightclub at 1 a.m.
But I'm going to stay here and type instead. So far, I don't feel one bit better than I did on Premarin. My mother took unopposed Premarin for many decades and passed away from a massive stroke at 83 in '95.
This entire experience of menopause has been most unpleasant; wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I should have just sweated to death for the last ten years. It's probably good for you.
Hi susanGene,
Wow 62 and your still having periods?!? I feel for ya and sorry your going thru this still!!
My gosh you have enough, and these periods should have stopped years ago, right?
I sure hope I do not end up with periods at age 62
I'll be one huge basket case I'm sure!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanGene
I've been on bioidentical progesterone/phytoestrogens for 2 wks and I started spotting after the first dose. Then I had a period for 7 days.
Since I'm sixty two I know I'm supposed to go in for many tests, some more painful than others and possible surgeries. I know all the names:
LEEP, hysteroscopy, biopsy, hysterectomy, pap, d&c. They had a video of a lady having one of these on tv and there were big clouds of SMOKE coming out of her, drifting up into the air. It did not appeal to me. And probably not to the doctor either Looked worse than a nightclub at 1 a.m.
But I'm going to stay here and type instead. So far, I don't feel one bit better than I did on Premarin. My mother took unopposed Premarin for many decades and passed away from a massive stroke at 83 in '95.
This entire experience of menopause has been most unpleasant; wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I should have just sweated to death for the last ten years. It's probably good for you.
No, you misunderstood. I have not had a period for 7 years and THEN I had one a week ago. Periods are FUN compared to TESTING. My daughter had a LEEP which didn't hurt; then she had a biopsy which sent her into the
stratosphere. That was 8 years ago but the fond memory lingers.
The imprint of her body is still on the doctor's ceiling. It's dented, too. I think her insurance will pay for it.
Arkangyl:
The doses are not based on your weight, but what they think you need according to your hormone levels. Have you been tested at all? Then once you start using them, you may need to be tested again (I did after 6 months) to make any adjustments. The reason is to try and find the best balance. If your hormones are not balanced with each other, you will experience symptoms.
That could be the reason for your depression, not necessarily the hormones themselves. I have not experienced depression or any other negative side effects. I had horrible peri symptoms like racing heart, headaches, insomnia (like sleeping 1-2 hours), dizziness, chills, loss of appetite and anxiety which only made my other symptoms even worse.
My hormone tests showed I was low in all hormones initially. After 6 months, I was retested and a little high in estrogen and testosterone, so my Dr. made an adjustment in the prescription. I take DHEA orally and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the cream. I use a smaller dose of the cream days 1-14 of my cycle and a higher dose days 15-28. Sometimes it doesn't correspond with my cycle because they can be irregular, but I just stick with the schedule so I'm getting a constant dose of the hormones. I would say it took about 2 months for me to notice significant changes, really more like 3-4 cycles.
Hi Katidi95,
Yes, I have had test ran. Here are the results of all test ran:
TSH/ 2.3500 reference range 0.4000-4.0000 ulL/mL
Free T3/ 3.05 reference range 1.02-5.02 pg/mL
Free T4/ 1.22 reference range 0.80-1.90 ng/dL
TBG/ 29.80 reference range 13.00-39.00 ug/mL
SHBG/ 161 (high) reference range 18-114 nmol/L
Total Testosterone/ 22.0 (low) reference range 65.0-119.0 ng/dL
Free Androgen Index/ 0.5 reference range 0.0-8.5 Units
Progesterone/ 1.33 reference range 0.00-160.00 ng/mL
Estradiol (E2)/ 357 reference range 0-400 pg/mL
Unconjugated Estradiol (uE3)/ <<<0.25 reference range 0.0-2.0 ng/mL
DHEA/ <15 reference range 26-200 ug/dL
Cortisol/ 8.8 reference range 5.0-25.0 ug/dL
FSH/ 4.2 reference range 0.0-153.0 mlU/mL
IGF-1/ 75 (low) reference range 94-252 ng/ml
IGF-BP3/ 2.83 (low) reference range 3.30-6.70 ug/ml
IGF-1 1GFPB3 Ratio/ 0.027 reference range Ratio
As you see my Estradiol (E2) is within normal range. I take it that is Estrogen?
If so, I'm not low on that. Doctor has prescribed the 2 creams, which are the bio identical testotserone and progesterone. Which he didn't want to do the cream from of the progesterone because he said it doesn't work as good as the bio identical pill form of progesterone does. But being I have liver problems he agreed and went ahead and gave me the cream form.
I pretty much told him that I would leave the progesterone out if I couldn't have it in cream form so guess that's why he agreed with going ahead and prescribing it for me.
So how do my labs look to you? Do they even compare to your levels before you started your HRT? HOw well are you doing on you HRT? Feel any better?
BTW, I'm go glad ot hear the cream form doesn't cause depression. He had originally given me a monthly shot of Depo Testosterone and that kick in depression something terrible, I'm so glad that stuff has worn off!!!!...that stuff was like poison to my body! Told him no more Depo Testosterone for me!
After my bout with the Depo Testosterone I was scared to even try the bio idenital stuff. I'm a little more at ease about it now, and hope and pray the bio identical doesn't kick in the depression!
Thanks for the reply,
Sabrina
Quote:
Originally Posted by katidid95
Arkangyl:
The doses are not based on your weight, but what they think you need according to your hormone levels. Have you been tested at all? Then once you start using them, you may need to be tested again (I did after 6 months) to make any adjustments. The reason is to try and find the best balance. If your hormones are not balanced with each other, you will experience symptoms.
That could be the reason for your depression, not necessarily the hormones themselves. I have not experienced depression or any other negative side effects. I had horrible peri symptoms like racing heart, headaches, insomnia (like sleeping 1-2 hours), dizziness, chills, loss of appetite and anxiety which only made my other symptoms even worse.
My hormone tests showed I was low in all hormones initially. After 6 months, I was retested and a little high in estrogen and testosterone, so my Dr. made an adjustment in the prescription. I take DHEA orally and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the cream. I use a smaller dose of the cream days 1-14 of my cycle and a higher dose days 15-28. Sometimes it doesn't correspond with my cycle because they can be irregular, but I just stick with the schedule so I'm getting a constant dose of the hormones. I would say it took about 2 months for me to notice significant changes, really more like 3-4 cycles.
I did saliva tests, which look like different outcomes than yours. So I wouldn't know how to compare. All I know is that my doctor told me my hormone levels were at menopausal levels even though I still have cycles (I'm 48). Now they are all in normal ranges.
I do feel much better than a year and a half ago. I still get bad PMS and cramps, but I can deal with that as I have done for the past 10-11 years. I also get a little insomnia right before my periods, but not too severe. I can't tolerate caffeine and I occasionally get heart flutters and a little anxiety when feeling tired or stressed. But it doesn't compare in severity. It's all manageable, if annoying.
When I bought the Progesterone cream at the health food store, it said right on it that it was approved by Dr. Lee. I read his book on peri-menopause from cover to cover and was so thrilled to think I might have an answer to some of my peri symptoms. At that time heavy, long periods wasn't one of the symptoms. Within 2-3 weeks my periods were out of control. I became anemic and had to start the pill to stop the flow. Maybe I was going to have the problem with my period even if I would not have started the progesterone cream, but it makes me think the cream didn't help things either. One persons magic cream could be a nightmare for someone else. I am done self medicating without medical advice anymore. I wonder why Dr.Lee would approve a cream if it had the mineral oil in it that would be such a problem?
Re: Compounded Progesterone Cream, Have You Used? 
Looked worse than a nightclub at 1 a.m. 
Re: Compounded Progesterone Cream, Have You Used? 
