Hi there- does anyone know if it safe to use natural progesterone cream? I saw a private doctor who told me it has an anti-cancer effect

[Hectoria]

However, she said my onc would not approve, and I am concerned about taking anything hormone-related. The cream is called ProJuven.

[Hidden]

Hi Hectoria,

I don't think it is wise to take anything without first discussing it with your oncology team, they have your medical records and know exactly what's going on.

Best wishes love x G x

[charlie12]

Definitely do not take or use anything without the advice of your oncologist. As women we all produced progesterone when we had ovaries ....yet we all had or have cancer.

Take care xxx

[Hidden]

Agree with the previous two replies, but I would add: ask the private doctor for the evidence for their claim. A very quick google finds mention of trials of this cream in relation to bone density and migraine.

Your oncologist has access to the full profile of your particular brand of OC and its hormone sensitivity or otherwise, and if so, to which ones. That's why they're the person to clear this with.

In a similar situation, I asked my onc to check mine, and it not being oestrogen receptive, the onc felt it was okay for me to have an oestrogen based cream.

Hope this is helpful x

[Barbara123]

Hi Hectoria,

I also agree with everyone else, always talk to your consultant first, I had been using natural progesterone cream for around 5 years before my breast cancer back in 2008, after I had surgery etc. I decided to carry on using the cream as I read that it might prevent a return of breast cancer and would balance out my estrogen, bearing in mind that in 2007 I was 57 and post menopausal, but unfortunately it didn't stop me getting high grade serous grade 3C PPC in 2012!!! And I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 gene!!! So I would not advise any hormonal creams whatsoever, even if they are "natural" don't forget hormones are incredibly powerful chemicals and should be used with caution. I managed to find a company who specialised in hormone profiling, so I paid a couple of hundred pounds and had a private hormone test, turned out that my progesterone was much higher than normal although my oestrogens were consistent with a post menopausal woman. Apparently the natural progesterone cream is stored in the body fat and can build up over the time of use, which is not healthy! If you read Dr. Marilyn Grenville's book on HRT ( she is a Naturopathic doctor in Kent UK) specialising in hormonal issues ) she does not agree with any type of natural progesterone, and to be honest after my experience neither do I, please do your homework before you do anything that involves hormones. Hope this helps. Bx

[Hectoria]

Thank you so much for this. I have interviewed dr Grenville in the past and been v impressed. I was hoping the progesterone would sort out the terrible flushes and insomnia. I come to the end of my first line chemo in 2 weeks, and am just hoping to put it all behind me, albeit with a massive lifestyle change.

[charlie12]

Hi there

My understanding is that hot flushes and insomnia are symptoms of oestrogen deficiency. Low dose antidepressants seem to be used in some people and obviously don't have any effect on your cancer.

Take care xxx