Do you think taking bio-identical progesterone will help.

[Paula101]

I'm looking for some help and advice with this subject as this is completely new to me.

I read an article on the Hypothyroidmom site about estrogen dominance & it affecting thyroid. I am thinking bio-identical progesterone will help me greatly.

I'm convinced I'm heading on the journey towards menopause, although I think (hope) I've got a good 10 years yet.

For past year & abit my periods have changed going from regular 28 days to regular 34 days. However I've had 2 "rogue" periods go back to 28 days.

My PMT symptoms appeared to improve with having been on Vits & mins for last few months.

I'm on the 2nd "rouge" period at the moment, with it not being due till next Sat and last week was a nightmare with symptoms.

To say I'm at my wits end & upset is an understatement. My half term is being ruined as I love the time off with my two. I think I prefer to deal with my Hashi's than my periods the way they are at the moment.

So can I ask:-

• is there anyone else experiencing this?

• is there anyone taking bio-identical progesterone at the moment & what their experiences are of this.

• or do I not take it (is 45 to young?)

• does thyroid medication, be it Levo and or Lio or NDT solve sex hormone imbalances?

Thank you for taking the time to read & reply.

[Helena877]

I’d try and get some tests on the NHS for the sex hormones. I’m convinced that some of them need to be taken on certain days of the month eg day 3 of your cycle. This causes difficulties - the GP was just like let’s book you in to the next available blood test date and said anytime of the month is fine. I don’t believe that to be true as these levels fluctuate throughout the month!

“Thisismy.co.uk” screening centres will do individual tests. I used them to test my progesterone one time. Results back the same day..... but you get zero advice and would need to google the results.

Natural progesterone cream can be bought online. I used that before I got pregnant (36). That increased my progesterone levels.

But before you go on anything you really do need to know these levels and get tested.

I’m currently on NDT, progesterone and a low level of testosterone. Two of these items are prescribed by a private Doctor specialising in bio-identical hormones. He has clinics in Wakefield and Hale.

I’m due a visit tomorrow for a full panel blood test and will get my old test results and let you know what he tests.

[Paula101 in reply to Helena877]

Helena877

Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate you taking the time. Yes, I agree the first thing is to test for sex hormones. I will look into that.

Do let me know how you get on with your testing, it'll be interesting to know the In & Outs. It's a relief to know there are others like yourself that can empathise.

Thank you again 🙂

[Helena877 in reply to Paula101]

Hi Paula,

Sorry to have taken so long to come back to you. We couldn’t find my old test results and the latest set took ten days to come back.

The Dr has tested me for:-

Estrogen

Progesterone

Testosterone

DHEA

Cortisol

(DHEA supplementation is only prescribed on a private prescription in the U.K.)

[Paula101 in reply to Helena877]

Hi Helena

No worries & thank you 🙂

It'll be interesting to see your results. I too need to get cortisol checked out.

I really need to sit down & make a list of everything that needs testing, it's not a short one, I know that much 😉

Thanks for replying

[Helena877 in reply to Paula101]

My results were okay, but my cortisol was very high (just posted my results in a new thread). The last one I had taken was in the 400s and this one is in the 600s. That was two weeks ago nearly and since then I have been “wired” for the last five days, so I dread to think what my levels would be if I were to test them now.

I think these are all straightforward tests that a GP would be able to do as a standard hormone panel. Not sure about the DHEA test.

[silverfox7]

Periods can be unpredictable if meds aren't quite right

[Paula101 in reply to silverfox7]

Thanks for getting back to me 🙂 I didn't know they could be unpredictable if your meds aren't as they should be. I'm learning & that's good. Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Dearpaula,

45 is the righ age to start natural progesterone Order it from Well SPrings trading online. It is called Serenity.I have worked with thousands of women on it and it is a miracle. Just use it according to the instructions for your cycle . Put the cream on your thin skin at you inner arm up to the pit and move it around. You can message me.I have worked with thousands of women all over the world on it for 30 year.s YOur bones stay strong, protects against breast cancer .it has not one negative. I have been on it 26 years.

[Paula101 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for responding to my post I really am grateful.

It's great to know I can start taking bio-I P.

I'll get myself tested to check levels & take it from there.

It's very reassuring to know that you have been on it for 26 years & have benefitted from it, as well as for the women you have worked with.

Thank you so much. You have given me more food for thought & hope 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Paula101]

You should know that blood tests for hormonea oestrogen progesterone etc are totally useless. Best to just use the cream.It is a self balanceing cycle and it requires no testing. anyone who does blood test for those hormones is without knowledge .Saliva tests work.

hope this all helps. the cream is a marvel and easy to use.. In men it prevents prostate cancer. .all this is well known

[Paula101 in reply to Hidden]

Right-o, duly noted. Do you mind my asking, in what capacity you have worked with the women you have helped?

I've got blood tests to repeat for my thyroid so will also look into the saliva tests for these hormones at the same time.

Thank you for steering me in the right direction 👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to Paula101]

Hi again,

I am an alternative practitioner with over 50 years in practice. Nutritionist, acupuncturist and lots lots more. I take people and get them well.

[Paula101 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for that 🙂

[lucylocks in reply to Hidden]

Hi 353535,

Do you do consultations, if so where are based?

Thank you.

[ShinyB in reply to Hidden]

Hi Why do you say the blood tests are useless? I had blood tests and saliva tests and the results, once converted, were the same. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to ShinyB]

It is generally considered in medicine that blood tests for sexual hormones are useless. They are sometimes given but mostly not valid. It your came out the same that is luck Really good Drs never do them or rely on them. It is, as far as I know, the same world wide.

[ShinyB in reply to Hidden]

But do you know why? I'm just curious

[Hidden in reply to ShinyB]

sorry.. why what? I do not quite understand the question. Do you mean why bloods do not work?? I guess it is simply a poor medium to measure hormones as 90 % of Drs will tell it is not useful to do blood tests.

[ShinyB in reply to Hidden]

Yes, why blood tests for sex hormones are useless. Not a problem if you don't know, I just am curious as to why blood tests wouldn't be accurate. I've had them done a fair few times in my life and have never heard a doctor or consultant say that they're not worth doing!

[Hidden in reply to ShinyB]

I think it just does not work. That bloods are not the accurate place to get it I have worked in hospitals and so on all my life and hear it all the time.

[Jollypolly in reply to Hidden]

Hi to 353535

Please give me a bit more understanding here...

I’ve been on estrogen patches for over 25 years and am currently cutting them back from the 37,5 patch to 18 mcg as three months ago started Serenity as want getting well on NDT and Adrenal Cortex. This has really kick started a major change...I want to get off the patch to a physiological dose of estrogen to go with the progesterone...do you recommend I switch to the 20-1 ?

Thanks..

Marion

[Hellonwheels]

I tried it for the exact same reasons at 43... caused some horrible symptoms: breast pain and hardness/fullness---gained a cup size, acne/backne---never had either previously, weight gain of 15 pounds in 3 months. Couldn't afford anymore weight gain, so I quit. This was 6 months ago, and I'm still holding 8 pounds of that weight gain. I've found that increasing my NDT by 30 mgs during the ovulation period and surrounding (about 8-10 days) solved my issues, instead. My periods were already regular at 28 days, but my small increase for those 8-10 days made them a little lighter and far less painful.

[Hellonwheels in reply to Hellonwheels]

Not to mention, I had more energy during ovulation time, which had previously been waning.

[ShinyB in reply to Hellonwheels]

I think I've read something (brain's a bit foggy so can't point you at the source) that when you supplement with progesterone, that initially the oestrogen receptors react - so you get all the symptoms of that to start with, eg breast pain, irritability etc. Wish I could remember it more accurately!

That's interesting that increasing your thyroid hormones worked!

[Paula101]

This is great response too. Thanks Hello wheels. I'm sorry it didn't work for you but I'm pleased & interested that your increase in NDT, when needed, did help. That's fascinating.

Again it just proves how individual & sensitive our bodies are to responding to anything we use.

I am truly appreciative 🙂

[lucylocks]

Many thanks, I will take a look.