Progesterone cream???

[Velma66]

Hi ladies
I'm looking for some advice on progesterone cream. I've read a lot about it on the power surge website-people seem to have mixed results!

I'm 44, have had anxiety/depression & been off work for 7 months (I've improved greatly thanks to meds,therapy & time but still not quite 100%)
doc has done tests and hormone levels show as normal but I'm convinced I'm in perimenopause. I suffer with heavy painful periods, wake up soaked in sweat (with no anxiety), headaches, body aches & my anxiety is much worse around period time-do you think progesterone cream will help? I don't want to make myself worse but I'm willing to try OTC things to help. I take 100mg sertraline, B complex, multivit & evening primrose tabs daily.
Does anyone have experience with prog. cream? Should I use it if doc hasn't prescribed it? I'd be grateful for any advice/suggestions pls
BTW my Mum was 38 when she started her menopause & had hysterectomy at 43-not sure if I've "inherited" that!

[paula lynne]

Hi Velma, Im 40 and Peri-menopause. I considered Progesterone cream, and spoke to my GP....whod never heared of it! I dont think its available (legally) here in the UK, its used widely in the USA however. As you say, results are mixed. (As an ex-nurse I read lots of research). I really think the first port of call is your Gp, although I suspect they would be reluctant to px it unless you have exhausted all other avenues first. Its available on the Net, but like any medication, it will have an effect on you, and this may not be a good thing necessarily unless its px by a professional.

I take Multivits (B) complex, which has eliminated breast tenderness. Ive changed my diet and eat well, and feel like a new woman in only 6 weeks...(lots of fruit and veg, water, wholemeal carbs, no pastry (heartburn city!)....I really feel so energised! Ive also lost nearly a stone (no bad thing, Im apple shaped).

I get TERRIBLE symptoms at ovulation (Migraine, vertigo, palps, sweating, teary, low mood...etc etc etc)...and Im about to enter those awful 2 weeks. I know there will be an end to it when my period comes, and its hell going through it, but dont give up. Maybe chat to your local Holland and Barrets salesperson...Ive heard Black Kosh helps night sweats. (I just open window and lie on top haha)......I use a mix of olive oil and geranium (anti-spasmodic properties) and apply it to my pelvic area, it helps with cramps (my are sooo painful I hold the walls somedays)......

You may like to search out some websites specific to menopause, Im sure they have lots of reliable and up-to-date info on there. Best wishes, Paula x

[Mogwog]

Hi

I agree with Paula. It is readily availiable on the internet but I would suggest seeing your gp and talking it through with them first.

La.x

[Velma66]

Many thanks to you both for your replies-I def think I'll check with my GP before I try the cream-best to be safe.
Will def try the things you've suggested Paula (nice to know I'm not alone with the symptoms grrr). I'm pleased that you feel a lot better for changing your diet, that is something I really must adjust asap, I eat a lot of sugary stuff & White bread, that won't be helping! Are you following a particular diet plan or healthy eating? I'm going to pay a visit to Holland & Barett too! X

[paula lynne]

Hi again Velma, Ive simply cut out the processed stuff, eat lots of fruit and veg, more fish, and enjoy Quorn. Im not a vegetarian though, love my steak and bacon....trim all visible fat from meat. Use one-cal cooking spray (Fry-Lite)....limit alcohol to once a week. I really cant tell you how its made me feel....If youd like, Id be happy to share some recipies with you if you send me a list of your favs, or list of ingredients, Id be happy to adapt them for you to suit you. If you like sugar, try fresh pineapple...wow its soooo sweet! Best wishes, Paula x

[countrygirl]

I have been using natural progesterone cream for past 2 years so will give as much info as I have on it. It is legal and available here even through the NHS but only if your Gp applies for funding for it and its as rare as hens teeth! I think you have to have tried hrt first or something BUT it is also available through private Dr's who specialise in this in UK. there are only two creams that have certified levels of natural prog in them that is standardised in every tube and these are the only two available from private Drs in this country and they are imported from usa. Some of the creams available on the internet are not standardised so you do not know what dose you are receiving so be very very careful and I would advise only getting on a private prescription from a reputable Dr.

I had terrible problems 5 yrs ago at age 45 with peri - bleeding for up to 12 weeks at a time every day, flooding, plus large ovarian cyst and after all the tests to make sure nothing nasty causing it I was told it was hormonal I was very oestrogen dominent and was offered the mirena coil or a hysterectomy but didn't want either. I started the cream and within 3 months the flooding and constant bleeding had stopped. My large ovarian cyst went away itself 2 months after starting the cream. My periods were still very irregular and never settled down but the worst was over.

I have a follow up appt with the private Dr every 3 months and he issues me with a presc for enough cream until my next appt. I also have hormone testing every 6 months as well.

If you want detailed info of Dr etc please send me a message.