Prometrium® | Progesterone Pills | 6 Things Women in Menopause Need to Know About Progesterone
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- Опубликовано: 21 сен 2024
- Low progesterone causes major problems for women of all ages. Oral progesterone is the most effective treatment for many of the symptoms of low progesterone, especially for women in menopause.
Steve Goldring, The Hormone Pharmacist
#prometrium #progesterone #lowprogesterone #pms #premenstrualsyndrome #progesteroneanddepression #menopauseprogesterone #progesteroneinmenopause #menopauseanxiety #fogofmenopause #menopauseinsomnia #oralmicronizedprogesterone
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Out of all the years that I have researched hormones and menopause, this is the most correct, simple, yet comprehensive information. There are many ideas and theories floating around out there, but he clearly has done the real research. Also, Ladies, Prometrium IS bio identical. Creams did nothing for me. Follow your path, but be open to the science of hormones and what has been proven to work consistently through clinical studies.
Thanks for your comment. You're absolutely right that Prometrium® is bioidentical. You're also on the mark that progesterone creams are much less effective than oral or even vaginal progesterone.
Prometrium is way more expensive than micronized progesteron and my insurance plan does not cover it 100%. Do you think switching to micronized would make huge difference? I seem tolerate both, but which one is better for liver health? Thank you!
I was using 40 mg of progesterone cream. My doctor refused to increase my dosage claiming that high doses caused breast cancer. Now, I know that the dosage was not high.
I’m 51 with a Hysterectomy in 2015 I need help with SLEEP!!! I am a Detective and need to focus on my job!!! I seem to be losing focus from being so exhausted from NOT sleeping!!!!
Progesterone was the only thing that helped my sleep! Started low and finally on 400mg SR a night, it’s the perfect dose. Also, somehow helped my thyroid levels and I’m down to just one thyroid med a day.
Hey thanks for watching! You’re absolutely right. Progesterone is the key to sleep for women with low hormones. It’s not uncommon that women need higher doses to feel better. As I think I mentioned in the video, oral progesterone helps a lot with sleep. Cream doesn’t help much with sleep because of the way it’s metabolized.
Hi @mommamia29 how long did it take to find your dose. I have been on 100 mg for two cycles and I can see small changes but still waking a couple times at night, thank you!
Do you take it daily? My doc suggested I stop taking it once I bleed but that’s been happening every other week so I can’t take the progesterone very often. I’d love to be able to take daily.
How long did it take you to get up to the 400mg dose? I’ve taken 200mg which is causing weight gain. Ugh. Thank you
@@lisamariestarcher1365 I’m actually taking 800mg when not bleeding along with some topical progesterone since my doc thinks maybe gut issues are preventing full absorption of the oral. I went on that dose quickly as we noticed the lower dose was still leaving my numbers very low
Very informative! Thank you Steve. I am 66 years old and started HRT 4 months ago. I was part of this whole generation of women who were advised not to take HRT when I became menopausal around 2010. I can identify with the 3 - 4 hours sleep a night, anxiety attacks, depression for 14 years, but soldering on. So, after much resistance from my medical ‘advisors’, Ive started Prometrium 100mg gelcaps with 75,g Estradiol patches 2x a week. So far,.. so really good. I do have tender breasts and can’t quite get clarity, from my GP or Gyn, if this is from the Progesterone or Estradiol? Do you know? And if so, do you recommend to lower and of the these doses? Everything else has been great. Keep up the great work you’re doing. Grateful, Jo Scott SYD AUS.
Earned another subscriber! You make sense with information from the 21st century!
I read dozens of studies from Europe, Nordic countries, & Australia to argue my need for hormones here in Montana. The crap doctors told me about menopause is unconscionable at best & more akin to malpractice. Willful ignorance of GPs on this subject shouldn't be tolerated.
I really appreciate your sensitivity to women's menopausal symptoms
and voicing hormonal havoc is REAL and it can be Devastatingly life altering. I'm certain many marriages would be saved from divorce if more men understood what you're explaining. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! Trying to keep going.
@SimpleHormones 😢 I was unable to swallow 100 mg micronised progesterone (small round hard capsules). Now I have 2.5 medroxyprogesterone BUT if it doesn't help w/depression & sleep - what do I do??
@@DW...Hey, I'm obviously not the doc but I was recently prescribed micronized progesterone. It turns out that micronized progesterone pills can be used as a vaginal suppository. The pills are oil based and absorb via the mucosa membrane well. This is a method some women use, especially if they find they experience bloating from taking it orally. You might consider googling this method. Take care.
This is me!! I was told I didn’t need progesterone because I had a hysterectomy. They have me on testosterone only. 😫 Thank you so so so much for this!! I will be asking for this on Monday!
I plummeted into immediate severe post natal depression after birth of my baby I was a complete wreck. They put me on antidepressants. I’m now thinking why didn’t they put me on progesterone therapy?
They didn't know better . . .
Same with me. Doctors need to be required to learn new info every quarter.
I am 64 years old just got on progesterone that made a whole difference in my sleep. Ladies if you can afford to go and get your hormones tested PLEASE ……PLEASE try it. I had BAD INSOMNIA… sleeping like a baby🙏🏼😍
Absolutely agree 100%. While a few women have issues with progesterone, the vast majority are going to see exponential improvements in sleep when they get their progesterone optimized. Sleep is one of the biggest issues menopausal women face . . . but many patients and doctors don't recognize the connection between menopause, low progesterone, and sleep deprivation. It's absolutely HUGE!
So it helps with sleep?? I'm 38 with PCOS. Super bad insomnia past 6 months nothing I take works really well. I get 2 to 7 hours sleep. Can't function next day. I'm worries about prometrium with the dizzy they talk about. I have 100mg sitting on counter I just got but nervous
@@jessicalist8422Did you finally break down and take the pills? What, if any, are your results?
I'm on 100 mg progesterone and it's helps my sleep from 2 huts to 5 hrs and only waking up 5 times instead staying awake.
@@jentegrity6614maybe you need 200 mg ❤
I was taking the lowest doses of estrogen and progesterone and about 3.5 months in I was spotting then bleeding heavily. It was suggested I double on the progesterone.
I did and my bleeding stopped! Thank you!
I was in ER for the bleeding as it was extreme and they gave me meds that scared me. I never took them. I remembered what you said. It worked.
Thank you,
Great news! 9/10 cases of vaginal bleeding on hormones means the dose of progesterone needs to be increased. It's common for it to take some time to start causing an issue - sometimes months down the road.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am 62 and have been on both for a little over a month and am bleeding pretty heavily too. I am going to double my progesterone and see if that works. Do you take both daily?
I was using bioidentical creams and was spotting. The pharmacist wanted to increase my progesterone but my doctor refused She claimed that high doses causes breast cancer. . My largest dose of progesterone cream was 40 mg. I now know that 40 was a lower dose.
@@jantrevino9345 You could take way more of the progesterone cream! It's SO good for you. You can find high strength, 50mg per pump. Use several times a day. It's only the synthetic progestins that increase risk of cancer.
Thank you so much. I had a full hysterectomy at 42, went on HRT immediately. I’m 61 now & considering progesterone… but the conflicting opinions are making me hesitate
I’m not a doctor, or a pharmacist, but I can tell you as a woman that is on HRT; bio identical estradiol and testosterone pellets, and progesterone capsules, I cannot imagine being without my HRT. The WHI study scared women away from HRT, to their detriment. The study was extremely flawed, and in some cases, downright false. You seriously have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
I’m 41 years old with very heavy periods (regular in terms of menstrual cycle length), intense cramping, PMS and ovulation headaches, waking up around 2-3AM every night 😢 I’ll start sweating out of nowhere although I’m not sure they’re hot flashes 🤷🏻♀️ I also experience moodiness and irritability and want to strangle my husband sometimes 🙈 I have a lot of muscle tension and pain everywhere on my back. I have early arthritis in my spine and knee and a torn meniscus 😩 The brain fog is intense too! I used to be on top of things and now I can’t remember why I entered the kitchen 🤪 So with being perimenopausal (is me best guess), what the heck am I supposed to do with myself?! I’ve been watching your videos, which by the way have been the most informativ and easy to understand out of all the videos on RUclips! From one of your videos with all the graphics on E and P during a woman’s lifespan, I now know there’s a lot of fluctuations in Estrogen at my age but progesterone is definitely very low. I’m worried the ration between the two is way off but I’m scared of taking P because if my E goes up and down then there might be times when when Estrogen might be too low in relation with P. Or too high still (Estrogen dominance)? Am I making any sense? Am I understanding? 🤔 Or am I supposed to take both E and P and somehow the ratio will fix itself once I find the correct dosages for my body? I’m also afraid of Progesterone intolerance especially if taken alone. Not sure how the intolerance or sensitivity to P works but I really don’t want to feel any worse. My goal is to feel better so I can be there for my baby granddaughter arrring soon! 💕
Don't be just try progesterine only birth control northidone , I'm perimenapause and it's been terrible anxiety through the roof night sweats irritated brain fog stomach upsets up and down hormones , I want to try to feel better and it's been hell , been sick alot with infections due to low progesterone and low iron from extreme heavy heavy period I do however skip a month every now and then , I went on a website called nurx they will deliver it to your door three month supply, I'm still waiting for the bc , just got off my period ,smh can't wait to start the bc , I'm hanging on dearly and tight , I hope it helps out alot it will take awhile for my body to adjust I rather have spotting breast be sore than have to continue to feel like this it's horrible, I do take anxietyed but I need progesterine bc only way toooo looooow , it's a low dose most start out with 5-15 than raise up mg if need to be , the opill is 0.75mg and a little different to treat what it is , I hope this helps you to know you are not alone in this , I pray we can get back to ourselves
Being validated for very real medical issues should not shock as much as it does…. Thank you.
My feelings exactly.
i wish they would prescribe this instead of antidepressants!!!
MYou have to demand it unfortunately. ❤
Today I was denied HRT but offered an antidepressant. 😠
@@Debbie-hv3od that really ticks me off
@@gilliandowney5225we are demanding and doctors say "absolutely not" fast forward 6 years of insomnia to "more women are asking for hormones now"
Better late than never 😂
Exactly!
I started back on BHRT about a year ago, I'm 58, I've been in menopause for about 8 years, when i was younger i never had any menstrual problems, everything was like clockwork, then menopause hit at 50 to 51, and it's been hell since. I was really working hard on getting my hormones balanced. I was on the basic dosage of 1 mg Estradiol, and 50 mgs of progesterone cream form, then went to 50 mg pill form that didn't increase my progesterone and then 100mgs progesterone in cream with the estrogen, just had all my bloodwork done and everything dropped to pre BHRT levels, except estrone went high, and estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol went real low. I've had very low pregnenolone for years that the NP doesn't seemed to be concerned about. I've spent thousands of dollars trying to find a doctor that could help.
I am 57 and have been in meno for about 7 years, too. I related to your post b/c I have never felt this crappy in all my life. I have a pretty healthy diet and walk 3-5 miles every day. I am at a loss as there are no specialists in this town for menopause. Drs just keep drawing vials of blood and making adjustments to hormonal meds but no success so far.
I was put on low dose estradiol and it killed my sleep. I think it just made my progesterone levels even lower
Excellent work! I´m starting at age 52 the progesterone bio,(Not in menaupause,yet, long periods till 2 months ago) , i have endometriosis, and i had to ask and beg to the doctor to prescribe, i´m on day 5 , and feeling much better! The doctor was going to prescribe AC, but i never took anticoncepcional ! Thank you for excellent information!
I'm 35 and have POI. When. switched doctors he switched me to prometrium and I love the help with sleeping.
@Freckle Finance Great news! Another progesterone success story.
Oh yes, I totally agree, progesterone is my new best friend, far better than even the most gourmet chocolates. I cannot express how much better taking it makes me feel and my Gyn says I have the cleanest uterus she has ever seen. Not that I would know, I have never seen a uterus, but that will change on Monday when she shows me photos of mine. Photography is a hobby I enjoy, but usually nature scenes...lol
Did u have side effects when you first took it ?im about to start the prometrium
@@Jamie5633 Hi did you start taking it yet. I picked up mines from the pharmacy today but nervous to take it
Here's an interesting question for you....have you heard/read any correlation between how difficult or easy one's periods were throughout their lives and what level of HRT (dosage of both estradiol and progesterone) they find effective in menopause?
Thank you for this video! I have tried the oral progesterone pills and they were actually too strong for me. I swelled up really bad retained so much water that I could barely bend my fingers! I have been using a transdermal cream from Amazon and it has helped tremendously. I use it two weeks out of the month the latter part of my cycle.
Thanks for watching Sarah. Progesterone in an oral capsule form can cause some significant side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, and headaches. If an over-the-counter progesterone cream has helped during perimenopause (the 4-6 years before periods stop), then that's fine. I don't recommend using progesterone creams along with estradiol after menopause, because the evidence that progesterone in a transdermal cream protects the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is pretty weak.
@@SimpleHormones Ok thank you. I am still in perimenopause. Do you have any providers in Sarasota, Fl??
Sarah - I may have some near you. I's suggest you click this link and I'll take a look for you. www.simplehormones.com/find-hormone-optimization-specialist/
You are so clear! Happy I found you. ☺️
I used my prometium pills as rectal and vaginal suppository and it raised my numbers very nice.
That certainly is an option. I have recommended that for several women who have had issues with oral progesterone. Vaginal progesterone DOES work. The main problem is that oil-filled oral capsules, when used vaginally, are very likely to create a huge, oily mess when they're inserted vaginally. If you're OK with that, then it's an option. But it doesn't take a whole lot of imagination to get the picture. Another option is to get a prescription for a progesterone vaginal gel OR a compounded progesterone vaginal suppository or troche. Those may be more expensive, but less messy.
Hello, I live just south of San Antonio Texas. I too have a gynecologist who was very negative about using any hormones to help after menopause. I have not been able to sleep more than 2-5 hours a night for many years and recently I'm Only Sleeping three to three-and-a-half hours a night. I think it's just because I'm so exhausted in my body cannot repair fully but they have put me on an antidepressant called Cymbalta for anxiety, depression and arthritis pain. I have been in menopause for 15 years now and haven't slept well most of that time. Recently I'm Only Sleeping three to three-and-a-half hours a night which makes it very hard to drive and function let alone feel well. Thank you!
Elishianne - Your story is doubly tragic because it happens so often. Doctors deny women the hormones that could bring you out of the fog of menopause and help you get your life back. Insomnia is something I struggle with but not nearly to that degree. Request a referral on my website. SimpleHormones.com/referral I do know a few great providers in San Antonio and Austin. There’s hope!
I would look for a new doctor
Forget gynocologists. Get yourself a “Functional” Medical Doctor.
Omg. That's a nightmare!! For sleep pls take magnesium in powder form WITH VITAMIN B1 yeast every night about an hr before bed . Sleep issues will subside quickly.
Try northindone only progestin birth control , being low low progesterone hormone is no fun I'm perimenapuse over a full year now I'm 40 years old and it's terrible give it a try you find it will work for you
Thank you so much for this video! I really appreciate how you are not dumbing this information down and how you explain this so throughly.
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching. My brand is "Simple Hormones," which is ironic because hormones are anything but simple. However, I do want to explain things in as simple terms as possible, without condescending or dumbing it down.
I was told I have lichen sclerosis 😢 it could become cancerous. I have been on clobetasol propriet. Don’t think I am spelling it correctly. I am supposed to be getting a biopsy for this. I am red, inflamed and itching😢
Thank you for this most informative video, so very much appreciated. My body rejects progesterone no matter what form I try (OMP capsules, Duavive, Mirena IUD), except for one - prometrium or generic but only as a v. suppository. If taken orally, I have abdominal bloating making me breathless and severe pain in the upper right ab (gallbladder area?) plus weird dizziness. I am having breakthrough bleeding between periods since I started it 5 months ago (which the pamphlet suggests is normal). I am 58, on Estradot 50, and have always had a normal monthly period, never with breakthrough bleeding until I started prometrium. I did try the Mirena IUD for 2.5 years and had no bleeding at all, but other side effects. In Canada, prometrium is only recommended orally but I see doctors in the US, Australia, France, etc. do approve it be used as a suppository. BTW - I'm soon to get an endometrial biopsy. I see in your response to comments you're not opposed to using as a suppository to keep the lining thinned while using estrogen but do you think possibly my body adjusting to prometrium could be the cause of this new breakthrough bleeding? Thank you kindly for your professional opinion if you're comfortable to share.
I'd been taking micronized progesterone for months and then about 10 days ago, i had severe bloating in the exact same area - right under the breasts. I got an ultrasound and an x-ray, and they found nothing but light constipation. I stopped taking it and my estrogen patch to see if there would be a difference and now the bloating has decreased, but my anxiety is more elevated. I love it for sleep, but if the side effect is horrible bloating, i can't do it.
Took medroxyprogestone for three years. Did nothing for me. After three years, stage 1 breast cancer. Now, no doctor will prescribe hormones. Have battles with insomnia.
Sorry this happened to you. 😢
Really useful information. Will start on the progesterone . Thank you
I don’t like Prometrium’s progesterone. It may be cheaper than compound progesterone but I never got sick (dizzy, anxiety attack) from taking the latter.
It makes me have more migraines. Been on HRT, estrogen and progesterone for 23 years. The days I have to take Prometrium I’m in agony.
I've been taking progesterone for just over a year. It's helped a lot with my sleep. However my T4 is still really low, and this past week my blood test showed my progesterone is over 15. T4 is still below 3. Any thoughts??
Progesterone has been the absolute worst for me. I’m 56 years old & was out on HRT both Estrogen & micro Progesterone. Gained water weight the 12 days out of the month when I was on Progesterone & severe GERD everyday because of the Estrogen. Finally stopped taking HRT after 2 years of misery & no more extreme bloating, no more GERD, no more weight gain.
That sounds horrible. I hope things continue to improve for you.
Same for me… I did better with out HRT
Same here. I posted above. Decided to try BHRT (vs. HRT) but either way it's making me diabetic - I wear a CGM (Freestyle Libre) for diabetes prevention so I know - and I feel awful. Did you stop cold-turkey or taper off? I am stopping this. I'll take a bit of brain fog and some night sweats over diabetes any day.
@@elizabethsmit9268 Yes, I stopped cold turkey. I’m still having hot flashes but I’m using fans, ice water & even use ice packs at times when needed. After I stopped HRT, I lost 12 pounds of water weight!
Progesterone makes me feel terrible!! Estrogen helps me sleep. I wish I could tolerate progesterone but it gives me severe headaches and joint pain
It gives me anxiety and depression, I don't get why
Thank you so much for this information you have really been a great help. Bless you ❤
Can prometrium cause or worsen insulin resistance in post-menopause? I started BHRT 2 months ago with the following regimen: 2.5 bi-est 80/20 every day with 200 prometrium 12 days per month. Since starting my glycemic control is a mess. A1C went up from 5.5 to 5.9 and fasting insulin went up from 8 to 20. I wear a Freestyle Libre to prevent diabetes and this is disheartening. Have not changed diet or exercise. Chose BHRT for night sweats and brain fog. Too much estrogen increasing cortisol? Any insights? I sleep soundly and have a very hard time waking up.
Well, I dunno... I now use bioidentical creams and the progesterone changed my life because I had severe insomnia for decades until I started rubbing in that cream and no I did not take the cream to get some sleep; in fact, I had no clue progesterone has that effect at all? But you're saying pills are better? Maybe I should go get the pills then? This is news to me but I will take it into consideration for sure. Thanks. But all in all this is the best I've felt ever in decades because my energy is unreal now too (whether this is due to finally getting sleep lol or just the hormones) and anxiety is gone. I never took mental health prescriptions either and just suffered 'silently' for decades.... but I'm pretty thrilled now with what this cream has done to change my life and it's just bioidentical cream! Albeit, this makes me think now... I eat a very high phytoestrogen diet now as well? Like a hormone friendly diet? Is it possible I am metabolizing that more than the cream? I began the diet before the HRT creams... Anyhow, I am feeling like a million dollars now so I am thrilled whatever is giving me all this energy (happiness) and sleep. Article here suggesting whether the creams help with sleep issues or not is currently inconclusive so who knows for sure at this time: www.forbes.com/health/womens-health/progesterone-cream/
I’ve been taking 100 mg progesterone capsules. They stopped working after the first night. On the second night I took it , it barely worked. On the third night it didn’t work at all. I’ve been taking it for sleep.
A couple of things I would mention. One is that 3 nights is way too little time to be able to reach what's called a "steady state" progesterone level. It could take up to 3-4 weeks before you can really tell what's going on with progesterone, maybe longer. Second, 100MG is the most common starting dose but it also is extremely common that women don't see much help with sleep at that dose.
I have been using progesterone cream for several months, and it has worked miracles in improving my heavy and painful periods! However, I had hoped it would work better at improving anxiety and sleep quality. I want to try oral progesterone, as well as continuing to use some cream... but my NHS Dr won't prescribe it. I'm going to try some over the counter oral progesterone oil. Fingers crossed it helps me!!
What is the best way to stop progesterone 100mg capsules such as when taken for a year in the latter half of the cycle? Can it be stopped immediately or only slowly over time? If gradually, what’s a typical wean off schedule? Thank you for the great video!!!
Your Videos are so precious thanks Sir blessings 🙏🏻
Thank you for your very informative video. I am a breast cancer survivor, my doctor recently prescribed me Progesterone 100 MG Oral Capsule; 1 capsule at bedtime and Yuvafem 10 MCG Vaginal Tablet; twice weekly. I'm researching before starting them both. I would appreciate any advice you can give me...thank you, Zoey
Zoey - Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your struggle with breast cancer. If you're post-menopausal, oral progesterone will help with several symptoms. That dose may end up being a bit low, but it's worth starting with. The Yuvafem® is a vaginal form of estradiol which will help with vaginal dryness and painful intimacy. Neither of those increase your risk for breast cancer.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you, I sincerely appreciate your prompt reply. Yes, I am post menopausal, I was diagnosed in 2003 with stage two breast cancer. I had chemotherapy and bilateral breast removal. I didn't want to worry about getting breast cancer again. Does it matter if my breast cancer was estrogen receptor? (I believe that was the term used). Thanks again, Zoey
@@zoeyjones8099
And isn’t it true that even if she took 1 mg of estradiol that she could in fact take that even though she had stage two breast cancer?
Taking HRT DOES NOT cause breast cancer . But to this day doctors included will say that it does!! (not all doctors)
but I would say the MAJORITY of them !
@@zoeyjones8099
I’m so sorry you had to go through
That.😔
I was taking a low dose birth control pill and 1 mg of estradiol and I was still having terrible night sweats, it wasn’t until I started taking 400 mg of progesterone that I started sleeping and the night sweats went away.
Progesterone has been shown to make a difference in hot flashes and night sweats. It's not as effective as estradiol but it does help. A dose of 1MG of estradiol may not be enough to stop hot flashes or night sweats in many cases.
@@SimpleHormones thank you for your response :) just this week my doctor switched me to 2mg estradiol. Since I’m still having many of the symptoms of menopause. But I’m curious, what would be considered a healthy dose of estradiol ? I know they have 1,2 and 3 mg estradiol tablets.
This info is so valuable! Thank you so much for making these informative videos!!
You are so welcome!
Hi! I am a 36 years old woman with fibroids and adenomyosis. I have made a lot of changes in my diet and lifestyle in the last several years, but I got this problem. The last thing I could this of stopping was dairy and sugar (the only sugar I was consuming was a little bit of coconut sugar in my organic coffee). Despite this after a surgery for removal of the fibroids, I got two new fibroids only a few months later which was too early... My period is coming on the 17th day in the last several months (so I do not ovulate), I have been bleeding outside of it as well. Obviously I need natural progesterone to regulate the period and prevent the thickening of my uterus. The issue is that the fibroids have a lot of receptors both for estrogen and progesterone. I am estrogen dominant and I take supplements to fix it. But the ratio compared to my progesterone is 54:1. I do not want to make the fibroids grow from the progesterone. Should I not take it at all or is there a safe small dose that will help without doing a harm? I will be grateful for your reply, because many books and studies have contrary statements. Thank you!
Did you resolve your issue? Have you had a child yet? If you haven’t had a child you need to do so as soon as possible because you are having symptoms my relative had that eventually led to a hysterectomy. If you are a christian, you need to include prayer in your process for God to direct you to a good doctor. Vitex (chasteberry) may help you balance your hormone. Make sure you aren’t drinking soy milk or products that increase your estrogen levels above normal. Also, some hair straightening products cause fibroids. I wouldn’t drink more than one cup of coffee a day. It would be better for you to switch to black or green tea (fresh brewed).
Northidone only progestin birth control helps with those issues
@@Yellow-oc4sl Thanks! I had a bad experience with another brand, so I would not try again.
Thanks looks like I’ll be taking this route! Wow I have all these symptoms I hope it helps me!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. We women are not properly informed and suffer 1/3 of our lives. Most OBGYNs don’t take the time to consult their patients.
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.
Thank you Steve for this valuable information! I’m on a patch, but it’s not ideal. It’s the Combipatch with FDA approved estradiol which I love, but it has the synthetic progestin added. I plan on talking to my doctor to switch over to the oral form so I can get the added benefits of bioidentical progesterone. For years I used the USP approved progesterone cream, but like you mentioned, it did not help very much with my depression, and my sleep was still broken. Steve, after I hit post menopause, I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in my lower back. Do you think the estradiol I’m taking might help? I just started a few days ago.
Thanks for watching. Estradiol is an excellent treatment for menopause symptoms. I would agree that the Combipatch® is less-than-ideal. Estradiol might help a little to reduce inflammation, which might help with back pain. I wouldn't expect it would do all that much though.
What’s a good recommend dose of Prometrium for a women who had a hysterectomy and is 48? I’ve tried 100mg, and 200mg, both made me gain weight. Is 400 mg too high? Really want the benefits but Not the weight gain. Thanks for your knowledge.
Great informational video. Thank you!!
Hey thanks for watching!
This video is amazing thank you
Thanks for this informative video. I’m a 25 year OB/GYN triage nurse. I’ve counseled patients thousands of times in my career. Honestly, you’ve explained more than the physicians.
Could you please direct me to the disadvantages of oral progesterone? I’ve read that some women c/o mood swings, etc. Also, would you suggest any break in regimen? Like a few days off per month? Thank you! I’m so glad I have stumbled upon your platform!
@debir4111 Thank YOU for watching!
I actually have a video that addresses progesterone side effects. Most women (maybe 85-90%?) find progesterone to be a miracle solution for sleep issues and helpful for depression and anxiety.
A small minority of women have a nightmare experience with what I call "progesterone intolerance," which I explain in this video. This can be very rare, yet extremely real and upsetting.
ruclips.net/video/tFhUaZPznX4/видео.html
There certainly are providers that recommend cyclic progesterone even after menopause, i.e. "taking breaks." The main drawback to this approach is that women may experience bleeding, not unlike a monthly period.
I'm not a woman (clearly!) but my hunch is that most women in menopause would be like . . . "NO WAY! Not having periods is the ONLY good thing about menopause. I'm not going back."
I would say it's not "wrong" to have cyclic progesterone. But it may not be optimal.
Wow dr ur information is amazing thank u
Excellent video!! Thank you.
You are welcome!
Thank you for your videos . How can you keep oral micronized progesterone from making you gain weight ?
YES PLEASE. Anyone answer this? 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for the great information! I started progesterone pills and it has been life changing, but my doctor recommended to take it only in the luteal phase as Im 39 years old and have perimenopausal symptoms, I wish I can take it everyday. Is there any video
explains taking progesterone in early perimenopause ?
Northidone progestin only birth control, nurx online
U take it every same time
I have the same question. Take it every day or only day 12-27 of my cycle
@julieartemova I tried both but I couldn't handle taking it everyday, after day 18 I start having symptoms of high progesterone, so I think it depends on your levels and if you are still having a cycle.
@@nadine4963 thank you for replying. I’m still having a regular cycle. My progesterone level was at 0, the test was taken during follicular phase and it should be a little higher. Unfortunately, my doctor gave me no direction on how to take it and said, if you want you can take it every day. In my town we only have one doctor who will even prescribe bio identical hormones and the office is not super helpful, really lucks education. So I’m doing my own research. I just started taking it yesterday, 200 mg in bio pill form. Do you recommend to start only in Luteal phase and see how it goes? My main problem is weight gain around the middle and brain fog/ memory issues. I do sleep pretty good. Would appreciate some ideas.
Yes
I just wonder how we made it before big pharma. My mom had a hysterectomy and took nothing. Never heard a complaint from her.
Several hormone providers I've talked with have said that women who have severe menopause symptoms are "the lucky ones." That's because women who sail through menopause with no problems can face extremely serious health risks later on - osteoporosis, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's - not all of them but a significant percentage. Women who struggle with severe symptoms are MOTIVATED to do something about them.
This video was so helpful. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and you’re so welcome.
this is the best video ive watched regarding menapause ❤
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it.
Check out my newest video about VMS ruclips.net/video/0zHnJvhlh1k/видео.html
Awesome video! I am just today starting taking 200mg of progesterone capsules prescribed by my bhrt doctor and I hope to get some relief with sleep issues. I was taking the cream 2x a day for a month but I didn't find that it helped. I have also been prescribed an estrogen/testosterone cream once a day....I've been suffering for 1 1/2 years with all types of post menopausal symptoms so I pray that I can feel normal again and protect my body from certain diseases.
Oral dosing allows progesterone to be metabolized in a way that encourages sleep. Transdermal creams won’t do it. Sounds like your provider is on the right track with estrogen, testosterone, and oral progesterone.
@@SimpleHormones but which oral progesterone ? The one made in a pharmacy like cvs or a special pharmacy ?
@@germanshepherdmom1143 In my informed opinion, it doesn’t matter whether you take a compounded progesterone capsule from a compounding pharmacy (usually filled with progesterone powder) or a commercially available progesterone capsule (filled with peanut oil). They’ll both work the same. There are advantages to compounded progesterone, including being able to get dosage adjustments that aren’t possible with Prometrium or commercially available generic progesterone.
@@SimpleHormones how long do I have to take it for to increase my progesterone ?
@@germanshepherdmom1143 It will start increasing progesterone right away. Might be a couple weeks before you get to a “steady state,” which is a consistent blood level. You might experience breakthrough bleeding or menstrual irregularities (if you still have periods) for a few months until it settles in.
This is in depth, wow thanks a lot. Please keep doing this helpful videos.
Thanks! I will keep at it because of encouragement like this.
So what advice do you have to offer a woman who was depressed and full of anxiety during pregnancy, and was excited, happy, and joyous after delivering my baby!! Also, I am in menopause now, and I’ve been on bio identical hormones for years. I have cycled it, and the two weeks on progesterone, I don’t sleep, I have more back pain, more anxiety, more blood pressure issues, and feel negative. So, my hormone doctor just says that I have a paradoxical response to progesterone.
So I’ve tried to go off of them, but the hot flashes, the night sweats, headaches, sleeplessness, and urinary pain was so disabling, so I’m back in them. But, I still suffer on progesterone. Most I can deal with except cramping. Ive tried topical and vaginal , but the cramping from vaginal is awful!!
So I just tried the oral progesterone, and I did a lot better on it except Ive gotten dizzy a couple of times. So thank you 🙏🏻 for this video. I’m just so irritated with my doctor because he just insisted on me taking the vaginal suppositories again even though I told him that they give me such bad cramping. Anyway, thank you 🙏🏻 so much again for this video!!
Daisy Mae - Thanks for watching! The drop in progesterone doesn't affect every new mom the same way. It's great that you didn't suffer postpartum depression. I haven't heard much about cramping with vaginal progesterone. I'll keep a lookout for that in the studies. Overall, what you're finding with having your hormones optimized is pretty typical. Even if you have some issues, most women feel better with optimal estradiol and progesterone. I generally recommend oral progesterone as the most effective dosage form, especially to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and to help with sleep and anxiety. There are women who have troubling progesterone side effects, but most tolerate it OK.
@@SimpleHormones
Thanks Steve! I look forward to receiving information on doctors in my area.
@@daisymae749
Could your progesterone dosage be to low? or to high?
You didn’t say what it was?
@@suzyshoemaker7804
I’ve tried lowering it and raising it. Any amount of it causes me issues. I just found Dr. Ashford in Georgia, and he advocates for endometrial ablation to rid women of all of the hormone issues with progesterone. So I’m going to try it. I only wish a doctor would have recommended it 30 years ago.
Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome!
How about taking Pregnenolone supplements then? I’ve used progesterone cream, bio identical for years, it helps me.
Thank you Doctor ❤
Does this cause increased hair shed with women with androgenic alopecia or does it compete with androgens for the receptors? I'm getting conflicting research. My doc prescribed me .05 estrodial patch with 200mg prometrium for the first 10 days of the month.
Thank you for this wonderful informative video.
Glad it was helpful!
I am not yet at menopause but just before period when progesterone drops I get severe depression , dangerous enough that I fear for my life It only last couple of days but it seems like months.
Progesterone levels can drop very low in perimenopause. That's a common cause of perimenopause or menopause depression.
I'm extremely sorry that you are experiencing this. It's so dreadful. I have the same issue. Have you found a solution yet (eg HRT)? All best wishes
I suffered post natal depression after the birth of my two kids. Is progesterone also the reason why the hair of pregnant women is so glorious but months after delivery the hair shedding starts? I keep seeing progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer, whether synthetic or natural progesterone.
The loss of progesterone is a huge reason for post-partum depression. It is also related to hair growth and can make a difference for hair in menopause. Actual progesterone does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer. So-called "synthetic" progestins (that are like progesterone but not the same) may have a small but significant increase in risk.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you for your reply. To clarify, is it estrogen or progesterone that causes the hair not to fall out during pregnancy? When i checked online it seems to say the former is responsible. And if a women decides on HRT, is there a way not to take progesterone since there are all these risks of it opposing estrogen such as negating estrogen's effect in protecting the heart from heart attacks and even causing breast cancer. Thanks.
@@Dandelion_flight
Barbara Hoffman hormone youtube channel
Also dr John Lee books on hormones perimenopause and menopause
I tried both 50mg and 100mg and I had agitation, anxiety -- now what?? I can't sleep.
Northindone progesterone birth control pill, nurx online
Thank you so much for posting this!! Great information. Great presentation.
I had been diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma, Estrogen negative , HER 2 negative but Progesterone positive. Is there a hormone receptor blocker specifically for Progesterone?
Are there any homeopathic ways ?? I’m not doing well on 200mg progesterone. I am super sensitive when it comes to medications.
I already have anxiety/depression for 7 yrs, I’m 45 now …. Is this going to be worse ?
From the info and graphs I’ve seen online. It shows that progesterone spikes at it’s highest peak the week before the period comes. High progesterone can cause depression, bloating, and. Slog of other symptoms.
You're right. Progesterone peaks during the "Luteal Phase" of the menstrual cycle. After an egg is released in ovulation (usually around day 14-16), there's something leftover in the ovary called the "Corpus Luteum." That's where the vast majority of progesterone comes from. The corpus luteum releases progesterone from roughly day 16 through day 27-28 or so, with the highest levels in the last week. Progesterone can have a negative impact on mood and cause bloating. The rise in progesterone, however, is an absolutely essential element of a healthy cycle. There are some women who have extreme responses to that increased progesterone, often called PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you for your video - amazing! If you have PMDD, then would Prometrium cause a risk for you if you take it luteal cycle only (perimenopause)?
Thank you for the video! What about low progesterone while ttc, what would be the best course of action to help increase progesterone to help maintain a pregnancy?
@yellowbeachgirl Great question!
Low progesterone is often an issue in women who struggle to get pregnant. The main reason for that is that not ovulating often leads to low progesterone. It's best to get a full evaluation to make sure that PCOS isn't at the root of not ovulation . . . and not having enough progesterone.
Here's a video I posted about the hormone levels in PCOS ruclips.net/video/RYd8i8iu8qE/видео.html
@SimpleHormones thank you! Not sure if I have pcos as I don't have high lh levels and I have heard that women with pcos normally have high lh levels .
Yes.
What you don't talk about is that the progesterone pill Must be time released. Otherwise it's just one tablet that lasts for a couple of hours in our blood stream and thus does not perform all the magic that is necessary for the benefits which occur when interacting with estrogen all day and night.
Thank you
I am peri menopausal with symptoms of brain fog, anxiety and trouble sleeping. I still have monthly periods and they’ve only been a little wacky (last one was longer than normal) one time so far. I finally got to visit the doctor you recommended to me in my area and he prescribed Prometrium nightly. I haven’t started taking it yet as he just called in the prescription. My question is when do you start taking estrogen along with progesterone? Is it fine for me to take progesterone alone? Thank you so much for everything you do!
(Disclaimer - this is not medical advice) Short answer . . . Your provider is definitely on the right track. Longer answer is that many doctors give progesterone but hesitate to prescribe estradiol during perimenopause because your estradiol levels are likely to be way up one day and way down the next. It's nearly impossible to test your levels and even harder to chase them with a correct estradiol dose. Unless you have really severe hot flashes (which you haven't mentioned) the progesterone is likely to help with most of those symptoms. I'd recommend going with what your provider has prescribed and see how you feel in a few weeks.
Hi did you see any betterment in your mood swings and foggy brain with progesterone ?
Progesterone is always lower than estrogen in peri menopausal woman. You will get your estrogen later once you strop menstruating 🩸
I can’t thank you enough
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.
Delivery method question: can you use Prometrium rectally? What is the absorption rate compared to orally? I've heard conflicting info. Thank you.❤
Thank you so much for a great information
You are so welcome!
Thanks so much. Sir is there any different between progestogel and progestorone? And does progestogel has side effects ? And if it does what are some of the side effects ? And what parts of the body can progestogel be appy ?
Thank you so much for sharing this very important info. on Progesterone and our hormones. I am so thankful I found your videos! I too have started taking Progesterone in capsule form 100 mg./ every night (a month now) for my sleep, mood and anxiety. I am in menopause now for quite a few years, back about 19 years ago I had a partial hysterectomy. I have found the Progesterone is helping however, I am still waking up at around 4:30 am most nights and not getting back to sleep. Should I give it another while to see if it improves or get my dose increased? I read that progesterone can make you feel drowsy the next day, if you take too much. I am also using a vaginal Estrogel & Testosterone cream. I sincerely hope you find the time to respond please, it would be very much appreciated, thank you.
Hey Barbara! Thanks for watching. Progesterone is the one hormone that women rarely get after a hysterectomy. It’s also one of the most crucial hormones. Your doctor is definitely on the right track with estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. I would suggest you ask for an increase in your progesterone dose. That should really help. It also may make you sleepy during the day. If you’re taking progesterone from a compounding pharmacy, you’ll be able to get a dose that’s just right for you.
@@SimpleHormones Thank you so much for responding! I will take your advice and speak to my Dr. at Compounding Pharmacy. I have subscribed and I will be watching all your videos, excellent.
thank you for these videos and sharing your medical knowledge. I am learning so much on how to mange menopause.
You're so welcome! Glad they've been helpful.
@@SimpleHormones have there been any studies showing efficacy of using pharmaceutical (not compounded) oral progesterone gal caps (200mg) rectally. Difference in Absorbtion? blood levels of progesterone? and protecting the uterine lining? Thank you :0)
@@skb2154 I haven’t seen any studies like that. It’s probably not going to be studied. There’s no incentive for anyone to spend the money on a study that only a few patients might benefit from.
Menopause Taylor on RUclips says progesterone is not needed without a uterus and that pro (for) gest (birth) one (hormone) is a "for" baby hormone and doesn't help the woman at all. She says progesterone gives awful PMS type of symptoms and is not needed for sleep....so confusing.
That's certainly an opinion, one that many doctors agree with. I would disagree on several counts. Just because progesterone was named for birth doesn't mean it doesn't have other purposes. I can't tell you how many women I've talked with who have taken estradiol and have no hot flashes or estrogen deficiency effects . . . but who haven't slept for months. Progesterone is the single most effective treatment for insomnia during menopause. Women who receive it often say they sleep much better. There are women who struggle with adverse effects from progesterone, but those are the exception, rather than the rule. Most women tolerate it very well. The idea that progesterone encourages PMS symptoms is odd, since there's evidence that PMS is a result of LOW progesterone levels. When a woman gives birth, her progesterone levels drop like a rock and that can lead to severe post-partum depression. The same kind of depression can happen more gradually in menopause. Progesterone can make a real difference in post-menopausal depression. Did you know that suicide among women is highest in the perimenopause and menopause time of life? That's an indication of progesterone deficiency. Progesterone can also help with menopausal anxiety. I've talked with women who are paralyzed with so much fear, they can barely walk outside to check the mail or take out the trash. Progesterone helps with that in most cases. Bottom line: Progesterone is definitely NOT only helpful for the uterus. It's absolutely essential for sleep and mood after menopause.
I can't take the progesterone in pill form, it has to be going down my cortisol and or adrenal pathways. I can't sleep and I feel bad with the capsules. I can only use it in cream form. 🤷♀️
Hi ! I like your videos ! One thing I learned about Progesterone, (and please tell me if I'm right or not ;) ) is, on a dose of 100mg, only about 25mg will be metabolized, and, Progesterone itself can transform in testosterone or oestradiol, I would like to know does it always transform ? tx
Theoretically, progesterone has a pathway through which it can be metabolized (in a 3 step process involving multiple enzyme "assistants") into testosterone, which can then be "aromatized" into estradiol. In females, I'm not aware that happens to all that great of a degree.
Hello and thank you for making this RUclips video. I am new to prometrium with estrogel. Since the obgyn put me on the prometrium I started having cramping in my calves at night even after taking magnesium I also am having cramping in my toes. A bit of restless leg. Would that be a side effect should I stick it out I really want to stay on bhrt I was having really bad menopause. The obgyn put me on estrogel first for a month and I’ve only been one the prometrium for least than a month. He didn’t want to put me on both at once that way if there were side effects we would know which one caused it.
I sleep so well taking USP progesterone cream
That's great that it helps you sleep @TheShumoby. For most women, progesterone creams don't get metabolized enough into the hormone that induces sleep.
Thank you for clarifying that. There is so much confusion surrounding the different forms of progesterone that one is at a loss. I’d like to ask you, if you know, is it safe for me to take oral progesterone when I’ve been diagnosed with factor V Leiden heterozygous? 🙏
I have had total hysterectomy 4 years ago at 58, entered into menopausa at 51, never took hrt.
Since my hysterectomy i suffered insomnia, now i am taking 2-300 mg progesterone with a week break and i sleep very well most nights.
I am also trying to regulate my bloid sugar and support my liver function.
For me the progesterone capsule only hrt seems working fine.
I dont really want to take estrogen.
A lot of women are concerned about the risks of estrogens, but those have been overblown and misinterpreted. ruclips.net/video/AyQiYyOzU10/видео.html
My dr was not clear at all ......went to see my gyno. She ran hormone tests. And came back with :
I'm puting you on low dose Progesterone birth control pill.
No info nothing... I'm like why?
I'm 47 Sept. U get HEAVY period and some months they last 10-13 days :( I'm on iron. I'm depressed. I'm anxious. I don't sleep. I don't know wtf is wrong with me. I am afraid to take progesterone because I spent years losing lbs!! And I don't want it back!!!! Also .. I don't want high BP from it.
And change your diet less sugar less junk carbs
Good information, thanks
Thanks for watching!
I'm 51 and have scizofective disorder. Iv been talking estrogen patches 10 weeks with no side effects, only positive effect on my mental health, but taking the 100mg of micronised progesterone is clashing with quetiapine medication at night, making me over groggy and drowsy with uncomfortable weird feeling and dreams all through the night. My GPs are not very informed or helpful and don't know much about mental health in relation to menopause. I was wondering if the side effects do not get better should I try the capsules vaginally instead of orally. Chemist said it shouldn't clash but I do normally have problems with taking herbal remedies that have am effect on GABA. It's been extremely difficult to find anyone who knows anything.
I hope you found improvement. Have you read any books by Dr Michael E. Platt, he uses progesterone cream to successfully treat mental illnesses, amongst other things.
What about peanut allergies...
What do you suggest to help with dealing with the progesterone side effects? I am on 100mg for ten days of the month and every time I take it I feel absolutely terrible. It's getting to where I dread taking it and usually by day 3 or 4 I can't even stay awake the next morning and that's on taking it was early as 5pm.
I just want to stop taking it! I am 36yo, no ovaries now due to PCOS cysts but I still have my uterus. I am using estradiol patch two times a week.
Any relief? Which type of progesterone are you taking? With an oestrogen?
Why do some postmenopausal women need to take 400 mg (or more!) of Prometrium gelcaps vaginally to become asymptomatic yet other women only need 25 - 50 mg of a true compounded Progesterone suppository? I have a difficult time believing that it is solely a difference in how the body absorbs and metabolizes the hormone. Could part of the explanation be that Prometrium was not designed to used as a suppository and the gelcap doesn't break down properly?
Thanks!
What a great video
I am about to have merina taken out I was using it only this last month for progesterone option I heard it best way for lewst side effects
Then I learnt that oral capsule as u described wonderfully is the best way
So I have the capsules they were done by a compound pharmacy as u mentioned too but I see some women swell up with fluid so I’m scared to start them - if they are so great which I’m sure they are thank u your video is great but if so great then is it just a selected few that get side effects I not want to swell up I am about to get Merina out in next few days so need to feel confident thanks I hope I hear from you
In general, I recommend progesterone as an overall better alternative than Mirena®. There are obviously situations that require something like that. Fluid retention can be an issue, but that's something that settles out after a few weeks in the vast majority of women. You might have some bloating and fluid issues for a while, but those are very unlikely to last forever.