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After extended breastfeeding experiencing estrogen dominance symptoms

by Margit Waldschmidt
(Italy)

Hi, I found your page while doing a n extensive search on the net, desperately trying to find out whats wrong with me.
I am a young mother (29) of three kids,with the youngest being 2 and a half. I started to show symptoms as soon as I stopped breastfeeding ( after 22 months). These were, heart palpitations after ovulation ( second half of menstrual cycle) , migraines, very bad skin ,black moods and an general feeling of being unwell, plus I really felt cold,( hands and feet in particular). I had a full blood test done and also an ecg , all was fine no imbalances of hormones could be detected and the heart was fine too. Yet these symptoms got worse every month, and I would actually have anxiety attacks in the middle of the night with quite disturbing palpitations. my menstruation also started to be different , longer with at least 5 days of spotting before actual menses which then lasts 7 days. I looked up all these symptoms and it pretty much sounds like a progesteron deficiancy or so calles estrogen dominance. I just bought a bioidentical progesterone cream and am intending to try it on day 12 , yet I am confused as to how much I should use , especially in order to avoid any side effects. the manufacturer says that on pump gives the average 20 mg, , is this the dose i should start with or should i take more? any suggestions would be immensly helpful for me!

thanks,
margit

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Nov 26, 2012
 After extended breastfeeding experiencing estrogen dominance symptoms
by: Wray

Hi Margit There is a huge shift in hormones after weaning. As there is after giving birth, which is when many women get post natal depression. Mine started about 2 months after having my daughter, whom I breast fed for 3 years, with tiredness, followed by extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, crying, rages, the list goes on! It's the sharp drop in progesterone which causes this. It didn't occur with you it seems, but now that the oxytocin has dropped, the lack of progesterone is making itself felt. High Prolactin, the hormone of lactogenesis, suppresses progesterone production, so too does oxytocin, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. But at least oxytocin does have a 'feel good' element to it. Please make sure you use enough progesterone, I recommend 100-200mg/day, although I feel you will need at least 200mg/day, or ten pumps of the cream you've bought. It should be applied a minimum of twice a day as levels begin dropping after about 13 hours. Dr Dalton would give amounts ranging from 400-2400mg/day for severe symptoms, see here. There's also more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. And please make sure you're taking enough vitamin D, it works synergistically with progesterone, a lack reducing progesterone's benefits. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although recent research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Continued below.
Nov 26, 2012
 After extended breastfeeding experiencing estrogen dominance symptoms Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Margit For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Your symptoms of 'heart palpitations after ovulation, migraines, very bad skin, black moods and a general feeling of being unwell, plus I really felt cold, (hands and feet in particular)' are all indications your oestrogen is too high, progesterone too low. It's always been believed, and still is by everyone including the medical profession, that progesterone is only produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation. But as far back as 1930 it was thought there must be another source. This was confirmed in the 1960's, and re-confirmed in the 1980's, that there is an exponential rise of progesterone about 50 hours prior to ovulation. This surge comes from the brain, see here, here, here and here. Oestrogen also rises exponentially about 50 hours prior to ovulation. Unless there is the progesterone surge too, there is nothing to counter the oestrogen effect. This explains why many women get Migraines, Seizures palpitations (see below), panic attacks and asthma attacks around ovulation. The same reasoning can be applied to the symptoms that occur during progesterone withdrawal prior to bleeding. Although you had an ecg, I doubt they checked your QT interval. Oestrogen causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes and sudden death. Continued below
Nov 26, 2012
 After extended breastfeeding experiencing estrogen dominance symptoms Part 3
by: Wray

Hi Margit Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. This is why more women get these problems than men, they have very little oestrogen, whereas we have a great deal more. We do have a page on Acne you could look through, and another on Anxiety which explains the panic attacks. It also gives a list of nutrients which help symptoms. Progesterone causes our temperature to rise, oestrogen to drop, hence your feelings of cold. During the follicular phase, which lasts from the first day of bleeding to ovulation, temperatures range from 36.45 to 36.7 °C (97.6 to 98.1 °F). Once ovulation occurs and progesterone is being secreted from the corpus luteum, temperatures rise by 0.15 - 0.45 °C (0.2 - 0.9 °F). Giving a temperature range of 36.7 - 37.3°C (98.1 - 99.2°F) during the luteal phase. This lasts from ovulation to bleeding, in all women the luteal phase is always 12-14 days long. With dropping levels of progesterone the few days before bleeding, the temperature also drops. The rise in temperature is caused by the increased metabolic rate. As for them not finding any imbalanced hormones, they rarely check the ratio. Both hormones could be in the normal range, but if oestrogen is high, and progesterone low, adverse symptoms can still be experienced. We've found from Saliva Tests we run, that it's best if the ratio of P:E2 is 600:1 and over. As I said, I feel you will need at least 200mg/day progesterone, to get your vitamin D level up high, and to take some of the nutrients listed on the anxiety page. Progesterone alone is not going to be enough, unless you're prepared to use 500mg/day or more. Take care Wray
Nov 26, 2012
 to wray
by: margit

dear wray,
i have read for hours your site and i think i kind of have an idea oh how much to take of the progesterone cream ( 400mg) . reading your site was really mind opening and immensley helpful ! i have just ordered 3 tubes of natpro as I was afraid that the other progestacare cream would have been not enough as it contains much less. i did though would like to ask you something, as i have mentioned above i was told that my hormones of the bloodtest were normal, yet i came up to read about that ratio of yours 600/1 . my estrogen was measured 96 pg/ml anf my progesterone was 8,94 ng/ml (luteal phase). if i have calculated it right my ratio would be around 93:1 so i guess that is way to low ? i really would appreciate it if you could clear me up on this, as sadly i dont have any doctores around here who practice progesterone therapy, or at least natural progesterone. i really feel like i am living on the moon here;)
also as soon as i get the cream can i use it right away or do i have to wait for day 14 ? i am intending to use it continously until progesterone is the dominant hormone again ( 2 months or more? )
thank you again for such a wonderful site , helping others like that is just amazing , and i really hope that i am on the right road here to get back my health 100 %.
yours sincerely,
margit
Nov 27, 2012
 when to start the progesterone cream
by: Margit

hi wray,
thank you so much for your reply! i am prepared to start with a higher dosage and will defniately take it continously,,, just a little question here,, can i start taking it then on any day the cycle?
thanks again!
margit
Nov 27, 2012
 to wray
by: Wray

Hi Margit Bless you for spending hours on the site, you must have square eyes now! I'm glad you've opted for the 400mg/day, I feel sure this will be enough. But it is trial and error until you've found the right amount and symptoms subside. You are correct about your ratio, it is 93:1, which to my mind is far too low, hence your symptoms. It is like living on the moon when it comes to doctors knowing about progesterone. And the ones who do, only know of it's use in pregnancy or miscarriages, not any of it's other roles. Yes you can start on any day, the sooner the better. You might find your cycle is disrupted though, it could be earlier or later than normal. But it's nothing to worry about, I feel a small price to pay for getting rid of bad symptoms. I'm really pleased you intend using it daily too. If adverse symptoms are being experienced, stopping and starting to follow the cycle, only allows oestrogen to rise again each time you stop. Please don't forget to have your vitamin D level checked and to take it, plus some of those other nutrients on the anxiety page. I don't feel the progesterone will be enough. Thank you for the kind words! Take care Wray
Nov 27, 2012
 more nutrients,,
by: Anonymous

hi wray,

i had a look at your anxiety page and i did actually start to take a few of these remedies a few days ago , right now i am taking taurine, magnesium, hight potency b vitamins. they defniatley helped , as all the symptoms are a bit more managable, especially the heart racing,, but then i just passed the cycle phase where i usually get those palpitations.. so now i am just waiting to get the natpro, which was shipped on monday... :) the vit d is the next which i will start to take. and yes i am completely alone here with these kind of treatment , people here are from the moon :).. i have always suspected to have this progesterone def, for many years but was just never brave enough to try it or not lucky enough to have a doctor knowing about this. once i take your product and notice any change i will comment again!
P.S. I also read about DIM which supposedly helps to metabolize excess estrogen,, do you know about it? would it be ok to take aswell ?
Nov 27, 2012
 more nutrients,,
by: Wray

Hi Margit Oh I'm so pleased, it will take time as you are probably only to aware of, all natural things do. It's so sad there is so little known about progesterone, and yet there are thousands of studies from all medical disciplines. If at all possible, please have a vitamin D test done first, then the dose can be adjusted. If you can't get it done where you live, Birmingham Hospital in the UK send out test kits for £ 30, about ITL 71.76. DIM is regarded as an anti-oestrogen. Oestrogen is broken down into 2 principle metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). 16alpha-OHE1 is regarded as a potent oestrogen, whereas 2-OHE1 is a weaker oestrogen. In some studies DIM (3,3'-Diindolylmethane) increased levels of 2-OHE1, by doing so it also increases the ratio of 2-OHE1:16alpha-OHE1. This increased ratio is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer in some studies, not in others. It appears to have a positive affect on pancreatic, thyroid, prostate and gastric cancers too, and leukemia. The precursor to DIM is Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C) which also has antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. These are a selection of papers here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Let me know how you get on once you start the higher amount of progesterone. Take care Wray
Nov 29, 2012
 waiting for natpro, meantime prometrium ?
by: Margit

hi wray,

as i am waiting for the natpro but still wanting to start the natural progesterone I thought of taking prometrium vaginally until I have the cream. Do think that is ok to do? or should I keep my hands away from prometrium? sadly I cannot find any other decent progesterone cream here in Italy especially none which is high enough or does not contain any xenoestrogens. the prometrium i can have in 100 mg strenght , i would use then 2 capsules ( vaginally ) twice daily to get my 400 mg p/day. could you let me know if that is fine? I would be extremely thankful.
another question i have is :,,, my oldest son ( almost 11) suffers from allergic asthma ( as I used to as a kid and young adult. recently he started to show signs of puberty (pubic hair some pimples) and he also shows an extra systole in his ecg ( which we had done for a sports test) we have not checked it out yet via the cardiologist, he is perfectly healhty otherwise but will do so soon . yet it crossed my mind if it also could be possible to hormones and if he could benefit from some additional progesterone. i know i might just be crazy guessing but i found this to be interesting to know nevertheless.;).. if you have any insight on this i would be happy to hear it .
best regards!! ( from now cold italy brr..)
margit
Nov 30, 2012
 waiting for natpro, meantime prometrium ?
by: Wray

Hi Margit Yes the prometrium is a good choice, as it is progesterone. But I suggest you open each capsule and empty the contents in a small amount of cream and rub that on. That way you will get the full benefit of the progesterone. The vagina is a good place to apply it, as it has a plentiful supply of blood vessels. But it can leak out, particularly with the morning application, unlike at night when lying down. I always think it's such a waste to only use it in one place too, as it's so beneficial to the skin. Yes it does travel rapidly round the body, but I've found applying it to a problem area it works quicker. It's the best thing I've found for burns, minor wounds, piles and more. Your son probably needs vitamin D. I know Italy does get sun, although now it isn't by your description! But most of us spend 90% of our time indoors, living, working, at school etc. Plus fully clothed, so no vitamin D can be made. There's some reason to believe that asthma is caused by a lack of vitamin D, see here, here, here and here. It's vital for every cell to function normally, including those in the lungs. Progesterone is too, it stops smooth muscle from constricting, see here and here. Although the studies are with women, it does give some indication. But these on respiration here, here, here, here, here and here. Continued below
Nov 30, 2012
 waiting for natpro, meantime prometrium ? Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Margit And more here, here, here and here, show how vital it is for normal lung function. So trying both Progesterone and Vitamin D would I hope help your son. Both are good for the heart too, but you could try taurine, this amino acid is vital for the heart, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Sorry, I have given you a mouthful to read, but I prefer it if people are fully informed. Take care Wray
Dec 03, 2012
 me too!
by: Tiffany

Hi magrit!

I just had to comment on your post, as I have had the same experience post-weaning and Wrays advice has helped me tremendously. I had all of your symptoms and the anxiety is really the worst. Hang in there. Stick around this site and it will help you to remember that the anxiety isn't real...its hormonal and it WILL get better. You will be okay. I have been through this twice and I am better for it. Thinking about you!

Tiffany
Dec 04, 2012
 hi tiffany ;)
by: Margit

hi tiffany,
i was really happy to read your post! this really encourages me furthermore to continue with the progesterone therapy. I am on day 4 and went up to 600mg /d of natural progesterone. I have to say that lots has approved already i am generally much more calmer and start to feel more me again. I am not 100 percent but i now that it will take time and i am more than keen to stick to it as i truly believe that this is what my body needs. i went trough so many forums before i found this site and there were quite a few women with these symptoms of mine , yet they all were clueless as to why and went for prescription meds. i was alwasy too scared to go fot those ( strong believer in natural medicine). i am sure that i was always prog. deficiant but after the third time breastfeeding and weeing my symptoms really increased dramatically and i am really really thankful for that i found this wonderful site and Wray to give me reassurance of what i alwasy suspected! I would love to hear more from you, how much did you take of progesterone and when did you start to feel 'normal' again? are you still taking it? I hope you dont mind but this realy interests me immensly , i hope that one day i will be able to make many more women aware of this in order to make an end to an unnecessary misery. all the best ,and thank you again!
margit
Dec 04, 2012
 hi
by: Tiffany

Hi! Glad we could connect to share this. I have three children and had to take progesterone with all three pregnancies to maintain them, as my body doesn't make enough on its own. After my first child I was fine, and then after my second child I was fine until I weaned. Then I completely lost it. I had horrible anxiety, lots of aches and pains, lots of sinus infections, UTI's, etc. It was awful. For months I kept thinking it would go away and it never did. I talked to my doctor repeatedly about hormones and they blew me off. I was concerned that my progesterone deficiency during pregnancy could mean that my hormones were out of balance after weaning also. But no one would listen to me. I started taking an anti-depressant because I was not capable of taking care of my family. It helped me get through the day, but I did not feel well still. Finally I found information online and a doctor who checked my progesterone. Even though the doctor said it was fine, I was able to calculate the ratio and it was not fine. I found a dr though my local compounding pharmacy who prescribes natural progesterone and started supplementing that way. It helped tremendously. I felt better right away, but it took many months for me to feel like my body had completely recovered. After about a year, I got pregnancy again and prepared myself for experiencing it again. This time I knew much better how to take care of myself. I weaned my third child about two months ago and after about 3 days I had a panic attack. This time I immediately called my dr who is very supportive and got me in. I also immediately got back on this site because it is so helpful to be reminded that you aren't crazy. I think this time around it has been much more manageable because I responded right away with the right hormones instead of waiting months trying to figure out the problem. The anxiety and aches and pains are minimal and I just use more progesterone on days that I don't feel as well.

It is directly related to my weaning my baby both times. Nursing suppresses ovulation and if you aren't ovulating you aren't making progesterone. Which is okay when you are nursing, as you are flooded with oxytocin and prolactin which are great relaxing/happy hormones. Then those hormones stop and some of us are left with not an ounce of progesterone to support us.

There is lots of info online if you keep looking. Lets keep in touch. You will be okay!! I am proof. :)

Dec 05, 2012
 hi tiffany ;)
by: Wray

Hi Margit I"m delighted you are at last beginning to feel a difference, it is worth persevering. Too many of us suffer needlessly, so the more of us who put out the word the better! Take care Wray
Dec 05, 2012
 to tiffany and wray
by: Margit

to you both ,
it is so wonderful to keep in touch and to be continously that everything will be fine !
wray if i would not have found you I probably would have been on meds by now and my husband and i would still be fighting,, ( he did not fully understand why i feel the way i feel ,,,,) but know he sees a little change in me too and he starts to believe in progesterone ;) yesterday i was on day /13/14 of my cycle, usually the worst with very heavy palpitations , anxiety etc,, i could feel a bit of estrogen dominance ,, ( faster heartbeat and slighty nervous) but it was defniately better and i could controll it ( still using 640 mg ) at the moment. considering that i am only on day 5 it is a good sign for me :)
and tiffany, yes your symptoms so much correspond to mine!! also always struggled with sinus and i kept on getting sick . funny enough right now everyone around me is sick and i am feeling fine :) but i must say i also completely changed my diet, it is more paleo now,,, i slowly get rid now of all cereals,, for a month i am already off all sugar, coffee,wheat and yeast and it certainly made a difference. having too much carbs at a meal just kept my heart pounding even more. while i was breastfeeding and pregnant i always had a nice low pulse 60 or even less and i really hope that i can get there soon. regards to my body i also lost a lost of weight after the third child , but t i would keep the fat on the thighs and hips, which really annoyed me but since reading on this page i came to realize that also this has to do with the estrogen dominace. so i will be happy to see if any changes reagarding this will happen ;)
another question i have for you wray, i tend to get most of the palps at night after 2 pm and in the morning when i get up until i eat breakfast and by 9 it usually went away. this is a consistant pattern on the days which the estrogen is strongest. anything i could do to avoid this , other than the progesterone ? ( am taking the b's mag , taurine 1000mg and omega 3.) or maybe i should just wait it out until my progesterone is more dominant... then speaking of exercise , i would love to do some again, but i was always scared as it made my heart rate go even further up.any suggestion as to which type i could engage into ?
i hope i dont ask too much again ..;)
i whish you both a splendid day and simply thank you for sharing your thoughst with me!
xxx margit
Dec 05, 2012
 to tiffany and wray
by: Wray

Hi Margit Well I can't believe it, you're only on day five of using the progesterone, and already your palps and anxiety are better than normal. It certainly bodes well for the future. I find it so interesting yet another complaining of far worse symptoms around ovulation than before bleeding. And yet the only recognised symptoms are PMS. I think we should coin a new term, POS.... Pre-ovulation syndrome! I'm delighted you follow the Paleo diet, it makes so much sense to me too. I try to incorporate raw food in too, you might like to see the sites I've found which I believe are the best, the links can be found on our Nutrition page. It sounds as if your blood glucose is dropping too low over night. If blood glucose drops too fast or too low, the brain sends an emergency signal to the adrenals to make adrenaline. This hormone is a message to the liver to convert glycogen into glucose to bring the level up. But excess adrenaline also causes the heart to beat too fast. Oestrogen de-stabilises glucose, see here. So it makes sense that it occurs when oestrogen is highest. As you're following the Paleo diet, I can't say what I usually do, don't eat anything sweet for supper or before bed! But I do suggest you try 4000 to 8000mg/day glutamine (1.5 to 3 tsp powder), maybe 1/2hr before bed. It's pleasant tasting, very slightly sweet, so best taken in some water. The brain can use glutamine in place of glucose, but as it's an amino acid, it's conversion to glucose is very slow, so won't give a sugar shock. I take 4000mg/day and more, I find it invaluable. A friend of my daughter brought her three month old baby to see me, she was bringing up milk curds too frequently, slept fitfully and was generally fed up with life. I got the friend to lick her finger, dip it in the glutamine and put it on the tongue of her baby. Well she promptly fell asleep! She kept giving her the tiny amount every day for several weeks and it stopped the problem. I've found it works as well for adults too, who feel they want to vomit or are, but of course using the amount I gave you above. It even stopped the excessive vomiting associated with food poisoning, another friend of my daughter, and he promptly fell asleep! Let me know if it helps. As for exercise, I would only suggest something mild like yoga, chi gong or tai chi until you're ready for more vigorous exercise. And I don't mind how many questions you ask me! Take care Wray
Dec 06, 2012
 pre ovulation ;)
by: Margit

hi wray,

wow thanks for your comment, the fact about glutamine makes perfect sense! i will add it to my diet. yes the progesterone works well on me, but i have to say that i forgot to mention that 2 days ago i also intoduced to ASEA, i am sure that you have heard about it as it an all AMERICAN product :)... basically redox molecules which really help with cell to cell comunication and with the absorption of valuable nutrients into the cells. heres, what i think after a long research: i did take asea before 4 months ago for 3 months, it certainly helped with the symptoms but did not get rid of them, even though i was able to sleep better and did not had bad panic attackts, then i stopped taking it( one month ago) as it simply is a very expansive liquid. to my dismay the sympotms came back with full force and thats when i decided to look into progesterone. when i took asea before i also did not take any of the vits, amino acids or progesterone plus i did not eat paleo, but i was ok but not well, not as i am starting to feel now. my conclusion is that asea is immensly helpful to bring the needed nurtients fast to the cells where it is needed, hence also the progesterone! and that is why i believe that it works so fast on me. also i really am trying to leave out as much xenoestrogens as possible. i would be interested as to what you think about it, there is plenty of information on ASEA on the net... i am not intendting to take asea for long but just to help kickstart the progesterone! it might be also that i just immagine this effect ;) and that the progesterone alone is just working fast on me ,,, in any way i am happy to continue ! all the best ,
margit
p.s. you knowledge is invaluable , your are a great teacher! and i had quite a few regarding natural medicine,, ( worked for a few years in a healthshop and with a homepath nad naturopath doing field studys in namibia)
Dec 06, 2012
 pre ovulation ;)
by: Wray

Hi Margit Glad it made sense, I'd be interested to hear if it helps you. I have vaguely heard of ASEA before, but now know a bit more, having looked it up. As with any of these products that make claims, but give no indication of what it contains, or have few studies on it, it always makes me suspicious. They've done a few safety studies on animals only, and in some instances very few animals too, i.e. 4 Beagle dogs were used in one, the others don't mention how many animals were used, see here. And this from their site?..... "Redox Signaling is a function that is central to all life on the planet. Redox Signaling molecules are created within every cell of the body, and are vital to the immune system and to cellular healing mechanisms. Redox Signaling molecules are so essential to life that without them, you would die within seconds..... A proper supply of Redox Signaling molecules enables the normal cellular healing process: damaged, dysfunctional cells fading away and healthy, vibrant cells taking over." And this!......"Redox Signaling molecules are classified into two groups: Reactive Oxygen Species and Reduced Species. The Reactive Oxygen Species arms the immune system, the Reduced Species activates antioxidants. A careful, homeostatic balance between these two species is maintained in all cells and tissues." I am quoting below from a paper on hypertension, simply because it explains clearly what redox signalling is, and how it's implicated in "the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension". For 'hypertension' you could substitute any number of our diseases. I think you could call oxygen the 'angel of life and the angel of death'. Without it we die, with too much we die. Singlet oxygen damages cells, plus it combines with a number of other elements to form highly toxic substances, one you probably know is hydrogen peroxide or H2O2. Oxygen combined with hydrogen. The cell does everything it can to rid itself of H2O2 before any damage is done. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) (better known as free radicals) causes oxidative stress, behind most, if not all of our modern diseases. It's essential, vital in fact to keep them as low as possible, not in balance! The paper continues with....."Oxidative stress can result not only from increased ROS production, but also from decreased ROS scavenging ability.....The major molecules that participate in redox signaling are reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite." See here. The lower we keep these the better, high levels only lead to ill health, they are all highly toxic substances. Continued below
Dec 06, 2012
 pre ovulation ;) Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Margit We do this by eating foods high in anti-'oxidants'. Animal proteins contain high levels of the amino acids, many of which are potent antioxidants. Green leafy or colourful veggies for carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins etc. Or by taking supplements if we can't get enough via food. Plus the body generates it's own...... "The vascular system possesses diverse antioxidant systems, including the superoxide dismutase (SOD) family, catalase, the glutathione (GSH) system, thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin, and ROS scavengers such as vitamins A, C, and E" The paper goes on to say "Accumulating evidence supports the importance of redox signaling in the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension. Redox signaling is implicated in many different physiological and pathological processes in the vasculature". Not a happy place to be! I'll take glutathione (GSH) (mentioned above) as an example. The body makes this from three amino acids, cysteine, glutamine and glycine, it's known as a tri-peptide. You could call it a protein, but the difference is in the size. Proteins are hundreds, up to thousands of linked amino acids. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant the body makes within all cells. (Vitamin D is probably more important, but needs the action of sunlight hitting the skin, which few of us get!). This is where the redox signalling comes in. If a high level of ROS are present, the free radicals are absorbed by the glutathione, this in turn 'oxidises' the glutathione, it's then known as GSSG, but it doesn't become toxic. The idea is to have a high GSH:GSSG ratio, not in balance! Unfortunately it's usually the reverse, particularly in cases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes etc etc etc! Where most of the glutathione has been oxidised, i.e. The ROS scavenging ability has dropped. We do have a page on Inflammation which gives more info. If as the site says is true, that they have recombined the NaCl (salt) and the H2O (water) into "... numerous highly reactive chlorine and oxygen species, including HOCl-1, OCl-1, Cl-1, Cl2,O2-1, H2O2, and O3.4[sic]", I can't imagine what it would do. But having said all that, it's probably only salt and water you're drinking. Why not try just that, i.e. put 1/2 tsp in some water and drink it and see if you benefit from it. It's certainly cheaper! We've been so put off eating salt, and yet a lack can cause hypertension, the very thing we're told salt causes. It does so because the kidneys, sensing sodium is dropping, stimulates the production of aldosterone. This hormone causes water to be retained, so preventing the loss of sodium. But the increased water content can raise BP. This is a site you might like to look through here. Bless you for the kind words! Take care Wray
Dec 16, 2012
 How are you feeling?
by: Tiffany

Hi Magritte,
I remember those heart racing/palpitation issues, so terrible, I had to go to a cardiologist and that was actually the first dr to suggest a hormone problem. Today I have struggled with anxiety and a general lack of patience. Seems like I needed a little extra progesterone. Made me think or you and want to check in. It's. long road to recovery and there will be set backs, don't let yourself become discouraged. Let me know how you are.

Dec 17, 2012
 on the road to recovery..
by: Margit

hi tiffany,

thanks so much for checking on me:)
i am feeling better thats for sure and the heart palps have reduced alot... it is merely happening at night sometimes but not as hectic as it used to be. yet i had some other estrogen dominance sympt. one day i was really emotional and like you had no patience at all i picked a fight with some ignorant family members of my husbands side. ;) that was not so nice thereafter i really felt bad,, had anxiety and needed to up the progesterone ( am taking 720 mg at the moment) you see i usually am very compassionate and dont criticise others even if they are really silly but in that moment i could not keep my mouth shut and i think i shocked them as they never saw me like that before :) but it passed soon and the days thereafter i was ok. i also noticed that i developed some water retention mainly the hands and lower legs, guess thats also the estrogene. i started drinking glutamine and that also helped a lot especially with my low sugar levels and it has a calming effect on the heart beat. at the moment i try to stick with that amount of progest. and let my body take its path to recovery i dont intend to take any breaks until i am not sure that progesterone is dominant or sympomts have ceased. i also had to think a lot about you and wondered how you did? how much of progesterone do you need? is your husband supportive ? gosh mine is a bit from the moon , but maybe i get him to understand one day..
i really hope and think that we will be better soon especially being able to support each other :)
wish you all the best!!!
margit
Dec 20, 2012
 on the road to recovery..
by: Wray

Hi Margit I'm so pleased things seem to be getting better. It is a bumpy road, there will be ups and downs. I remember so often snapping at people, I used to get into rages too, which shocked me. Very glad the glutamine is helping you, it's something I take daily I find it so helpful. Don't forget to get your vitamin D levels up, I'm sure that will help too. Take care Wray
Dec 21, 2012
 spotting but no menstruation
by: Margit

hi wray,

thank you for your revious reply, yes the glutamine does seem to help.yet i have another question, i have started spotting a few days ago , on the day which i usually should have started to expect menses. i am now on day 6 and it is still only spotting, very light even though i have a slight swollen uterus and a bit of water retention, plus i had a headache and some increased palpitations. I am on 720 mg of progesterone ( still prometrium on the skin) . I s it possible that i will not get a proper bleeding with amounts so high ? can i take a brake for bleeding to happen , or should i just keep on overcoming this? I have also recently read dr. lees book about hormone balance, i was suprised to read that he only recomends low dosages 20 to 30 mg of progesterone. according to him i am grossly overdsoing ;) is it safe to contiue using progesterone throughout the supposed menstruation? i have obviously not overcome estrogen dominance yet..;)
another question is there any way one can get catherine daltons books via ebook ( kindle) it is difficult for me to order her books from here..
whishing you all the best and thank you for your valuable advice!
margit
p.s. i am taking vit d now 5000iu ( since a week), but have not taken a test yet,,

margit
Dec 21, 2012
 forgot to ask,
by: Margit

hi wray,

sorry i actually forget to ask another peculiar thing, dr lee states that if one takes high amounts of progesterone for a longer time, eventually the progesterone receptors become insensitive or shut down,,, leading to previous symptoms again. is there any truth to this?
thanks again,
Margit
Dec 21, 2012
 spotting but no menstruation
by: Wray

Hi Margit Everyone follows Dr Lee's advice on the amount to use. Everyone also says our receptors will shut down, or become insensitive. Or that the fatty tissue will store it. I've answered all these questions on our Progesterone Misconceptions page. There are papers to back up what I say too. Dr Dalton and Dr Lee never saw eye to eye about the amount to use. She would advocate far higher amounts, saying the lower did not work. From experience I can only agree with her. I had the good chance to meet her several times, and had this confirmation directly from her. It was she who advised me to use it daily, as each time I stopped my symptoms came back. Please read that page I gave you from one of Dr Dalton's books, she mentions far higher amounts than I do. Using high amounts daily can stop bleeding, much the same as some contraceptives which stop it for 6 months on end. Much as high prolactin and oxytocin do when breast feeding. In fact there is evidence we shouldn't be bleeding as often as we do, up to 400 times in a lifetime, see here. This paper is worth reading, see here. We used to bleed about 100 times, as rural people still do. If you feel stopping the progesterone will relieve you of the symptoms, then please try it. Just keep a watch for return of previous symptoms. I have looked on Amazon for the kindle version, but didn't find it. They might have done it by now, so please have a look. Or send an email to Kindle, they usually respond. Glad you're taking the 5000iu, but please have a test done, as the 5000iu could be insufficient. Thanks for the kind words. Take care Wray
Jan 09, 2013
 Update after 5 weeks of progesterone..
by: Margit

Hi wray,

First of all I hope you had a very merry christmas and I whish you a good and peacweful year 2013 :)!!!
I am writing to you today to give you a little update of what had happened so far....
After our last conversation via mail, I did decide to continue the progesterone , and my bleeding did start about 4 days later even though taking 700 mg . so that was a relief;)... only thing is that it lasts,,,,, i am now bleeding since the 25th of december,, but for the last 5 days its been very little,, , sometimes it seems to go away completely only to retunr again in the eveing,,. I know you told me that prog. can upset the cycle at first so I am not to worried about that ,, I have ordered NAC, which should arrive today so I will see if it will stop the bleeding , but I even think that it would stop eventually, as I am still taking a high dose ( 700mg) in divided doses throughout the day.
otherwise i had some really good days where my energy and spirits were really uplifted, I still get though some estrogen dominance symptoms now and then,, ( foggy brain, some water retention , but minimal ) but what is best that my pals have greatly reduced, I cant actually say that I have any , its more like a slightly higher pulse mainly at night or early morning,, buts it is nothing which upsets me, no more anxiety attacks,, even when i have the feeling of one coming up I manage to relax into it and it goes.My normal pulse now is back to 63 bpm and that eventhough I started to drink some coffee again ( though only 2 ounces in the midmorning)
regarding the salt I have made some more research and came to the conclusion to eliminate all refined salt and substitute it with celtic sea salt ( unrefined sea salt) . I drink it in a warm glass of water once daily or in a vegetable broth or homemade juice, I add it as usual to all other recipes and I must say it tastes divine! Also I have transitioned completely 100 % into the paleo diet. Ihave never been healthier in my life before, no more allergies,, no sinus ( occasional slight flare up after some strogen dominance symptm , but very mild) and best of all while everyone gets ill here in winter I am healthy :)really hope it stays like that !!! I used to get sick at least once a month...
Jan 09, 2013
 Continued ...
by: Margit

My oldest son(10) is also doing the paleo diet now , he is very asthmatic and allergic,, since 5 days on, his allergies have greatly reduced , no need for cortisone anymore , just the occasionale pump ( once daily compared to 4 times plus cortisone based spray..)I am truly amazed to see that , he is though also taking vit d 5000iu since 3 weeks. he is very sporty doing workouts 5 x per week either basket or tennis and he does not need to take the spay anymore while working out! I have increased my vit d intake ( 10 000 units ) as I believe I have not had enough. I will do a test as soon as possible.. Also started the epson salt baths in the evening and they really are relaxing and it feels so good for my skin, my acne is almost gone,, just a few pimples now and then but the skin is healing ( i only use natural ingredients ,argan oil , and lemon juice )
The only downside I expirience is a funny wart like infection on my right hand( fingers) It started with 2 tiny bumps which would itch and then burst and the whole finger then became inflamed and swelled. I finally controlled it with tea tree oil which took care of the swelling and dried out the bump. but now these bumps come up also on the other fingers ( top part just under the start of the nail) I did had something like that happen to me last winter, and it took months to go away,, now it is much worse as it is all the fingers... could this be a flare up of estrogen dominace? and any idea what else I could treat it with? ( am using tea tree now to dab on and soaking it;). I dont want to go to a convetional gp. as they just prescribe me antibiotics and cosrtisone which creates a havoc in my body and did not help the other time either as I stronlgy suspect that it is a viral infection.
well i wrote a lot now,,
want to say thanks again for all your wealth of information and for helping me to stick to this bumpy road to true health ;)
whish you all the best!
Margit
Jan 10, 2013
 Update after 5 weeks of progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Margit Christmas was fun, thank you! And all the best to you for 2013. Bless you for this feedback, it really helps me. I'm pleased you've ordered the NAC, as that should help, but don't forget the taurine too, as that is also essential for the health of the uterus. And of course vitamin D, very pleased you're taking the 10,000iu, it is winter so you will be needing extra now. I would hope with these three added to the progesterone, it will stop the bleeding, plus enabling you to reduce the amount slowly. So delighted the palps and anxiety have been reduced to barely noticeable, wonderful news that. Unfortunately oestrogen dominance will rear it's head every so often but should lessen in time. Can't believe how quickly you've responded to the Paleo Diet, such good news, and your son too! What a relief not to use the pump anymore, or the cortisone. The vitamin D will of course being doing it's bit too, including preventing getting ill, I don't at all. And if I should feel the slightest hint of something untoward I increase the vitamin D to 100,000 iu for about 3-6 days, and it doesn't stand a chance. Glad you're trying the epsom salts baths, I find them so relaxing too. One woman writing in to the site, said she makes up a foot bath with 1 cup of magnesium in it, and sits with her feet in the warm water for about an hour, says it's really good. I want to try this, as I can sit doing my computer work with my feet in the water! And the acne almost gone too, also wonderful news. The itchy blisters sound more like an allergy, I get those if I eat or drink something with sulphur dioxide in it. Problem is so many things have it, even vinegar of all things, as if it needs it! Plus almost all wines too, have you thought about this aspect? Dried fruit contains it, I don't know if you eat all those Christmassy things like cake and mince pies etc? If it happens in winter it could be that, or a vitamin D thing, it does help allergies, see here, here, here and here. Please try applying some of the vitamin D to your hands and see if that helps. It's so good for the skin anyway. Please keep in touch! Take care Wray
Jan 16, 2013
 bleeding stopped,,;)
by: Margit

hi wray,,

thanks for your reply, and yes the bleeding stopped , it took about 4 - 5 days and it really stopped only after increasing the nac to 3000mg where the 2000 mg i took in the morning and the 1000 in the afternoon, that seemed to do the trick,,, interestingly i had some quite strong detox effect,, went on the toilette 3 times per day ( normal stool) and my skin improved even more, also had a slight headache,,( guess from the detox) which i cured though with the progs ,( rubbing on the temples and neck) the blisters on the skin turned out to be chillblains ;),,, i finally went to a dermatologist,, and he confirmed it , blaiming the cold and wet weather and the fact that my circulation to hands and feet is not working that great ( guess that comes from the estrogen still) i am taking ginko b. now to increase circulation and massage my hands constantly. you see , i am originally from Namibia( with german roots), and only moved here 2 years ago,, never suffered from the cold there,,, we had no humidity there and also lived at a much higher altitude (1000m) now i am living next to the sea ,,, brr,, i so much prefer desert climate ...;) i am happy to hear that one can use such high amounts of vitmani d,,, i will remember to take more when flu should struck,, which at present makes it rounds here,,, in fact my kids have just developed chicken pox,,,,i will see that they get them to take some aswell.
another thing which i added is gelatine,, i read more of the articles of ray peat, ( you posted some regarding the salt) and it makes sense to add the amino acids which we usually discard,,, so far made me relaxe even more,,, the gelatine before bedtime makes you sleep much deeper ;). also interessting is his view of coffee and progesterone ,, i have now introduced coffee back ( no more than 4 ounces) and drink it right after i put the progesterone on ,, maybe i am immagening it but i feel the effect of progesterone much faster and it is calming not agitating,,( no coffeine rush, yet feel awake) by taking vitamin d i believe you should also take vitamin k(2) ? how much is ok to take? when you take 10 000 units is 100mcg k2 enough?
no the only bothering estrogene effect i still have is the foggy brain,,, but i trust that also will go eventually ;)i will reduce progesterone slowly now,, and eventually try to folow my cycle,but i will still give myself another month on taking it every day.
whish you all the best!
margit
Jan 18, 2013
 bleeding stopped,,;)
by: Wray

Hi Margit I'm so delighted the bleeding finally stopped. I give 2000mg/day NAC as a start point, some have found they need to use higher amounts. It is an excellent detoxer, it's used in hospitals for paracetemol (acetaminophen) poisoning. Plus "....it has been used as a mucolytic agent in chronic respiratory illnesses as well as an antidote for hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen overdose. More recently, animal and human studies of NAC have shown it to be a powerful antioxidant and a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, HIV infection, heavy metal toxicity, and other diseases characterized by free radical, oxidant damage. NAC has also been shown to be of some value in treating Sjogren's syndrome, smoking cessation, influenza, hepatitis C, and myoclonus epilepsy." These are a few papers on it here, here and here. I take it daily, won't be without it now. I never gave chilblains a thought, sorry, as I used to have them badly on my feet every winter. I found as the progesterone began working, I never got them again. It does speed circulation by thinning blood. Another consideration is omega 3 fish oil, as that thins it too, so too does vitamin D. So interesting you're from Namibia, I live in Cape Town. Well I've actually just moved to a little village in the country about 2 hours away. I cannot abide the cold, living in the UK as a child I would get chilblains in winter. Ray Peat is so good, I use his site as a reference frequently. I'd not read that on gelatine, very interesting. Coffee has finally been given a clean bill of health, thank heavens! I don't think anything would make me give it up. Very interesting you don't get agitated drinking it, progesterone does help prevent a rush of adrenaline. One reason it's so helpful for panic attacks. The most important co-factor for vitamin D is magnesium. Vitamin K2 is another important co-factor, boron and zinc two others. Vitamin K2 also thins blood, which is why people on blood thinners such as warfarin cannot take it, or eat any green veggies which have a high content of K1, the gut bacteria are capable of covering this to K2. Dr Cannell recommends all the cofactors for vitamin D should be taken, magnesium, vitamin K2, boron and zinc, see here. This complex is one he recommends. The amount of K1 and 2 combined is 800mcg, and 225mg magnesium, plus the boron and zinc. Let me know how you get on reducing the progesterone. Take care Wray
Jan 31, 2013
 Vitamin D3 test result
by: Margit

Hi wray,

i got the test result back of my vit d3 it is now 59 ng/ml after almost 2 months of supplementing with first 5 000iu and then 10 000 iu. what do you think , should i up it more? reach maybe 100 ng/ml?
best regards,
margit
Feb 01, 2013
 Vitamin D3 test result
by: Wray

Hi Margit That's good news! But to my mind still too low, best if it's in the 70-100ng/ml range. Mine is currently 92ng/ml. You are in winter now when more is needed as the sun is not helping at all, and colds and flus abound! A study was done on the Maasai and Hadzabe, pastoralists and hunter gatherers, see here. A relatively gentle existence compared to ours, with no extremes of temperature, or the freezing conditions in winter, and with none of our sudden stresses, contact with numerous 'bugs' and more. Their vitamin D ranged from 58-167nmol/L for the Masai and 71-171nmol/L for the Hadzabe. That's 23-66.8ng/ml and 28-68ng/ml respectively. As any stress drops vitamin D levels, and we are subject to a great deal, I feel it's better to have a 'reserve' in hand to allow for that. Take care Wray
Feb 01, 2013
 20 000 iu vit d3
by: Margit

hi wray,

thanx for your quick reply! yes i though that i should let it go a bit higher so i will take 20 000 iu now for a month and then test again. i will also take additionbal vit k2.
anyway i think i must have had a low level to start with as i am now as healthy as I never was before! i really was awstruck by the fact that i did not get the flu while really each and every one around me had it, and the kids kiss me all the time ,,,,;) i used to get sick straight away. i have also noticed that as soon as i get some sun i get a tan straight away,,, thats new aswell.. seems that i am able to use the sun better now,,,
still have some estrogene ups now and then, but i also reduced the dosage 550mg of prog, so i guess thats that. i had my menstruation on time and it lasted only 5 days!! wow i used to bled for 8 -9 days and heavy with tampon and pad,, now i bearly have to change a pad per day... thats a great change.
to hear that you live in cape town is super great,, i used to live there and my mum still has a bed and breakfast in blauwbergstrand. i will visit her in end june , so if there is any chance to meet you in person ?, ,,, well that would be stunning. you are such an inspiration to me and i whish i could do more to help you in return for all your effort.
all the very best,
margit
Feb 02, 2013
 20 000 iu vit d3
by: Wray

Hi Margit I think your vitamin D must have been low too, one of the first signs is going down with some bug. They never have a chance with me now. If I should feel in the slightest out of sorts, I take 100,000iu for about 3-6 days, and they turn tail and run! Such interesting news you get a tan straight away, you should. That's the thing about vitamin D, without it we burn, with it we don't, a catch 22. As so many won't go out, or if they do cover up with clothes or toxic sunscreens. A few of the 'autoimmune' diseases cause photosensitivity, so they are advised to avoid the sun. But the very thing they need is the sun, as all, all autoimmune diseases have low levels of vitamin D! You will have ups and downs, those become fewer the longer we use it. But I still get them, wonder why I feel down, and realise I've been through more stress than normal, and wasn't using enough progesterone......not easy to remember! Delighted your periods are becoming lighter and for not as long, they should righten themselves. I would love to meet you! How amazing your mum is in CT, for some reason I thought your family must be in Namibia. Please send an email via our form here. It goes to our admin department who can pass on the details to me. Give your mum's phone number and I'll give her a call and give her my number. Then when you arrive you can give me a call. You could also tell me via your page here when you are due to be here. How lovely. All the return I need is for you to get better, and you are, thanks! Take care Wray
Apr 17, 2013
 update doing better but double periods.
by: Margit

hi wray,

i am all together doing much better,,,
i am even able to do sports again ( pilates and cycling) and i feel stronger and much more balanced all over.
the only pittfall i experience is that i am menstruating more than once a month, the last two months have been 2 each month one period lasting 5 days the other 7 , it was never too strong or painfull but a nuisance....
now i am just starting again after 10 days of break from my last period which lasted 7 days . again i dont have pain and it is just a bit swollen( the uterus), but my skin is getting worse at times ...
i have not changed anything , i still take 600 mg of progesterone and i also do take the nac.
i am thinking of starting to cycle the progesterone as to get my cycle back to normal,,, i just dont know how to do that now,,, can you give me an idea,,,? should i stop now the progesterone ( since i started bleeding) and start taking it again in 14 days,,, due to the fact that i am bleeding twice per month i do not know when i ovulate etc . so i guess i need to start over until i have a regular cycle.
i would be extremely thankful for some advice here:)
hope you are well!
margit
Apr 18, 2013
 update doing better but double periods.
by: Wray

Hi Margit Pity you've had this set back, but so delighted things are getting better at last. Are you taking enough NAC (at least 2000mg/day), taurine (2000mg/day) and vitamin D (I know you are). One other thing I've discovered since we last wrote are the bioflavonoids. I remember years ago reading about Italian women eating lemons to stop heavy bleeding. So I did a search and found only one study, which recommended 1000mg bioflavonoids, see here and here. The first paper has no abstract, but the second gives a resume of it. You might consider taking some too. Your idea of trying to follow a cycle seems good, as you've been using the progesterone continuously for about 6 months. So yes stop using it now you are bleeding, and start again in 14 days. As you say your cycle should settle into it's own rhythm. Please watch out for oestrogen dominance, I don't want you to go backwards! Let me know how you get on. And are you still coming out to Cape Town, I think you said July? Take care Wray
Apr 18, 2013
 Lemons ;)
by: Margit

Hi wray,

many thanks again for your fast reply!
Funny enough i just started a treatment with pure lemon juice this morning, for alkalizing purposes,,, just i will see if it has any effect on the bleeding,, guess though that i need to get much of lemons into me ;)
i have decided not to stop the progesterone this time, as i have a bit of estrogene dom sympt. in fact i should be now at the time of ovulation if i still had my normal cycle , so i will wait until i get my next 'true period' and stop then, providing that there are no symptoms.
i am taking 3000 mg of nac and still started to up vit d3 to 10 000 again after taking 5000 for the last month. plus i go into the sun now every day.
i have just orderd the taurine,,, i have not taken any in months!
i wrote you a email via the link you gave me earlier this year so you should have my contact details for when i am in cape town, which will be the 25th of june,,, really loocking foreward to meeting you !

whish you all the best!!
margit
Apr 19, 2013
 Lemons ;)
by: Wray

Hi Margit Isn't that amazing! But most of the bioflavonoids are in the pith of the lemon so please add that too. Oh yes, don't stop the progesterone if you are in mid cycle, rather when you do bleed. Delighted you are taking 3000mg/day NAC, but the taurine is so important too! And don't forget the bioflavonoids, maybe you can scrape out the pith when you juice them. Let me know how you get on, this bleeding problem is something else. There are so many women who have it. Sometimes the progesterone works alone, but I'm finding it often needs help. I would so like to find a complete natural protocol I can say works. The NAC, taurine and vitamin D I thought did, but I've come across women where it helps, but spotting keeps occurring. That's why I did more work to find a possible missing link. I thought, hope, the bioflavonoids might be the answer. I do hope so. Thanks for experimenting! I do remember now you sending that email, I only hope I've saved it where I can find it. Well I've just looked and can't, heaven knows where I've put it. Can you send another? Well it's quite extraordinary did you read my mind?! I was forwarded an email giving the details again after I wrote the above! Take care Wray
Jun 19, 2013
 Cape Town is calling ..
by: Margit

Hi wray,

just wanted to let you know that i am fine and very happy to get back to Africa soon ;)..
i still hope we can get together,, as I mentioned earlier this year I will be arriving in Cape Town on the 25th ,, Monday,,, though I will only be 5 days in Cape Town , after that i will be heading for Namibia.
Do you think we can meet in that time frame? it really would ne amazing if it would work out,,, there is so much to say,,,;) but i do know that you must be extremely busy, so i can understand if you dont have the time.
i guess you have my details? let me know otherwise i will send them again to the email adress that you gave me.
I whish you all the best from a vey hot Italy,
Margit

Wonderful! Is Wednesday 26th ok? It's the day after you land, but I'm in Cape Town, and Joy can make it that day too. I suggest we meet somewhere in the middle, as you come from the north and we'll be coming from the south. Let me know where it's best for you. Take care Wray
Mar 25, 2014
 hyperthyroid
by: jennyann1126

I am breastfeeding my 10 mo child and have had thyroid issues in the past (hypo and hyper). Have had hyper thyroid issues for the past 6 months as my test came back quite low. I do not want to be on the meds for the palpitations. I was thinking this is all related to low progesterone as I have had that issue in the past along with my short luteal phase. Can I try progesterone cream while breastfeeding along with Vit D? Do you think this will help correct my overactive thyroid? Thank yoU!
Mar 27, 2014
 Try it
by: Anonymous

Hi there ,
Your symptoms sound pretty much like the ones I had . I am symptom free now and mine where absolutely related to low progesterone versus estrogen . I did take and still take d3 aswell as progesterone in fo of natpro . I don't think it's harmful for you to take both while breadtfeeding , in fact I believe it is vital to take d3 while breadtfeeding , your baby needs it from you , and you need a generous amount too. I would take at least 10 000iu if I were you . You can read a lot about this via the net . I personally take 10 000 iu since more than a year and at least 200mg of progesterone every day ! My palpitations quickly stopped or got much less after the progesterone and today after 14 months I am symptoms free ! Not to mention that my moods are do much better , and I am able to cope with stress much better .
If you need more advice don't restrain is asking me , if my experience can be of help than I am more than happy ! By the way you might consider taurine as well , that realy works on regulating thd heartbeat and I know that whole breadtfeeding you give a lot of jour reserves to the baby , hence you will need more .
Oct 23, 2014
 Hormone imbalance?
by: Ane

Hi,
Since April this year I have been suffering from terrible headaches, pins & needles in my face & sometimes legs & arms, tiredness, low moods, jaw tightening & goosebumps & night awakenings when my heart is racing. I am still breast feeding my 22 month old daughter but came off my contraceptive injection in February & the pill which I took feb- beginning of April. I am now wondering if these symptoms could be related to hormone imbalance? I have had umpteen blood tests & scans/ ECG which came back normal. I haven't had my hormone level tested as it has just occurred to me in the last few days it could be this. I would desperately love some help as I feel unwell all the time now & it really is getting me down. Thanks
Oct 28, 2014
 Hormone imbalance
by: Margit

Hi there ,
Yes your symptoms sound pretty much like mine and yes I figure it could be very well estrogens ,,,, please have your levels tested and find out your ratio , progesterone vs estrogens . The ratio can be found out on this website .
In fact all your info can be found on this site ! Progesterone helped me so much !!! And I had to take big amounts and still take it .
All the best ,
Apr 06, 2016
 Hi!
by: Leah

I know this post was years ago, but I just stumbled across it. I've been struggling with the same exact things post weaning. It began before I fully weaned and has gotten worse after weaning - it's been about 4 months since I weaned, and about 6 months since it all began. Its mostly anxiety/insomnia. I've been reading about progesterone but I don't even know where to begin! Any advice?
Apr 07, 2016
 Hi Leah
by: Margit

Hi ,

Well you seem to suffer from the same symptoms and probably are estrogen dominant,,

here is my advice:

nutrition:
cut all grains, sugar , junk food, and research paleo and or LCHF,,, THEY ARE THE AMAZING lifestyle diets which help to naturally reverse any estrogen dominance.
i am on LCHF and it made a massive change, as well as progesterone in quantities as high as 800 mg,,,,
natpro was by the far the best product i used , much better than the conventional 'prometrium' but prometrium' ( also a natural progesterone) also does help .
another very important factor is to detox your liver!!! this is probably the first to do,,, your liver has to tackle the excess estrogen and if it is in overload too much will be released into your bloodstream again :(,,, i am now regulary making sure that i stimulate my liver in terms of nutrition and herbal remedies. at present i dont use progesterone as i seem stable, but if i get stressed or eat 'badly' some of the symptoms come back ;),,,, i have been on progesterone non stop for 3 years ,,,,;) i am a nutritional therapist myself now and currently study naturopathy,, but with the help of this site i realy was able to recover !!! wray is an amazing woman
Apr 07, 2016
 Post weaning
by: Tiffany

Hi! I got an email about this comment because I commented on it years ago. My recommendation would be to find your nearest compounding pharmacy and contact them asking for names of doctors that prescribe bioidentical hormones. Contact those Drs and have your progesterone levels checked. Hopefully that will help!
Jun 10, 2018
 This has to be it!
by: Sarah starrett

I fully weaned my daughter at 3.5, and 3-6 months later I felt like my body was running on fumes at cycle changes. I began experiencing swelling in my hands and feet, vertigo, vision issues, rage, extreme fatigue before Cycles ending, but insomnia, itchy face, ears, etc. Then after a stressful family trip I came home and two days before menstruarion had first panic attack, December 2017.

Fast forward to February 2018 and I did a day of running and forgot to eat breakfast. I had a panic attack onset that felt like it might be from low blood sugar. An ER visit got me lots of "all tests are normal" and anxiety meds for a bandaid.

Since February 2018 I have had a vitamin d test= 25, a lipid panel that showed overal cholesterol of 126, and hdl at 32. A hormone panel done at cd 3 showing "normal levels (I did not check what they were, but will check tomorrow), a progesterone level of .04, a cycle day 23 progesterone test from same cycle showing 8.9, and have had a hair analysis revealing low sodium, boron, zinc, potassium, selenium and iron levels.

I have been on a liver detox, adrenal fatigue supplement, with a crap ton of B vitamins, 5000iu vitamins d3 with k2, and a supplement to help with estrogen dominance for 10 weeks now. I am finding my good days are great. But my bad days are intense which are Day 12-16 with heart palpitations, tingling in my hands, swelling in my feet, heightened anxiety, insomnia, overly cold or overly hot, as if my internal thermometer is broken, brain fog, short temper, weepy, belly distension/fullness and then on days 23-3 of next cycle I experience al of those symptoms and headache, lower back tension, bloating, etc., waking in the night with what I can now reason are cortisol/adrenaline dumps.
I am also slowly weaning off of lorazepam and am currently on .25mg once a day at my most stressful point of day.

I am seeing a functionalist chiropractor who seems to think we need to address sluggish liver before being concerned if it is hormonally influenced. He said testing my hormone levels would not reveal a lack of hormones, which has been true this far, though I don't know what the ratios between them are at this point.

I appreciate all I have found on this website, as it feels like I am just not myself two times a month and it leaves me in tears wondering if it will ever end or if I will end up on anti depressants as this anxiety medicine has been terrible but helpful at the same time.

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