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Am I deficient in Progesterone?

by Hessed
(Houston, TX, United States)

I came to your website by accident but I am so glad I found it.

Last year, actually it was December 2007, I started having some mild anxiety. Now, I've suffered from anxiety here and there, and it's especially bad right before my menstrual cycle, but it went "full blown" around February 2008. I wasn't sure why it was happening but I tried to deal with it as best as possible.

After the anxiety, the panic attacks came. I really thought I was going crazy. I was extremely exhausted all the time from being full of anxiety. After the anxiety and panic attacks came the depression. I got to such a low point that I had no idea how I was going to get out. My hair started to fall out, my skin looked like crap, I could barely function, I felt confused all the time. Crying was an everyday thing, and my heart palpitations were so frequent that I had gotten used to them.

My family doctor recommended I get on anti-depressants but even though I filled the prescription, I never took them - too many negative reviews on the net. Still, I knew there was something that was wrong with me that needed to be fixed. I went to a doctor that deals with natural medicine. He said I had the symptoms of hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue. He put me on natural Armour Thyroid and cortisol. I tried it and felt a bit better but my symptoms have still not gone completely. Also, before my period I have strong PMS symptoms and a lot of anxiety. About 2 days into my cycle my symptoms subside. I feel OK for about a week and then I plunge into a depression.

My doc gave me some progesterone cream but it's made of yam (I've read on your site that you don't recommend this). Now my doc did give me some progesterone pills but I stopped taking them. Actually, I took one but I felt so bad - I felt such a strong rage inside that it really scared me so I never took another again.

I really don't have anything to complain about. My life really is great but on the inside I feel horrible. My moods are in constant up and down mode. I can't stand this depression and sometimes I feel like I really am going crazy. I can't remember how many other symptoms I'm not listing but I'm hoping this product will be able to help me. I really just want to feel normal again.

Oh by the way, I am 29 years old. I have never had children (yet). My periods have always been regular and I have never taken birth control.

Do you think this can help? Also, I'm a bit scared of feeling strong estrogen symptoms once I start the progesterone.

Thank you in advance.

Comments for Am I deficient in Progesterone?

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Feb 03, 2009
 Am I deficient in Progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Hessed. The symptoms you mention are related to a lack of progesterone and too much oestrogen. I'm glad you didn't opt for the AD's, as they don't supply you with what you need. They only mask the problem, never cure it.

The anxiety is caused by low GABA, this our most calming neurotransmitter. Progesterone activates the GABA receptor sites, which is why it helps with anxiety. Normally progesterone is all that's needed, but if the anxiety and panic attacks persist you might need GABA too. But only take 250mg to start with, increasing gradually. If you find symptoms come back on the GABA you are taking too much, so reduce the dose.

Progesterone also helps mild to moderate depression as it raises levels of serotonin. If the depression is severe the amino acid tryptophan will be needed too. You are obviously very stressed and stress causes progesterone levels to drop sharply, so your level is dropping too low. The reason for this is progesterone is the precursor to the stress hormone cortisol. Unfortunately when we are stressed cortisol production takes precedence over anything else. More progesterone is always needed when going through a stressful time.

Although they've found symptoms of hypothyroidism, I don't believe this is your problem, but more one of adrenal stress. Please try to get some PhytoCort:

http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/PhytoCort-120-vegetarian-capsules-p-193.html

It helps boost the adrenals, without the side affects of synthetic cortisol, unless you've been given natural cortisol. All the B vitamins are essential, especially B5, please get a good B complex and extra B5.

Yam creams are not converted into progesterone, and it's progesterone you need. But I'm concerned you will get oestrogen dominance symptoms if you experienced them on the progesterone pill. If you decide to use the cream, please start on a low dose (1/8th tsp/day) and increase it very gradually. And please have a look at our web page on oestrogen dominance:

https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/estrogen-dominance.html

Take care Wray

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