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Director

by David Larsen
(Layton, UT)

I am an independent neuroscience post grad educator. I teach health care professionals on topics related to brain health, and natural treatments. Recently I was asked to consult on a case involving an adolescent girls who was "going crazy." We identified that it was associated with her cycle, i.e. the onset of her period. In a panic the family sent her to UCLA medical center who diagnosed her as bi-polar, and put her on Benzo's and other meds.
But she has all the signs of estrogen dominance, and little to no progesterone - hyper anxiety, can't sleep, a seizure disorder developed, depression etc. Yours was one of the only sites to hit the nail on the head. I suggested Progesterone. The mother tried it, but too little. I'm now trying to persuade her to give 200 mg or more. But have learned some brands are better than others.
Meanwhile I realized that may be why my wife (who has a history of PMS, but now post menopausal)can't sleep at night. So we tried some progesterone cream - Kokovo. But again it was too little and made her heart pound. After considerable explanation and showing here your notes on estrogen dominance, I got her to try a couple TSP with another brand and voila no side adverse effects, and she ended up sleeping better.
But no other progesterone company, or even hormone specialists I've referred to are aware of or advocated more than 100 mg to overcome estrogen dominance. You seem to be almost a lone voice of truth crying in the wilderness of ignorance. Other than Dr. Herzog. I was impressed, and have since identified several other misdiagnosed acquaintances as having this problem. So I appreciate your insights and efforts.

Comments for Director

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Jul 29, 2014
 Director
by: Wray

Hi David Many thanks for the kind words. I'm delighted the info on our site helped you. It's sad how many women are misdiagnosed, I know of one teenager who was put on ADHD meds as that was her diagnosis. And yet she had all the hallmarks of excess oestrogen, she was the right age too. It's interesting your wife's heart pounded, this does happen to a few women and most off-putting too! You might be interested in the fact that oestrogen causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes and sudden death. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. These symptoms occur far more frequently in women who naturally have a long QT interval, rather than men who naturally have a short QT interval. To overcome this, and other equally frightening symptoms like Epilepsy, Migraines etc, far more progesterone is needed than normally recommended. Ironically the 20-40mg/day women are advised to use, will not raise progesterone levels to that found in the luteal phase, see here. How therefore that amount is expected to help with severe symptoms beats me! Take care Wray
Jul 29, 2014
 more info about progesterone
by: R.

Hello David -

I am so grateful that you are now finding the missing information that so many of us have needed! This website/forum is definitely a god-send, for sure!
We have been working with my daughter and her catamenial seizures/migraines for 4 years now (she is now 19).... and through many trials and errors, have found that progesterone, thyroid, vitamin d and diet have begun to restore her health, give her more strength and energy, and manage her seizure/migraines.
I would also recommend you look at Ray Peat and his research, studies, diet and recommendation as well. Between this website and Wray's amazing info, Dr. Herzog (the first one I ever came across), and Ray Peat, my daughter's life has been 'saved'! We are not to the completely healed part, however, we are seeing amazing progress as we continue to work with the progesterone (we use progest-e and have found that to be the most effective for her), and it is correct in our opinion as well, that higher doses are necessary when estrogen dominance is playing a part .... we have actually experienced the high doses of progesterone completely stopping petite mal seizures at times(which usually lead to grand mals in my daughter's case).
Wishing you good luck in your research - please post any new things you discover here, as we all need each other to get to the bottom of things most doctors won't even acknowledge!
Blessings -
R.
Jul 31, 2014
 Director
by: Joy

Hi David and R

The benefits of progesterone are amazing, so many people, including the medical professionals don't seem to understand this. Wray continually stresses, and I know from personal experience, that the usual 20-40mg recommended is not nearly enough progesterone as it creates Oestrogen Dominance symptoms. Nothing less than 100mg per day is needed, more if symptoms are severe. It is also most important to use a cream that has the correct progesterone concentration, so many brands do not. Vitamin D is also so very important, as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone.

I wish you both all the best.
Jul 31, 2014
 investigator
by: David

Thanks to all 3 of you! These comments should be very helpful and encouraging to pass along to others suffering from similar conditions, and with the increase in estrogen enhancers in our diet and environment I am thinking there must be many.
Aug 12, 2014
 consultant (director)
by: David

Is there anyone woman out there R or anyone else willing to talk with a mother of a young girl with estrogen dominance. She tried a bit and it made her daughter's condition worse. Now she is afraid to try more. And of course no doctor has recommended it. But I know that's what she needs. She just needs someone else. Preferably a woman who has used high amounts to reassure her that more is better, and safe and likely helpful for sleep, anxiety and seizures. Anyone willing please send me your # at davidrjl@aol.com

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