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Do I need progesterone?

by Jess K
(Missouri, USA)

I am recovering from hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) and my DO suggested I take 20mg topical progesterone a day. I am on Armour along with Vit. D, B, selenium, a multi and cinnamon.

My question is, can someone explain what about my hormone panel is wrong and why I need it? No one seems to want to answer me. :( Also, will taking Progesterone now effect my body when I'm trying to conceive in a few years? Thanks!

Labs with ranges in bold below, taken on DAY 1 of cycle:

Estradiol - 31
Range Foll- 11-165; Luteal- 33-196

DHEA - pending

Prog- 0.6
Range Foll- 0.2-1.4; Luteal- 4.4-28

Test: 26 Range 11-59
SHBG: 108 Range 30-135

Total test- 5.2 Range 2.2-20.6

Test. LC-MS bioavailable ref int
Test free- 1.9 Range 0.8-7.4

What is the ratio for E2 dominance? Is there one like there is a ration for RT3?

Comments for Do I need progesterone?

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May 11, 2011
 Do I need progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Jess There is little point in taking a test for progesterone on day 1 of your cycle. It must be taken ±7 days after ovulation or before bleeding. Progesterone peaks mid-luteal phase. Your progesterone level should be low on day 1, as it's been taken during the follicular phase. As you can see from your results, it's only 0.6, which falls within the range. Whereas if it had been taken in the luteal phase, it should register between 4.4-28, as in the range you've given. Your ratio of progesterone to oestrogen, is 19.4:1 which is meaningless. The progesterone must be taken mid-luteal phase. I can only assume you were told to use progesterone because they saw this low reading. Thyroid problems are often caused by a lack of vitamin D, so I'm pleased he's suggested you take it. The minimum dose should be 5000iu's per day, and the blood level should register between 70-100ng/ml. For more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. A lack of vitamin D is found in all autoimmune diseases, see here, here and here. Dendritic cells are implicated in the initiation of autoimmune diseases, vitamin D inhibits their production, see here. Progesterone also inhibits dendritic cells, whereas oestradiol increases them, see here. In all the autoimmune diseases I've looked at, a high level of oestrogen is observed and low progesterone. Or the ratio of the two hormones is skewed. Oxidative stress is prevalent in autoimmune diseases too, usually as a result of low vitamin D. High prolactin is implicated too, see here. Oestrogen stimulates prolactin production too, see here. Excess prolactin suppresses dopamine, the converse is true. The precursor to dopamine is the amino acid tyrosine, if there is a lack of this amino or protein in the diet, dopamine drops and prolactin rises. Tyrosine is also the precursor to the two thyroid hormones T3 and T4. It's also the precursor to the two stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, so demands on tyrosine are very high. Take care Wray

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