Menu

Early Period and Progesterone

by Karen
(PA)

I have been using Progesterone Cream for about 3 months or so now and see that it has a soothing effect for me. I am very happy with it. This month though I got my period early and was wondering why that happens. I have never had that happen before. Is it related to using the Progesterone Cream?

I am 43 years old and I have always gotten my periods between 21 and 23 days. But last month I got my period on November 28. I started the cream on December 5 which was ovulation and I got my period today, December 13. I wasn't sure what to do so I put the cream on and it really helped calm my anxiety so I think it was a good thing. How do I proceed from here?

Thanks for your help.

Comments for Early Period and Progesterone

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 31, 2010
 Early Period and Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Karen I'm happy the progesterone has helped you. It can cause early, or late bleeding, it's nothing to be concerned about. The cycle does regulate itself after a month or two. Normally once bleeding has started the progesterone should be stopped, but again it's not harmful if it's continued. It's just that it can upset the cycle. It would help the anxiety as it's a potent anxiolytic, see here, here and here. You are now in the beginning stages of Peri-menopause. Please read through this page, as it'll help you understand the ups and downs of P-M. Luckily you've started progesterone early on, I started late in P-M and would never wish it on anyone! I don't know how much you're using, but I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. Please remember stress drops progesterone levels, so use more if stressed, as symptoms can come back. If you should need to increase the amount at any stage, please read this page on Oestrogen Dominance before you do. If you know when you ovulate, start using the cream again then. If your cycle is too disrupted at the moment to tell, count back 12-14 days from when you should bleed, and start using it then. Or start the cream on day 8 to 10 after the first day of bleeding, as that's when you should be ovulating with your 21 to 23 day cycle. Take care Wray
Jan 01, 2011
 Ear;y period again
by: Karen

I got my period early for the second month in a row. This time I got it December 30. Can this be from the cream and is it ok?
Jan 09, 2011
 Ear;y period again
by: Wray

Hi Karen It can take a month or two, sometimes more to settle down. It's nothing to be concerned about. And please re-read the page I gave you on peri-menopause. Our cycles can become erratic, but there's nothing we can do about this once started. Take care Wray
Jan 09, 2011
 Big Mistake
by: Anonymous

I was using the cream straight through my periods for two months and decided to stop it this month when I got my period. My anxiety is horrible and I have insomnia. After a week, I realized it might be from stopping the cream and started it up again but haven't noticed a difference yet. I think I must have gotten oestregen dominance. It is awful. I had no idea how much this cream was helping my anxiety. I'm so disappointed I did this. I feel like I'm crawling out of my skin! And it is so hard to just lie there and not fall asleep. I feel this panic. I am hoping it will get better in a few days. Don't do what I did!!
Jan 12, 2011
 Big Mistake
by: W

Hi there Stopping the cream would have caused your progesterone levels to drop sharply. This does normally occur before a period, but evidently you have excess oestrogen, hence the severe symptoms. If the ratio of the two hormones becomes skewed all hell can break loose. Are you using sufficient progesterone, I recommend 100-200mg/day. If you're using too little, it will take longer before symptoms resolve. Please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance for more info. And this page we have on How to use progesterone cream. If the anxiety and panic are too much, please see this page we have on Anxiety. There is a list of nutrients which all help. Take care Wray
Jan 12, 2011
 Oestergen Dominance
by: Anonymous

I just read the section on oestregen dominance but I don't see anxiety or insomnia mentioned on it. In addition, I saw that increased appetite is mentioned but not decreased appetite. What I am noticing is anxiety, panic before i go to bed because I'm fearing what is about to happen (not falling asleep) and an extreme loss of appetite. I can barely eat anything even though I know I need to.

I had tried stopping the cream during this period because I didn't know if possibly using the cream was causing me to get my periods every two weeks. I know I'm in perimenopause but my periods had always been regular. Then I started the cream and three times in a row I got my period every two weeks. I was worried that that might not be good for my body and could cause me to get anemic. So hence this last time I stopped the cream when my period came. Given the horrendous anxiety and insomnia symptoms, I guess my body is telling me that it is better to put up with the every two week periods and possible anemia rather than risk living with anxiety and insomnia.

I might try the tryptophan for the insomnia. I'm still hesitant because I had such a bad reaction to the 5 htp. I got terrible dreadful internal thoughts and I don't know if that could happen if I try the tryptophan. I hope not. It makes me nervous. Have you heard of that happening?
Jan 15, 2011
 Oestergen Dominance
by: Wray

Hi there The info about anxiety and insomnia is on our Anxiety page. Oestrogen dominance can cause an increase is appetite, but anxiety and panic can cause a decrease. It's essential to make progesterone the dominant hormone to stop the panic. It would be far better to put up with the irregular cycles, than that! Peri-menopause is a difficult time for many women, it was for me too. In the early stage of P-M cycles are regular, but with time this changes. Periods can come early or late, with days between bleeding, or many weeks, we can experience flooding with clots or spotting, there's no way of telling when it will come, or what it will be like. I used the progesterone daily, with no break, as my symptoms came back with a vengeance if I took one. Please consider doing this. 5HTP is much stronger than tryptophan, and as this is an amino acid, ie found in our food, I prefer using it. Unfortunately tryp is low in all foods, particularly grains and veggies, it's highest in game which we rarely eat. Please read that page we have on anxiety, as it gives a list of natural antidepressants/anti-anxiety nutrients which all help. Take care Wray
May 12, 2012
 why did you begin the progesteron
by: Anonymous

If you periods were regular before using progesterone what were the symptoms that convinced you to try the cream? I m concerned because I had no symptoms (no indications of peri menopause other than age and after beginning the progesterone my period started early. I am a little confused. The info on the website suggests that progesterone is good to begin using even with no symptoms and regular cycles during the age range for pm but I still have trouble understanding why it would be a good idea to use it if it throws a regular cycle off kilter and produces negative symptoms where there were none.
Sep 07, 2012
 Currently taking 400MG of Prometrium
by: Anonymous

I am currently taking 400mg of Prometrium (spelling?) to start my period. My OB told me to take it for 10 days, however my period has now started on day 7, I do not know what to do, do I continue to take it for the 10days or do I stop taking it now that my period has started? I am on the prometrium because we are wanting another child and my cycles are always late, we had to use clomid to conceive last time, but my OB wanted to try this for 3-6 months before we did clomid again. Thanks for any help.
Sep 08, 2012
 Currently taking 400MG of Prometrium
by: Wray

Hi there When first using progesterone it can upset the cycle. Even more so if started at the wrong time, you don't say when you did. It should always be used from ovulation to bleeding, i.e. through the luteal phase. Although if symptoms are severe I often recommend using it daily, through any bleeding. This is to suppress any excess oestrogen and make progesterone the dominant hormone. A normal luteal phase in all women is always 12-14 days long. If shorter or longer than this, it's termed a defective luteal phase. I don't understand what you mean by your cycles are always late. Maybe you could help me out on this. We do have a page on Pregnancy, and another here. Plus you might like to see the page we have on How to use progesterone cream. Oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system, as most gets destroyed in the gut and liver, leaving little to help. As your period has started, stop the progesterone and start again when you ovulate. If you don't know when this is, count back 14 days from when you should bleed next, and start then. Alternatively a mini microscope can help detect ovulation. I would also suggest you open the capsules and empty the contents into a small amount of skin cream. Then rub this on your skin, that will ensure you get the full benefit of the progesterone. Take care Wray
Oct 14, 2012
 Currently taking Progesterone Cream
by: Danielle

Hey there,

I am a 35 year old female, in Canada, currently being treated through bio-identical hormone cream for depression occurring after ending the use of birth control -- was first prescribed one pump of 20 mg per day - from day 14 until the start of my period, which worked very well to ease symptoms for first two months, but on the third month, it brought on my period. I went back to my doctor, who was baffled and suggested I take a lesser dosage. I was then put on 10 mg per pump, but again, it started my period. It was then suggested that I stop taking it. I did that for 2 months, and started experiencing symptoms again, so decided to try it again: started my period after two days of using it. My period starting is a bit frightening, as the bleeding is heavy. I noticed that you note in other areas of this site that too little a dosage could result in estrogen dominance -- I'm now wondering if I am on too low a dose, and this is a symptom?

I'm also wondering too if my timing of application is off and that could be why it's bringing on my period -- I currently have a roughly 21 day cycle, but I was waiting until day 14 to start applying the cream, thinking that was what I was supposed to do -- then my period ends up starting on day 18, instead of day 21/22. I should be simply calculating to start exactly halfway through my cycle correct?

thanks for you valuable time.
Oct 16, 2012
 Currently taking Progesterone Cream
by: Wray

Hi Danielle I take it when you say in the third month it brought on your period, that it was earlier than it should have been? Much the same as when you tried the lower amount it started two days after starting? When first using progesterone it can upset the cycle, making it earlier or later than expected. This is nothing to be alarmed about, it does settle within a few cycles. Bleeding can be heavier too, often a good thing, as it's cleaning the uterus from old blood which hadn't previously been shed. Although your period came far sooner than it should, the simple reason for this is starting it too late. It's unfortunate, but it seems all manufacturers, doctors too, seem to think all women have 28 day cycles. This is only the average. Normal cycle lengths vary between 21 to 35 days, add those together and you arrive at 28! I think the Contraceptive manufacturers are largely to blame, as for convenience they pack the pills into 28 day cycles. Thus forcing women who have longer or shorter cycles into an incorrect one. In normal cycles, all women, irrespective of their cycle length, always ovulate 12-14 days before bleeding. The progesterone should be used to supplement the deficit supplied by the corpus luteum. This secretes progesterone during the luteal phase only. So in your case you need to start using it on day 7, which is when you should ovulate. And continue for the full 14 days, which is when bleeding should occur ± day 21. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. I don't believe you're using enough, but as it seems to have helped you, why not continue with the 20mg/day. It should be used a minimum of twice a day though, so please divide the amount. Although to help depression usually far larger amounts are needed. We also have a page on Anxiety which gives a list of nutrients which also help. Continued below.
Oct 16, 2012
 Currently taking Progesterone Cream Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Danielle But as you live in Canada, it could be your vitamin D is too low, see here, here, here, here and here. A lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone, plus causing depression, see here, here, here, here, here. and here. Please have a test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. 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. Take care Wray
Nov 21, 2012
 Anxiety
by: Kimberly

Hi so i have been on natural Progesterone 30mg from day 12-28 of my period, (or until i start) for about 5yrs, & it is great, changed my life. Severe Anxiety, IBS, nausea, weepy, exhaustion, sick all the time, all things Progesterone basically cured for me, but recently the last few months ive been having some issues. I am more stressed at work than ever & considered raising my dose ( but didn't). I was also eating soy based protein bars several x's a day in the 2 months prior to my issues really getting bad. I think that had a role in my current issues. i started using a small amount of progest on day 8 because as of recently ive been severely exhausted, shaky feeling like low blood sugar, debilitating anxiety, sore achy muscles, nausea, IBS, etc etc. Ive been in the ER 2x's in a wk but all blood work keeps saying im normal nothing wrong. So i visited my Endocrinologist today had a ACTH stem test to see if its adrenal fatigue, (results in next wk due to holiday wknd) but i feel it could be progesterone related, so last nite i used 1/2 dose & felt better but not normal, tonite i used some as well, but im only on day 3 of my period am i really screwing my self up? what should i be doing as far as dosing my self this month & next if i continue to use it everyday. id like to be on my regular schedule of use day from 12-28. i need relief :( advice?
Nov 24, 2012
 Anxiety
by: Wray

Hi Kimberley I'm delighted such a low amount of progesterone helped you. I normally recommend 100-200mg/day, but have found younger women can do with less. It should be used a minimum of twice a day too, as levels begin dropping after about 13 hours. Stress does drop progesterone levels, vitamin D too. Soy is not a good food, in any form unless fermented, see here. All legumes, grains too, contain high levels of phytoestrogens, see here, here and here. These papers here and here, on infertility in sheep, show how a high level of phytoestrogens in food can affect the reproductive organs. All your symptoms point to low progesterone, low vitamin D too, please have a test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. 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. The ER would not check Progesterone and Vitamin D levels, and yet they are the two most needed in any test. Progesterone does help low blood glucose, see here, here and here. Anxiety too, the aches are caused by excess oestrogen, or lack of vitamin D and/or magnesium. Continued below
Nov 24, 2012
 Anxiety Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Kimberley The nausea is caused by substance P, it also causes inflammation too, see here and here. It's probably the reason for the IBS too, see here. Substance P is exacerbated by oestrogen. If progesterone is high enough it suppresses substance P, see here. It's perfectly safe to use it daily, through any bleeding, for about 2-3 months. I recommend this to many women with severe symptoms. This ensures oestrogen is suppressed and progesterone becomes dominant. And then once stable to follow the cycle again, we have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. I feel you will need at least 200mg/day to overcome those symptoms, possibly more. Plus vitamin D and the calming aminos listed on the anxiety page. Take care Wray
Dec 11, 2012
 Do I need more or less Progesterone
by: Sumhum

Hi I need some help please. I have beenon Bio-identical progesterone for 3 yrs and have done well. My period has come early the last 3 months, this last month my period came 6 days early. I take progesterone cream 2 week prior to my period then stop.What is happening to me? Do I need more progesterone? less progesterone? Do I need Estrogen now? I'm 46yrs oldI also have cystic pimples along jaw line and my hair is falling out, so I believe testosterone is high. The 6 days early period I would like to figure out if anyonecan help me figure out if I need more or less progesterone. Thank you
Dec 13, 2012
 Do I need more or less Progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Sumhum You are now in Peri-menopause which I found such a difficult time. Periods start becoming erratic and impossible to follow, so it means insufficient progesterone is used. I take it you stopped using it when your period started? Which would mean you only used it for about 8 days. You are right too, testosterone does cause the spots, Acne too and Hair Loss. During P-M we get an increasing number of cycles where we don't ovulate. This means there is nothing to counter the testosterone and oestrogen we secrete, so levels rise. I'm not sure how much progesterone you're using, but it appears it's not enough to suppress the rise in oestrogen and testosterone. I would suggest increasing it and maybe consider using it daily, through any bleeding too. I found I had to do this, even with regular cycles, as my symptoms came back when taking the break. Take care Wray
Dec 14, 2012
 THANK YOU
by: Anonymous

Thank you Wray, I take 10 percent progesterone cream in a versa base 1 G per day, the days I take it. How much do you take every day? Do you take the same amount per day as you were before you were taking it everyday or take less (and how much) because you are taking it every day?
Dec 15, 2012
 THANK YOU
by: Wray

Hi there So you are using 100mg/day. I use about 170mg/day and apart for the first six months of use, have done for over 15 years. When I first found progesterone, there was no one to give me advice, no internet then, or a very basic internet. So I used the recommended amount of about 20-40mg/day, it took me 6 months to come right. During this time I read Dr Dalton's books, and was lucky enough to meet her a few times. I did try following my cycle in those early days, which were still regular, but all my symptoms came back when taking a break, Dr Dalton advised me to use it daily. I have since then. Take care Wray
Dec 15, 2012
 I forgot to ask
by: Anonymous

Did you have the same symptoms as myself the cystic pimples and hair loss? If so did your hair grow back? I will try taking it every day thank you for your knowledge and time.
Dec 19, 2012
 I forgot to ask
by: Wray

Hi there Symptoms vary hugely amongst women, so I didn't have cystic pimples or Acne. I wasn't aware of any Hair Loss, but I did have facial hair which fell off once I'd fully recovered. The page I've given above on hair loss, lists nutrients which all help it's re-growth. Take care Wray
Dec 31, 2012
 please help
by: Anonymous

I have been taking progesterone cream (200mg per day) for the last few weeks for severe anxiety and depression. I am on day 28 of my cycle and am feeling worse than i was the last few days - extreme vertigo and depressed feelings. Tthe anxiety started when i was taking the placebo pills of levlen ed (combined oral contraceptive) after three cycles of not taking them (about 4 months ago). I stopped taking the pill 3 momths ago. The anxiety was disabling and i haven't been able to work for months . I am on an ssri which doesn't seem to help much. I had a saliva test (28 day) done which showed i had very low progesterone levles, average estrogen levels but twice the normal level at ovulation. Shouldd i take a break from the progesterone cream? My doc and nutritionist seem to have no idea. If i don't get help my next stop will be a psychiatrist. Thank you
Any advice would be appreciated.
Dec 31, 2012
 please help
by: Wray

Hi there All drug based Contraceptives have the potential to harm. They suppress ovarian function, but by doing so they stop ovulation. Unless this occurs we make no ovarian progesterone to counter the oestrogen, which is still being produced. They can send many women into severe Anxiety and depression, see here, scroll down to 'Contraception'. It can take many months after stopping them before ovulation starts up again. Please don't take a break from the progesterone, this only allows oestrogen to rise again. You say a Saliva Test showed you had low levels, therefore your P:E2 ratio is probably way out, and the only way to rectify this is to use more progesterone. And to use it daily, through any bleeding for at least 2-3 months. Please consider increasing the progesterone to at least 400mg/day, you might need more. Please see these comments from women who had to use high amounts before finding relief, see here, here,
here, scroll to Dec 08, 2012 There is Hope by Sage, here, scroll to Nov 26, 2012 Having a Hard Time, and here. Continued below
Dec 31, 2012
 please help part 2
by: Wray

Hi there I would ask you to have a vitamin D test done. A lack of this reduces the benefits of progesterone, see here, here, here, here and here. Plus leading to anxiety and depression, see here, here, here, here, here. and here. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. 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. Please consider taking some of the nutrients listed on the anxiety page, they do help, and are far safer than an SSRI. It's best to start these first, and increase the progesterone, before reducing the SSRI. Take care Wray
Jan 05, 2013
 Clueless/need help!
by: Julie

Had partial seizures(pt)from around age 4-10. Had stress then and started period at age 10. Always had 5-7 day periods/2nd-3rd days pretty heavy. Got pregnant at age 25 and all was fine. Got preg again age 28, all fine until 9th month and started having visual migraines. No headache, just the lightening bolt thing. Birth was fine. Had major postpartum. A lot of time when I laid down my vision would start shaking from side to side lasting about 30 min. Got preg with 3rd at age 30. Still had the shaking and visual migraines. About 3/4 months after birth started having pt seizures again. They happened for about 2 weeks every other month. This happened for 4 years. Got preg with 4th age 34..still have partials throughout, but a month after birth had grand mal. Been on every seizure med and nothing helped. The visuals went away by now and the shaking only happens once or twice a year after pt seizures started. Around 12-2011 started having postpartum feelings for no reason. Started having partials every day up to 6 per day for a month/not just a couple of weeks. Would have break through partials on months I shouldn't. Ordered nat. prog. cream and started it in Feb. 2012. Did the cycle thing and had just started again in March and had a grand mal.(had not had one in 4 yrs.) I stopped cream. It's been heck. Major postpartum feelings, panic, fear, anxiety, weight loss(don't mind:)), anger, no patients(my poor kids), just everything you can feel, I do. Did a salavia test..low prog., just a hair low estrogone and my testosterone is just below high end of normal, which I think is too high.(this was in 5-12) Started prog pills in june. Had grand mal in July, Oct and Nov.2012.:( My periods have shortened to like 3/4 days. I have had a few months over the year that I'd have them every day of the month, many times a day. Found a mass on my thryroid around Aug/Sept. of 2012. It's over 3mm, but fine. I think it might have started to grow in dec of 2011 and that's what started all these feelings and grand mals, but all my hormones(blood) and thyroid test are "within normal range". I have come to hate that saying.:) The thing that freaks me out the most, other than seizures, is my memory.:( That puts me into a panic. Forget what I was saying while talking, everything in days past seems like a dream..can't remember really what happened, things I've always know and remembered...can't now, I know something, but it stays right outside my brain and then while trying to pull it forward I forget what I was trying to pull forward! Help! Any input would be great.
Jan 07, 2013
 Clueless/need help!
by: Wray

Hi Julie Your early seizures could have been caused by a lack of taurine, vital for children. Or it could have been a lack of vitamin D, or both. We do have a page on Epilepsy. It also appears you were and still are short of progesterone. Progesterone drops sharply after birth, leaving oestrogen dominant,and you had a grand mal after your forth child. You had another after starting the progesterone again, this initially stimulates oestrogen, hence the seizure. Unfortunately oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system as most gets destroyed....."The liver and gut region removed a mean of 96 per cent of the progesterone entering these tissues" see here. But it gave you enough to stimulate oestrogen and more grand mals. Oestrogen is an excitatory hormone, principally because it stimulates glutamate, our most excitatory neurotransmitter, see here. It increases free radicals, plus destroying beta-endorphin neurons in the brain, these produce endorphins which promote a feeling of well being and relaxation. Beta-endorphins also appear to boost the immune system, protecting against cancer, see here. This paper says "Although it is widely accepted that exposure to estradiol throughout life contributes to reproductive aging.... Recent evidence ..... of chronic estradiol-mediated accelerated reproductive senescence now suggests such a hypothesis. It has been shown that chronic estradiol exposure results in the destruction of greater than 60% of all beta-endorphin neurons in the arcuate nucleus .....This loss of opioid neurons is prevented by treatment with antioxidants indicating that it results from estradiol-induced formation of free radicals", see here. Whereas progesterone protects against glutamate toxicity, it also increases BDNF (brain-derived neuroptrophic factor) in itself protective, see here and here. I'm guessing you were using about 20mg/day progesterone as a cream? For any serious disorder like asthma, seizures, palpitations etc I would recommend no less than 400mg/day, probably more.
Continued below
Jan 07, 2013
 Clueless/need help! Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Julie Although Mateja had asthma, it wasn't until she began using 500mg/day that her attacks stopped, see here. As for "within normal range" I can't agree more. Oestrogen can be high normal and progesterone low normal and all hell breaks loose. The amount of hormone is immaterial, it's the ratio that is critical. So both could be at the low end of normal, but if oestrogen is higher than progesterone the same problem occurs. We've found from Saliva Tests that it's best if the ratio of P:E2 is 600:1 and over to feel well. Excess oestrogen can cause memory loss, see our page on HRT for the research papers. Please have a vitamin D test done, as I suspect your level is very low. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. 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. A lack makes one more susceptible to seizures, plus it reduces the benefits of progesterone. Take care Wray
Jan 17, 2013
 HelppMee 05
by: Anonymous

I had an irregular peiod for a couple of yrs. I was on Birth Control for bout 2 yrs than i stopped bout a yr and a half ago! Ibeen having my periods, but they only lasted up to 2-4 days!! But this month of January 2013. I was 2 days early for my period, and now i been on it for 8 days straight. Is this normal??
Jan 30, 2013
 Period
by: Princess

I started my period January 3,2013 and it ended January 6th then I started it again January 27th an it ended January 30,2013 me and my boyfriend had unprotected sex 1 time on January 18,2013 could I be pregnant
Jan 30, 2013
 Started period early
by: Judy

Hi there. This is the first month of using progesterone cream. I started using it January 1st which was 11 days after my last period. I used the cream from jan 1 thru jan 16 when I started my period again. So I stopped using it from day I started my period thru jan 25. I was going to start the cream on the 26 again but on jan 25 I noticed brown spotting and a little bleeding. I went ahead and used the cream even though I was bleeding lightly thinking it would stop. It is now jan 30 and I'm still lightly bleeding and still using the cream. Is this normal? Is it ok to continue to use the cream through this bleeding? Let me add that I am 41 and started using the cream to prevent PMS hives. I have read on your site that maybe normal for your cycle to be off the first few months but should I still use the cream while bleeding? I am using 25mg once a day for day 11 thru 26. Please advise. Thanks so much!!
Feb 01, 2013
 Started period early
by: Wray

Hi Judy I don't believe you are using anywhere near enough to help. I generally advise 100-200mg/day progesterone, often more if symptoms are severe. It should always be used a minimum of twice a day too, as levels begin dropping after about 13 hours. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. I don't understand why you're using it from day 11? Do you have a 25 day cycle? Progesterone should only be used from ovulation until bleeding, i.e. during the luteal phase, to supplement our own production. The luteal phase is always 12-14 days long in all women, irrespective of their cycle length. It does disrupt things to begin with, but it could be because you are not using it in sync with your cycle it's become even more disrupted. And yes you can use it while bleeding. I often tell women to use it daily for 2-3 months, or until stable, to ensure oestrogen is suppressed and progesterone becomes dominant. Then the cycle can be followed again. We do have a page on Menstruation which gives more info about our cycles. As you are heading for Peri-menopause you might like to look through this page. Take care Wray
Feb 01, 2013
 Started Period Early
by: Judy

Hi Wray,

Thank you so much for responding! I really do appreciate your time and wisdom. I am using Internal Harmony by Dreambrands. The box says to use only one pump daily which administers 25mg of progesterone. So that is why I'm using that amount. So, do you think I should be using 4x more daily?

So since I am using the cream even though I am bleeding how many more days do I use it before I take a break? I'm really off track now and I don't want to make matters worse for me. Although you did say I can use if for 2-3 months to ensure progesterone is the dominant hormone.

Once again, thank you, Wray, for your time.

Judy
Feb 04, 2013
 Started Period Early
by: Judy

Hi Wray,

Thank you so much for your reply. I truly appreciate your time.

I am still spotting while using the cream thru my period. It's been over 7 days now. My periods usually don't last that long and also this is my second period in a month. It's kind of scaring me to be having a period this long. It is very light but its just unsettling. I have been using the cream still. I feel ok but I am super tired. Kind of like when I was pregnant. Like I said, I am using 25mg daily (1 pump) according to the directions on the bottle. You mentioned that was not enough. Should I use 4 pumps a day? I'm so sorry. I am completely confused and feel I've just messed up my whole cycle. How can I get back on track?

Thank you Wray for all of your advice.

Judy
Feb 06, 2013
 Started Period Early
by: Wray

Hi Judy I answered this on your other page. It was rather brief as I didn't know what I'd told you previously on this page. The link is here. I said....."Hi Judy Yes you are using far too little. 4 pumps will give you 100mg/day, you might not find this sufficient, but try it and see. Let me know how you get on." I do suggest you use it daily, through any bleeding. Once you feel stable you can follow your cycle again. Take care Wray
Feb 21, 2013
 Period Twice monthly now none
by: Tam

I have signs of too much estrogen so I started progesterone cream (10 mg day). My gyno wanted to start me on a pill for progesterone but it had estrogen in it so I bought the cream myself. I was getting my period every 2 weeks for 3 -8 days. I've used the Progesterone for 2 months now. The first month I had to stop because I started to spot after 5 days followed by a 2 day period. I started again on day 10 to take the progesterone and again started spotting on day 7 followed by a 3 day period (8 days total w/spotting and period). Started progesterone again day 10 (count from first day spotting) and took until day 28 and quit. That was on Feb 2. I haven't got my period yet. I don't know what to do. I am 41 and was on birth control for many years of my life, but not in the past 4+ years. My vitamin D levels are good. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. God bless!
Feb 24, 2013
 Period Twice monthly now none
by: Wray

Hi Tam The amount of progesterone you're using is far too small, and this is what's disrupting things. Although when first using progesterone it can upset the cycle. The other thing you're doing wrong is using it on day 10. I'm not sure who told you to use it like that, but it's rather an odd time to start. Unless you have a 24 day cycle. But it seems not, is it in fact a 28 day cycle? As you stopped using the progesterone then. Because things seem to have got muddled, plus I gather you were getting periods every two weeks, I suggest using it daily. Through any bleeding for 2-3 months, or until you feel stable enough to follow your cycle again. This ensures excess oestrogen is suppressed and progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. I recommend 100-200mg/day, it is trial and error though. You might find you need more, only experimenting will tell. Please have a look at our page on How to use progesterone cream. And as you're heading for Peri-menopause, and could possibly be in the first stages, look through this page too. Take care Wray
Feb 27, 2013
 Why early period on progesterone?
by: Hormonie

Hello Wray!
I'm so glad I came across your website. I'm seeking advice regarding an issue I just encountered using my 10% bio-identical progesterone cream (dosage 200mg). I don't understand why my period came a week early (14 days after last one). My cycles have been 21 days. This has never happened before. I'm 30 yrs old, for the past 16 months I've been on the hormone therapy to regulate my periods (pcos) and to relieve anxiety. For 12 mo I took pills, and for the past 4 the cream, I take it at night. I've been taking progesterone on day 11-25 of my cycle (as directed). However, I never get to finish the progesterone since my period always comes around day 21. I'm concerned that my cycle is shorter than 28 days.
So I recently had my period on 2/12, and I decided to apply the cream on 2/20 (day 9). On 2/25 I started bleeding sporadically (day 14). Did I disturb my cycle? I'm experiencing strong PMS symptoms, cramps, migranes and tender breasts. I applied 300mg of the cream yesterday, hoping the bleeding would stop. I'm not sure if it's spotting, but the blood comes out in clumps throughout the day. I'm really confused and I don't know what to do. What could be the reason for my period occurring so early? Should I stop or continue with the cream? I will take another dose tonight to see what happens. How should I count now and when should I take the cream again? Would higher dosage change my cycle length? Would it hold off the period longer? I would kindly appreciate your advice. Thank you for your time.
Feb 27, 2013
 Hives
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray

Do you have any links to share regarding pre-menstral hives? I’ve seen on several forums that getting hives before your period may be helped by Progesterone Cream. Several people said that the cream eliminated the hives. I’ve been using the cream for two months. I am 41 and had a baby in Oct 2011. About 5 months ago my husband got a vasectomy so I went off the birth control pill. When I was pregnant at about 7 months I started itching on my belly and breasts. I got a very bad rash that the doctors said was PUPPS. They said it was due to a surge in hormones and would go away once I delivered. Well it did get better but since I went off the birth control pill it got so much worse. I’m wondering if this could be a sign of peri-menopause. My question to you is do you think it is a sign of estrogen dominance? If so, why would I get it at 7 months pregnant when progesterone is so high? Do you think it is an imbalance of hormones? I’m so confused and at my wit’s end with these hives. I started the cream at the first of the year. In January I was only using 25mg per day (once a day). In February I increased to 25mg twice a day. The hives are still pretty bad but the good news is that my moods are better and I’m sleeping better. I know you recommend at least 100 mg per day. Do you think I should increase? Or do you think I can actually have a progesterone allergy. I’ve read that is possible too and would explain why I had it so bad and the end of my pregnancy. I’m so confused! Would you be able to give me some insight? Thank you so much!!
Mar 03, 2013
 Why early period on progesterone?
by: Wray

Hi Hormonie Clever pseudonym! You say your cycles are 21 days, if this is the case then you have been advised to use the progesterone incorrectly. For some extraordinary reason everyone thinks all women have 28 day cycles, this is not true. My daughter has a 21 day cycle. Normal cycles range from 21 days to 35 days, making 28 the average only. You should be starting the progesterone on day 7, which is when you should be ovulating. Then use it for the next 14 days. All women irrespective of their cycle length, have a normal luteal phase of 12-14 days. It always occurs between ovulation and bleeding. Although with PCOS you probably have anovulatory cycles. The clots indicate old lining is coming away from the uterine wall, a good thing. I'm pleased you've switched to a cream, as oral progesterone is the least effective Delivery system, "The liver and gut region removed a mean of 96 per cent of the progesterone entering these tissues" see here. PCOS is caused by oxidative stress, this must be reversed before healing can take place. Progesterone alone won't be enough. Progesterone does help with all those symptoms you mentioned, strong PMS is often caused by excess testosterone, which you probably have with the PCOS. If bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) testosterone becomes inactive, progesterone raises levels of SHBG, see here, so preventing the rise of free testosterone and severe PMS. It also suppresses the inflammatory cytokines causing the cramps. It's excellent for Migraines and Breast Tenderness. I suggest you use the progesterone daily, through any bleeding, for 2-3 months. This ensures progesterone becomes the dominant hormone and suppresses any excess oestrogen and testosterone. Once you feel stable you can follow your cycle again. If the bleeding continues you might consider taking at least 2000mg/day NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), 2000mg/day taurine, 10,000iu per day vitamin D and 1000mg/day bioflavonoids. These all help excessive bleeding. There's more info on our Menstruation page. But please consider taking the nutrients listed on the PCOS page. Take care Wray
Mar 03, 2013
 Hives
by: Wray

Hi Christine I have answered your other page, the link is here. Take care Wray
Mar 26, 2013
 breakthrough or period?
by: Jessica

I'm just starting out using Progonal cream. I was told to take it days 12-26, counting from the first day being the day I start my period. Period started Feb 25th So I starting using the cream on day 12 which was March 8th and continued til March 22nd. March 24th I started a bleed. Sounds normal right? I guess for me its just hard to determine whats REALLY going on with my body. I have PCOS and last year about this time I had a D & C because of endometrial hyperplasia, which I was told due to my high estrogen levels and lack of a normal period(most of my life) So I guess my question is, now that I started bleeding on Sunday, Im ASSUMING this is my "period" and I should start counting down until I start using the cream again? Lack of the cream can bring on a period within 24-36 hours which would seem right... any advice is appreciated!! Thank you!
Mar 27, 2013
 breakthrough or period?
by: Wray

Hi Jessica Do you have a 26 day cycle? Progesterone should only be started at ovulation, which in the case of a 26 day cycle, would be on day 12. The luteal phase lasts in all women 12-14 days, although I believe using it for the full 14 days ensures enough progesterone is used. We do have a page on PCOS, it's caused by oxidative stress, and large amounts of antioxidants are needed to reverse it. Progesterone, although an antioxidant, won't do it. I've also found large amounts of progesterone are needed too, simply to suppress the excess oestrogen and testosterone. Generally in the region of 200-400mg/day. It will also help the endo hyperplasia, as you say this is caused by excess oestrogen. Please be aware progesterone can upset the cycle when first using it making it earlier or later than normal. So your next period might catch you by surprise, or you could be wondering where it is. It does settle in time. I'm not sure if you were warned about Oestrogen Dominance as this can also occur. Often out of the blue too. We do have another page on How to use progesterone cream which you might find helpful. Take care Wray
Jul 12, 2013
 migraines
by: judy

Hi, I have gotten headaches i believe have been associated with my period since I was in 12th grade. I am 50 now and they have increased in length and severity in the last couple of years and as of late they are more frequent. I have been using probably a nominal amount of progesterone cream for 3 or 4 years 2 x a day. I counted back the last couple of months and I get a 2 day migraine around day 21 and 22 and then mostly a period with 5 days. Went to a doctor for help because I am miserable and she prescribed 100mg of oral progesterone at bedtime. took it for 2 night and on the 3rd day I got a severe headache that lasted for 2 days and then 5th morning I got my period. Can you help me figure any of this out? I am scared to take it again because the pain of these headaches are debilitating.
Jul 12, 2013
 migraines
by: Wray

Hi Judy Progesterone does help headaches and Migraines. But the amount has to be high, you don't say how much you were using, but evidently too little. The oral progesterone would have made matters far worse, as the amount you're getting is very little, "The liver and gut region removed a mean of 96 per cent of the progesterone entering these tissues", see here. I suggest you switch to a cream and use about 200mg/day. We have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Jul 22, 2013
 Early periods after starting Progesterone Cream.
by: Sab

I'm only 20 years old, suffering from PCOS since the last 3 years now. I have moderate acne along with pigmentation and dull skin. I started using USP Progesterone cream Emerita Progest since 3 months. My acne reduces greatly during the time I use the cream i.e., after ovulation until my periods begin. My cycle used to be 35 days long but after I started with the cream, it reduced to 28 days in the 1st month, 24 in the 2nd and 17 days in the 3rd month. I am very concerned about the shortening of my cycle to 17 days. Also my acne comes back during the break when I don't use the cream. Please help me out with this.
Jul 22, 2013
 Early periods after starting Progesterone Cream
by: Wray

Hi Sab We do have a page on PCOS, it's caused by oxidative stress and large amounts of antioxidants are needed to reverse it. Progesterone is essential too, but won't alone correct the problem. We also have a page on Acne you could look through, progesterone does help as it lowers testosterone levels. Progesterone can also affect the cycle length, but in time it settles down, so don't be too concerned. I often recommend using the progesterone daily through any bleeding, until symptoms are under control, then it can be followed again. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Jul 22, 2013
 Should I continue witg the cream even when I'm bleeding?
by: Sab

Thanks for the prompt reply :) So you mean I should use the cream even during the time I'm bleeding for atleast two or three months without any breaks? Last month I bled light. This time I bled more and I've noticed whitish clots in the blood.
Jul 22, 2013
 Should I continue witg the cream even when I'm bleeding?
by: Wray

Hi Sab Yes I do mean that. It's far better to get rid of symptoms than suffer them needlessly. No harm is done. In fact many Contraceptives are designed to stop periods. And they do come with adverse side effects. Take care Wray
Jul 28, 2013
 Bad acne all of a sudden even while using progesterone.
by: Sab

Hi Wray, its been 3 months since I'm using Emerita Progest cream. At first, all my acne disappeared. However it returned during the break. I have started using the cream even when I'm bleeding but since some weeks my acne has retirned with a vengence and it seems to be worse now. I don't know how that happened. This nevee happened before. I use 2 pumps twice a day but still there is no effect on the acne. I've heard that progesterone activates the estrogen receptors resulting in strong estrogen dominance symptoms. Is this what is happenening to me? For three months I was fine. I've started using the cream everyday irrespective of my cycle. I also have PCOS. What should I do? How long will it take for things to get back to normal. I want to get rid of acne which is the strongest symptom of estrogen dominance for me. How long will that take? Please help me..
Jul 29, 2013
 Correction
by: Sab

I use one pump two times a day, in the morning and evening. Thankyou
Jul 29, 2013
 Bad acne all of a sudden even while using progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Sab Please read through both the acne and the PCOS pages. They explain what's happening, and how much progesterone to use. You are using far too little. Plus you need to change your diet too, as this affects both PCOS and acne. It takes about 6 months for PCOS to reverse, but only if you take high dose antioxidants, progesterone alone won't be enough. And change your diet to one without any foods which contain the sugars, or which convert to glucose, i.e. avoid all grains, legumes, sweet, starchy fruits and root vegetables. Your testosterone is far too high, this is causing the acne. Please consider going on a Ketogenic Diet. Take care Wray
Sep 19, 2013
 Confused about levels
by: Finzy

Hi Wray, Thank you so much for this site. It is very helpful and informative. I am 43, petite, and weigh about 102 lbs. About two years ago, my doctor told me I had markedly low testosterone and gave me a bio=identical testosterone(Sotto-Pelle brand)pellet in my buttock. It was amazing. My energy levels were sky high and so was my libido. About 6 months later, I had another and then another pellet 6 months after that. The results unfortunately weren't the same as the first time. However, the doctor never rechecked my hormone level after that first visit- he just inserted the pellets and sent me on my way.
For the past year I have been feeling extremely fatigued, crazy anxiety and sore breasts. Ultrasounds revealed cystic ovaries and tiny uterine fibroids.
I decided to have my hormones checked in August. (At this point I had been using 1/4 tsp twice a day of Emerita's Pro-gest cream for about one month. I hadn't had testosterone replacement for a little over a year at this point)
I had my labs tested on the day before I think I ovulated.
The results were as follows:
Testosterone 22 ng/dl
Estradiol 360.8 pg/ml
Progesterone .7 ng/ml

What can you tell me about these results?
Sep 20, 2013
 anxiety, early crampy period
by: lizzy

I just got my period 8 days early which is extremely abnormal for me, I have had a 28 day cycle for over 10 years. I'm 31 years old and I started using progesterone last cycle for PMS related anxiety, irritability and depression. My doctor has me using a half teaspoon once a day at bedtime. This morning before I got my period, I had a panic attack out of the clear blue. Also, I have had mittelschmerz with every ovulation for the last 10 years or more and I didn't have it this cycle. Last month when I first started the cream, I felt like it was reducing my anxiety a lot, but this month it seems worse. What's going on and what should I do? Oh also, I had a hormone test a few years ago and everything was normal except my estrogen was low. I'm not sure if my hormones are the same now or not but if they are, wouldn't progesterone make my estrogen go even lower?
Sep 22, 2013
 Confused about levels
by: Wray

Hi Finzy Testosterone can help some women, but it does have repercussions, see here, here, here, here here, here, here, here and here. Although your total testosterone falls into the normal range, do you know your free testosterone level? This should always be done too, taking the total is pointless, it's the free or active that affects us. Testosterone is converted into oestrogen, which is why yours is so high. Although this is still within the normal range, it's at the very high end of normal, see Medline. While your progesterone is very low. The test should always be done mid-luteal phase, which is when both oestrogen and progesterone peak. Although progesterone does rise sharply 50 hours prior to ovulation, it's no where near it's highest level. For instance your ratio of P:E2 is 2:1, mine was 5:1 and I was a basket case! Oestrogen causes cells to proliferate, hence the Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids. It's also an inflammatory hormone, hence the Breast Tenderness. Continued below
Sep 22, 2013
 Confused about levels part 2
by: Wray

Hi Finzy A lack of iodine also causes cysts, and Breast Cysts too. Both testosterone and oestrogen cause Insulin Resistance, which causes fatigue. Finally we do have a page on Anxiety you could look through. Please have a vitamin D test done, a lack of this affects every cell, causes insulin resistance and reduces the benefits of progesterone. The amount of progesterone you're using won't raise levels to that found in the luteal phase, see out page on Progesterone Misconceptions. I generally recommend 100-200mg/day, often more is needed. Please consider increasing the amount. Thanks for the kind words about the site. Take care Wray
Sep 24, 2013
 anxiety, early crampy period
by: Wray

Hi Lizzy Progesterone does upset the cycle when first using it, your doctor should have warned you. It should also be used a minimum of twice a day, as levels drop after about 13 hours. And the chances are you are using far too little, this only leads to Oestrogen Dominance, which can come out of the blue, as it has with you. You should have been warned about this too. We have info about panic attacks on our Anxiety page. Progesterone is an anti-inflammatory, so it's not surprising it helped the mittelschmerz, although the pain of this could come back if you continue to use too little. There's more info on our pages about How to use progesterone cream and Menstruation. Your oestrogen could have been low, but what was the ratio of that to progesterone. You would not have PMS if the ratio had been good, i.e. high progesterone to oestrogen. You might like to look at Saliva Tests we run. You'll notice how high the progesterone goes. Take care Wray
Nov 11, 2013
 Period and Progesterone
by: Anonymous

Hi Im 47 yrs old and I use progesterone cream day 14-28 If I am still getting spotting from my period up til day 14 can I still start my progesterone on day 14 ??
Jan 26, 2014
 Started my period before finishing my prometrium, what do I do?
by: Dizzy

I recently started taking prometrium. I suffer from PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome) My doctor said this would help with the very heavy, very painful and very lengthy periods I have, but I have to say everything I am reading it seems it's been prescribed to others for the exact opposite, for people who lack a period. I definitely do not lack a period so I'm a little confused. Also, I have been prescribed to take 2 before bed on days 14-27 of my cycle (14 days total) however, I stated bleeding when I woke up this morning and then about 8 hours later the cramping started. I am not sure if I should continue taking the prometrium even tho I've started or should just stop until my next cd14-27? Any info on both of these questions would be great :) Thank you in advance.
Apr 09, 2014
 stopped taking progesterone
by: emma

Hi
I started using progesterone cream on about day 13 and went away and stopped using it for a couple of days because i forgot to take it with me, 2 days later I had my period, a week early.
Is it because I stopped taking the cream that I came on? What should I do now about my cycle, start again as if this is the real one?
Thanks
Apr 10, 2014
 Stop taking Progesterone
by: Joy

Hi Emma

Well I am not surprised you got a period a week early, you have not used progesterone cream correctly. Please read How to use Progesterone Cream, it will explain when to use the cream depending on your cycle i.e. if you are on a 28 days cycle, progesterone cream needs to be used 15 days BEFORE your next period.

Your cycle could now become a little irregular because of this, you will have to wait until a regular cycle starts again and then use. Some women use the cream every day until a regular cycle begins. The choice is yours.

Please also make sure that you use a progesterone cream that has the correct progesterone concentration otherwise you will land up with terrible Estrogen Dominance symptoms.

Hope this helps.
Apr 12, 2014
 Wish I Found You Sooner
by: Girl on a Mission

Hi Wray. I really hate to interrupt your time off but since I only stumbled upon this site recently (I believe through the grace of God) I hope you can maybe sneak in a bit of time to help me out with this....I just turned 41. I' discovered I had fibroids a few years ago but they never bothered me until last year, when I started bleeding so bad that I have to wear around 6 Depends (the pull on diapers) over the course of two days and the other days, overnight pads. My periods last 14 days. Found out through MRI I have a submucosal fibroid which seems to be the culprit. Of course I became anemic and needed to take 325mg Ferrous Sulfate 3x per day which I am still on. My Vit D levels are great as I do supplement and I eat organic. My pharmacist recommended I take Quantum Female Hormonal Balance. Been taking it for 6 months. Hardly any cramps and clottting but it did not help bleeding at all. He put me on Emerita Pro-Gest (1/2 tsp 2x per day). I know now from reading all the comments that I should be using a LOT more. I do feel better with moods and fatigue anod breasts were only tender as of last 5 days before (my period is appearing). However, I def feel I put on some weight. Perhaps bloating and had some hot flashes. Am I exoeriencing estrogen dom even though I feel better in some ways? Here's my issue: Sometimes my cycle is 26 days. Sometimes 28. Hard to tell because there's always a small amount blood (panty liner) for two or three days before it's full force. So, I'm never sure which is considered the first day. Can you recommend how to use this for submucosal fibroid which is causing extremely bad flooding and a duration of 14 days? When should I start the cream then? (as sometimes my cycles vary in length.) Should I continue through the bleeding (every day? for how long?) Will this cause my periods to stop permanantly? I don't want that to happen.
I would really appreciate your help with this. It's been affecting my quality of life for the oast year and since my mom had breast cancer (and also fibroids), I really would like to do what I can to prevent this from one day happening to me because if estrogen dominance.
Thank you so very much!
Girl On A Mission : )
Apr 28, 2014
 Wish I Found You Sooner
by: Joy

Hi Girl on a Mission

As Wray is on sabbatical she will not be replying to any emails or posts until she returns, but perhaps I can help you.

Apart from your fibroids, it sounds to me as though you have started Peri-Menopause which is a difficult time for most women. Bleeding for 14 days is no joke and not knowing when your cycle is, is another symptom of Peri-Menopause. From about the age of 35 our progesterone levels start dropping, as we have more and more anovulatory cycles, when no progesterone is made. Progesterone is very much needed to help deal with these issues and to help prepare you for Menopause.

Oxidative stress causes Fibroids and unless the inflammation is dealt with, they will persist. You may like to try this heaving bleeding protocol which has proved extremely successful:

*Natpro - 400mg to 500mg/per day * N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) - 2000mg/per day * Taurine - 2000mg/per day * Vitamin D - 5000iu's/per day more if vitamin D level is low * Bioflavanoids - 1000mg/per day

Continued ......
Apr 28, 2014
 Wish I Found You Sooner Part 2
by: Joy

Hi Girl on a Mission

When you say your Vitamin D level is great, what exactly is that? Your level should be between 70-100ng/mL. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone, it is also connected to every single cell and its formation in our bodies, making it vital. It is so very important to get your vitamin D level up high.

Equally important is the progesterone concentration used, if this is incorrect it causes terrible Estrogen Dominance symptoms which is what you are experiencing now, weight gain is caused by not using enough progesterone. I do not believe you have been using enough progesterone.

I suggest you try the heavy bleeding protocol and use progesterone every day, ignore any bleeding/spotting/clotting that may take place in between your cycle. Continue with this until your symptoms have improved and you are feeling stable enough to start to follow you REGULAR cycle again. Do bear in mind that once in Peri-Menopause, cycles become erratic and rather difficult to follow so using progesterone every day is recommended. You might find How to use Progesterone Cream useful.

Hope this helps you.
Apr 30, 2014
 Re: Wish I Found You Sooner
by: Girl on A Mission

Thank you so much for your reply Joy. I appreciate it a ton. I will start the heavy bleeding protocol ASAP as well as order Natpro. A couple of things, if you don't mind:
Just want to clarify... I had only been on the pro-gest cream for two weeks (when I wrote the post.) Then two days after writing the post, I got my period, But, this time, I was so scared. It was worse than ever! 10 diapers instead of usual 6 and HUGE clots. Very dark blood. Almost passed out (sorry this is so graphic.) When I told my oharmacist this, he told me that I may have been using too much cream. From what you are saying, it seems that it's the opposit? That I was in fact becoming est. dom? That's why the period was a lot worse? After 14 days, I went back on cream at 1/4 tspoon 2x day (instead of 1/2 tsp.) Weight gain went away, but I feel fatigued, even though as of yesterday, I went up to 1/2. I will be happy to try the 400-500 mg of Natpro. How many tspoons is that? How many tubes will I go through in a week? I went through 1 tube in two weeks using the Pro-Gest at 1/2 tspoon. Also, My periods are very regular (except for the two days of spotting that occurs every month before it really starts.) My cycles are always 28 days. I do not spot after the 14 days of bleeding (except for the two days leading up to the actual flow which is why I sometimes am confused if my cycle is 26 or 28 days.) Would you still suggest that I use the cream for the entire month? Won't that stop me from ovulating? If not, then when is considered the first day of bleeding? The spotting, or full on flow? My vit D level is 80.2. btw. is that good enough? So sorry for such a long post and all the questions, but I am still new to all this and appreciate your help more than you know : )

Best,
Girl on a Mission
May 02, 2014
 Wish I Found You Sooner
by: Joy

Hi Girl on A Mission

I am so pleased that you are going to try the heavy bleeding protocol and Natpro, please remember that it does take time.

Progesterone therapy can cause symptoms to get worse before they get better. I had such huge clots that I thought I was having another baby!! lol. It is scary and you think you are going to bleed to death! Your pharmacist amazes me really, and just proves that they really do not understand the benefits of progesterone, all they have to do is study the research papers, it’s all there for everyone to see! What is happening is that progesterone is clearing the lining of the uterus, the dark blood is dead blood. This is exactly what is needed, reducing will set you back again. Nothing less than 100mg/3ml of the correct progesterone concentration will help you greatly. However, for the heavy bleeding protocol you need to use a lot more progesterone. I have recently been dealing with two ladies, both suffering heavy bleeding. The one followed the heavy bleeding protocol exactly and in her second month she was virtually back to normal, even I was amazed. The other, chose not to follow the protocol exactly and she is still battling, that is 5 months ago. The protocol must be following exactly, depending on how severe symptoms are, will determine how long the process will take.

How to Use Progesterone cream will explain exactly how much 400-500mg is and how long a tube will last. Read the entire page, it is very important that you do. Halfway down you will come to a chart indicating conversions.

I really do feel that you need to use progesterone EVERY day, with no stopping until things are stable again, you will battle otherwise. I take it that your vitamin D is 80.2ng/mL and not mnol/L, in which case your level is good, mine is currently 130ng/mL. If it is mnol/L then you are terribly deficient.

Stick with this, it will work, it has helped countless women before.
May 09, 2014
 Re: Wish I found You Sooner
by: Girl On A Mission

I don't know how to thank you enough Joy! You've taken the time to help me with all your knowledge and I appreciate it. Knowing you went through something similar (especially feeling like you were giving birth to a baby because clots were so big lol - exactly how I felt) gives me hope that I can turn my symptoms around. I can't wait to post results in the future because I will follow the protocol exactly how you said to. I know it takes commitment, patience and persistence. I have no problem with that. I also heard that taking serrapeptase enzymes on an empty stomach may dissolve fibroids. Just curious if you've heard anything about that. Would love your opinion. Again, thanks a million Joy!

Best,

Girl on a Mission
May 16, 2014
 Wish I Found You Sooner
by: Joy

Hi Girl on a Mission

It’s my pleasure, we all need help as information out there and given by the medical professionals can be very confusing at times.

I must admit that I have not heard of serrapeptase enzymes, inflammation responds very well to progesterone and vitamin D as well as the other aminos mentioned. If you do try the serrapeptase, please let us know how you get on with it.

Take care.
May 20, 2014
 Need Advice
by: Khosi

I am 30 years old and trying to have a baby.I started homeopathy treatment on the 18th Jan 2014 for fertility treatment and he put me on progesterone cream. I used it for two cycles and on the 26 March I started my periods, which normally lasts 3 days and my cycles range between 24 and 26 days. I experienced severe cramps on the 28 March on the left side and thought it was period pains. They got worse and decided to go to casualty on the 2 April. The sonar showed a 5cm cyst on the left ovary. I had a laporoscope procedure on the 10 April. I did not use the progesterone cream during this time as I was not sure what was happening to me. This months cycle was shorter than usual as it was 19 days. I am confused and scared the ovarian cyst will come back and I am currently not on any medication.

Thank you in advance
Khosi
Oct 09, 2014
 When should I stop the cream?
by: Kristen

Hello! I'm so glad I found this site, I am in need of advice! I am 24 and my husband and I have had one miscarriage just over a year ago. For a long time I've had low progesterone symptoms (spotting before periods, heavy crampy periods, low sex drive, etc. ) 13 days ago I started taking Emerita Progest twice daily (1/4 teaspoon morning & night) and that was right after ovulation. I normally start my period of cd 32, but begin spotting by day 29. I am now on day 31 (day before period normally comes) and I've had no spotting. I have felt like I could be pregnant, my nipples have been incredible sore like the last time I got pregnant. The thing Is I know if I am pregnant and I stop the cream than that can result in a miscarriage from the drop in Progest. If I keep using the cream though (and not preg) will my period start on its own? I don't feel as though it's going to start tomorrow. I will take a pregnancy test tomorrow, but what I'm wondering if when should I stop using the cream.
Oct 21, 2014
 Eratic Bleeding
by: Need Yr Help

Hi There,
I am 51 1/2 and am definitely going through peri-m.
I shoul have listened to mom 5 yrs when she said to start using the progesterone . On Aug. 29-Sept 5. I got period. Then started Emertia Progest 1/4tsp 1xday on Sept. 8. I was told to start on days 7-28. On Sept 12 got a full blown period so I stopped the progest. Period lasted until Sept 20. This time I decided to do progest on days 14-28 I started again on Oct. 4. Then I got my period on Oct. 8-14. This time I used progesterone through my period- your site says just use it 14 days regardless of bleeding-then count 14 days from start of period and start again. So it is Sept. 21 my progest start day. I am so confused-crampy-spotting-anxious-irritable-...my right ovary hurt all last night so maybe I ovulated? What shoukd I do next? All info I gathered says to little progest and do this everyday? I would so appreciate some advice. I will most likely start progest today using it 2xday 1/4 tsp. morning and night. Is that enough? AND SHOULD I USE IT EVERYDAY FOR A FEW MONTHS? Please help! Thanks for reading and hopefully replying.

Nov 14, 2014
 progesterone pills
by: Julie Brown

I'm 37 years old. I have a question i started taking the Progesterone pills and i stopped taking them for at lease amonth do to money issues.I had my period on the 31st of October and i knew when i got to afford it again i got the pills i marked the date to start taking them witch would be on the 13th of November i marked the calender to take it on the 13th day but i started my period on the 12th and I'm supposed to start on the 25th. I started taking the pills again will my cycling go back to normal? Should i continue taking the pills on my period? And stop on the 25th when i start my real period. My cycle is alway on time.

Thank you.
Mar 11, 2015
 no periods
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am 30 yo, and my periods have ALWAYS been irregular, i have had take provera mant times to bring on my period. period was only regular for the year after i had my son. the last time i had a regular period was May 2014. i have started using the cream for 1 1/2 week now and have started spotting. i was planning on using it for the 3 weeks then not using it for a week. should i keep using through the spotting? and use in the 3weeks on, 1 week off or just everyday for a few months until it regulates? thank you so much
May 05, 2015
 Estrogen dominant Pcos Vitamin D
by: Anonymous

Hi..My name is Ana..I have been diagnosed with Pcos 8 years back..im now 28..have 15 and 19 cysts on ovaries ..saliva tests show progesterone as 541 pmol/litre..which according to doctor is low..my p/e2 ratio is 135 according to test should be in between 4 to 108 pmol/litre..my e1 is elevated.vitamin d 44..do u recommend increasing vitamin d before starting progesterone cream..how much progesterone cream do u recommend??
May 07, 2015
 Think I am getting relief
by: Adrienne

I am turning 40 next Friday. I got a surprise when I started my cycle 21 days after the last one ended with some spotting between the last and this one. My period has never been 'on time' per se, but it has ALWAYS been between 32-38 days. The last year it has been arriving closer together. I have had it 30 days which seemed 'on time'. Little did I know that this shorter cycle length was something my body is probably doing due to hormones. Hormones and my period never crossed my mind until I experienced flooding and an extremely long period this last week and a half. In a flurry, I called my OB/GYN whom I don't have an appt with until next Tuesday because it takes forever to see one. I actually went to Urgent Care yesterday because I was exhausted and scared to be bleeding for so long. I was prescribed some Provera and actually bought it. Because I was wondering what was going on with me, I have been reading like crazy on perimenopausal symptoms and I came across the term estrogen dominance. I am pretty sure this is what is going on with me as I just had a health check up less than 6 months ago and the urgent care doc said 'everything looks/feels good'. Everything BUT ME, apparently. Anyways, I didn't feel comfortable taking the Provera after reading about the horrible side effects. I went to get some USP Progesterone cream from the health food store last night and began using it. I immediately got some cramps and a headache which confirmed that I was/am hormonally imbalanced because I only get headaches from hormones. I bled through the night, no where like the flooding I experienced earlier in my cycle, but a crampy kind of pain where I could tell I was shedding. Today, I have been using the cream steadily throughout the day, about 5 times and about 1/4 teaspoon each time. My flow is almost gone and down to just a trickle. My head is feeling better and my concentration today was far above what it has been over the last week.

As I think back over the past couple years, I can now see symptoms of my hormones changing. I have had buzzing in my body, ringing in my ears, forgetfulness, hair loss (luckily I have ALOT because 6 months ago I was losing tons and that has now stopped), clumsiness, irritability, emotional feelings of high/low, happy/sad, and now my period is out of whack.

I am praying that the progesterone will help me through this time in my life. I intend to read more about nutrition and continue walking to get rid of the excess estrogen and am going to start a light weight lifting regimen. I had no idea that hormones could affect a woman like this, nor, that it would be so scary. Truly it is scary when you don't know what is going on or how to resolve the issue.

Thank you for this site and all the testimonies from women as it sure does comfort me to know that I am not alone in this.
Jan 22, 2016
 bio identical progesterone, testosterone cream
by: Alyssa

I started my period Jan. 7th, Then on Jan 16th which is day 10 of my cycle I started 200mg progesterone and then 1/4g of testosterone cream and they increased my naturethroid just a little. Well I started my period on Jan21 ! It completely messed me up and I feel awful. I have major thryoid problems too, adrenal issues. I take tons of vitamins and supplements for it. My progesterone was really low on blood work and testosterone too and my T3 was a little low so that is why they put me on all of this.. advice?
Jan 23, 2016
 bio identical progesterone, testosterone cream
by: Joy

Hi Alyssa

If you read this entire thread you will soon realise that testosterone is not the way to go. Please read the pages and references already given and what is needed.

Hope this helps.
Feb 04, 2016
 Period Late. Should I resume using cream or wait?
by: Su

Hello,

Thank you so much for your guidance. I am 48, peri-menopause, estrogen dominant symptoms. I started using progesterone cream, 2.5%, 1/2 tsp 2x per day, total of 1/4 tsp. Am also supplementing w liquid vegan vitamin D. I feel so much better on every level. I realize now that started using the cream before I ovulated. I took it for 3 weeks, then stopped, thinking my period would start then, at it's usual time. It's been 8 days an no period, though I do feel PMS.

Question: Can I go ahead and start the cream again (having been off of it for 8 days) or should I wait one month until my period comes back and then take it regularly after ovulation?

Note: I am finally using the right amount. For years, I dabbled and only used a small amount, which of course just made my symptoms worse. Taking a much larger dose that before, I notice a big positive improvement.

Many thanks,
Su
Feb 07, 2016
 Period Late. Should I resume using cream or wait?
by: Joy

Hi Su

As you are in Peri-Menopause you should be using progesterone cream every day with no breaks at all. Using a cream with the correct concentration as well as the correct amount is most important.
Feb 08, 2016
 Thank you Joy!
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your response Joy, I really appreciate it! I started taking it again, and was thinking I should go ahead and use it every day. The estrogen dominant symptoms I am having include fibroids. I am also taking antioxidants, Vitex, and doing castor oil packs, to shrink and eliminate them. Also lots of anxiety, hot flashes, brain fog, forgetfulness, sadness, insomnia. I have to say that last month on the progesterone was one of the best months in a long time.

It is challenging to find good info, even from MDs, so again - many thanks for being such a blessing to the world Joy!

Su
Feb 15, 2016
 Thank you Joy!
by: Joy

Hi Su

Thanks for you kind words and I am pleased that I was able to help you. Please read the Fibroids page on the website if you have not done so already. These are caused by oxidative stress and unless this is dealt with by taking the nutrients mentioned on the page, you will battle to get rid of them. Progesterone helps the body to absorb the smaller ones, larger ones can be more problematic though. Please be careful with Vitex, it is slightly estrogenic.

All the best.
Apr 30, 2016
 Periods coming fast?
by: Progestgirl

Hello: wondered about your thoughts on this...
I was taking a bio identical trokie with 50mg of progesterone days 10 thru when I started, then cutting to 25mg for days 1-10. I was feeling much better but wanted to still see improvement.
My integrative practitioner increased the dose to 100mg (I know you are a fan of creams but in the past I saw no improvement with creams, hence I went in search of a physician who used a compounding pharmacy for the trokie).
Once I started the 100mg, it caused my breasts to be swollen and enlarged, very tender, and I am having my period frequently. It begins, lasts about 8 days, I have maybe a 4-5 day break, and it starts again.
What are your thoughts on the increased dosage causing this? I am supposed to be using 50mg days 1-10 and then 100mg until I start. But given that I'm starting so frequently, I haven't cut back to the half dose because I'd rarely have a chance to take full dose because of how quickly my periods are coming.
Sep 23, 2016
 Early period
by: Christianmotherof5

Hello. I am 43 and I have been on progesterone cream now for over a year due to estrogen dominance. My new doctor recently switched me to troche's. I am on 200 mg daily. This is the second month now that I have gotten my period while still taking the progesterone. My doctor told me to keep on taking it until day 28 then start counting day 1 when bleeding stops. This is different than everything I have been told in the past. Since doing this I am on day 6 and I am having cramps and ovulating. If I would have started my day 1 when I started bleeding then I would be on day 14 today. Which makes sense why I would be ovulating right now. Does this sound strange? I just want to have my cycle normal again.
Oct 11, 2016
 Confused beginner
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

I've been prescribed 20mg progesterone cream, as my progesterone was only 2.0 on day 21 of my cycle, and I have a million symptoms of deficiency.

It arrived on day 5 of my cycle and I took it eight away, one pump per night. It's now only day 23, and my period has arrived. It's usually exactly day 28. Should I continue to take it through the bleeding?
Feb 15, 2017
 3 periods a month /ANXIETY
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 19 years old and has been taking progesterone cream since August.For 6 months. She has been having between 2 to 3 periods a month since she has started the cream. She has severe Anxiety. She takes 50mg/GM she puts on 1/8 tsp. Some months she has her period for 21 days. I am getting concerned. Is she to young to be on this. Her anxiety is so bad every time she is on her period. All she wants to do is sleep and not go no where. Not sure what to do!!! Help
Jun 01, 2017
 Can I help my period come a week early?
by: Anonymous

HI,

I've been on progesterone cream for 4 months or so. I've found it has helped a lot in regulating my cycle (periods used to be super late), and it has helped my pms and digestive problems. I'm very happy with it.

I was wondering if I can shift my cycle a week or so earlier (to avoid having my period on my wedding day) by stopping the cream a week before I normally would?

Thanks for your advice!
Oct 29, 2017
 Premenopausal hair growth on chin
by: Anonymous

Can taking natural progesterone help with the hair growth on my chin, so tired of tweezing sharp little whiskery hairs?
Oct 30, 2017
 Premenopausal hair growth on chin
by: Joy

Yes, a good organic progesterone will help you, but it is a long process. It is caused by excess estrogen and or testosterone levels, progesterone will balance your hormones. A friend of mine has the same thing and progesterone cream is making a difference, but it has taken a long time.

You might like to read the page on Peri-Menopause and Menopause as well as the other pages listed.

How to use Progesterone Cream

Estrogen Dominance

Peri-Menopause

Menopause

Vitamin D3

Magnesium

Delivery Methods
Mar 20, 2018
 Why should I take Progesterone cream?
by: Anonymous

Hi, I’m 43 years old and have not yet started the progesterone cream. I have been reading through the comments and found this question that was never answered. I have the same question. I currently have regular periods on a 28 day cycle. (28 days from last day of period to first day of next period)

Why should I take this Progesterone cream?
"If you periods were regular before using progesterone what were the symptoms that convinced you to try the cream? I m concerned because I had no symptoms (no indications of peri menopause other than age and after beginning the progesterone my period started early. I am a little confused. The info on the website suggests that progesterone is good to begin using even with no symptoms and regular cycles during the age range for pm but I still have trouble understanding why it would be a good idea to use it if it throws a regular cycle off kilter and produces negative symptoms where there were none."
Mar 22, 2018
 Why should I take Progesterone cream?
by: Joy

Progesterone therapy has helped so many women with their estrogen dominance symptoms and other adverse symptoms. Progesterone is needed to balance hormones as there are well over 100 estrogen mimics in our environment today. It is a hormone that our bodies produces all the time, but starts to decline at around 35.

You are fortunate that you have no symptoms and regular periods. It can disrupt the cycle when first used, but the cycle soon regulates itself as the body adjusts. The negative symptoms referred too are actually caused by excess estrogen, which clear as progesterone becomes dominant.

This page explains the benefits of progesterone: Progesterone Therapy.
Feb 20, 2022
 Am I using this correctly?
by: Anonymous

I started applying progesterone on cycle day 14 (according to my Flo App). I started with 20 mg, then 20mg twice a day but that gave me insomnia for two nights so I went back to 20mg.

I’m 43 years old. My periods have always been regular, I’m using the cream because I’ve had other symptoms like weight gain, swelling, anxiety, depression, fatigue, muscle pain, low grade fevers before period starts, frequent urination, etc. And, because I calculated my Progesterone/Estrogen ratio and it’s 43.

Someone in an Estrogen Dominance group told me that the ratio number should be at least 100 and is therefore considered Estrogen Dominance.

The most important question is, should I continue the cream for a full 14 days if on cycle day 24 (today) I noticed spotting?
Normally my period would not start for another 7 days.

Or should I stop now because of the early spotting, and start again when bleeding ends?

That would mean that normally I have a 31 day cycle, I think?

Thank you!
Feb 21, 2022
 Am I using this correctly?
by: Joy

Unfortunately you are not using progesterone correctly. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream
You are in Peri-Menopause which is why you are experiencing these adverse symptoms. It can be a terrible time for women. You really should be using progesterone every day going forward unless you are TTC, in which case you will use progesterone while following a regular monthly cycle. Please read the page of Anxiety and consider taking some of those calming nutrient.

Progesterone:estrogen ratio should be 600:1. If you have calculated yours correctly at 43:1 then you desperately need to use a lot more progesterone. The person who told you that the ratio should be 100 is very much uninformed. The Hormone Testing page explains in more detail.

Please make sure that your Vitamin D3 level is optimal. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Progesterone faq.

Share this page:
Find this page helpful? Please tell others. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Search over 8,400 pages on this site...