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Feeling exhausted in the follicular phase

by Rebecca
(UK)

Hi
My monthly cycle is a tale of two halves. After my period has ended I have a week of feeling exhausted, sluggish and I get very constipated. Then, once I have ovulated, my energy levels rise up and I feel fine. I had a blood test on day 21 of my cycle that showed low hormone levels but still within the bounds of 'normal'.

If I feel much better in the luteal phase, is that a sign that I am benefitting from the higher progesterone at that time? If I were to take a progesterone supplement in the luteal phase, would it help me during the follicular phase, which is when I really struggle?

I have hypothyroidism and am taking 100mcg of levothyroxine daily.

Comments for Feeling exhausted in the follicular phase

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May 09, 2019
 Follicular phase progesterone
by: Anonymous

You're only supposed to take progesterone days 14 to 26. Not sure why you'd take it more than that if you are not past menopause. You won't ovulate if you're dosing the weeks before ovulation. If you're dosing now in the follicular phase that explains the exhaustion. Progesterone is a relaxant after all.
May 10, 2019
 Feeling exhausted in the follicular phase
by: Joy

Hi Rebecca

Please try using progesterone every day with no breaks at all. I am sure that this will help you. Between 100-200mg per day is needed, more if symptoms are severe. Use half the amount in the morning and the other half at night. This may disrupt you cycle a little, just ignore if it does. Things soon regulate. Once it does and you feel stable then use progesterone by following your cycle which is your luteal phase. Please read How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages.

Vitamin D3 also helps with thyroid issues. Vitamin D3 is very important, a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone. Nothing less than 5,000iu's per day is needed. Optimal range is between 70-100ng/ml. Magnesium and vitamin K2 with no soy are important co-factors needed when taking vitamin D3.
May 10, 2019
 Further details
by: Anonymous

Sorry, I should explain the details more clearly. I am not currently taking any progesterone treatment. I am nearly 47 and still menstruating. For well over a year my cycle was 21 days long but for the last couple of months have been around 32 days.

I tried taking oestrogen from day 1 - 25, because my symptoms are experienced in the follicular phase, I assumed that was where the deficiency is. Day 1 - 5 were great but after that point, I dipped. I felt more sluggish and tired than usual, as though my digestion slowed right down. I slept like a log all night and then woke up still feeling exhausted. Plus, whilst taking the oestrogen gel, I didn't benefit from the extra energy that I usually experience after I have ovulated. The symptoms persisted until I stopped taking the treatment on DAY 25.

Because the estrogen gel didn't address the exhaustion and sluggishness I am wondering if I need to increase progesterone, because I know how good I usually feel in the luteal phase.

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