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Just starting Progesterone cream, wondering about amt. of bleeding to know when to stop

by Robin
(Southern CA)

I'm 52, pre-menopausal, with erratic periods. Have not had a period in 3 months. The last one was extremely heavy, as is typical I think for my age, and having uterine fibroids and a thickening endometrial lining. So, believing I am progesterone deficient, I started the cream. After 5 days I had what seemed like the start of a period (bright red blood, but just a small amount) so I stopped the cream. Then the bleeding stopped by the end of the day, completely. The next morning I tried again to use the cream. Within a few hours, slight bleeding again (red). So I stopped, and the bleeding went away again. Now at your site I read that I should just continue the cream through this bleeding. I am guessing I should just keep with the cream for the 3 weeks, then come off, regardless of what bleeding is happening. Then, I'm guessing within a couple months or three this should even out so I don't bleed while on the cream and do bleed when off (as it should be?). Any advice would be helpful. I'm just getting started taking it and am wondering when to stop it. Also I am wondering if I'm not using enough. I'm using a small pea-sized amount twice a day. Thanks in advance!

Comments for Just starting Progesterone cream, wondering about amt. of bleeding to know when to stop

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Jul 24, 2012
 Just starting Progesterone cream, wondering about amt. of bleeding to know when to stop
by: Wray

Hi Robin We do have a page on Peri-menopause which explains how to use the progesterone. It can upset the cycle when first using it, but as you are in the end stages of P-M no amount of progesterone is going to make the cycle regular again. So I always recommend using it daily, through any bleeding. This will come and go as it is now, erratically, until finally it stops when you reach menopause. It's impossible to follow the cycle anyway, so you will never be getting enough progesterone if you try. It sounds as if you're using a cream which 1.6%, or it contains 16mg progesterone per gram of cream. I recommend using 100-200mg/day, which means with the cream you're using you would need between 6.25 to 12.5ml of cream per day. Or 1 1/4 tsp to 2 1/2 tsp of cream. But this does depend on symptoms, many women need more. Possibly the pea size you're using is enough, but I don't believe it is. Not if you have Fibroids and a thickened lining. Progesterone does help hyperplasia, see here, here and here. In case no one has warned you about it, please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance. As you're almost at Menopause please read through this page too. Take care Wray
Jul 24, 2012
 Follow up to my previous comment
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray,
So if I understand you correctly, I am likely using too little cream. Although, I did get back on my twice a day regimen and I notice that I'm getting rid of what looks like old blood, which seems like a good thing (I guess the old lining is being expelled finally?). So, as you advised, I'm using the cream through the bleeding. I will say, I wonder if an herbal method might be safer for me, since I am so close to the end of having cycles at all. My mother did get breast cancer (after 17 years of premarin and a far too early hysterectomy, age 42)...so this makes me leery of HRT, even if it is natural. Any thoughts? I am just starting FibroDefense (from Linda Page). It has some herbs that potentially reduce estrogen dominance. Can I ask, do you do phone consultations? If you want to reach me directly, my email is robin(dot)hardy(at)essmg.com
Thanks, Robin
Jul 26, 2012
 Follow up to my previous comment
by: Wray

Hi Robin I believe you are using too little, I take it my guess was right? As you haven't said how much you use. Progesterone should be used a minimum of twice a day as levels drop after about 13 hours. It's always good to get rid of old blood, so that's excellent news, it means your lining is shedding so the thickening should reduce. There's a world of difference between HRT containing oestrogen, and progesterone. Oestrogen in any form causes cells to proliferate, even phytoestrogens, of which you are now taking several. Progesterone is protective against Cancer. Oestrogen certainly isn't. Cancer is also caused by a lack of vitamin D, or it plays a huge role in the risk of getting it, see here, here, here, here and here. These are excellent videos to watch too, see here, here and here. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do phone consults or emails either, this takes up all my time. Plus trying to update pages. Take care Wray

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