Menu

Painful burning skin especially when sitting and temperature drops

by Rosemary
(Untied Kingdom)


Hello,

I am a 59 year old lady who had a hysterectomy 28 years ago so I dont know if I am in peri-menopause/menopausal or post menopause. However I have a very worrying condition which started 4 years ago. I have seen numerous Consultants i.e Dermatologist, Neurologist and General Medicine Consultants.

Below is a brief description of my problem and I would like to know if in your expert opinion this could be due to menopause & lack of progesterone. This is my final last attempt at trying to find the answer my self as my GP said yesterday that my condition although known as Allodynia/Dyesthesia could be called "Rhubarb" but the only things that could help "nerve pain" is what I have been prescribed. She has now upped my Nortiptyline dose to 20mgs at night along with Pregabalin 3 times day as she says this is all that can be given for this type of pain but I am wondering if it was to do with low Progesterone then surely this needs to be treated not masked with other medications - anyway here is briefly what I am suffering and I would be grateful if you would kindly respond to me directly ro my e-mail address please URGENTLY before I carry on with the increased dose of Nortiptyline.

I have been trying to find the diagnosis for my problem of burning sensation on parts of my skin (like sunburn) and to find out why when I sit down my lower legs start to tingle and then eventually burn.

I firstly need to explain that when I am actively moving around I have no problem at all, but within 10mins of sitting down anywhere my lower legs start to "Fizz" and feel as if they are tingling. Next it feels like I am getting a cold draught blowing across my legs (even though there are no drafts and I mostly wear trousers) after this sensation passes I get the feeling that my knees start to sting/ burn. This then goes on to spread to my shins and my inner thighs (left and right sides the same.)

When I go to bed at night and remove my clothes and have only my sleeveless nightdress on within 5-10 mins I get the same feeling as I do on my legs soon after sitting. I would like to let you know that I am now 59years old and this started 4 years ago shortly after I had been given Valium, buspar, citalopram, zopiclone for a period of 4 months. Misdiagnosed anxiety when in truth I was taking too much thyroxine for hypothyroid.

My Dr cannot give me accurate diagnosis and says she thinks what I am experiencing is known as dyesthesia/allodynia.

I am currently taking 225mgs Pregabalin per day (was up to 375mg for over a year) and now have added 10mg Nortryptiline at night (Now increased to 20mgs at night) but so far this has not helped. I also take 125mcgs Levothyroxine. (I have been hypothyroid for 28years) 450mgs Magnesium. 1 Multivitamin inc some B's. 1000ug B12 Evening Primrose Oil. 80mgs Inderal LA. 75mgs Aspirin. Most of these have been started within the last 12 months (so 3 years after burning etc started)

It is better in the warmer summer weather and now it has turned cold it is driving me crazy again as this is now the 4th winter I have had to suffer this condition. I can't work this out and need your help.

I also have a higher than normal platelet count aprox 481 at my last blood test in Nov '11. I have also tested positive for JAK2 mutation. Could my symptoms be related to these or menopausal.

Would you know what is wrong with me or can you suggest what type of other specialist I would need to see to get diagnosed and treatment.

Thank you in anticipation of your reply. I live in the UK so cannot phone you for your advice

Rosemary

PS Wray, I would be grateful of your personal & private reply with your own opinion please

Comments for Painful burning skin especially when sitting and temperature drops

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 03, 2012
 burning body
by: lynn

Hiya, i read your post and it took me back 7 years so i had to post you. I had all the symptoms you have and was ill for a long time back and forth to the doctors hospitals private and NHS. I had all my mercury fillings removed which did help (you must take precutions and detox) I was told i had hyperthyroid (Not HYPO) and had medication, i had b12 injections i was told it was pheriphal neurophathy and a private doctor gave me gabapentin which i didn't take as my gp said it was like hitting the nerves with a hammer.I sat on ice bags for the burning and if not burning prickling my scalp was hot felt like burning and a private doctor said put a bag of pea frozen peas on your head (well worth paying him £300 NOT ) Anyway to cut it short i am so much better i have been using natpro for about 5 years and it does help i am nearly 52 and have the odd period still. i USE NATPRO FOR 21 DAYS AND 7 DAY BREAK, and when i have the break i do get some burning albeit mild back. I do hope this helps also don't over do b12 vits as it can have the opposite effect and make burning worse. Wishing you well. Kind wishes lynn
Jan 03, 2012
 burning
by: lynn

Hi again i left you a comment if you want to email direct please let me know through msgs and will give you my e mail don't want to put it on the msg board .lynn x
Jan 04, 2012
 Painful burning skin especially when sitting and temperature drops
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary I wish I could reply to all queries as soon as they came in, but it's impossible for me to do that. The queries come to me in this format, which is where I answer them too. It does help others, as you've noticed Lynn has already replied to you. It sounds like you have peripheral neuropathy, which is what Lynn was diagnosed with. It can cause a feeling of burning, a crawling sensation, numbness, pain, tingling, and more. It appears all those drugs they threw at you are to blame, leaving your skin super sensitive. It's a problem often found in diabetics too. Progesterone is neuroprotective, increasing myelinisation. It's also a potent analgesic, so too is it's metabolite allopregnanolone. It can help with peripheral neuropathy, see here, here and here. If you should consider using it, please use sufficient. I recommend 100-200mg/day or more if symptoms are severe. But before trying it, please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen, so causing adverse symptoms, or making current symptoms worse. Although I've found using 400mg/day prevents this reaction, or it's much milder if it should occur. As you have had a hyst, and are now in Menopause, it can be used daily. I see no reason for a break, as symptoms can come back. I've used it daily for 15 years now, even when I had regular cycles, as my symptoms would come back. Please have a vitamin D test done, living in the UK your level is probably very low. Vitamin D is neuroprotective too, see here, here, here here. It's very interesting you say it's better in the summer, worse in winter. This is undoubtedly due to rising vitamin D levels in summer, dropping levels in winter. And not so much to do with temperature. Continued below.
Jan 04, 2012
 Painful burning skin especially when sitting and temperature drops Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary For more info on levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. And the minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. BH now send out test kits, but please ignore their 'adequate' level, as it's far too low. They follow the NHS guidelines. Interestingly hypothyroidism is often due to low vitamin D levels, see here, here and here. If you wish to speak to someone about progesterone and vitamin D, please contact Julienne who lives in London. Her details are here. Take care Wray
Jan 04, 2012
 Burning skin reply
by: Rosemary

Hi there Lynn,

I would be very grateful if you would let me have your e-mail so that we can get together and chat. My e mail is (Note from Webmaster: We don't publish emails on the site due to possible spam) and I am in the United Kingdom. Don't know where you are and I am unfamiliar with this site which is why I have given my e-mail address here.

Also can you tel me if NATPRO is available in the UK as I have looked into shipping costs and it is quite expensive. A friend of mine uses Serenity ut I don't know if that is the same as NATPRO.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 30yrs old and had breast cancer 16 years ago so can I still use the NATPRO? I would assume so but would like advice.

Thanks
Rosemary
Jan 05, 2012
 burning body
by: Wray

Hi Lynn This is wonderful news, I'm delighted the Natpro helped you! And thank you for giving Rosemary encouragement, we all need it at times. Imagine telling you to use a bag of frozen peas on your head, for £300?! Please consider using the progesterone daily, I don't feel a break is needed, especially as you say you get some burning when you stop. There's no need to suffer any pain. As I told Rosemary, I've used it daily for 15 years now, except when I experiment by stopping it to see my reaction. It only confirms how beneficial I find it still. And thanks for suggesting the msgs, as we don't like to publish emails on the web. Take care Wray
Jan 05, 2012
 burning and progesterone
by: Anonymous

Hi rosemary ,you are welcome to e-mail me but your e-mail has not shown up so not sure how we can give it to each other ? Yes i live in suffolk and order my progesterone from judy evans who lives in somerset devon ,I have tried serenity with no success ,and highly recommend natpro ,l also agree with what wray has said about the vitmin D test is right ,i have just ordered one for me and my daughter from birmingham hospital it ws £20 not done it yet as i am just trying to recover from the norovirus ,the cream has helped me so much and when i have a break the burning comes back ,i also still get periods although only here and there and i notice burning then .My burning is much better in the summer ,when i had it bad i didnt know how i could carry on with life ? Anyway would love to have direct contact but i think wray has to delete our e-mail addresses mine is lynnmrsp@btinternet.com If you don't get it i am on facebook as lynn parker-vale .Would be happy to chat to you ,and please try the cream if you want judy evans number message me if wray has to delete her number from the message ,wray has judys details or look her up on google judy evans natropath progesterone link .I hope will can chat better and you get my e-mail .take care hope to speak soon xxxxxlynn xx
Jan 05, 2012
 Burning Skin
by: Rosemary

Hi Lynne & Wray,

Thank you both for posting back to me.
Wray - Can you tell me where I can purchase the Natpro from in the UK. I believe there is a website for purchasing here in England but I obviously would like the exact same one as you sell from your website. I know the website in UK is run by a lady called Jean but when I spoke to her yesterday she had not heard of such symtpoms as mine being related to low progesterone. However, from the information you have given me I feel that there is quite a lot of supportive information to suggest that my burning symptoms (peripheral neuropathy) are due to low Progesterone.

I would be grateful if you could let me know where I can purchase from. I have read all the links you gave me and they give me hope that I can get rid of the paid I am suffering.

I await your reply
Best wishes - Roseamry
Jan 06, 2012
 Natpro in UK
by: Rosemary

Hello again Lynn & Wray,

Lynn - I have wriiten to you via mail message on Facebook so I hope you have received it. Can you tell me if the product you are using is the same one which Wray sells from her progesteronetherpay.com website.
I am also wanting to purchase some for my daughter who has been diagnosed with vulvadonia (sensitive nerves in the genital area). She was put on Amitriptyline for this but came off it after a year as didn't like the idea of being on anti-depressant, so the painful burning symtpoms came back in her "private" area.
I was thinking that some NATPRO would benefit her too.

Can you please confirm either through this site or facebook message what it is you personally use as it cleared up the burning for you.

Wray - Thank you so much for this website as I have through it actually found someone who seems to know what I am talking about with my burning.
Regards
Rosemary
Jan 07, 2012
 Burning skin reply
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary Yes the Natpro is available in the UK, Jean does stock it, so does Julienne, I gave you her link. Judy also supplies it, but doesn't stock it, it's ordered off her website which is here. Serenity has about 2/3 the amount of progesterone when compared to Natpro, so more has to be used to get the desired effect. Progesterone has been used safely for over 60 years now, Dr Dalton, who had her rooms in Harley Street, being the greatest proponent of it's use. We do have a page on Cancer, you'll notice progesterone has been used successfully in many, one being breast cancer. Incidentally a lack of vitamin D increases the risk of getting cancer, please have that test done, see here, here, here, here and here. These are excellent videos to watch too, see here, here and here. Take care Wray
Jan 07, 2012
 burning and progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Lynn I see your email has come through, I do hope it doesn't cause you problems. It can be removed, so let me know. It's very interesting you get the burning when you have your period. Progesterone has of course dropped to it's lowest level. I'm delighted you have ordered the vitamin D test kit, please ignore their adequate level when you get the results back. I have in fact written to them about it, although I doubt they can do much about it, as their hands are tied by the NHS. I would hope this changes soon, as a number of eminent doctors and researchers have asked for supplementation, and fortifying of food in the UK. Principally due to a paper just published on the link between low vitamin D levels and MS. I can't give the link as it's not been published on line yet, but this article mentions it, see here. I find it fascinating that your symptoms are better in the summer, which echoes many of the papers on vitamin D, ie high latitude, season, cloud cover and pollution. Take care Wray
Jan 07, 2012
 Burning Skin
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary I've given you the various means of getting Natpro in my last reply. Jean is very helpful, but peripheral neuropathy is unusual. I also spend most of my time reading studies, not many have the time to do that. I also have an odd way of looking at things, I see patterns where others don't. Ie your symptoms getting better in summer, and now Lynn has said the same too. Plus you've had cancer, all this indicates low vitamin D, low progesterone. Interestingly both progesterone and vitamin D regulate gene expression, have a positive fundamental effect on cell differentiation and growth, with anti-oxidative and autoimmune anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Both positively effect the nervous system by stimulating neurotrophic factors, quenching oxidative hyperactivity and regulating autoimmune responses. In fact vitamin D is now added to the protocol for TBI, as it's been found to enhance the benefits of progesterone, see here, here and here. These are the original studies done without vitamin D, see here, and here. So please have that vitamin D test! Take care Wray
Jan 07, 2012
 burning skin
by: Anonymous

hi wray, i do have one question about natpro, as you know the cream has been a great help for my burning and peri menopause etc, but i ws reading some info from Dr Mercolas site and he said there is evidence that you SHOULD have a break when using the cream ?? Not sure now if to carry on having my 7 dy break or not ?? Kind regards lynn
Jan 07, 2012
 Burning skin reply
by: Rosemary

Hello Wray,

I read with interest you recent responce to my story. I am indeed going to contact Judy on Monday. However, you say she has to order it in, so are there any UK stockists you can let me have that will be able to deliver my order quicker. I am now very eager to start this and if successful, will be able to stop taking the Pregabalin & Nortriptyline that I have been taking.

I will see also about getting Vit D test done.

Many thanks for all your help and to you too Lynn. (my private e-mail is on its way to you)

Rosemary
Jan 09, 2012
 burning skin
by: Wray

Hi Lynn Yes he does say this, as do many! I've used it for 15 years without a break, unless experimenting. Although I've stopped doing that as I know what it feels like not to use it. But I occasionally give myself a top up, going up to 330mg/day (2tsp) for 2 weeks. I get bad oestrogen dominance, very irritable, tired, ache everywhere and feel so old! I'm happy my receptors are still working, and that I haven't built up the progesterone in my fat cells. So many sites comment about receptors becoming insensitive, and therefore a break is essential. Another one is the story doing the rounds about build up in fatty tissue. Which would imply of course that the receptors would become insensitive! I have yet to see a study showing it builds up in fatty tissue, and stays there, but I've only found one paper so far which says it's not, see here. This paper is fascinating, it was published back in 1970, see here. It seems that during the proliferative phase, ie follicular phase, progesterone is concentrated in fatty tissue. But during the secretory or luteal phase, it's found in the skin, uterus, and myomas (fibroids). So the site seems to change with the menstrual cycle. This is understandable when one looks at how important progesterone is for the uterus. During the follicular phase, levels are very low as it's only secreted in the luteal phase, and plays no part in the follicular phase. One thing which seems to be overlooked by all, is that progesterone is broken down into metabolites. It is important in it's own right, but it's metabolites are just as important, see here, here and here. One in particular is allopregnanolone, it's a potent analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory. In fact progesterone is broken down into many metabolites, see here, before it's finally excreted mostly in the urine. Here's another paper on it's metabolites. Finally this paper here explains steroid hormone metabolism. As the body is designed to metabolise progesterone, and other hormones, it seems highly unlikely for it to get shunted into fat cells, and there to stay! Or for the receptors to become insensitive. Continued below.
Jan 09, 2012
 burning skin
by: Wray

Hi Lynn As one paper puts it " The ephemeral nature of the corpus luteum makes it even more remarkable that this tissue is able to synthesise upwards of 40 mg of progesterone in the human on a daily basis." See here. Even more remarkable, it's also been found that progesterone is capable of stimulating it's own synthesis, see here. The typical negative feedback system seen in other endocrine tissues does not operate in the corpus luteum, and at the end of the luteal phase, in spite of LH secretion, the corpus luteum regresses and progesterone secretion declines. So the decision to take a break or not is entirely up to you, I feel symptoms should always be used as a guide. If they come back while on the break, then I suggest you don't have one. Take care Wray
Jan 09, 2012
 Burning skin reply
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary I see you must have missed the two contacts I gave you. One is Judy, see here. The other is Julienne, see here. Incidentally Julienne has been advising on progesterone for 14 years now. I also see I forgot to answer your query about your daughter. Interestingly, most cases have a flare up at mid-cycle, and the few days prior to bleeding. Both times when the oestrogen to progesterone ratio is high. The few studies that have tried both topical oestrogen and progesterone showed no beneficial result. But in all likelihood the amount of progesterone used was far too low. As progesterone is a potent analgesic it's certainly worth trying. She should use some around the entire area, applying it in the vagina would help too. But she must use sufficient. She won't have enough space to apply it all there, so should use up the remainder anywhere else on her body. If need be she can use it hourly, especially if the pain and burning is bad. Please let me know if it helps her, then I can tell others. Take care Wray
Jan 09, 2012
 Burning skin reply query hysterectomy
by: Rosemary

Hello Wray,

Firstly - I have been reading your last post about cycles and how the progesterone works within the usual cycle etc. However, I have had a hysterectomy some 30yrs ago now. My question is that due to me not having a uterus anymore (although I still have both ovaries) does the above apply to me? I know that you say you have taken it for 15 years and only taken a break now and again, but you leave it open for people to decide themselves whether to tak a break monthly, sometimes or not at all. I am assuming this applies to those ladies who have not had hysterectomies.

Secondly - Thank you for the links to people in UK who I can get your product from. I have today spoken with Judy and ordered her product called "Unique". She has assured me it is exactly the same as NATPRO but it has her own name on it so thank you for that. She too said she hadn't heard of my burning symptoms but to try the cream anyway. But I also assume that like Jean, she has not read and gone through the papers like you have.

Thirdly - AS I have been hypothyroid for 29years should I get it checked again once I am established on the progesterone cream? Only asking as I do not want to go hyperthyroid with the Levothyroxine I take as its not very nice!!!

I will try to speak with Julienne in London but I could not find her phone number :-(

Anyway Wray, thank you so much for all of your information and all the help I am getting from you and a thank you to Lynn too who has suffered much the same as I.

Best Wishes
Rosemary
Jan 14, 2012
 Burning skin reply query hysterectomy
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary I did mention in my first reply to you that you could use it daily, having had a hyst. You possibly overlooked it. It really is up to you, but symptoms can come back when taking the break, and I don't think it's worth suffering that! Women such as your daughter, can use it daily for 2-3 months to ensure progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. Then once stable, she can begin reducing slowly, no more than 16mg each reduction, and then follow her cycle. There's info on how to do this on our page How to use progesterone cream. I'm glad you got in touch with Judy, we make the Unique for her, and it is the same formula as Natpro. I gave you Julienne's website, which has her email on it, not her phone number. And it's an excellent idea to get your thyroid checked, one woman who wrote in recently, found she had to reduce her dose of thyroxine as found she didn't need as much. Don't forget to have that vitamin D test done, as it could be this is the only reason you are hypothyroid. Julienne can help you with that. Take care Wray
Jan 15, 2012
 Thyroid check-up
by: Rosemary

Hello again Wray,

Thank you very much once again for continuing to support me in this journey. Also thank you for your help with my daughter's problem. I have been searching around myself to see the connection with her Vulvodynia problem and the relationship to progesterone but I cannot find anything at all so I hope that by her also using it it will resolve her painful burning "bits".
I am glad you said to get my thyroid checked once on the cream as I was thinking this too after reading that low progesterone can cause being hypothyroid. I dont want to go hyper as I have experienced this before when I was on too high a dose and it was horrible - anxiety,palpitations, sweating, jittery etc.!!!

I will get my vit D checked too as you suggest.
I did e-mail Julienne but I then missed a phone call from her so she texted me. I will get back to her early in the week but my husband is unwell at the moment and we are having blood tests done tomorrow (Monday) to make sure that he has not got anything sinister going on as he has already had oesophageal cancer for which he underwent extensive chemo & radiation treament. He is now suffering from severe pain in his spine so its best to get him checked out.

I am eagerly awaiting my cream from Judy now. Can I ask you if it does work for me as it did for Lynn will I be able to cut down and eventually stop the Lyrica & Nortriptyline I am taking at the moment??

Kind regards and best wishes
Rosemary
Jan 17, 2012
 Thyroid check-up
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary I do think it a good idea to have your thyroid checked, although you might find like that other woman I told you about, that you will notice yourself if you need to decrease the meds. I would also hope once on the vitamin D that you could discontinue them. Please have a vitamin D test done for your husband, low D leads to over 20 different cancers. If the progesterone does work, then I see no reason for the drugs. Again you will be the best judge of that, as hopefully the pain will begin to reduce. Please come off them very slowly, we do have a page on how to do it, see here. Vitamin D is also a potent pain killer, so that should help too. Take care Wray
Jan 18, 2012
 Burning sensations-Vit D & Thyroid
by: Rosemary

Hi Wray,

My cream arrived today from Judy so I will start using it as from tonight. The instructions say to start with 1/4 teaspoon. Is that the same amount as 200ml as you suggested?
I am going to apply to get my Vit D level checked and I will get in touch with the people you said earlier on up the page. When I have finished writing this I will look back at the link for details.
I have given my daughter a tube of the cream to try so should she start it straight away or on day 13 stopping for a break at day 26 or should she also use it continuously???

Yes I think you are right that I will notice myself if I find I need to reduce the Levothyroxine for my thyroid. Also if the cream does get rid of the nurning for me there is nothing I would like better than to slowly come off the other meds ie Lyrica(Pregabali( & Nortriptyline.
I will wait for your reply on the questions I have asked today regarding the measuremnt of cream and also regarding the use of the cream for my daughter.
Thank you so much for taking time to help me with my problems.
Kindest Regards
Rosemary
Jan 20, 2012
 Burning sensations-Vit D & Thyroid
by: Wray

Hi Rosemary The concentration of the cream is 3.3%. In other words it has 33.3mg progesterone per ml of cream. So 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) contains 41.62mg progesterone. 200mg would require 6ml of cream. I have no idea if the 200mg/day will be sufficient, you could need more. But I doubt 41mg/day will do anything, you could try and see if it does. Does your daughter have a 26 day cycle? If so she should start the progesterone on day 12 for the next 14 days. If she does feel the progesterone is helping, but symptoms come back when she takes the break, then I would recommend using it without one for 2-3 months. Let me know how you both get on. Take care Wray
Jan 20, 2012
 vitamin D
by: lynn

Hi wray ,i have just had my vitamin D test back from birmingham NHS and i have a servere deficiency 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 10.7nmol/1 25 hydroxyvitamin D2 2.8 nmol/L . Was really shocked as been on holiday , and my daughter who has had cancer has is insufficient better than me i know she is a lot younger me , but what my question is please could you tell me the best vitamin d to take ? Our local health shop said solgar liquid is the best ? Would you be able to recommend the best one ? Thank you for all your help Lynn x
Jan 21, 2012
 vitamin D
by: Wray

Hi Lynn Well I'm delighted you had the test, but shocked at your level. Incidentally the BH 'adequate' level is 50nmol/L. The FDA has set their adequate level at 75nmol/L. The vitamin D specialists have all said even this is too low, and their lowest recommended level is 125nmol/L. But less conservative specialists are saying levels should be 175 to 250nmol/L, particularly if a disease is present. You might be interested in seeing this chart on Disease Incidence. The chart is done in ng/ml, to convert to nmol/L multiply by 2.5. Your daughter probably falls into the deficiency range too, if she had her test done by BH. I have written to them about it, as it's misleading people all over Britain. Major studies are coming out showing rickets is back again, MS and cardiovascular disease is a major problem in Scotland, they have the highest rate of both these in the world. All due to low sunshine, and therefore lack of vitamin D. Over 20 different cancers are caused by a lack of vitamin D, and on it goes. This is an excellent overview of the problems we are faced with because of a lack of vitamin D, see here. Please contact Jules on her website. This is the friend I put Rosemary in touch with. She's a delight and very helpful. I really feel you need to get your level up as a matter of urgency, and suggest you take 20,000iu's per day for a month, then reduce to 10,000 iu's per day for the next month, then down to 5000iu's for the next. After the three months is up, please have another test done. As you might have gathered, I find the combo of progesterone and vitamin D work so well. This has also been proven in studies done on TBI victims, see here, here and here. These are the original studies, see here, here, and here. Continued below.
Jan 21, 2012
 vitamin D Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Lynn They are now doing a major study on TBI and progesterone in the UK, unfortunately no mention of adding vitamin D, pity, see here. I find it extremely irritating that they still insist on calling progesterone a sex hormone, and a female one at that! It's not, it's made by all vertebrates and by both sexes. In fact they've even found it in rotifers! See here. If it was a sex hormone it could not be safely used for men too, and over 70% of TBI victims are men. Dr Stein in his work on TBI and progesterone over the past 40 years has repeatedly said it's not a female sex hormone, and can safely be given to men too. I do hope with the increase in vitamin D that the burning resolves once and for all. I have just looked for studies on peripheral neuropathy and vitamin D, it occurs often in diabetic patients. And they've found in every case low levels of vitamin D, see here. You'll notice their 'deficiency' levels were far higher than yours at 36.9nmol/L. And this study here. In fact other studies have found Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are caused by a lack of vitamin D. A lack profoundly disturb blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. So the two go hand in hand. Take care Wray
Jan 21, 2012
 vit D /burning
by: lynn

hi wray thank you for all your info ,i think my vitD is so low because i have coeliac disease ,would you be able to recommend a good vit D ? i would prefer a organic brand .many thanks for your help lynn
Jan 22, 2012
 vit D /burning
by: Wray

Hi Lynn I was a bit obtuse in my reply. I suggested you contacted Jules, well it was to get the vitamin D. Although coeliac disease is principally caused by a reaction to gluten, vitamin D is vital for the gut. A lack leads to many gut problems, including Crohn's Disease. This paper mentions other conditions coeliac disease can be associated with, see here, and although it doesn't mention peripheral neuropathy, it does mention diabetes, where it's often found. These are two more on the gut, see here and here. Please ask your daughter to start taking large amounts too. This paper says ……"a serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D concentration [25(OH)D] from 60-80 ng/ml may be needed to reduce cancer risk." 60-80ng/ml is 150-200nmol/L, see here. Take care Wray
Jun 23, 2013
 Burning Severly
by: Spears

I'm at my wits end, i've been to every doc holistic and western, i've tried to and still try to diagnose myself since no one else can.
I had a partial hysterectomy in march of 2011. leaving my ovaries one of which had a cyst removed. July of 2012 i had a root canal and August 2012 my arms started burning with red blotches as well as my upper chest. Sept 2012 my entire body started burning but redness stayed in same places. Again i've tried everything that's suggested. I believe I started progesterone and estrogen cream biodentical called in by a western doc and started using it tho my arms were burning. No change except my heart palps increased too much for me. I've had testing last feb that showed my Progesterone was very very low.
I've gone the biological dentistry route removing all the silver, metals and teeth that have had root canals. The burning got less after the last removal of silver but I would have also had my period at the same time.
I'm so lost and my life is going down hill fast with the pain and lack of things I can do since the pain is constant and has never stopped since August last year.
Since trying the progesterone cream before without change and increased palps I'm scared to try again but in so much pain.
Jun 25, 2013
 Burning Severly
by: Wray

Hi Spears I'm not sure why you are blaming the progesterone for the increased palps, when you are using oestrogen too. Oestrogen causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes and sudden death. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. This occurs far more frequently in women who naturally have a long QT interval, rather than men who naturally have a short QT interval. I would guess you are using very little progesterone, you don't say. It would be essential to stop the oestrogen. I suggest you use 400mg/day progesterone to begin with, this should stop the palps occurring, and it might help the burning skin. You don't say if any doctor gave it a name, but I do know that progesterone helps peripheral neuropathy. Although this doesn't appear in the form of red blotches, which seems more like a toxic reaction to the root canal. You might consider doing a detox, and taking at least 2000mg/day N-acetyl cysteine which is excellent for mopping up toxic chemicals like mercury etc., see here, here here, here, here and here. Take care Wray
Jun 26, 2013
 burning skin
by: Anonymous

Hiya just a quick reply ,iwas almost excatly the same ,had my mercury fillings and gold crowns removed ,you say you have but did you DETOX ????? it is very important !! met Rosemary on here and now she is my best friend ,i still have burning on and off ,still use the progesterone cream and a tiny bit of estriol not estrogen !!i have been using the progesterone cream for about 6 years i am 53 ,no hysterectomy .My life was non exsistant spent thousands with private doctors,one stage wanted to end it all had no life ,i was told it was PN , still not sure if this correct ? and that its not related to hormones ?? Most days now i am free of the burning but still have flare ups that scare me ! Have you had your B12 checked ? and your Vit D ?? good idea to if not ! I have B12 injection when needed and take VitD when i have had no sun as it was really low .Will catch up again soon .lynnxx
Jun 27, 2013
 burning skin
by: Wray

Hi Lynn I'm delighted you and Rosemary managed to meet up. I believe you do have PN, and I doubt they've even bothered to look at a hormone connection! Progesterone does help, it certainly seems to have helped you which pleases me no end. The flare ups could be due to the oestriol you're using, please see if it is. Do hope you're taking enough vitamin D now, at least 5000iu per day, please don't forget it! And remember even in summer you will not be making much vitamin D as the latitude of the UK is so high. Take care Wray
Jun 28, 2013
 reply wray
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray ,thanks for your comment ,still using the progesterone ,but judy evans recommended using a tiny pea size amount of BIOVEA ESTRIOL ,which i get from agestop on line ..i think this has helped and as it is the weakest estrogen and i and using progesterone twice daily i dont see it as a problem ? I feel for that other lady ! i haven't had a reply ,but would tell her the detox that i used after my fillings were removed ..dear rosemary is still having burning but has had a awful time as she lost her dear husband on christmas day just gone :( i do find my burning can flare up with stress ,and judy always said increase your progesterone cream under stress as it will be depleted ?? I can manage the odd flare up if not too bad ,but it can and does take over your life :( i would still like to know if the burning is HORMONE related ??? never really got a firm answer ,? Take care lynn
Jun 29, 2013
 reply wray
by: Wray

Hi Lynn Well if you're happy with the oestriol then go for it, you know my views on oestrogens! You are so right, you do need to detox after that treatment, which is what I told her too. Neuropathy is a "disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness." Plus it can cause a feeling of burning, a crawling sensation, pain, tingling, and more. It can be caused by a lack of vitamin D, which is also converted into a hormone by the kidneys. I gave the papers to Rosemary on Jan 04, 2012. A lack of vitamin D also causes the myopathy or weakness referred to in the definition. It also responds to progesterone, but only if enough is used. There's a neuropeptide found in all nerves, particularly the endings, it's called substance P. It's involved in causing pain and nausea. Oestrogen stimulates substance P, see here. Substance P inhibits progesterone, see here, but if enough is used, progesterone suppresses substance P, see here. "Accumulating evidence indicates that the neuropeptide substance P is predominantly involved in neurogenic inflammation and pain perception...... Intriguingly, decreased pain sensitivity is found to be associated with high plasma progesterone levels. We hypothesize that progesterone may attenuate nociception and associated inflammatory response." But enough has to be used, too little will make it worse, as it's stimulating oestrogen. I gave more papers on peripheral neuropathy and progesterone to Rosemary on the same date. So yes to your answer, it is hormone related, in as much as excess oestrogen will stimulate substance P and too little progesterone allows this to occur. Excess oestrogen will also cause burning mouth syndrome for the same reason. It's not only essential to use enough progesterone, but essential to get vitamin D levels high, very high, 175-250nmol/L, and not the 50nmol/L the NHS says is adequate. It's also essential to get magnesium levels up, as a lack of magnesium not only affects vitamin D, but it causes substance P to rise, see here and here. Please give my love to Rosemary, I had no idea she'd lost her husband. Any stress drops progesterone levels, so please ask her to use a great deal progesterone and to have her vitamin D levels checked, as this also drops with stress. Take care Wray
Dec 11, 2014
 check your parathyroid
by: Anonymous

I have had this issue and i finally discovered i had very low calcium and vitamin d. This was due to hypoparathyroidism. My doctor sent me to a neurologist. The burning tingling is caused by low calcium in my case anyway. Balancing my hormones with nat pro helped a lot.

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...