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Post pill amenorrhea, acne, stomach problems...

by Amanda
(Canada)

I am a 20 year old female, and I had taken the pill for 3 years to control my acne. I decided to stop because it had started to become ineffective for treating my acne, and I began to experience other side effects, such as weight gain, mood swings, severe bloating/heartburn/other digestion issues, lethargy, fatigue, and many other problems.

Since stopping the pill 10 months ago, I have had no periods, constant acne all over my face (and extremely dry skin), and all the side effects listed above. My question is, will taking natural progesterone cream help my body to get regular periods again? Would it help my other symptoms as well? I have tried Vitex and several other supplements, as well as diet changes, and nothing has worked for 10 months, and I am very concerned. There are basically no doctors in my area that will consider natural hormone treatment, so any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Sep 06, 2011
 Post pill amenorrhea, acne, stomach problems...
by: Wray

Hi Amanda How I wish Contraceptives had never been invented, they cause so much grief. You might like to read Annette's comments here and here. She lives in Canada too, and is delightful, often commenting on the site. Please get in touch with her, she's had huge troubles coming off the pill too. As I can't give her email address to give you via the web, it invites scam, and she doesn't herself have a website, please contact Joy who does have a website and is in contact with Annette, see here. It sounds very complicated, but I feel you'll only benefit from speaking to her. No one need have Acne, it's caused by excess androgens, which rise if SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) drops. All the various sugars cause SHBG to drop, fructose being the worst, see here. So please avoid all sugars, and the hidden ones too, however 'good' they might be. ie avoid all grains, legumes, sweet and/or starchy veggies and fruits. Progesterone will help your ovaries recover, for more info please see our page How to use progesterone cream. But above all you need vitamin D, for both the acne and the ovaries, it's essential for ovulation. For more info see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital websites. Most people in Canada have too low a level, see here, here, here and here. Please have a test done. Take care Wray
Sep 06, 2011
 The Pill and Acne
by: Joy (South Africa)

Hi Amanda - Just want to introduce myself to you. If I can help you in anyway, please do not hesitate to get hold of me via the link that Wray gave you. You will benefit greatly by using Progesterone and Vitamin D.

I am certain that Annette will make contact with you, as Wray mentioned, she also lives in Canada. She is a delight and it will be great to speak to someone who has had a similar experience!!

Take care.
Sep 06, 2011
 Thank you!
by: Amanda

Thank you so much for your help! I had no idea that vitamin D would be such an important factor, but it completely makes sense, as I do not get much sun exposure here in Canada. I will definitely start taking it. I have already orderered a different progesterone cream, but might consider Natpro in the future. I will keep you updated on my progress with that. As for my diet, I have tried to cut out sugar and grains as best as I can, and will continue to do so.

I really appreciate your advice, and I will be sure to contact the ladies you mentioned above.

Amanda
Sep 06, 2011
 Dreadful bcp
by: Annette Canada

Hi Amanda, I feel for you because I can relate to all your symptoms. You are so young but it's a good thing you have discovered progesterone now and not at 39 like me. I was on bcp for 15 years and it wrecked m body completely. I have been on progesterone for 8 months at very high doses, any where from 800 milligrams to 1200 milligrams. I know it sounds like alot but when I started to use the progesterone I became very sick. Due to the high amounts of estrogen being stimulated. I made a decisions that no matter how sick I was, I would push through because I would rather die then to live with all those symptoms. I needed to take that much to keep my head afloat. I'm please to say things are getting much better and I'm somewhat functional. I would recommend you start at 600 milligrams a day, putting it on 100 milligrams throughout the day. If you need more, don't be scared to use more, it won't hurt you. STICK TO IT NO MATTER WHAT, it does get better. I would take 5000 iu's of vitamin d a day along with a good multi vitamin and a good probiotic. There is also something called calcium d-glucarate that helps detox the body from high amounts of estrogen. I live in Regina I don't know where you live but you can get a complex with calcium d-glucarate in it called Estrosmart by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, take 4 a day. You can get it at a health food store, you may have to phone around. If you do this now at your age you will have a very fruitful and healthy life. Hope this helps.
Sep 08, 2011
 Overwhelming support! :)
by: Anonymous

I am so unbelievably grateful for everyone's advice and support! Thank you so much Annette for all of your help. I was unsure of how much progesterone cream to use, but I am relieved to know that I can use a lot of it, and there's no dangers of overdosing.

I am from Swift Current, so we aren't far from each other! :) I have used Estrosense before, but I will keep the Estrosmart in mind. I am also going to start taking milk thistle for liver cleansing. Will that help for the excess estrogens? I forgot to mention that I started taking evening primrose and cod liver oil about a week ago, and I have already noticed quite a significant improvement in my acne. I don't know if it will help long-term, but it does make things easier in the meantime, having one less symptom to worry about. I am still waiting for the progesterone cream to arrive in the mail, but I will keep everyone updated once I start taking it.

I am also very happy that I have discovered the benefits of progesterone cream at my age. I had no idea that taking the bcp would cause so many horrible side effects, but now I am thankful for all that I have learned in this process. I have felt so alone in these past 10 months, as though I am the only one experiencing these symptoms, but it is very comforting to know that others have gone through this as well.

Thank you to Joy as well; I will contact you if I have any other questions.

Amanda
Sep 08, 2011
 Previous comment
by: Amanda

I forgot to put my name in the title above. I'm sure everyone knew it was from me, but I thought I'd clarify. :p
Sep 08, 2011
 Periods
by: Annette Canada

I forgot to mention you will get a period with progesterone and it may be heavy so don't be alarmed. I would also recommend you use Natpro Cream it has the right amount of progesterone in it, many creams don't. It just absorbs so wonderful.
Sep 09, 2011
 Dreadful bcp
by: W

Hi Amanda, Joy and Annette I love it when a plan comes together! And Amanda, I leave you in good hands, as I know you'll get nothing but excellent advice, compassion and help from Joy and Annette. But I'm always here if you need to ask me anything. Take care Wray
Sep 10, 2011
 Pill and Acne
by: Joy (South Africa)

Thank you Annette.
Take care.
Sep 14, 2011
 Thank You
by: Joy (South Africa)

Thanks Wray.
Sep 16, 2011
 Overwhelming support! :)
by: Wray

Hi Amanda I'm so pleased you've seen the replies, and that you know you are most definitely not alone. I get so much support from Joy and Annette, and I'm sure you will get more too. One thing I should mention, cod liver oil contains too much vitamin A in relation to vitamin D. Unfortunately vitamin A blocks the response of vitamin D, it's not a good thing to take, see here. Take care Wray
Sep 20, 2011
 Cod liver oil
by: Amanda

Thank you, Wray. I had no idea that cod liver oil would interact with vitamin D, so I will stop taking it.

My cream has finally arrived! I have been taking it for about 4 days now, and so far things are going well! Thanks again everyone for the support!

Talk to you all again soon.
Amanda
Sep 20, 2011
 Cod liver oil
by: Wray

Hi Amanda So pleased you're stopping the cod liver oil, and that the cream has arrived! Do please keep in touch with us all. And please don't overlook oestrogen dominance, as it can hit when least expected. Take care Wray
Sep 25, 2011
 Loving the cream!
by: Amanda

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you all know my progress with the progesterone cream. I have been using it for a little over a week, and I am loving it! I am literally happy ALL the time! No more mood swings, and my bloating is pretty much gone. :D I have also noticed a definite reduction in my acne, and best of all, I have already had some spotting! So hopefully I will get my period soon. I just can't say enough good things about this cream!

I have been only using 20 mg per day to start out, but after two weeks I may increase, depending on how things go.

I do have one question though. Should I be having my hormones tested? I would have to go to another city to do so, and I know it will be quite expensive as well. I just want to make sure that what I am doing is safe, and I also want to make sure that my estrogen isn't dominant.

Talk to you again soon,
Amanda
Oct 03, 2011
 Loving the cream!
by: Wray

Hi Amanda I think you can be assured what you are doing is safe. Have you read all of Annette's other comments? If not see here and here. In fact if you put her name into our Google search at the bottom of each page, you'll come up with many, many more. She often adds comments. I'm amazed you've responded so quickly on such a low amount, but then you are much younger than many of us! I've found the older we are and the worse the symptoms, the more progesterone is needed and it takes us far longer to come right. You will know if you get Oestrogen Dominance symptoms! But this page gives a list of some of them. And please don't forget to have that vitamin D test done, and to take it too. Take care Wray
Oct 07, 2011
 Amazing!!
by: Joy (South Africa)

Wow Amanda, I too can't get over how quickly this has all worked for you. Everyone is different I suppose, what works for one may take longer for others and as Wray mentioned, age has a lot to do with it. May you go from strength to strength.
Take care.
Nov 02, 2011
 Progesterone Update
by: Amanda

Hi everyone! I just thought I'd update you all on my progress with the progesterone cream.

I've been using it for almost two months now, and it's been pretty good, though I have had to increase my dosage to 60 mg per day (which still isn't much, but I'm doing things the slow way). My acne seems to get better, then worse, then better again, but I hope it's just gradually going to go away. I haven't had my period yet, but I get random spotting about three times per month, and each time I get very bloated and moody and my skin breaks out. Aside from that, I have no other stomach issues, which must mean that the progesterone is helping for that!

I wanted to clarify though; does estrogen cause excessively dry skin? My scalp, face, and hands, are always extremely dry, to the point of flaking and peeling at times. I realize it could be from the dry winter weather, but it seems to last all year round. I'm wondering if it is another symptom of estrogen dominance.

Anyway, I'm sure I will increase my dosage again in a few weeks, and I will keep in touch with everyone.

Talk to you again soon!
Jul 25, 2012
 Updates Amanda
by: Anonymous

Amanda-
How are you doing now almost a year later? Have you got your period back yet? Are your hormones evening out on the Progesterone? How about your acne? Has it gotten ANY better????
I am going thru the SAME thing and was wondering what to do!
☺
Jul 25, 2012
 RE: Updates Amanda
by: Amanda

Hello!

Crazy how fast time flies! I switched to a different progesterone cream about 3 months ago, which has made a HUGE difference! I've been taking other supplements to help as well. Within five days I got my period! It is incredible how fast it has worked, and I have had my period regularly for two months. I realized the quality of the cream is SUPER important, and I've only been taking a small amount per day (probably only around 20 mg) but it has worked wonders. My acne has almost completely went away, but I know a lot of that has to do with my change in skincare routine as well. I've been using only apple cider vinegar (Bragg's, as it is pure, unfiltered, organic) on my skin everyday, and it has transformed my skin. I am super excited about it because it balances the PH of your skin, is a natural antibiotic/antiseptic, and helps reduce oil. I take it internally as well, which has helped in many areas of my health. I'm so thrilled to be sharing this with everyone, as I want to give hope to all the women who suffer with the same symptoms as I do. So don't give up, it does get better with time and patience. My skin still isn't perfect; I have lots of blackheads/oiliness, but I know it's a result of my hormones still trying to balance things out, so it will get better with time.

If anyone wants to talk more with me please don't hesitate to ask me any questions!

Amanda
Jul 26, 2012
 RE: Updates Amanda
by: Wray

Hi Amanda This is such good news! The quality of the cream does certainly affect it's ability to help, and to be absorbed too. As I said early on, I'm amazed you responded to such a small amount, but you are much younger than us. I've found the older we get the more problems we seem to acquire! Bragg's is such a good brand, believe it or not I bought some of their aminos today, delicious stuff. I don't like soy at all, but this is the best. I'm sure with what you're doing things can only get better. Thanks so much for responding to the anon question. Take care Wray
Jul 30, 2012
 Which brand may I ask?
by: Anonymous

Amanda-
May I ask which brand you have bought and are now using that you are so pleased with?
☺
Mandy
Jul 31, 2012
 Re: Which brand may I ask?
by: Amanda

Hi Mandy,

I use Pro-HM from a line of health products called Peoplesway. I am also using their other supplements, such as Pro-Tec and Pro-Trim, which have really helped me as well.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.peoplesway.com/home/peoplesway-product_prohm.asp
Jun 29, 2014
 Post pill amenorrhea
by: May

Hi all,just came across this post,
I've been off BCP for 13 months now and haven't had any period. I've put on weight (was a little underweight) done juice cleanses taken liver supports and still nothing. Going to try take the progesterone and high dose vitamin d now and see if that makes a difference. Anything else ppl suggest ? I'm 27 and want to start trying for a baby next year so want to get my cycle sorted and have a year of normal hormone balance. Any advice is much appreciated
Jun 29, 2014
 Post pill amenorrhea
by: May

Hi all,just came across this post,
I've been off BCP for 13 months now and haven't had any period. I've put on weight (was a little underweight) done juice cleanses taken liver supports and still nothing. Going to try take the progesterone and high dose vitamin d now and see if that makes a difference. Anything else ppl suggest ? I'm 27 and want to start trying for a baby next year so want to get my cycle sorted and have a year of normal hormone balance. Any advice is much appreciated
Jun 30, 2014
 Post pill amenorrhea
by: Joy

Hi May

I am so happy to hear that you decided come off BCP, clearly it has caused adverse symptoms. All drug based contraceptives have a potential to cause harm and they also interfere with one's natural cycle. I am a little concerned by your comment about ‘taking’ progesterone. Any form of oral progesterone is not the best delivery method as 96% gets destroyed by the gut and liver see here. Please consider using a cream which has the correct progesterone concentration.

I suggest that you use progesterone every day with no stopping until your cycle returns to normal, how long this will take is all dependant on how severe your symptoms are, I suggest that you start by using 200mg per day. As soon as your cycle returns to normal you can start to use the cream by following your cycle, please read How to use Progesterone Cream. It is also important that you read and understand Estrogen Dominance, especially when using progesterone for the first time. The Pregnancy page may also help you.

When taking Vitamin D, please make sure that you take nothing less than 5 000iu’s per day. If you are extremely deficient, then 10 000iu’s per day is recommended for about 6 months, then drop down to 5 000iu’s. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is vital for the mother and unborn child.

Hope this helps.

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