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Progesterone Cream is Packing on the Pounds Quickly!

by Tonya
(Louisiana)

About 3 weeks ago, I went to the doctor and had my thyroid tested and everything checked out fine. I am awaiting an appointment with another doctor for hormone testing but I cannot get in until January!

I have had so many symptoms of hormonal imbalance. They include insomnia, mood swings, weight gain around the abdomen and thighs, aging faster, dry skin and feet, bleeding gums (dentist says it is hormones) and on and on. So, within the past two weeks, I have taken it upon myself to start applying natural progesterone cream that I bought online. The cream thus far has helped tremendously with my mood swings, etc. but it has not helped with my gums bleeding. It has also packed on several pounds, which is why I am writing to you.

Is weight gain a normal side effect with progesterone cream or does it usually subside and reverse? Any information you can provide would be very helpful and appreciated. It will be another 4 months before I am seen by the doctor so I was really just trying to keep myself from losing my mind in between now and then. I figured it couldn't get much worse so what did I have to lose by trying it! Like I said, it has helped with my mood but I am going to be a blimp by the time 4 months pass if this keeps up! What do you suggest?

Comments for Progesterone Cream is Packing on the Pounds Quickly!

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Oct 10, 2010
 Progesterone Cream is Packing on the Pounds Quickly!
by: Wray

Hi Tonya It seems as if the cream you bought came with no warning about oestrogen dominance. For more info please see our page on Oestrogen Dominance. This often occurs and weight gain is one of the symptoms. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, including fat cells. It also causes water retention, unfortunately progesterone stimulates oestrogen initially. It would seem as if you are not using enough progesterone to make it the dominant hormone. I recommend using between 100-200mg/day. I take it you've only been using it for about 3 weeks at most, it can take 3-6 months to settle down. During that time symptoms gradually get better, for more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. I'm not sure what age you are, but if you're in P-M, please see our page on Peri-menopause. Progesterone is excellent for the skin, please see here. And for ageing, please see here, here, here and here. Instead of waiting till January, you can do a home test, please see ZRT Labs Take care Wray
Oct 10, 2010
 Progestone and weight
by: Eve

Progesterone doesn't pack on weight. However, estrogen does. You may be taking too low of dose to combat all the estrogen dominance symptoms. I would monitor that as well and keep reading on this website. There is some fantastic material and input from others. There can be several factors to packing on the weight (holy hormones!). If you have progesterone deficiency, your other hormones have issues as well. It is similar to a domino effect. The hormones control things we don't even associate them with...for instance your digestion. So if you are unbalanced in one area it certainly isn't contained or quarantined. Keep in mind thyroid will throw off your metabolism, insulin resistance (the mother load of metabolism issues - one of which I have :-( ) will also create a difficul challenge with weight. It's great you are listening to your body. It really takes time and patience. You should really consider a saliva test. This will give you a foundation to work from. Then track everyday how you feel, what you are taking, eating, drinking. This helps to see patterns. Good luck on your journey! ~ Peace ~
Oct 12, 2010
 Salive tests
by: Ev

Dear Wray, Where in Johannesburg, South Africa can I get a Saliva test done?
Oct 14, 2010
 Salive tests
by: Wray

Hi Ev Ampath Labs are going to start doing it in 3 weeks, so your timing couldn't be more perfect. Please see their website for more details. Alternatively you can use a home test kit from ZRT Labs. Take care Wray

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