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Progesterone Excess and how to bring it down

by Lyndsey

Hello! I am so very frustrated. I am 29 year old woman who was put on bio-identical progesterone 100 mg 6 months ago due to extremely low levels, as well as Armour thyroid 90mg. I was not making improvements with the progesterone 2 months ago, so my naturopath increased it 200 mg. After displaying symptoms of progesterone excess, I had an entire lab panel done and found that my progesterone is way too high now (not pregnant) and estrogen is too low in comparison, but thyroid is good. My doctor wants me too decrease to 100 mg again, but I want to bring my levels down rapidly as I am gaining weight despite vigourous dieting and exercising: I can't even zip up my pants anymore! Please tell me what you think I should do to decrease my levels quickly. I am so upset.

Comments for Progesterone Excess and how to bring it down

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Feb 20, 2012
 progesterone testing
by: Rosann

Hi

Just wanted to make a quick comment. When you tested your progesterone after taking bio progesterone was it a saliva test or blood serum? The reason I ask is that when taking bio progesterone the saliva test will show a through the roof measure and therefore blood serum is preferred. My level was 3 blood serum and over the top on the saliva.Just thought I would mention that as some are unaware of this. My dr. only measure blood serum levels now.

Wray will respond with further support. I wish you all the best

Rosanne
Feb 20, 2012
 Reply to PExcess Progesterone and how to bring it down
by: Lyndsey

My naturopath only trusts blood serum tests, so all testing is done in that manor. Also, I forgot to mention my estradiol levels are low now too.
Feb 20, 2012
 REPLY
by: Lyndsey

All testing is blood serum only.
Feb 22, 2012
 Progesterone Excess and how to bring it down
by: Wray

Hi Lyndsey Unfortunately the symptoms you are experiencing are not caused by excess progesterone, but excess oestrogen. Progesterone initially stimulates oestrogen causing it to rise, there's more info on our Oestrogen Dominance page. Please can you tell me what form the progesterone is in, oral or a cream? Oestrogen is an excitatory, inflammatory hormone. It's also a mitogen causing cells to proliferate, including fat cells. As these are also a source of oestrogen, a vicious cycle starts. Oestrogen also causes water retention, the cause of any immediate weight gain. Progesterone inhibits mitosis, it speeds metabolism, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory and diuretic. So good it's now given via IV transfusion to Traumatic Brain Injury victims to prevent the oedema and inflammation that occurs. I would be interested to hear what level your progesterone had risen to and what your P:E2 ratio is. From Saliva Tests we run, we've found the P:E2 ratio should be 600:1 and over to feel well. You might like to read this page about how high levels can get to, see here. And these pages from users of high amounts, see here, here, here, here, here, here and here. If you want to decrease your level quickly simply stop the progesterone. Take care Wray
Feb 22, 2012
 thyroid
by: Rosanne

Hi

Imbalances in other hormones affects absorption of thyroid into your cells. Those who are hypothyroid often have adrenal issues also. You might want to check out cortisol levels also. Too much or too little cortisol will block thyroid absorption in the cells. Too much estrogen in comparison to progesterone will do this also. You might want to get a full female panel done to check other hormones. Increases or decreases in other hormones such as DHEA and testosterone can give you a better picture of what is happening hormonally. Do an internet search on adrenal fatigue and check out the website stopthethyroidmadness.com for other blood work you should get to ensure thyroid is being taken up in the cells. Weight gain and water retention are also hypothyroid symptoms. I take 300mg of dessicated thyroid and I still have some hypo symptoms due to remaining hormonal imbalances. My TSH is less than .05 which would indicated hyperthyroid symptoms but I remain having some hypothyroid symptoms. The blood work is not the end all in detecting hormonal balances as it does not indicated what is being taken up by the cells. You also need enough thyroid getting into the cells to produce progesterone so it now becomes a vicious cycle. It is quite the balancing act.
Just some things to consider.
Rosanne

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