| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
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| 4 | Progesterone Cream | Fibroids in breasts decreased as well as bloat and pain, decrease in bloating all over body, warmer (I'm always cold, on levothyroxine), less moody, more energy, no more dry eyes or constipation. Less food binging episodes. | I tried the cream years before, at the recommended amount. It was good, then disastrous. I went off it, but always remembered how it did help at first. So, I recently decided to go back on the cream, but just use a tiny, tiny amount...like 1/16 pea size or even less. It has been just great. No bad side effects. I read this blog years ago when I did go off it, and thought, maybe for me, I just need a smear (literally) to get the proper effect. I was right...I think women should just start with a tiny amount for a few weeks, then adjust from there. Some will need more, some less. I just need a little (and I mean LITTLE) amount, and I get all the benefits...don't follow the dosage..follow your body. I am 5'4", 100 lbs. The recommended dose is just too much for me. I found my body likes it around 10:00 am...that's when my breasts start to bloat up...I put it on, and within half hour, I am much better...I never take it in the evening...you have to find what is best for you...I even try skipping a day, to see how my body feels. Trial and Error. | F | 44 | 2 months
1X D | | 8/21/2010
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1 | insomnia | Experienced tingling in hands and fingers. That was followed by swelling which was followed by extreme pain! My right hand became so swollen and painful I couldn't type or hold a pencil. It was like having carpal tunnel. Made the insomnia worse! | I took 200 mg/day of bioidentical progesterone with 2.25 biest orally. Prescribed by my obgyn. I was having normal periods, but some perimenopause symptoms. I stopped taking it after the fourth month. I think the dose was so high it caused carpal tunnel like symptoms. Very painful! If you want to try progesterone, I would recommend starting with a very low dose to see how your body responds. I went to my primary care doctor and she said she had never heard of progesterone causing this. She ran some blood work and I had a positive antinuclear antibody test. This test was included in bloodwork a year ago and four years ago. Both test were negative then! I think the positive test has to do with the overdose of progesterone. I have thyroid antibodies and take thyroid med (naturethroid), but have never had a positive ANA before!! Not good. Be careful with progesterone and estrogen even if it's bioidentical like this was! I've been off of progesterone for 3 weeks and still have swollen, painful hands - they are about 50% better, and I'm sure this will go away, but be careful! | F | 49 | 4 months
100 mg 2X D | | 8/21/2010
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| 2 | peri-menopause | | | F | 44 |
20mg 1X D | | 8/10/2010
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History | 3 | at first pms issues | I was told about Progesterone Cream through a friend who heard Dr. Lee on the radio. I looked into it to see if I could get help with PMS. When I first started taking it, I bled a lot more, so lowered dose. Later I developed a fibroid tumor; hemoraged (sp?) after about 1 yr of trying to heal the tumor with the Progesterone Cream. Rushed to emergency. Had emergency hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. I did not take this for awhile after, but, for some reason, tried it again...a few yrs ago. About a yr ago, I developed a goiter on my neck. In the last 4 mos, I started having panic-attacks, GERD (cannot eat without feeling sick). Never even thought of the Cream. I decided today to check if there might be a connection. I had had a saliva test done through zrt labs, and it said I was low on progesterone, even though I had been taking it for awhile. So, I upped the dose, and am even worse with eating, dizziness, panic-attacks, feeling like I cannot breathe, etc. I think I need to | | F | 53 | 6 years
1/4 t 1X D | | 8/9/2010
| 1 | Balance my thyroid | I also take thyroid medication and thought that taking progesterone cream from the health food store would help me out so I could get off of medication. I was feeling pretty good for the first day or so, but then I experienced hyperthyroid symptoms that scared the crap out of me:
Upset stomach
Shaky hands
Shortness of breath
Heat intolerance
Sensitivity to smells(making me sick like pregnancy)
Heart palpitations
Forgetfulness
Felt like pressure in my thyroid area.
Fatigue.
Mild hot flashes.
The shortness of breath scared me. Later on I looked it up and found out it was from too much progesterone. Wait a minute...I thought my low thyroid meant I was estrogen dominant? And the physiologic dosage should not have caused any issues.
I'm following Dr. Mercola's advice. I plan on just taking my thyroid meds, work on healing my adrenals and let the progesterone take care of itself.
Lesson learned....just because it's from the health food store doesn't mean it is good fo | | F | 43 | 2 days
20MG 1X D | | 8/7/2010
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| 1 | hot flashes, mood swings, | In the beginning it seemed like a dream come true, no more hot flashes, great mood, skin looked radiant, then i developed acid reflux, a cough, had to have a bronchoscopy. I developed the brown linea nigra line of pregnancy, that line ususally appears in a pregnant woman in the 4th month. I was so overdosed. I have been off cream for 19 weeks and i still have line on stomach, cough , acid reflux. I don't know how long before this clears your system. It has ruined my life this year. Do not take. | from all of the research i have done, progesterone overdose is very common. body only needs a small amount, and when it is overdosed, it starts storing in the tissues and fat cells of your body. could be along time before it is gone! | F | 52 | 10 months
20mg 2X D | | 7/28/2010
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| 5 | premenopausal | no side effects | in the first week I noticed a little difference in the hot flashes but by the end of the second week I can say that my hot flashes are almost gone and finally I can sleep at night and work during the day time without sweating and getting frustrated and moody all the time. | F | 42 | 15 days
1/2 t s 2X D | | 7/22/2010
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| 5 | menopause symptoms | initially, dull headache | I began using Sources Natural natural progesterone cream (paraben free). Within a week my insomnia stopped, my moods stabilized, more energy, less fatigue. It has been a fabulous find! Out of the blue, two years ago, I was so sick with reflux--no pills helped for a year. Some of my other menopausal symptoms...I had been sleeping 3 hours per night waking up every hour; I had muscle aches; I was in the hospital in Feb with benign positional vertigo; I was exhausted 24/7. No desire, no energy; my hair was falling out; anxiety/depression; brain fog. After a little research, these were all symptoms of estrogen dominance. I had previously had blood work done and my hormones (or lack thereof) were a mess. I decided to give this a try before going back to the dr. Now, I feel so much better. I take it in 12 hour intervals--1/8-1/4 tsp. While each individual woman may need more or less according to her own body, it isn't fair to bash this hormone if you've only taken it a few days. All medications have side effects. Most side effects will disappear after a short while--my dull headaches are gone (my only side effect). To write something so negative without giving it a few months is not fair to all of the woman looking for relief who might be swayed with those of you who haven't given it a real shot. I highly recommend this product and give it a couple of months before drawing conclusions. Good luck!!! | F | 50 | 2 weeks
2X D | | 7/22/2010
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| 1 | pre menopausal | Very bloated tummy that lasted over 24 hours ,so bad i could not breath felt like a zombeand panicky came straight off it, i take mexican yam cream now...... FANTASTIC sooooooh much calmer and no side effects as it is NOT hormonal but does sedate relly great to use. | | F | 44 | 2 days
20mg 1X D | | 7/16/2010
| 3 | severe PMS | insomnia, some weight gain | WHOEVER SAID THAT THIS PROGESTERONE CREAM IS CAUSING BREAST CANCER AND UTERINE CANCER IS MISINFORMED AT BEST AND MALICIOUS AT WORST. YOU KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE BREAST CANCER AND UTERINE CANCER? THE HORMONES IN BIRTH CONTROL WHICH ARE NOT BIOIDENTICAL. A NASTY LITTLE HORMONE CALLED PROGESTOGEN IS IN THE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, RINGS, PATCHES, ETC. IT IS NOT BIOIDENTICAL. DRUGS AFFECT EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY AND IT MAY BE HELPFUL FOR ONE PERSON AND NOT FOR ANOTHER. BUT IT IS NOT CAUSING THE FEMALE CANCERS. QUIT TAKING ARTIFICIAL BIRTH CONTROL HORMONES (WHICH ARE MANIPULATED TO BE NON-BIOIDENTICAL SO THAT THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES CAN GET PATENTS) AND THEN YOU WILL SEE A REDUCTION IN THE FEMALE CANCERS. | F | 23 | 1 weeks
20 mg 2X D | | 7/8/2010
| 1 | Desensitzed Ovaries due to Depo | It helped me in the beginning I think... Not too sure it calmed me down some. I tried to go off of it and man I thought I was going to die!!! Couldn't sleep...eat... anxiety!!1 You name it I had it. I had to go off slowly over a period of four months. Was told that it would help me get pregnant. It's been four years and NO pregnancy. I felt pregnant all the time. There should be more warnings out there about this "Bio-Identical Hormone" it's not this wonder drug everybody makes it out to be. I have had four periods since being off the 400 mg (that's right 400mg) of Bio-Identical Hormone's a day on days 10-28 orally. They are funny in length, but hopefully the Lord will bless my husband and myself with a child. | Don't just suddenly stop taking the bio-identical hormones... You need to come down slowly! Have Xanax, Klonopin, or Ativan at the ready. P.S. Your M.D. won't like it either if you stop taking them. They have an agenda to push as well there not just doing this stuff for free or because of the "great rewards" it brings them. Be cautious... be informed. | F | 29 | 6 years
400mg 1X D | | 7/5/2010
| 2 | menopause | Headaches, weight gain, disorientation, breast enlargement | Initially, seemed like a godsend. Energy level increased dramatically within 2-3 days. Felt great Month 1-4 but by Month 5 severe headaches kicked in. I mean crippling, migraine-like & I don't suffer from headaches at all. Gained weight that would not come off despite diet & exercise. Dizzy & out of it some days. And breast enlargement, I don't need, I'm 'blessed' enough. I would advise intermittent use, for 1-8 weeks when you're feeling exceptionally run down but use cautiously. Eat well, exercise and manage stress -- that truly works!! | M | 53 | 6 months
20 mg 1X D | | 6/28/2010
| 1 | to prevent miscarriage | sudden onset of fearfulness, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, loss of appetite. lost 6lbs in one day. shaking, extreme fatigue, dizzyness, i locked myself in the bedroom with the shades pulled for two days and called off work for three days. i was a WRECK a complete insane mess. i thought i was having a nervous breakdown. I thought at first i had morning sickness (the day after conception i started using the cream). i would be sick to my stomach and so anxious and fearful and depressed and out of my mind nervous from 8am until about 4pm and then I would start to feel ok... so i thougt it was morning sickness or something... nope.. .just the morning dose of the progesterone cream (20mg) working its way through my system!!!! and again I was applying the cream at night (20mg) so when I woke up in the morning I was a total freak show... so i didnt draw the conclusion that it was the cream and kept using it for 4 days until finally i read in a forum online that i wasn't | DO NOT USE IT. DO NOT USE THE CREAM.... if your doc prescribes you a proges suppository or prometrium pills... that might be ok.. but not THE CREAM... stay away from the cream... i took prometrium last cycle the pills... they were fine... they actually made me feel pretty good. but this cream (emerita pro-gest) was a freaking nightmare. never again. | F | 35 | 4 days
20mg 2X D | | 6/21/2010
| 1 | Endrometrial Cancer-Grade 2 | Within days the worst night sweats ever experienced. Bed soaked, had to get towel after changing clothes. Walking to bathroom sweat literally dripped down legs from back of knee. SEVERE constipation. Nervousness/anxiety. | Deciding to heal myself and not have surgery (so far know MANY people who have healed themselves of every cancer there is...) I believed in natural Progesterone cream having used the over the counter by Emerita for years. My "bad" I stopped at menopause and hadn't used it for two years and my uterine lining then became thick, etc. I was excited to be on prescribed bio-identical progesterone made just for me. Vaginal suppositories, 200 mgs. 2 x's a day. (Goal was to shrink/shed the lining and "maybe" cure the cancer.
WELL! As I was taking it and reading this board, I agreed with someone else who said that maybe others were mistakenly talking about synthetic? NOT! This MEGA dose of progesterone was like poison to me and just now, five weeks later my colon is starting to work again. I found later that a woman's body NEVER makes that much! ONLY between 300 and 400 in her THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY! And that at that dose the "smooth muscles" are STOPPED from working (the uterus and the colon)...the perastaltis action of my colon STOPPED and many times I thought I was having a bowel obstruction on the verge of a visit to the ER! Just now, five weeks after stopping that poison, my colon is just starting to work again...but I have pain every day still as it gets back to normal. My prescrip was for 30 days BUT she said I was going to STAY on it for sometime!
Here is a good link for anyone who has "fallen for" the "It's just what you | F | 53 | 12 days
200 mgs 2X D | | 6/11/2010
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| 1 | To increase luteal phase | Hot flashes, breast/nipple tenderness, tired all the time, foggy-brain, weight gain around mid-section, rapid heartbeat/pulse, acne on chest and back, moody, increased urination, diarrhea | I can't believe I fell for the hype. I am done trying to "trick" because the side effects aren't worth it! I stopped using the cream a few days after I noticed my pulse was fast and erratic. I wish I had found this site sooner. | F | 32 | 30 days
1/4 tsp 2X D | | 6/3/2010
| 1 | PMS, uterine fibroid | Excessive and rapid weight gain (belly, waist, thighs), feeling sleepy and hung-over, excessive anger almost rage, feeling bloated, gastro-intestinal discomfort, sensitive and swollen breasts. | | F | 43 | 21 days
1/4tsp-10% 1X D | | 6/2/2010
| 1 | to bring my period | what a disaster!!! this 5 days altered my whole normal way of thinking, behaving, im a complete mental wreck! the anxiety feelings increased gradually every time i took a dose- now its 36 hours after my last dose and i feel so so ill- im extremely dizzy nauseated bad headache and feel exhausted and mentally confused and agitated almost suicidal... | the worst hormonal drug experience i have ever endured...will never take this poison again...now im hoping my body can right itself very quickly...the drug was called "Arminor" does anyone know in how long these effects take to diminish?...i never felt quite this bad from having an oavery removed!! this medicine is evil!!! | F | 39 | 5 days
5mg 3X D | | 5/25/2010
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| 5 | | | I have taken bioidentical progesterone and it is the best thing i have even done. I finally dont sleep in the daytime, i have more energy, and I sleep better. Im very happy with taking progesterone, but the reason why i am able to experience these benefits early because i dont have estrogen dominance, i only need help with pms. If you have estrogwn dominance, then it be a living hell at first on progesterone(for some), but later on, it will be worth it. | F | 15 | 7 days
40 2X D | | 5/14/2010
| 1 | Hot flashes, depression | Did a lot of research before using. Bought brand sanctioned by Dr. Lee. Used as recommended.Loved it at first. Increased libido and a sense of calm. Then, bled and literally hemorrhaged so much I ended up getting a blood transfusion. Safe? No side effects? I had anemia for months and still feel weird in my abdomen at certain times in the month. Gained weight. I only hope this does not have any side effects that are permanent. I have not gotten completely checked out yet for the existing problems. I have started a log now. It has been a number of months since the blood transfusion. Hardly any menstrual problems in my life before this. I am angry and feel misled. | | F | 43 | 2 months
1/8 t 1X D | | 5/12/2010
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| 5 | to regulate periods | I use Emerita Pro-Gest Natural Progesterone Cream. It has helped me for years to regulate my periods and now to help with hot flashes. A real life saver for me and a couple of other friends. I use 1/4 tsp on my chest, neck or inside arms at bedtime and sometimes 1/8 tsp in the morning. | | F | 55 | 7 years
20-30 mg 1X D | | 5/5/2010
| 2 | PMS, fibroid breast cysts | Intense strong body odor. Acne, I seemed calmer, not as depressed until two days before my period, when I became weepy, extremely irritable, impatient and extra defensive and angry. | I take a thyroid combo from a compound phramacy. The pharmacists told me progesterone would rid me of fibroid breast cysts ( I also quit drinking coffee)and that it would protect me, in all kinds of ways. I used it from day 14 through the first day of period. 2-3 days before, I was irate and cried easily. | F | 50 | 14 days
1 gram 3X D | | 5/5/2010
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| 1 | was told that I was low | LEAVE THIS POISON ALONE. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. MY LIFE HAS BEEN RUINED FOR NEARLY 3 YEARS SINCE I TOOK THIS "BIO-IDENTICAL" PROGESTERONE. | DON'T LISTEN TO THE 5-STAR RATINGS; THEY ARE POSTED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE SELLING THIS. I WORK AT AN ONCOLOGY LAB, AND THIS IS CAUSING BREAST CANCER AND UTERINE CANCER WITH WOMEN. DO NOT TAKE THIS POISON!!!!! | F | 40 | 100 days
75 1X D | | 5/1/2010
| 1 | menopause | At first I thought it was the answer to my hypoglycemia but man was I wrong. I started having dizzy spells, andreniline rushes, headaches and nausea after 2 and half months. And I also started gaining more fat around my middle which pisses me off. I went off of it after 3 months and the dizzy spells stopped. It mad my blood sugar worse not better and now i have to deal with that. What a mess. I wish I would have found this site before i started taking it. I alos thought it was the estogen and testosterone that were the culprits and quit taking those after 2months. I couldnt believe that it was the progesterone after everyone is singining its praises. Also these were bio-identical hormones made up at the compounding pharmacy. Does anyone know how long it take to get this POISEN out of the body and to start losing the weight gain. This drug made my life a living hell.
| Dont take it if you don't have to. What a mess! | F | 58 | 90 days
.50mg 1X D | | 5/1/2010
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| 1 | Missed periods | Anger, lack of concentration, depression I was crying all the time. Disassociation. One day I spent all day in bed crying for no reason and I have never had this happen before. I was willing to get divorced leave my family and just quit life. I had forgetfullness to an extreem level. I had hot flashes and a terrible headache. | Until beginning this medicine I was super well adjusted had an amazing marriage and family life. Of course all of that has returned after quitting the medicine but I will never take it again. | F | 40 | 5 days
250 1X D | | 4/24/2010
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| 5 | bio-identical | I have been on it for 1 year and 4 mon. I have become aware of when I need to lower my dose. I get anxiety, "panic attacks", sweats and body odor. It starts off where I am in a super-overly happy mood for a few days(which is great but scary at the same time) and then the anxiety, B.O. and panic attacks start and worsen if you don't decrease the dose. The body odor was my body's way of trying to "flush" the hormone my DR said. Some DRs just don't know what they are doing and it is a shame that woman try it, have a bad experience and give up. Not every dose works the same on everyone. I do believe too much is not good. I am sensitive and I don't have to take a lot. The only part I haven't explored is if I don't take it I am a complete wreck and have to force myself to smile. I am going to a new doc to learn more and do the saliva test to see where I am at. I feel like I can't get off of it and function normally. My doc thinks I digest it differently and it affects my | Before Prog I was depressed, couldn't lose weight, breast cysts and fluid 10 yrs after nursing, periods were deminishing, no libido, reoccuring vaginal infections, couldn't remember things, anxiety, drinking alcohol made me ill, no zest for life. Ten years I suffered trying to treat each symptom with tests here and there. I was told I was prediabetic, on and off depression meds, Gyn told me that everything was "NORMAL". With the Prog I am me again! I have lost 40 lbs, it makes me cheerful and energetic, breast tend gone, my cycle has returned to normal, used to be a very "gassy" person especially with milk- nearly gone now!, I have a memory again and can concentrate at work. Weight has melted off like I am a teenager again, without hitting the gym and I can eat more than I did before and still losing! I am actually smaller than I was in High School. Don't give up! Find a good Doctor!!!! | F | 36 | 16 months
6.25 mg 1X D | | 4/22/2010
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| 5 | menstrual migraines | none except i feel 20 years younger | this is super for me, it is only to be taken for the week before period and half the dose for the week of period. If it was taken for the other two weeks it would cause imbalances, i hope other users do not use for the first two weeks of cycle when natural progesterone levels are already high.
No sign of headache or the two weeks of sickness, nausea, bloated hell. Important to find out if you really need this (as well as my migraines coming at time when normal progesterone leves drop also have increase in facial hair and hoping this will reduce soon).
I do feel 'not myself anymore', not the worn out, drags herself out of bed, woozy hungover (i don't drink) person i have been for last few years... like the 'new' self much better.
| F | 48 |
5g cream 1X D | | 4/21/2010
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| 1 | Low progesterone,painful periods | Within 36 hours I wasn't myself anymore:
Brainfog, lethargy (I felt like a zombie), exhaustion&dizzyness (could barely stand on my feet and had to go back to bed after lunch), anxiety and some sort of a panick attack at night, heart palpitations, IBS was back instantly and very painful with cramps, frequent stool and nausea, have not that in a long time. So yeah, lost my appetite too. After 3 days I quit, took 1 half a dose on the third day cause I did not want to quit cold Turkey.
My brainfog is gone now 2 days after quitting, but my digestive system is still very upset, I hope that this stuff is gonna out of my system soon. | Im sure it helps for some people and doctors prescribe it with the best of intentions, but it's definitely not for me.
I keep a healthy lifestyle, eat organic, avoid a lot of xenoestrogens and got the bioindentical kind of progesterone. I think there should be more research done about the possible side effects and the reasons why they appear.
Im now going back to my homeopathic meds, which did help me feel much better physically, but sofar they have not done anything to bring my progesterone levels back up, so we are going to work on that now, to get my body to do the work by itself again, which is how it should be in my opinion.
My heart goes out to everybody out there with hormonal issues, cause it really sucks! | F | 34 | 3 days
15 2X D | | 4/18/2010
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| 1 | hormone imbalance post-Mirena | DIZZINESS, fatigue, vertigo, brain fog, depression, disassociation, immune suppression, headache: regulated period but I feel AWFUL! | I took Progesterone cream prescribed by my naturopath from day 14 until my period started to help deal with hormone imbalance followed by removal of Mirena IUD. For the first couple months it helped immensely -- I was sleeping, had no more night sweats, was gaining weight (unlike most ladies, I lost far too much weight with the IUD) was no longer having IBS/GERD issues, but then slowly I started to feel TERRIBLE. Like I was drunk all the time -- couldn't think straight, had dizziness/vertigo could hardly work, wanted to sleep all the time, horrible nausea and return of IBS, feeling like I was "outside my body" and severe depression when I have never been depressed in my life. Finally figured out it was the Progesterone cream and have been off of it for 3 months. Slowly some of these issues resolved, however, the dizziness, fatigue, depression, and brain fog came BACK about a month ago. On top of this, I have had a UTI since January that has not gone away with treatment, which I link to the immunosuppressing factors of progesterone cream since I have NEVER had this problem before. I seem to catch every little bug now. For the first time in my life my period has regulated, but I feel just terrible and want this out of my system. | F | 29 | 4 months
30MG 1X D | | 4/14/2010
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| 1 | wanting to lose weight | I was extremely bloated and gained 5 pounds. I was anxious, frustrated, depressed. I cried a lot. I could not focus on anything. I was tired. I take the Depo shot and do not have periods, suddenly I was spotting and cramping. I am sad to gain weight because I work out 6 days a week and eat a very clean diet. I am trying to lose 17 to 20 pounds and this has set me back. I hope it leaves my system soon. very disappointed... | | F | 43 | 14 days
2X D | | 4/13/2010
| 2 | Doctor recomended | PROS: I sleep well and the Bio Doctor says I am "balanced hormonally" and no periods at all CONS:12 lb Weight gain in mid-section, cellulite, acne on jawline and neck,less results when working out with weights | I went to a Bio-identical doctor to "see where I was at" hormonally on the advice of a friend who went to this Doctor. My only complaint was that I was starting to have trouble sleeping at night and he told me this was "hormonal"
(He has pics with Suzanne Somers in his office and touts her books). I was told my thyroid was a little low so he put me on bio-thyroid 50:10mcg 2X a day, he said my estrogen was a little high so he put me on progesterone 250mg at bedtime to even this out and he advised it will help me sleep better (which it did) he also put me on melontonin (he said a purified form) to also help me sleep. I didn't notice the weight gain at first it was more of a gradual thing that happened and I attributed it to getting older. I also don't see the same results when working out with weights that I normally did prior to BHRT I am miserable with carrying this weight on my belly and my legs have cellulite that I had very little before. I have always worked out with weights and ran. I also have anxiety now that I never had before. I also have sprouted some facial hair on my chin neck and get pimples on my lower cheeks, jawline and neck that I also never had before! I'm oblivious and I guess just super busy and did not put two and two together to figure it out that this is a result of the progesterone. I am throwing these pills out. How long will it take to get back to normal or did I screw my system up forever? Is there any type of detox I can do t | F | 44 | 2 years
250 MG 1X D | | 4/11/2010
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| 1 | | I was using Progest cream with a supposed 50 to 100 Mg a day via one pump or two. Brought on the worst hot flashes I have had in 2 years. Feel anxious,bitchy, nauseated, stomach and digestion problems and bloated. I am 53 and haven't had a period in two years so I am post menopausel. I am throwing this cream away today. I was fine, just hoping to get more zip, so now I know I have to exercise again 5 days a week and eat super healthy to get in better shape. There is no QUICK fix. | I suggest a saliva test and consult with a doctor first before you start this cream | M | 53 | 4 days
50 1X D | | 4/9/2010
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| 2 | Hormonal imbalance | Insomnia,rapid weight gain,sore breasts,fatigue,mood swings | I was on bio-identical progesterone which we are all lead to believe has no side-effects.Baloney.My first month was great,helped with my hormonal imbalance (which mostly was causing night sweats&sleeplessness) The second month I noticed a major gain in weight with no reason(good diet, same exercise).All in the midsection section/thigh areas.Then came the other symptoms, sore breasts,irritiablity,insomnia etc.Initally thought it was estrogen dominance. Persisted.At the four month mark, my symptoms were worser. At this point,I knew in my gut this wasn't 'estrogen dominance'. Went to my doctor to check my hormone levels and discovered my progesterone levels were FAR TOO HIGH (and reason for side effects). He felt at this point it was best to stop and see how I go with a potential for a lower dose in future. Have been off it for 6 weeks and feel so much better, side effects slowly lessening (although sore breasts have disappeared completely) I think bio-identical progesterone is fine but like any drug (which is what it is) should be monitored very closely.My symptoms came about very quickly. Estrogen dominance is one thing, what I experienced was progesterone overload which is not good either. I don't like the 'it's natural' hype that leads people to believe that bio-identical means nothing can ever go wrong. | F | 35 | 120 days
1X D | | 4/8/2010
| 2 | hair loss | Headaches, weight gain, lethargy, depression - and ultimately, accelerated hair loss. | I'm skeptical that progesterone cream can balance hormones - how is it possible, without very regular testing, to obtain the correct dose? I endured awful symptoms because I chose to believe Dr Lee's comments about the cream helping women with "male pattern hair loss". In my case progesterone cream thickened the unaffected hair but accelerated the thinning process, and it has taken me this long to wake up! Like many others I feel that this is dangerous stuff. | F | 52 | 2 years
1/4 tsp 1X D | | 4/7/2010
| 5 | MIGRAINES | Breast tenderness, increased sex drive. | I have had hormonal migraines since the birth of my child 19 years ago. I tried every preventative, and every doctor around the world. Doctors told me my hormone levels were fine. I researched and begin taking Progesterone in capsule form (www.Progest50.com). I can't praise this stuff enough. For those of you that have had no luck with the cream, I didn't either! This bioidentical Progesterone is the real stuff. I can't stress enough to those of you that have hormonal migraines, Please, Please try it. It isn't that expensive, not when you're used to spending on Triptans monthly, a month supply is $49.99. It has changed my life. You will need to experiment with the dosage. I begin at 50 mg. and have worked my way up to 200 mg's. I have been migraine free for 48 days. Before Progesterone I had maybe 8 good days out of the month.If you would like more info, please feel free to email me. | F | 42 | 60 days
100 MG 2X D | | 4/6/2010
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| 5 | | Minimal side effects for me Progesterone made me "ME" again. | I LOVE Progesterone (bioidentical NOT prometrium which I agree is the drug from HE**!). I am no longer depressed have energy I thought was gone forever. I am overall less of a worrier, much more relaxed sleep great. I am so sorry about ALL of you who are having so many bad side effects. Until I read the comments on this site I never thought about any weight gain. The fact is I gained maybe 5-7 lbs but i was happy with it and everyone says I looks years younger. I did just start getting hot flashes this year but have been on the progesterone for 3 years. Progesterone is supposed to be the hormone that relaxes and calms not all of these miserable side effects. Maybe the levels are way to high. | F | 49 | 3 years
50mg 3X D | | 4/5/2010
| 4 | HORMONE IMBALANCE, IRREGULAR PERIOD | CHRONIC CONSTIPATION, DEPRESSION | | F | 52 | 7 years
10MG 1X D | | 4/5/2010
| 4 | PCOS (irregular periods) | A little heart racing, mild anxiety (at first), pressure in chest (mild), slept really well and deeply and actually found mood was up (didn't know it was down). Mild change in mood when stopped taking it. | It was a bit of adjustment, getting used to it. But I quickly altered the time I took it to a.m., after eating, before working out and found the side effects were neutralized by the work out. I took it for three weeks on/one week off until I started a period. And am now doing just days 14-28 of what I hope will be a normal cycle. Also, am using NATURAL PROGESTERONE (emerita). | F | 35 | 60 days
20 mg 1X D | | 4/4/2010
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| 1 | Hot flashes | no appetite but experienced weight gain even though walking an hour a day, loss of hair increased, severe acne, WIDE AWAKE most of the night, uncontrollable anger bordering on rage. | At first I thought it was a wonder drug because the hot flashes that were driving me to suicide stopped. But now after five months, I can't sleep and my severe mood swings are driving me out of my mind, not to mention my husband's too! I believe it has also exacerbated my fibromyalgia symptoms. I am definitely getting off of this drug after reading all of the responses. Thank God for other women taking the time to share their information. Now at least I know why I'm going out of my mind! I will be so glad when this menopause from hell is finally over!!!!! | F | 52 | 5 months
2X D | | 4/3/2010
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| 2 | hot flashes/menopause | abdominal weight gain. | It seemed to be working for the first month..slowly, I noticed I couldn't zip my pants. The weight is all in my abdomen. I work out daily, eat a healthy diet. It is like having severe water retention, stomach is distended, horrible. Told my doctor it is not worth it. Off the cream for 1 week, feel much better. | M | 48 | 5 months
1/8 tsp 2X D | | 3/30/2010
| 1 | hair falling out | rapid weight gain,feeling bloated,tight jaw,expanded waist,feeling irritable a lot | I have been a personal fitness trainer for almost 28years.never had a weight problem.went through menapause late finished with it around 58,no weight problems justthe hot flashes.a couple of months ago my hair started to fall out at the suggestion of my obgyn and a friend a started taking bio identical hormones..all hell broke loose in a few days so i stopped before i commited suicide.then I went on a natural supplement of progesterone cream..in about two months i have gained almost 8lbs,despite eating almost no carbs,and working outwith weight,running up to 5 miles a day.I stopped taking the cream 3 days ago and do not plan on restarting..this rapid weight gain and thick waist is not for me...Im taking vitamin e and biotin for the hair loss so we will see...as for progesterone ...GOODBYE... | F | 60 | 60 days
12mg 1X D | | 3/28/2010
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| 4 | total hysterectomy | 3 zits showed up and early morning hot flashes became more noticable | I have had less than 0.7 level since at least 2000. Uterine fibroids and a 28 day cycle that had 14 days of heavy bleeding. Always tremendous cramping with periods. After 10 months of a very unhappy life (after hyster) I began researching and getting blood work done to begin replacing lost homones. I started with a pharmasist compounding .2% estrodial with 2% testoserone. After 6 months my estrogen had increase from 20 to 38 and testos. went from 23 to 138. WHOA dialed the Testoserone down with my newest script. but I added a separate dosing of 3% progestrone. I am applying the progest. on day 14 - 28 of each month. Just started this month so in another month I will have my blood work done and see whats up. I feel like myself (or pretty close to it) again. libido is back, energy level is on the rise, skin feels more supple. I am steering the hormone replacement, documenting my daily reactions and feeling more in control of my life. | F | 51 | 2 weeks
1/4 tsp 1X O | | 3/22/2010
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| 3 | severe PPD, brittle hair, belly wt | Initially reduced my suddenly severe PMS symptoms, esp. irritability and I stopped my 6 lb PMS weight gain | Now I am gaining weight for no discernible reason and all on hips and belly--in spite of controlling the random snacking and starting to exercise more. I was always slender in the midsection until my third child and the severe postpartum depression. | F | 40 | 2 months
20mg cream 1X D | | 3/14/2010
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| 5 | excessive hair shedding & bad sleep | my hair looks SO MUCH better because it is not falling out nearly as much! i am finally sleeping through the night - i believe progesterone cream is the answer i have been seeking for 10 years now!! | i use the cream 2x a day from day 8 to day before my period. | F | 39 | 3 months
2X D | | 3/13/2010
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| 2 | Menorrhagia caused by fibroids | Initially nausea, feeling faint, extreme hunger, excessively tiredness (in fact worn out), a HEMORRIOD (that is like a rock), flatulence by the 4th day, and depression | I am extremely concerned as my hemorriod is increasing rather than decreasing and I am going to stop my course of the cream in order to avoid any unnecessary surgery. I decided to take Rhodiola to combat any depression and that seems to help abit although taken too late will prevent you from sleeping | F | 28 | 4 days
20mg 1X D | | 3/9/2010
| 1 | Irregular, heavy cycles, cramping | Bloating and cramping (not on my period); depression, sleep disturbances | I was only taking half of the lowest recommended dose--after reading Dr. Lee and others, I thought it would be beneficial. The first couple of days I was fine--even thought i was sleeping better. I just realized today that since about the third day I was on the cream, I haven't felt like myself at all. I threw it out tonight after stumbling across these comments. I'm glad I did--I thought I was going nuts as the information I read indicated there would be no side effects at such a low dose! | F | 41 | 6 days
20MG 1X D | | 3/3/2010
| 1 | menopause | I have become more depressed, terrible diarrhea, weight gain, starving all the time. gained 20 ibs all on my stomach. Dr.Lee should have a chapter in his book about the possible negative side effects. | | F | 48 | 1 years
1X D | | 2/20/2010
| 2 | Uterine Lining Buildup | I was given progesterone because I am using Vagifem (vaginal estrogen) and the doctor said I should use progesterone once a year to keep the uterine lining from buildig up (unopposed estrogen). I took it and what a mess! I took it for 2 weeks and my breasts became painful, back ache, hemorrhoids, headaches, water weight, UTI....all the things you get when you are pregnant (because it is the prenancy hormone). I felt horrible. It then goes away after my cycle but has returned each month for the past 4 months each time my cycle is due. Each time the symptoms come back, they are less than the month before. All this from 2 weeks of progesterone (pill form). I hope it gets out of my system soon. | | M | 48 | 14 days
100mg 1X D | | 2/18/2010
| 2 | saliva test showed low progesterone | I am 46, had my tubes tied. Excellent health. Exercise 5-6 times/week. Used to be size 4. Last two months I have been frustrated with 15lb weight gain, bad cramps with punctual menstral cycles, breast stay sore and are larger cup size. I have a fat belly now. Used to be size 4 and now I cannot find clothes that fit me right because I am built like a pregnant woman. Size 8 maternity is probably what clothes would fit. Despite being 46, tubes tied, monthly timely cycles, I thought I was pregnant. Negative. So I am finished with this Fad, Craze. Since out of 5 women i know(including myself)all had the saliva test, all with the same low progesterone levels, all put on progesterone. 3 of us gained belly fat the other 2 are just getting liposuction(some new type of liposuction-done by the same doctor prescibed biodentical hormones)Another craze I guess. I quit 2 weeks ago and lost one pound so far. I am hoping for my old self again. | Is it the new FAD/CRAZE? | F | 46 | 9 months
20MG 2X D | | 2/17/2010
| 1 | doctor recommendation | Acne, severe leg cramp | My naturopath recommended Progon B because I am taking Vagifem estradiol suppositories to combat atrophic vaginitis. The Vagifem helps a lot, but my Naturopath said that I should not have estradiol alone, I need progestin too. But I stopped immediately, the leg cramps were severe and the acne was too. It was a dramatic reaction. | F | 56 | 2 days
1X D | | 2/13/2010
| 3 | Thick uterine lining/low progestero | I have been on progesterone now for 5 days...I was wondering if anybody else has had trouble with being cold and unable to get warm. Or after that goes away then my hands get hot and red. I am feeling slightly nauseated also. I also wake up several times at night wide awake. I don't know if this is from this medication. | | F | 45 | 25 days
10mg 1X D | | 2/5/2010
| 5 | post partum insomnia | None! I finally got some sleep. | It sounds like progesterone cream (I took progest) works for some, but really sucks for others. Seems like a gamble. It definetely worked for me though with no side effects | F | 32 | 14 days
| | 2/2/2010
| 2 | Change from conjugated estrogens! | The first 2-3 weeks were fine, then I started having hot flashes, couldn't sleep, weight gain, bloating, urinary problems (bleeding), feet & hands swollen, irritable, lazy, dizzy driving, no concentration, etc., thyroid problems | I am a 52 yr old that had a complete hysterectomy 5 years ago and was on conjugated estrogen, so with the help of my doctor I have been using Progest along with Triest for 1 1/2 months now thinking that it was time I switched as you are only supposed to be on the CES for so many years. The first two weeks were fine, then I started having the worst hot flashes, I have never had them before, it was terrible. I also have fibromyalgia so any little change in medications sleep patterns really upsets me and puts me into a major spin! Then I couldn't sleep. I was taking 1/4 tsp of 6%, so they told me to increase it a bit, I started getting dizzy when driving, gaining weight, 2-3 lbs. at first, irritable, freezing cold. Then I had to adjust my thyroid meds and I still cannot get them right. The pharmascist told me to stop using the progest for 10 days my doctor told me just to decrease it, next day I got up and my stomach was so distended that I couldn't get any of my pants on, I have gained at least 4 inches at waist. I also can't pee and when I do there is a bit of blood on the tissue.
I can't get anything accomplished because I can't concentrate. My feet were so swollen I couldn't even see my ankles and my hands are still swollen so that I can't get my wedding rings off and can't wear any of my other rings. My right hand is tingly and red, I can barely bend my fingers.
I think I am going to stop using this, I don't know what else to do. | F | 52 | 1.5 months
| | 1/24/2010
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| 1 | Combat excessive estrogen | After having a hysterectomy just over a year ago, I was put on progestrone cream with 20 mg twice a day without any hormone tests to see what I needed. I can't think properly now, bad headaches and have bloated up and gained some much weight that no clothes fit. I don't want to leave the house. What happened to me? I am a fit and active person who is 5'3" and weigh 112 lbs before hyster. Now I weigh 127 and gaining. I am down to under 1,000 calories a day with working out for at least 3 hours and nothing is stopping this horrible weight gain, bloating and feelings of depression, headaches and an earache. | Why is a doctor prescribing this stuff without even testing me to make sure I needed it or could even handle it. Don't let a medical doctor who doesn't care, prescribe this stuff. | F | 48 | 20 days
| | 1/16/2010
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| 1 | Birth control while nursing | unexplained weight gain | After my second pregnancy I began to gain weight, while breastfeeding...and keep thinking that it should be going in the other direction. I eat healthy and do not lead a sedentary life. After reading all of the postings I am NOT going to take the progesterone pills any longer, we'll just practice some other form of birth control...and hope that I can begin to lose the weight. | F | 34 | 4 months
| | 1/16/2010
| 1 | spit test showing low progesterone | my side effects were: insomnia, anxiety, irritable, cortisol type weight gain at waist | I took the progesterone cream, just a small amount and had horrible side effects. I think health care providers prescribing need to be aware hypersensitivity of even bioidenticals. I think my insomnia was stress related and this made it 10 times WORSE!!! | F | 35 | 3 days
| | 1/14/2010
| 3 | saliva test low prog/high estrogen | Not aware of any side effects that are a problem. I have autoimmune thyroid so many of the side effects described by some are issues I've had which some doctors relate to the thyroid. Depression, no libido, heavy periods, pain, etc. | I did the complete saliva/blood profile from ZRT labs. I didn't want to make a decision on using anything without having proof of a low or high lab count. Progesterone was super low while estrogen was super high. Hopefully after a few more months it will have helped. I got my progesterone from a compounding pharmacist. I use 20 mg. progesterone to a one gram (about 1/2 tsp) of cream on days 12 through 25 of my cycle. Given my labs it has to do some good at balancing my levels. | F | 54 | 2 months
| | 1/13/2010
| 1 | | Insomnia (waking up after 4 hours of sleep with hot flahses), anxiety, depression (crying all the time), moodiness. Would rather be dead... | DO NOT TAKE THIS WITHOUT READING POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. DRUGS AFFECT EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY!!! | F | 35 | 3 days
| | 1/13/2010
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| 5 | menopausal symtoms | I am applying natural progesterone cream ( 1/8 tsp 2X per day for 21 days). It has alleviated my hot flashes, sleeplessness, headaches and has restored my libido. As for weight gain I can't tell. BEFORE I started with the cream I had gained 20 pounds and have not gained more. | A lot of the comments here are about synthetic prescribed progesterone which is extracted from female mares and is very strong. Your site should differentiate. | F | 54 | 3 months
| | 1/12/2010
| 1 | ovarian cysts, endo, migraines, pms | sleepiness, grogginess, irritable, unmotivated, depressed, confused, extreme anger, only positive side effect is increased libido! But my husband is going to divorce me, and I'll have no one to have sex with if I don't quit yelling at him for no reason!! Someone listed mental "swishiness", and I so get that! I have that too! I feel like my brain is sloshing around in my head--driving is hard--hard to focus. | Wow--I can't believe so many people have experienced what I have on bioidentical progesterone cream! My dr prescribed it, and at first I felt more relaxed--slept great too. But into the 2nd month I started having nighttime panic attacks and nightmares. I also feel so groggy and foggy all day. I have waves of a feeling of well being and comfort, and it can quickly turn into unprovoked rage! What is that about?! I keep picking fights w/my husband, and we usually never fight. I have crazy spells of crying--I just feel SO hormonal, and I still have to used Imitrex for migraines, and my breast cysts still come back each month, and my pms is actually worse, and I have no motivation to do anything. So, I will stop using this today. I have decided to just try my best to live healthily ( I already run and eat pretty healthy.) I will still enjoy my coffee and wine, and just know that there is no magic cure for some of the issues I have. I'd rather just let my body do what it wants hormone-wise than to try to fix it and make things worse--hormones are very powerful!!! Even bioidentical ones. | F | 37 | 2.5 months
| | 1/12/2010
| 1 | low progesterone level in test | Within first week of taking 100 mg compounded prog., had horrible symptoms of the worst period ever for 3 weeks. Started gaining weight and very bloated. Thought I was maybe pregnant, took test, turned out neg. So bloated I can't wear my rings. | It seems many people have problems with this supplement, but if you have many symptoms that affect your life-style, it's worth trying and keeping in touch with your doctor about what happens. I just went off because I didn't have anything bothering me in the first place. Now I'm fat and bloated and waiting for that to go away. | F | 44 | 7 weeks
| | 1/3/2010
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| 1 | Insomnia | capsules,low dose...headaches, nausea, itching on 1 side of neck & upper chest, flat/round red spots on face, absent-mindedness & confussion all leading to episode of dangerously high blood pressure, speech/cognitive impairment, tremors/shakes, felt "far away"...1 week post "stroke-like" episode & still have speech/cognitive/confusion trouble. | How long might these problems last? 135lbs, 5'6...-full hyster-ectomy 05/00, no HRT. Take low dose generic Welbutrin + 10-20mg(usually 10mg) of Aderall per day. Also on generic brand Synthroid and Fosomax. | F | 47 | 3 weeks
| | 12/18/2009
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| 4 | menopause symptoms | Right now I'm experiencing stiffness and cramping in pelvis and legs, just like premenstrual cramping, but my period has not come. Have had these symptoms for 3 days, beginning at onset of use of proges this month. But breast tenderness has gone, am sleeping great, moods are better. Have not gained any weight but am bloated right now with cramping. | I'm a clinical exercise physiologist working in women's health. I believe that many symptoms listed on this forum are the result of the initial effects of progesterone up-regulating estrogen receptors. When we are estrogen dominant, are exposed to too many xenoestrogens in the environment/food, or are overweight, our estrogen receptors lose their sensitivity.The first thing that should happen with progesterone is to retune up estrogen receptors making them more sensitive, and so symptoms of excess estrogen get worse in the first couple of months of progesterone use. Also, many recommended doses are too much; even often Dr. Lee's recommendations. Other docs like Mercola [mercola.com] and WomenToWomen use much less. I'm down to 1/16 tsp 1xday. And oral progesterones are really problematic bc you can't control how much gets into the blood [liver breaks down]. Blood tests are not reliable indicators of free progest., so if you're having questions about levels, get a saliva test. And I just learned today about the problem of progest. creams containing parabens and cramping symptoms. Parabens are powerful xenoestrogens and make estrogen symptoms worse. My cream has them [KAL]. Will be changing to today. | F | 56 | 2 months
| | 12/16/2009
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| 3 | for perimenapause | depression, and excessively oily skin | Although the progesterone helped a great deal with the pain I have decided to wean off of it because of the depression issues. It did help me with food cravings (maybe i didn't eat because i was soooo depressed), and lose weight. However, i would rather have pain than be a zombie. My personal opinion with progesterone is that we are all different...some women have tremendous success. I didnt, but i wouldnt throw baby out with the bathwater. I believe some of you are experiencing problems because when you start progesterone it "wakes up" your estrogen receptors. You must try this for several cycles before giving up. | F | 40 | 12 months
| | 12/11/2009
| 5 | missed periods severe hot flashes ; | the worst side effect for me after using for a month is very sore breast nipples. the first two weeks I WAS STARVINGbut that is betterand Iwas fatter in the stomach but that is better since m using only one eighth of a teaspoon now. I also have more enery but dont like the soreness in breast nipples. | I noticed you take as little as possible and it works without as many side effects. Itdid solve my horrid hotflahes and that crazy feeling with menopause and peri-menopause. Im going to give it a chance but Idont get this soreness in breast. I had problems for years with cramps,heavy bleeding,pms, food cravingschocolate,cyst on ovary,headaches you name it.I had it with my period, and once Ihad a pre-cancerous pap smear. I wish I would of knew about this cream then. This cream is a cheap cream from walmart but it has chemicals in it I DONT LIKE SO i m going to try a paraben free formula next.Its worth a try If you were getting like me and not funtioning wellwith depression and all that other female junk!!!!!! | M | 52 | 1 months
| | 12/2/2009
| 3 | perimenopause & menopause | Regulated periods in last two years before menopause. Continued cream, then to bioidenticals. Last two months: fatigue, suicidal depression that comes in waves, cortisol surges in the night that border panic attacks, foggy thinking, not driving and often want to crawl out of my skin. | I have used progesterone supplement for 4 years now. My naturopath had a saliva test done a year ago when I first switched to bioidenticals. Progesterone was high then. Test last month showed level was 6X over normal and reason for my symptoms. I am off for 3 weeks now, but symptoms don't seem to be going away. I have a better day w/less fatigue and then 2 bad days. Almost every night is a nightmare. I sleep 2 hours, then start the adrenaline surges that leave me panicked, over-heated, pounding heart and short of breath. Anyone have ideas to get this out of my system faster, I would be blessed. | F | 54 | 4 years
| | 11/28/2009
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| 5 | PCOS/support pregnancy | Ovulation (hooray!) and maintained pregnancy after two miscarriages due to low progesterone. | (Love it, love it! It worked for me.) I used natural progesterone cream - Pro-Gest specifically. I started after my 2nd miscarriage to promote healing and ended up inducing ovulation and maintained the pregnancy. Now that I am postpartum I will be resuming my use to attempt to get rid of my ovarian cysts. | F | 33 | 7 months
| | 11/24/2009
| 1 | supposed peri-menopausal symptoms | almost everything negative that others have described here... by the end of the 6 months that I took it I had: asthma, pounding heart, exhausted, achy, house-bound, gained 20 pounds, anxiety, egg-sized cyst in breast, felt like I was dying | My symptoms got worse as time went on. I actually have a thyroid problem and probably that was causing my former minor symptoms, but several different doctors insisted that it was my female hormones because I am a certain age. Well, my female hormones sure DID get messed up on progesterone! Yes, I took bio-identical.
My right breast blew up and i got an egg-sized cyst in it with lots of fluid that got hardened and was painful. I finally defied the doctor and looked it up if progesterone could cause cysts and I found this site. I couldn't believe that so many people had so many symptoms similar to mine. I noticed that one person on this site gave a link to Dr. Theresa Dale's site and I looked it up and I'm doing the lab tests she recommends and I'm going to do her protocol. She gets people OFF hormone therapy (even bio-identical) and balances their bodies. She uses things that are not hormones, mostly homeopathic as far as I can tell, and her products are FDA approved, which means she had to provide hundreds and hundreds of before and after lab tests. I'll come back to this site in another month or two and let everyone know how it's going. I just stopped the progesterone cold turkey and nothing bad happened to me and some of the worst symptoms subsided or got less. I was really worried when I read everyone's posts here that I would feel bad for a long time, but I feel encouraged by Dr. Dale's protocol. We shall see... | F | 45 | 6 months
| | 11/19/2009
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| 1 | Hot Flashes | Gained 20 lbs in two months. Have felt like I have an extreme hangover, on and off for the last year. Used bio-identical. Haven't felt really good in over a year, or slept well. Would not recommend. | I feel tired all the time. I have ringing in my ears. I have been to many doctors -- nothing yet to help get rid of this. All symptoms are back in force; hotflashes, sleeplessness, etc. | F | 48 | 90 days
| | 11/16/2009
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| 1 | total hysterectomy at 33 | I've been having some pretty awful issues (for the last 6 years but the last year has been the worst) and this is the first place I've found that there are other people out there like me. I have fibromyalgia-like problems, severe joint and nerve pain, lumps in my fascia, headaches, exhaustion, feel "flu-like" all the time, and HUGE weight gain (as in approaching 170 lbs). I exercise very regularly and eat very healthy. I didn't have these issues before taking progesterone (and it's bio-identical). I've been losing my mind and desperate for answers and haven't found any. I've tried everything to lose weight and nothing works. I feel like I'm swimming in poison. I stopped taking the stuff about a year ago, but stopped the bio-identical estrogen too and the hot flashes drove me nuts, so I went back on it. No more hot flashes but everything else is a living hell. I was on bio-identical cortisol for a while and stopped taking it. I'm also on Armour thyroid. Sigh... | I think that if this is the "missing link" in trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me (I didn't feel this bad when I had ovarian cancer and endo in my 20s!!), then I really hope that somebody out there will start helping more of us by being honest about what this stuff does to a person. | F | 39 | 6 years
| | 11/11/2009
| 2 | post menopausal | weight gain and fat around the middle | I had a total hysterectomy at age 43. I took no HRT or anything else, just went thru it cold-turkey until the hot flashes, etc subsided some 10 years later. My doctors think I should be using natural progesterone creme for all the "beneficial" reasons we've all heard about. I purchased the creme approximately 6 weeks ago from a local compounding pharmacist and started using it. In that time period, I've gained only 3 lbs, but I've also put on two or more inches around my waist and abdomen area and have rolls of fat. For 15 years I've eaten a very low fat, low cholesterol and very low saturated fat diet (I have high cholesterol and take Zocor), so there's no reason for me to be gaining weight, at least not from my diet. Other than the occasional grilled fish or chicken breast, my diet is organic and vegetarian. I exercise regularly and can't lose any of the weight I've gained. I'm 5/7" and now weight 138 lbs, I shouldn't have all this fat around the middle. I'm going off this natural creme before I gain anymore weight. I'm uncomfortable in my clothes, at least those that still fit. I've not suffered any anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, acne or any of the other ailments written of on this site, only the "fat around the middle" and that's unacceptable to me. I think I do enough other good stuff for myself that I can forego this natural product. Good luck ladies. | F | 59 | 6 weeks
| | 11/5/2009
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| 1 | Perimenopause | Excessive weight gain in abdomen, bloating, tender breasts, breasts swelled, acne on jawline/neck | I would tell each and every woman thinking about using progesterone cream to PROCEED WITH CAUTION and do your research before using this stuff. I bought Dr. Lee's book and fell for the hype of all this "estrogen dominance" stuff. My naturopathic doctor prescribed a compounded cream and touted it as a miracle worker. Yeah, right....and all I did was gain weight, bloat, my breasts swelled and were so tender and I started having acne on my jawline and neck. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that hormones are powerful. My advice - - DO YOUR RESEARCH and make an informed decision before messing with this stuff. I sometimes wonder if I will ever be the same after taking this...one of the worst things I have ever done to my body. And Dr. Lee might want to add a chapter to his book about the potential dangers and side effects of using progesterone cream. In my humble opinion, this cream is no miracle worker in any way, shape or form. | F | 41 | 1 months
| | 10/28/2009
| 2 | Menstrual Migraines | Swollen stomach, swollen breasts with tender nipples, increased appetite at night, crying jags, arguing with people, depression. | I just started the progesterone cream 10 days ago. Called nurse today to ask to cut dose in half due to side effects and doctor said yes. Haven't gotten my period yet to find out if my migraines are any better, but my medical provider said it would take a few months for it to work. I typically have a headache for one straight week after my period for the last 20 years. I am still searching for a reasonable solution. I'll give this a try a little longer, but if my body swelling and depression don't get better on a lower dose I will stop taking it. | F | 40 | 10 days
| | 10/19/2009
| 1 | even out estrogen levels | Acne, weight gain, headaches | This was the most horrible drug I've ever taken in my life. I felt great for about a month. I then started having severe acne. I have never had ance in my life.I wanted to eat all the time. I gained weight in my stomach. I was prescribed this by a medical dr. had the prescription filled at a well known compounding pharmacy. went back after the acne started the pharmacy said to take milk thistle 2 times per week to get this DRUG out of my system. I've been off the prgesterone cream for a 3 months. The acne has cleared up I'm still having the headaches and have not been able to lose the weight but at least I'm not gaining anymore. Someone needs to inform the medical community that all the reports, studies, and books that are out there are nothing but pure lies. I did research before using the progesterone now I find I did check for the side effects until it was to late. Would never use again. | F | 44 | 2 months
| | 10/12/2009
| 1 | To raise progesterone levels | THIS NIGHTMARE OF A DRUG ruined my life for a long, long, long time. I had SEVERE insomnia for over a year, panic attacks, weight gain, yeast issues, acne, dizziness, and multiple food intolerances. Don't let these jerks at compounding pharmacies sell you this lie, "But, it's NATURAL! It comes from YAMS!" I call "bullshit" on that one! If a chemist has to senthesize a YAM into PROGESTERONE, it is NOT natural! With THAT logic, Coca-Cola is also natural! After all, it is made from cocoa, sugar, corn, and water!! | It has been 18 months since I would last take this horrible, horrible dangerous SCAM that they call "bio-identical progesterone". I have been using a far-infrared sauna to detox this poison out of my system. Now, after just a little over a month of using the FIR sauna, I can SLEEP, and I am not dizzy anymore. I still have some allergies to foods with oxalic acid, and I cannot really tolerate dairy. Still, I am no longer MISERABLE.
HEED THE MULTIPLE WARNINGS LADIES: DON'T PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR HORMONES. | F | 40 | 10 weeks
| | 10/11/2009
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| 1 | Alternative Birth Control for migra | Am a very happy and clear headed person. After 2 months severe anxiety, extreme brain fog (literally couldn't think/ concentrate), blurred vision, no appitite, panic feelings,confusion, slight depression, left hand went numb (feeling now 3 months later), and when I went off of it lost 1/2 my hair. I have NEVER felt this bad in my whole life. | Wow, was that awful. I am a VERY healthy person and gynacologist took me off normal estrogen based birth control pills to progesterone b/c I have headaches. She said, " less risk of stroke w/ progesterone based." Well, tell that to my numb hand. This stuff is poison. I'm OK with being half bald now, becasue I don't feel like a panic/anxiety stress ball any more, I can see again, and think too. | F | 32 | 3 months
| | 10/6/2009
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| 1 | hormonal changes, skin changes | Health food store recommended BioEntopic progesterone creme because I feel I am going through some normal hormonal changes like the body does naturally ever 7 years. First week or so no problems. Now I am having night sweats, can't think straight, period is 3 weeks late, bloating, no energy, increased anxiety, irritability.
| Would not recommend for anyone who is not menopausal, especially after reading all of the problems here. | F | 37 | 20 days
| | 10/4/2009
| 5 | postmenopausal | My sense of well-being is like the old me. Energy, better sleep, calmer, libido improved. It's like a happy pill. It helps curb my appetite. I've lost the first 5 lbs. of menopausal weight gain in the last two months. | I went through menopause at age 53. I am now 61. I take 150 mg. of Armour (natural dessicated) Thyroid. I use dr. prescribed all natural estrogen cream and testosterone cream,compounded by a pharmacy,small dosages each day. I have added a small pea sized dose of Pro-gest natural progesterone cream for an added sense of well being. It is extremely important to note that synthetic progesterones (progestin) are not compatible with a woman's body. (the drug companies just make money). I follow a low sugar, low starch, high protein, vegetables, fruit, eating program, take supplements, no junk food. I look beautiful, my skin is great. It's also important to note that we eliminated foods that have additives, hormones or antibiotics (use organic eggs, milk and meats). It's important to eat fresh foods and protein every day and to balance insulin levels. Good Luck Ladies! | F | 61 | 6 months
| | 9/30/2009
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| 1 | To help with my Uterine Cysts | My legs and hands have a burning feeling! And a lot of water retention and bloating. Also breast tenderness. I have been getting dizziness and headaches on and off also. | I am going off of it right away! My body is in pain, as I write this comment! I exercise regularly and am in very good shape. But lately, I feel like my whole body aches! Please be careful with this stuff! | F | 46 | 30 days
| | 9/30/2009
| 5 | perimenopause symptoms | Overall improved quality of life! Used the 2% cream from the health store for 2 years (my husband called it "happy cream") to alleviate PMS symptoms of breast tenderness, anxiety, headache, bloating, mood swings. And over the last two years have been on capsule of progesterone with a small amount of DHEA from a compounding pharmacist. This improved my ability to sleep, stopped the beginnings of hot flashes. Really no negative side effects for me or the five friends of mine that are now some form of bio-identical progesterone | One important aspect of using bio-identical hormones is that as our bodies progress into menopause we must have bloodwork done on a regular basis to see if the dosage is appropriate or if other hormones are needed to maintain the improved quality of life.
I am now on a small amount of estrogen cream because my hot flashes reappeared and because in the last few years my blood work indicated I went from estrogen dominant with low progesterone and almost no testosterone to 4 years later having acceptable progesterone and testosterone levels and almost none existent estrogen levels.
I read all of the comments and many of the negative comments use the same word phrases (i.e. "my life a living hell") and patterns which indicate to me this site has one person who has populated the comments repeatedly which for me will make me think twice about the credibility of the site relative to the frequency of comments. Thought people should know this! | F | 51 |
| | 9/27/2009
| 1 | perimenopause | huge bloating and/or weight gain in midsection and, especially, lower abdominal area; breast tenderness (had never had this problem before), some minor itchiness where applied on wrist and inner arm area, weepiness | I had been able to regulate my periods and lose most of associated cramping through lifestyle/diet change but still had some PMS swelling/bloating every month. I also have hypothyroidism. I decided to try the progesterone cream to see if either of these could also be eliminated. I used all natural progesterone cream made by Source Naturals. I only made it through day 7 of the first 14 days to be taken and stopped due to the incredible and unacceptable weight gain (5-6 inches in a week! Unfreaking believable!) Am really hopeful this is just a huge exacerbation of water retention that will go away now that I've ceased the progesterone. Starting to believe Drs. Lee and Hadley's book (from which I learned about the supposed multi-health benefits of natural progesterone cream) is extremely irresponsible in its failure to explore/discuss the side effects and negative reactions...since many appear to be exactly opposite of why one would take natural progesterone. | F | 48 | 7 days
| | 9/25/2009
| 1 | help regulate periods | After the short few weeks of being on Progesterone cream I have gained several pounds, gotten into fights with people, cried for no reason, lost sleep, and now- a week before my period (when I normally don't have cramps or any other symptoms)- I am crampy, nauseous, and tired. | I will never use this again! | F | 37 | 3 weeks
| | 9/20/2009
| 1 | PCOS, amenorrhea | extreme lethargy, depression, anxiety, headaches, swollen legs and ankles, weight gain | I am 40 years old, have had PCOS for 15 years with irregular periods...and for some reason my doctor can't explain I've had amenorrhea for the past 18 months. Blood tests and ultrasound appeared normal, however my doc was concerned about a buildup of uterus lining after going so long without a period. My doc suggested I try Pro-Gest cream to kick start a period. The plan was 1/4 tsp. cream days 14-21, and then increase to 1/2 tsp. cream for days 21-28, then stop for a week. Well I'm 10 days into this two week plan and am seriously suicidal. My body aches, feels swollen, and I have absolutely no energy. I feel like I've gained at least five pounds and my pants are tight. I started crying this afternoon for no reason and feel so miserable and unhappy. I don't even have the energy to exercise, which only makes me feel guilty and even fatter. I've canceled two social events because I feel anxious and angry and don't want to be around other people. Even though I was supposed to continue with the Pro-Gest for 14 days I'm stopping right now. I'd seriously rather have a D&C than live like this!! | F | 40 | 10 days
| | 9/18/2009
| 4 | estrogen dominant symptoms | general breast tenderness (not cysts, just tenderness in areas) | Started natural bio-identical progesterone cream 10/08, starting each course in 2nd half of cycle (days 12-21 after first day of bleed.) Symptoms relieved: irregular periods, slight bloating, sudden onset of cellulite, fibrocystic breasts, sleep disturbances. Noticably improved results in the gym, as well (nice bonus.) Through July 09, all was well. Then breakthrough bleeding (perhaps period) while on July's course. Finished the course and waited for August's period, to begin again on day 12. It didn't come. That month, estrogen-dominant sypmtoms returned (cellulite, sleep problems, even cysts in breasts, one of which has been sent to mammogram for dx.) Suspected low progesterone levels (not enough to trigger bleed.) On Sept 9, began pg course. Sept 10, bleed began. Normal period continues, and I'd normally stop course and wait for day 12 (ovulation) to cue next pg course, but due to breast lump, I've continued this course. After 4 days' course, lump in breast is undetectable. Will now stop course, allow natural progression of cycle, and update after mammogram tomorrow. | F | 48 | 11 months
| | 9/13/2009
| 1 | PMS | Suicidal depression, anxiety, angry outbursts, violence, insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night crying/panic attacks, self harm | I took this cream for PMS relief. It has made my life a living hell. I have been on it for 8 months now and i will NEVER touch it again. I 1st took 30mg and no improvement. They then increased me dose to 50mg, then 75mg. I kept on telling my doctor that it doesnt work, its making me worse. They kept on saying it will work we just need to increase the dose. While I was on it i was a different person and i could not see the effect it was having on me i went insane. I was a suicidal angry mess. I was violent towards myself and my partner. I had no control over my emotions at all. I have just realised what it has done to me since stopping it. I now can sleep through a full night without waking up an emotional mess. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG | | 30 | 8 months
| | 9/11/2009
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| 5 | perimenopause | small increase in appetite. | Increased hunger. I gained 5 lbs. Lost it by not giving in to the hunger and have lost the weight. I was having horrible night sweats and hot flashes. I was also feeling depressed. I was estrogen dominant. I had heart palpitations. After about two weeks on source natural Progesterone cream (got it from ebay) I feel like a new woman. No more flashes/night sweats (I was waking up drenched several times a night). I no longer feel depressed and the heart palpitations are gone. This has been nothing short of a miracle for me. | F | 48 | 4 weeks
| | 9/9/2009
| 5 | Perimenopause PMS | Side effects included slight bloating at first - watch your salt, eliminate diet soda and reduce caffeine intake and start lifting weights and eating healthier! Go to the best compund pharmacy - check out the vanderbilt university study in tennessee - quality does vary. | | F | 45 |
| | 9/4/2009
| 3 | Bio-identical Hormones | Weight gain! Always hungry! Depressing that I can't fit a thing. | I found that even with working out I cant lose a single pound. That is because I eat like a piggy when I do eat. A snack becomes a meal. I am throwing them away. | F | 38 | 21 days
| | 9/1/2009
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| 5 | ovarian cysts | burn in hell-pharma cartel | burn in hell-pharma cartel | F | 22 | 1 days
| | 8/29/2009
| 2 | estrogen dominance, fatigue,insomni | I have experienced extreme bloating, to the point where i can't get my wedding ring on or off. I had it sized smaller just months before because it was to loose before starting HRT. I have gained 5 lbs. noticably around my lower stomach and waist, in just 4 weeks and have a ravenous appetite.I have always worked out daily and maintained my weight suddenly I can't lose a pound. I'm stopping the daily cream Prog/DHEA/Test and capsules Progest 150mg days 14-28... asap.
cream and capsules and continuing the adrenal stress support supplement. | I'm hopeful that discontinuing the cream and capsules will alleviate the bloating and weight gain. The adrenal support supplements seem to give me lots of energy so I'm sticking with those to see if they help. I thought I was going to lose weight from my middle not gain it!!! | F | 45 | 2 months
| | 8/27/2009
| 1 | HRT | Onset of panic attacks, terrible anxiety, inability to eat or sleep, weight loss. | Progesterone was made by a compounding pharmacy, physician prescribed. Began with a very small dose, but side effects were terrible. Later learned that progesterone can greatly increase levels of cortisol. Am now off all HRT and beginning to feel incrementally better. | F | 57 | 14 days
| | 8/21/2009
| 4 | Perimenopause | Night sweats, swollen breasts , DEPRESSION & ANXIETY, moody, panic, physically exhausted, hair loss... | It took several months to start feeling better, at first my anxiety and depression got much worse and I was on some sort of horrible roller coaster with my hormones. Everytime I tried to increase the dose my symptoms would get worse so I finally stayed on about 5mg twice a day and now I finally have balanced out and most of my symptoms have disappeared. | F | 43 | 1 years
| | 8/14/2009
| 5 | fatigue, depression, weight gain | I sleep like a baby and feel immediately calm after application. Has been a life saver for me. | LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! | F | 56 | 1 months
| | 8/3/2009
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| 4 | adenomyosis | Only irregular periods for the first 3 months.Other than that I am very satisfied. | I have been suffering from adenomyosis for at least 15 years. Over the years my symptoms got worse : extreme pain for the first 2 days of my period ( I used narcotics to control it), heavy bleeding, pain and bleeding in between periods, bad mood always. I was so disappointed and started thinking of having a hysterectomy. Then I searched in the internet and learned about natural progesterone. I ordered Progestelle and cut out all xenoestrogens. I started feeling much better over the last months and now after six months I am pain free, I feel always happy, I sleep better and lost some weight. I recommend it to everybody with related health problems. | F | 34 | 6 months
| | 7/22/2009
| 5 | heavy persistent bleeding | no side effects whatever | | F | 52 | 12 months
| | 7/17/2009
| 2 | After embryo transfer | Acute dizziness, extreme sleepiness | I have little choice but to take progesterone as it increases the chances of an embryo implanting in the uterus, but was disappointed that i was not made aware of the side effects. I have been off work for two weeks during which i had the embryo transfer but am very concerned about how i am going to cope with the sleepiness when i return to work. | F | 45 | 7 days
| | 7/14/2009
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| 4 | Estrogen Dominance | None, initially! But after using too much over time, I had headaches, nausea, breast enlargement, red eyes and sleep disturbances. Since I've picked up a few books on premenopause and read more about estrogen dominance, I'm now adjusting how much I take and the side effects are wearing off. | Using too much can cause a host of unwanted side effects. Be careful how much you take (it's supposed to be 1/8 tsp twice a day, 14 days before your period, then use smaller doses over time). Make sure you use one that is paraben free, like Emerita. I had been estrogen dominant for 3 years, and finally found some relief with the cream. You also must change your diet, eliminating coffee, caffeine and alcohol. For those with premenopause symptoms (ages 30-50), pick up Dr. John Lee's "What your doctor may or may not tell you about premenopause" book... it helped me so much. | F | 30 | 4 months
| | 7/12/2009
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| 3 | estrogen dominance | no side effects initially (actually, all of my estrogen dominant syptoms cleared up!) but after the second month, my sleep patterns were disrupted, I had dry eyes all of the time, my left breast grew rapidly (and sadly, the other didn't), mild headaches | the progesterone cream was what I needed to help get my hormones back into balance, but I ultimately think I took it too long, and in the third month, my left breast felt like it almost doubled in size. now I'm going to see a plastic surgeon for surgery. I'm currently trying to ween myself of of the cream now, as I still need it every few days to keep certain symptoms from coming back. I don't regret using this cream, but I don't recommend using it for long periods of time. | F | 30 | 3 months
| | 7/11/2009
| 1 | To control any future polyp growth | First side effect was head and ear pressure. Then chest tightening and sore breast
tissue. | I was "supposedly" on the bioidentical progesterone and testosterone. Although the
compounding pharmacist and my doctor were not forthcoming when I asked for more
information about these drugs. I stopped taking them after nine days. I took them to control any more polyp growth in my uterous after operated on. It is still in my left breast tissue and it has now been three weeks after I stopped. Now I am worried if I have done any damage to my body and will need to see a different doctor. | F | 49 | 9 days
| | 7/1/2009
| 5 | PMS, anxiety, OCD, estrogen dominan | At first, I had an exacerbation of my estrogen dominant symptoms. It was hard, but I had to ride it out. I think the women on here who had worsening effects of progesterone were experiencing a re-awakening of estrogen receptors. Many women WILL feel worse at first, but once this period of re-awakening is over, the benefits are tremendous. | My hirsutism is noticeably better, my anxiety is lessened, my OCD is better, and I no longer need thyroid hormone. I also take 5 mg of DHEA and occasionally, a very low dose of cortisone. | F | 37 | 11 months
| | 6/27/2009
| 2 | MD recommendation | none the first few days but then insomnia, hot flashes and it stopped my period completely. This was on 100 mg of Dr. prescribed progesterone. Waiting to hear from Dr. if I should stop or not. | | F | 35 | 10 days
| | 6/24/2009
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