| Key to ratings for progesterone: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 1 | my menstrual cycle wouldn't stop | extreme anxiety, couldn't sleep, couldn't focus, felt bloated, scared, had headaches. I couldn't sleep and didn't have any energy. | I've have had anxiety since I was 13. This last year and half has been the 1st time since I've been panic free. I started taking this pill and all the feeling came back and super over whelming. I conitinued to take the medicine becuase I thought the bennefit out weighed the risk. Well now I'm not sleeping and feel scared and knots in my stomache all the time. I stopped the medicine two days ago so hopefully it will leave my system soon. I can't take much more. | F | 26 | 9 days | 6/15/2009 | 1 | perimenopause | Extreme tiredness, depression, foggy head, weight gain, bloading,stomach pain, headache | I read about the progesterone cream for perimenopause. I took the cream three weeks ago for only 1.5 days. I felt very strange and headachy when I took the second application. I was bloaded and had stomach pain, put on a little weight...was constantly hungry,( and this was being on it for only 1.5 days, can't imagine if I stayed on it longer). Absoulutley hated it!!!! The second day I didn't want to do anything at all, just wanted to stay home,and this is not like me. Extremely tired and exhausted. Felt very depressed. Did not use anymore application after second day. It took a couple of weeks for the cream to get out of my system after I stopped taking it. I Will not take it ever again, and would not recommend it to anyone. | F | 46 | 1.5 days | 6/10/2009 | 1 | for HRT | Dizziness, Anxiety | I have been on hormone cream with DHEA, Progesterone, and Testosterone since Jan 2008. I started having indigestion in January, which I had never had before. I was burping with every swallow of food or beverage. In March I began feeling like my head was heavy, and dizzy with upset stomach. They found my potassium low and put me on a supplement. Within 2 weeks my potassium went up, but my calcium was high. I called the pharmacy that provided my cream and ask if anything in it would cause dizziness or my potassium or calcium levels to change. She advised no. My urine began to change, sometimes I would go a lot and other times I could not hardly go. My urine test showed high white blood cells but the culture came back with nothing. I went to another HRT pharmacy and showed them my prescription. The pharmacist said she was adding 5mg daily of DHEA and that seemed like a lot. He made me another month of cream with half 2.5 daily. I took it for 3 days and wanted to go off the dhea completely. I used the cream without DHEA for 4 days, until my appointment with a OBGYN, she said the progesterone would make me dizzy not the DHEA and to go off all of it immediately and that the DHEA would deplete my potassium. I have had no cream since May 27th, (13 days). I had anxiety before, but it is much worse now and my blood Pressure is going up. | M | 44 | 1 years | 6/8/2009 | 5 | Menopause/ aching breasts | Slight insomnia and feeling overwelmed during the first two weeks | I started using the Progestacare plus cream when I was 43 because my breasts were very painful. It completely relieved the synthoms. I only used a small amount in the evening and never gained any weight. I had my last period six months ago and three weeks ago I started getting hot flushes (up to 15 times a day) and night sweats. For a change I decided to switch to Progesterall and I have been taking it twice a day (size of a pea) for the last three weeks. The menopausal synthoms have gone completely. I have gained 2 kgs over the last two years, but during this period I have been so busy with work and some days I sit from 8 am to bedtime: so all in all it could be worse! | F | 50 | 7 years | 6/7/2009 | 3 | hormone imbalance and irregular per | extremely tired, weight gain in stomach area | i have been using the Progesterall Cream. my dr. prescribed it for me after i told him of my extremely irregular periods. a blood test showed that my progesterone was very low. my periods have been more regular but are still kinda wacky. i'm not sure if i would reccomend this or not. i will be seeing a speciallist soon. i hope to find a permanent solution for this problem. if you know of any, please contact me and let me know. | F | 20 | 6 months | 6/4/2009 | 1 | trying to fix underlying problems | Had problems with progesterone, and you don't know why? First, look at why you would take progesterone in the first place: horrible periods? Horrible PMS? Horrible menopause? These are all SYMPTOMS of underlying problems. So trying to "fix" the underlying problems are like trying to buy a fan to rid yourself of the smoke, and not buying the water that drowns the fire instead. For me, I took progesterone after a doctor told me that my progesterone levels were too low. Failing to look at WHY my progesterone levels (at the age of 35) were low, I was convinced that I should take the progesterone. I became very miserable. I could not drive. I could not think. I could not sleep. I could not eat many foods without feeling horrible. You see, years ago, I was drinking a lot of Starbucks-- the coffee, and the green tea. Green Tea contains tons of fluoride, and coffee contains many things that raise your cortisol levels. (Fluoride is very poisonous). So when you are under a lot of stres | Guess what? You are not supposed to have any progesterone bc you are DONE with having kids! If you want to feel better, HEAL your ADRENALS!So, now what do you do??? First and foremost, stop ALL of the hormones. Quit trying to outsmart mother nature by balancing this and that with taking thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, TH3, HGH.... stop everything! The best thing ever is JUICING. NOT pasteurized juice, but juice your own organic LIVE juice. Juice things that are red, green, orange, purple.... mix it up! You will feel like a human again in 8 months, and in 18 months, you will be healed. Learn the lesson, and heed the warnings: don't take anymore hormones... BIO IDENTICAL HRT is a scam. Trust mother nature; not a chemist that makes money off of you, and your pain. Your healing time is 9-18 months from the time that you have stopped taking ALL hormones that are man made. | M | 39 | 10 weeks | 5/23/2009 | 1 | Natural cream to balance hormones | Extreme tiredness and sleepiness, feeling overwhelmed, irritable,worsening depression, frequent yawning and not getting any oxygen to the brain, abdominal bloating. | My usage schedule was 3 weeks on, one week off. The first month went by with no side effects. Two weeks into month 2 I experienced extreme sleepiness, napping on and off all day. Suspected progesterone so stopped it early. Three days into month 3 frequent yawning began, foggy brained, bloated, depressed.Stopped for good. This stuff is horrible. I concur with other negative postings. | F | 57 | 3 months | 5/13/2009 | 1 | long & heavy periods | Rapid weight gain. Increase in subcutaneous fat on belly, backs of upper thighs, and upper arms. Acute irritability. No change in length or intensity of period. | I took TD progesterone for 14 days. In that time I gained 7 pounds (after maintaining the same weight for 25 years) and went up 2 cup sizes. The worst result of the weight gain has been the cellulite fat deposits, which I NEVER had before. My stomach and upper thighs are now pocked with fat deposits that I can't seem to get rid of. I've been off the cream for 3 months now and my breasts have finally gone down a bit but the fat and upper arm flab are still there and seemingly going nowhere. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE and I have schedule an appt with the doctor who prescribed the cream to see what I can do to get these extra pounds and fat off. If anyone else knows, there are several of us on this site desperate for help. Please advise! | F | 36 | 14 days | 5/5/2009 | 2 | Acne | I only tried Womens balance natural progeterone for two weeks and began to feel really tired, my skin did not get clear, I gained 7 pounds, I began to have phobic thoughts and feel depressed. Three weeks since I stopped and I still feel mentally off balance. I can't wait till this is out of my system so I can get back to my stable self. I'll just use acne meds from a dermatologist and stay off the progesterone cream. These hopless and phobic thoughts are not worth clear skin. I don't even drink or smoke and I began to think about having a drink to feel better. Very strange side effects for me. | F | 44 | 2 weeks | 4/28/2009 | 1 | Estrogen dominance, severe PMS | Massive weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, suicidal depression | I was on 10% topical "bioidentical" progesterone from a compounding pharmacy. I took it because my doctor assured me it would "remove excess adrenaline" from my system, would help me lose weight, relieve anxiety and depression, would relieve PMS symptoms, etc. Instead it made my life a living hell. Over 11 months I gained 40 lbs. What made it more dramatic was the fact that I gained all of that weight in the areas that I applied it (inner arms, neck, and inner thighs) leaving stretch marks on my inner arms. It did relieve the PMS symptoms which was great and I also felt relaxed in the beginning. Over time the relaxation turned to sleepiness which turned to chronic fatigue and finally lethargy. If I wasn't sleeping I was still too exhausted to move. I had no motivation and sank in to a deep depression. Towards the end I also stopped having periods altogether. I have been off the cream for two months now and all of the side effects have gone away. I stopped gaining weight but I have been unable to lose weight despite healthy eating and vigorous exercise. If anyone knows how to remove this hormone quicker, PLEASE let me know! | F | 30 | 11 months | 4/16/2009 | 1 | estrogen dominance | the only one was a big ol pot belly like I'm 5 mths pregnant. | Had I known this would make me gain 10 pounds, I NEVER would have used it. I used it for 1 month before I realized it was the culprit. 10 pounds in one mth!! I am an avid runner (3-4 miles every day), and I still can't seem to lose the weight. Have been off it for 2 mths. I'm PISSED! does anyone know how long it stays in your system? P.S. Bloodwork says I have very low levels of progesterone, but I'll do without it. | F | 39 | 1 months | 4/14/2009 | 5 | night sweats & hot flashes | No bad side effects. Mostly positive. Sure beats horse urine in Premarin. I did not lose weight although some have. | I used several brands including Progesterall and am buying it again. It eliminated my hot flashes & night sweats. But I am concerned about bone loss and this is supposed to help that. (Sally Fields's Boniva causes cancer) So progesterone cream is tri-fold: prevent breast cancer, bone loss & night sweats. On my week off, I notice the night sweats are back. I recommend it. | F | 57 | 4 years | 4/10/2009 | 1 | Hormone Balance | I have an almost constant swishy head feeling; like sea sickness. Head is foggy, low grade headache. Xanax makes it better for a period of time - but it keeps coming back. | The first time I used it last summer, I used cream. I put on 20 lbs! It did nothing for my extreme hot flashs - did help me sleep a bit - but not worth it. Discontinued. Started an estrogen patch after - which took away the sever hot flashes. The patch started to irritate my skin. Started on estrogen (bio-identical) Divagel, and started taking prometrium 100 mg at night to balance the estrogen. I really need the estrogen, as I didn't sleep for months without it. I am going to have to stop taking the progesterone to see if this condition goes away, because I can't function like this. Would love to know if anyone else experienced this type of swishy thing. | F | 47 | 2 months | 4/7/2009 | 1 | low levels | felt ok at first, then after a year started to feel dizzy and anxious.Feel horrible worse then before starting | trying to ween off have been on for one year,not enjoying the withdrawal symptoms If anyone has any ideas or infor please email | F | 44 | 1 years | 3/28/2009 | 1 | Perimenopause. | Abdominal bloating and firmness above the naval; constipation; fatigue; anxiety; fatigue; hypersomnia, etc. | The 1st month I was using ProgesterAll cream, I was very happy to have a 28-day cycle, instead of my usual 24 days or less cycle. My period was very easy and short. For a change, I only had very slight cramps, instead of the usual painful cramps. But I noticed my jeans and bras were getting tighter, though I hadn't gained weight. I continued the 2nd month at a lighter dose. My stomach blew up into a bloated firm ball above the naval and I was very constipated. It became uncomfortable to wear my jeans and bras, so I stayed home a lot. I also was very fatigued. The 3rd month I continued at a much lighter dose, but still had problems with my upper abdomin bloating and fatigue. I'm stopping the ProgesterAll cream at this point. The side effects out weigh the benefits. The benefits were thicker looking hair, 28-day cycles, and no more cramps. But the fact that I'm too tired to want to leave the house, and too uncomfortable because of tight clothing when I do leave the house, cancels the ben | F | 48 | 3 months | 3/12/2009 | 5 | Because my ovaries were removed | Could not sleep, had restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, heart attack symptoms and felt like I was going crazy due to my ovaries being removed. | I use the natural Progesterone Cream one can buy at Walmart in the vitamin section and it works great without any side effects and I also use it for SCIATIC pain relief, fibromyalgia, joints, knee and arthritis pain and my neck pain due to falling. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and have only experienced very good benefits and so has everyone else I have shared this with too. We do NOT use any prescription progesterone ...ONLY the one sold by WalMart, Dr. Lee or some other natural progesterone cream. It also keeps my hair from falling out and thinning (when I don't use it.. I notice my hair falls out) and use it for my face and ands and it keeps the skin very soft and young looking. The reason it takes pain away such as headaches and fibroymalgia is cause it works on the mylean sheath on our bodies is the way Dr. Brabham explained it to me. It helps me so much I actually went to the WalMart at 11:30 P.M. so I could put in on my aching neck and shoulder muscles.. and it took pain away within mi | F | 57 | 10 years | 3/6/2009 | 2 | Hormone Imbalances | I have only been on the cream for 5 days on the cream and I felt a bit cranky and SERIOUS WEIGHT gain. I can really relate to some of the people who said they work out, eat healthy and that this is very frustrating. | I have done a lot of research on this and found that for some people, when taking a pegesterone cream thier body will actually convert it to testosterone-hence the irritability, crankiness, anxiousness, acne and all around feeling awful. | F | 28 | 3/6/2009 | 2 | to get pregnant | It made me unbelievably tired, I had dull headaches, I had almost immediate weight gain, it made me very cranky and irritable. | Its 3.5 weeks after I first started taking it from days 14-28. I had to take a reduced dosage so it would not put me into a coma, and I seriously "bulked up" physically ALL OVER and was working out like crazy while continuing to gain weight. After I stopped taking the dosage, I was even more irritable and was having mood swings. My prog level is only slightly low, so I am SO DONE taking this stuff. I'll take my chances without it. | F | 36 | 23 days | 3/2/2009 | 1 | Endomitriosis | Leg Pain, Bloating, Severe stomach pain, Cramps, Fatigue, Naeusia | I have been on the Nora-Be Birthcontrol for only 5 days and all of these side effects are present ALREADY!! Im a very small girl and i never usually bloat until now! the stomach and sudden leg pain are unbearable! Also Ill be totally starving one second then disgusted my food the next. | F | 18 | 5 days | 2/19/2009 | 1 | peri-menopause | I first tried Prometrium. Made me extremely dizzy--couldn't walk--and extremely sleepy. The next day I was very depressed. My internist said the dose was too high (200 mg) and sent me to compounding pharmacist for cream. I reluctantly used the cream for a week, but found my depression deepening to scary level. Had been depressed prior to starting the medication, but only mild to moderate and was feeling better. Realize that I became depressed in my 20's after progesterone therapy for a missed period. | Can work well for some women. Don't recommend it if you have history of depression or anxiety. | F | 52 | 1 weeks | 2/19/2009 | 4 | Hormonal imbalance, heavy periods. | None. | I have been using a NATURAL progesterone cream, and I have had no problems thus far. I'm on it for low progesterone levels and a slight estrogen dominance. I sleep very well at night, and my periods are now becoming very regulated. My skin has cleared up a bit as well. My recommendation to women who are having problems with the cream is to make sure you are using a natural source in a glaxal base that is free from parabens. If you are estrogen dominant and are on this cream, the first months are going to be hell, but you have to stick through it. The progesterone cream helps your body detox from the estrogen overload, and you MAY experience acne, PMS, weight gain, etc. because of this. This doesn't last forever. Do your research! | F | 18 | 2 months | 2/15/2009 | 3 | Depression, mood swings, fogginess | I used a topical UPS cream, 1/4 teaspoon once a day. My depression and mood swings subsided shortly after I started using the cream, but then I started rapidly gaining weight, lower abdominal bloating, breasts became sensitive, sore and engorged; and I started having period-like cramping and headaches. (I haven't had a period in nearly a year). I stopped using the cream over two weeks ago and my breasts are still sensitive. | F | 48 | 2.5 months | 2/5/2009 | 2 | IUD - Mirena | Angry Mood Swings, sometimes tense and frustrated with everything and everyone! It certainly works as a birth control but the side effects are not worth the control method. Experinced some blood spotting, but only 2 days out of 2 months, never got my period at all, have just had the Mirena taken out because I cannot bare the mood swings anymore. Had the mirena for just under 2 years and never had a full period the whole time. | It doesnt work for me, makes me angry, unrational, frustrated and depressed. | M | 32 | 2 years | 1/21/2009 | 3 | IUI/IVF combined with high FSH | extreme fatigue and headaches | Day 5 of Crinone 8% to help implantation. The sleepiness started on day 3 and continued. Headaches started on day 5. Pr | F | 36 | 5 days | 1/7/2009 | 5 | hot flashes, prevent bone loss | Helped night sweats and hot flashes. | I've been taking progesterone creams for about 3 years after a breast cancer scare. I'm ok but researched Dr. Lee's books and web site. Not only does it help to prevent breast cancer, it helps stop bone loss and prevents night sweats. Progesterall is good brand. Good consistency and no problems with it. I will reorder it. | F | 56 | 3 years | 12/20/2008 | 2 | IVF | Tired, severe joint stiffness in hips, very emotional, weight gain, swollen breasts and tenderness, dull head aches. | After taking progesterone in oil for 4 days,my hip joints became so stiff I couldn't sit or stand without help. Changed to supositories and I can move around easier although still very stiff. It is part of the treatment for IVF so it looks like I could have 8 more weeks of this if we are positive. | F | 35 | 1 weeks | 12/13/2008 | 1 | Progesterall | Depression, rapid weight gain in the abdomen, fatigue, irritability, increased appetitve and food cravings. | I am a healthy 40 year old female who exercises faithfully 4 days a week. With the symptoms I was experiencing I believed I had a hormone imbalance. So, I began taking Dr. Lee's Progesterall Creme and have been taking as directed for 3 months now. My periods are somewhat lighter, but that does not outway the side effects I experienced. I will discontinue taking this product this month when I start my period. Please email me if you have discontinued this type of a product as I am wondering what to expect. Will I loose weight? How will I feel? | F | 40 | 90 days | 12/11/2008 | 4 | Low prog levels, thyroid, and adren | Slight Euphoria. | I've had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, hypothyroid, adrenal stress, and anemia for 18 months. I'm taking Progon-B and feel better than I have in 18 months. My head is more clear, I have more energy, I sleep better, my anxiety has quieted... I feel like a different person! | F | 36 | 7 days | 11/19/2008 | 1 | HRT | Anxiety, Suicidal Depression, Nausea, Dizziness, Headaches, Trouble breathing, Vivid Dreams | I started the progesterone in combination with estrogen in an attempt to fix a hormonal imbalance since having my daughter 9 months ago. At first i was ok, then over time my anxiety got so severe i wouldn't leave my house. After about a month on it i got so suicidally depressed that i was very very close to checking myself into a mental hospital. I have never been so depressed in my life. Ive had Nausea and Dizziness so bad sometimes i have to have someone else watch my daughter just so i can lay down in misery. Im getting off of this starting tonight. Ill come back and update how i do off it. Email me if you'd like more information. | F | 20 | 6 weeks | 11/15/2008 | 1 | Eczema, PMS, mood swings | natural, bioidentical progesterone. flare up of eczema, almost immediate depression, crying fits, lack of motivation. | natural progesterone was not a miracle cure for me, but more of a NIGHTMARE. | F | 22 | 1 days | 11/13/2008 | 5 | anxiety, heavy painful periods | RELIEF from water weight, RELIEF from joint pain, RELIEF from cold hands and feet | I was tested for perimenopause, and my symptoms were NOT from that. (my 40+ yr old sisters are also not perimenopausal yet. our mother still had regular cycles into her late 60's, as did her mother) I got no relief when I took prescribed patented progesterone substitute from a major pharmaceutical company, my doctor suggested "bio-identical" progesterone from a compounding pharmacy. Now, I sleep better and wake with more energy, and my periods are regular and comfortable. It has not affected my anxiety. | F | 46 | 4 months | 11/11/2008 | 3 | endometriosis | periods started coming closer together | I started taking natural progesterone cream, 5% USP 1/4 tsp per day on days 10-28 of my cycle, in order to help normalize my system in response to endometriosis. My cramps and mood swings have reduced significantly, so I feel the treatment has been worthwhile; however, my periods are starting to come closer together. I feel what is needed is to adjust my dosage rather than abandon the treatment altogether. | F | 37 | 5 months | 11/11/2008 | 5 | Premenopause - Estrogen Dominance | If "side effects" are feeling wonderful, sleeping well, losing weight, and no PMS -- not to mention reduction in fine lines and wrinkles on my face -- then these are the "side effects" I've experienced and I love them! | I had really "easy" periods all my life that lasted 2 days and had minimal cramping. In my mid-30s, I began to experience PMS and breast tenderness. As I got into my 40s, it became unbearable, lasting for 2-3 weeks of the month! The fatigue was the worst part. For at least 1 week per month, I was only able to remain awake for 4-6 hours a day. I'd been through hell during the past 4 years. I gained 87 lbs in a year after being skinny my entire life and it wasn't from eating because I couldn't eat without getting diarrhea so I lived on chicken broth and rice most of the time. Finally, through my own research, I discovered I have celiac disease which was missed by a doctor. I also discovered by urging and pushing doctors that I was hypothyroid. Prior to that diagnosis, I'd had periods that lasted 5 months non-stop! I was miserable and really just wanted to die. With the help of the amazing website: stopthethyroidmadness.com, I got on Armour Thyroid (which is more natu | F | 43 | 4 months | 10/30/2008 | 2 | preimenopause | Weight gain around stomach, hungry, swollen breasts, extreme fatigue, teary. | I, too, am glad I found this site. After only 4 days on Femgest, I feel like an entirely different person...and not a good one! I would continue taking it to see if it truly helps mood and irritability, but I don't know if I can stay awake long enough (or in my pant size) to find out! | M | 45 | 4 days | 10/27/2008 | 2 | To help with getting pregnant | Immediate weight gain. I even showed the girls at my work my belly and love handles. They always say how skinny I am....Their answer.... "ooooo" that's weird! | I have read most of everyone's side effects and it is CRAZY how I feel the same way....Irritable, tired and FAT after only 2 weeks!!! I can't wait to stop using Progesterone.......after I get pregnant. | F | 30 | 3 weeks | 10/26/2008 | 5 | Unsatisfied with HRT | My side effect is the quality of my life is 100% better. | Before using Restored Balance Premenstrual Menopausal Solutions Cream I was a mess. I had panic attacks, night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, severe irritability, irregular periods, memory loss, swollen ankles, sore breasts, no sex drive and the list goes on and on. This cream has given me my life back and I truly wish it worked for all women. I am pre-menopausal and was on the combi-patch which put weight on me and only cured a few symptoms. This cream has cured ALL my symptoms. | F | 45 | 14 days | 10/21/2008 | 1 | Perimenopause | Crying, starving. | I was excited to start taking Progesterall, which is made by Dr. Lee's company. After trying several birth control pills and being unable to tolerate them, I thought this was the answer. So after reading his book , I started taking the lowest recommended dose (quarter of a tsp.) By the end of the second day, I was crying uncontrollably...to the point where I thought I would throw up. Full disclosure, I am under a lot of stress (going through a divorce) but I have not reacted this way before. The next day it happened again, and I also had a panic attack because my son's school bus was ten minutes late. I was imagining he had been abducted and I was on the brink of hysteria. This is not like me. Even after his bus arrived, my chest hurt for about ten minutes. By the third day, the hunger set in. I'm talking about constant, churning, ravenous hunger that no amount of food can satisfy. It's the same way I felt when I was in my second and third trimester of my pregnancies. | F | 40 | 4 days | 10/19/2008 | 2 | PMS, Weight around the midriff etc | I felt good the first couple of days then it kicked in. well it seems anyway after reading these comments that I had all the side affects that go with this. I can honestly say I would rather put up with my PMS then be on this cream and put up wit the weight gain the feeling of constantly having period cramps and tenderness and the depression, I have never experienced anything like it, was off work for days with crying and self pity. | Look it works for some but not me I used Natpro and spoke the the wonderfully helpful person daily about it maybe it would be worth perservering until I reap the benefits but because that cannot be confirmed I have to quit I have never felt as bad and didn't like myself at all - not worth it | F | 38 | 16 days | 10/14/2008 | 1 | adnomyosis of uterus | Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, food/sweets cravings, irregular periods, weight gain, bloating, loss of libido. | I was told by my GYN that I had adnomyosis of the uterus and would have to have a complete hysterectomy, so being scared, I started researching other alternatives. I found a website where Dr. Lee described several of the things I was going through and decided to try "Natural Progesterone". Since using the cream for 11 months, I have been having very irregular periods, and could not lose weight, even though I a training for a Half Marathon! Be advised, just because something says it is Natural, it could still cause severe problems. I hope that any woman using this cream stops if they start to experience strange symptoms. I still will not have a hysterectomy, and will deal with the pain of the adnomyosis. | F | 40 | 11 months | 10/11/2008 | 3 | excess estrogen | extreme water retention, weight gain, increased appetite, irratability | F | 52 | 12 days | 10/9/2008 | 1 | IUD - Mirena | weight gain, depression, bloating, irritability, acne, constantly tired, terrible cramps | Sucks, sucks, sucks. I hate this IUD. The doctor talked me into it - said that there wasn't enough progesterone for me to notice any changes. I previously had NONE of the issues that I've listed. | F | 29 | 90 days | 10/9/2008 | 1 | Irritability - Moodiness | WEIGHT GAIN WEIGHT GAIN WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!! | I took the natural progesterone cream that I bought at a health food store. While it has helped with my irritability and moodiness I hate the weight gain. I work out everyday and have done so for more than 20 years. I cannot control this and it only happened after I started the cream. IN THE TRASH IT GOES. I will figure something else out. Doctors are useless. They put every woman in the same pot and give the same advice to all in hopes that it will work out for them. We are all lab rats to them to experiment with. We have to take our own health into our own hands and read read read!!! | F | 55 | 30 days | 10/1/2008 | 1 | To raise progesterone levels | Bio-Identical HRT is a SCAM. This stuff really messed up my quality of life, and gave me SEVERE insomnia!! | Please see this website: http://www.shareguide.com/hormonereplacement.html Heal your adrenals to heal from this poison. Learn the lesson! | F | 39 | 10 weeks | 9/28/2008 | 4 | Fibroids, low prog. in saliva | Various symptoms of estrogen dominance the second month of use so I reduced the dosage by half and everything is ok now. | This site explains the "side effects" of natural progesterone cream http://tsangenterprise.com/news28.htm. Progesterone "wakes up" your estrogen receptors so even if you are not taking estrogen you have more in your body so it can cause "estrogen dominance" symptoms. These should disappear in two weeks to three cycles but try reducing the dose of progesterone if you want immediate relief. I take half a pea size per day of Pro-Gest cream and it is enough for me. The main reason I started taking natural progesterone is to stop the growth of uterine fibroids. I had to have a fibroid removed by surgery and I don't want it to grow back. I don't know if the cream has any effect on fibroids yet this why I am not rating it as 5 but I do enjoy the other positive effects like sleeping better, having lighter and longer periods and having less mood swings. I would recommand natural progesterone but only if you know your progesterone levels are low (with saliva | F | 46 | 4 months | 8/26/2008 | 4 | endo, fibroids, cysts, cramps | just started taking Progestelle- 800mg wild yam per oz, store brands are 20mg per oz. please look up this product & it's Dr. He's very informed on why women are bloating etc after taking natural progesterone. it's due to xenoestrogens- very very important info! http://www.womhoo.com/ you can call him before you buy it and get info. store bought nat. progesterone is not strong enough. check it out. used fibrovan for 6 months, perfect but then the fibroids grew back!! | that's all i know right now, will keep informed on progress. very health conscious with food etc and still i have endo etc. i'm investigating everything. i will never have surgery unless i'm going to die without it. medical doctors don't make money with natural cures- beware of their advice. | F | 44 | 1 days | 8/20/2008 | 5 | Severe PMS | Only complaints are oily skin, heavier periods and increase in size and quantity of menstrual blood clots, which I was told will diminish over time. Got my first yeast infection ever, but was told it wasn't the progesterone. Not sure if I believe that now! Finally sleep at night, have energy, less pain, feel like myself again, no weight gain. Recommend blood tests first, do your research and choose a natural supplement. Doesn't work for everyone. | Suffered from severe PMS, PCOS, endometriosis & adenomyosis all before age 32. Was put on the Pill twice & had a host of horrendous side-effects. FINALLY had blood tests after battling w/ gynecologists for years insisting I had an imbalance. Had almost no progesterone even at peak. Started on LifeExtension 2.5% cream 1/4 tbsp once a day Days 14-28. I was a whole new person by month 2. Still trying to find the right balance for me, but most severe PMS symptoms are gone. Side-effects at this point are worth it. | F | 37 | 3 months | 8/18/2008 | 5 | Terrible PMS and Mood swings | This is my third month taking 50-130 mg natural progesterone (progon B) orally for the 18-28th day of my cycle. Ihaven't had any side effects- when taking at least 100 mg/day I have almost immediate clarity, irretability and mood swings go away- its amazing actually. Before I was a nightmare and now its way way more managable- I feel like a new person! I have a really long cycle naturally about 39 days and the progesterone has helped get my period into a normal range 28-34 days. I feel way way better! | F | 23 | 3 months | 8/5/2008 | 3 | Menopausal symptoms | Chronic constipation | Very effective for hot flushes and night sweats. Levelled mood and eradicated vaginal and urethral dryness. Unfortunately the constipatin alone was enough to make me dispense with the treatment | F | 51 | 3 months | 8/2/2008 | 5 | endometriosis | none | After having an endo cyst removed from my ovary-colon-uterus, my doc said I would be 100% better - what he didn't tell me is that I have endometriosis! Pain started up again and I wasn't going to let it get as severe and chronic (daily) as before and end up needing more surgery! I RARELY have pain now, only sometimes at ovulation and menstruation (instead of intense daily pain). My anxiety and sore breasts are gone. My acne is gone. **If you are suffering from bloating and other GI distress, consider that you may be intolerant to certain foods!** Since developing endo, I can no longer eat gluten, dairy, soy, or almonds. As long as I avoid those foods, I have a "normal" peron's digestive tract! I would appreciate to hear from anyone who has used the CREAM form for 5 years or more. Be well. | F | 28 | 3 years | 7/30/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |