Drug Ratings for PROGESTERONEAverage Rating: 2.3 (382 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added from most recent to oldest Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR PROGESTERONE | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 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 | 5 | bad anxiety, heavy painful periods | None. I gained weight in the year before I started it. This is very common in perimenopause I hear, so if people gain weight after they start the cream, it's hard to be sure it's the cream and not what would be happening anyway (it's estrogen that causes weight gain, right?). Anyway, there are several different kinds of perimenopause--some have hi estrogen, some low, some low progesterone, some both, and they all result in different symptoms and responses to the cream. I saw a nurse practitioner who specializes in bioidentical hormones. | As a psychologist, I knew when I got suddenly extremely anxious for no external or internal reason, and started to get hot flashes and mood swings at 47, something was up hormonally. I tried natural progesterone cream, 1/4 tsp 2x a day from day 8 through the start of my period (day 24). It worked immediately. I love it. | F | 48 | 7 months | 7/25/2008 | 5 | perimenopause | I've been using the natural progesterone cream for about 2 months. I started using it because I have a tendency for ovarian cysts. I cannot say that I have had any negative effects from it. In fact all the side effects are very positive. I've suffered from TMJ for years. I didn't even realize that it had improved until I read somewhere that progesterone cream can help it, I opened and closed my mouth and was amazed - no clicking - no pain. I'm been losing weight, without even trying. My libido has been heightened. And yes, no ovarian cysts. | I read that when a woman is perimenopausal, her estrogen level starts to drop, but not at the same rate or percentage as progesterone. The effect then is that you may have lower estrogen, but you are still estrogen dominant because of not enough progesterone to balance it out. With my positive experiences, I am a believer. I was starting to retain fluid and I was gaining weight around my mid section, that nothing worked to get rid of. I've lost 12 pounds in 2 months without even trying. My appetite is just naturally curbed. Most of that loss has been from my mid section! And there's no more edema in my ankles. | F | 52 | 60 days | 7/23/2008 | 3 | for PMS symptoms | I've been taking this for less than one cycle, so I'm not sure how I'll react to it in the long run. I'm using Kokoro cream. It's a bioidentical cream made from wild yams. I'm using one pump per day. According to the bottle you can use two pumps per day, but I'm trying the low dose to see what it does. So far I feel okay, but I noticed I'm more apt to get teary-eyed. Not sure what that means, but I thought this cream was supposed to balance my moods, not make them worse. | For people posting here, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO SAY WHAT TYPE/BRAND OF PROGESTERONE YOU'RE USING. The synthetic forms prescribed by many doctors are known to cause horrible side effects, whereas I've heard that the bioidentical form found in many OTC creams do not. Doctors can also prescribe bioidentical progesterone. Please help people further by listing what type/brand of progesterone you're using. It would be interesting to see if the people with the most extreme side effects are using the synthetic progesterone. Also, an informative link re: natural progesterone: http://www.mercola.com/article/progesterone/cream.htm | M | 37 | 10 days | 7/14/2008 | 2 | PMS, Depression, regulate my period | BLOATING! I walk around every day looking like I am pregnant! not just when I am pmsing... My mom even asked if I was pregnant, also have gained weight in my tummy and my breasts are much bigger, my nipples hurt and are always hard. | I have been on it for a month, taken everday and 5 days before my period I double my dose, so far my period was much easier, I feel a little better BUT to me its not worth the weight gain and the bloating.. I am miserable. I am going to the beach in a week! I walk a mile every day and work out with weights for 50 minutes, and eat well. I would like to ask a question and I hope someone can answer, I want to stop.. now.. hoping I can lose a few pounds and get ride of this bloating for the beach.. has anyone stopped the cream in mid cycle? And if so, what happened? Did you have your period? or was it late? Please email me if you can help, thank you. | F | 34 | 31 days | 7/13/2008 | 1 | fatigue, joint aches, insomnia | Abdominal bloating, stomache achiness, anxiety, weepy, blues | Only took for three days, immediately did feel better, more energetic, slept great (for two nights). Then began to experience uncomfortable bloating around abdomen, anxiety, weepiness (I haven't felt like this in years) and sense of impending doom. Came to this site and read very similar experiences and realize it is the Progest. O well, getting older is a b____. I will not continue taking. Doesn't really make sense that one size would fit all anyway. | F | 55 | 3 days | 7/13/2008 | 1 | PMS, Cramps, LPD | The first month using a topical estrogen I am experiencing lethary, mild depression (no history of depression) and my first anovulatory cycle ever! My luteal phase was not affected and my cramps were as heavy as ever. | I do not recommend progesterone cream as I believed it caused my first anavulatory cycle ever. My body has always been very predictable until now. Do not recommend using progesterone cream. | F | 40 | 12 days | 7/10/2008 | 1 | to help with mood swings | Took cream for about a year. Total nightmare! I got the closest to suicidal you can get without wanting to actually take your own life! IMy mood swings just got worse until I was depressed for most of the month. awful for me and those closest to me. My sister thought I needed therapy as I was behaving like I was clinically depressed . Generally quite happy person-much to live for. | Apparently it can stay in sub layers of the skin so you start to overdose. I had hormone saliva test and my prog. levels were so high they were unreadable. Too much progesterone causes depression. Was definitely not right for me. Am still trying to find the cure to my hormonal mood swings. But I know its not progesterone!!!!!!! | F | 45 | | 7/3/2008 | 1 | Amenorrhea | I was on a ten-day prescription to try and jump start my periods since I've been without one for over two years now. It did NOT do anything to help the periods and I experienced dizziness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and slight weight gain. A few years ago I had also been on Depo Provera for several months and it caused suicidal thoughts, severe depression, and severe anxiety/panic- DO NOT take this!! | F | 21 | 10 days | 7/1/2008 | 4 | Menopause - extreme hot flashes | Weight gain!! (without the weight gain I'd give it a 5 rating) | Within 2 weeks, I was relieved completely of hot flashes; cleared up my oily skin and cystic acne; able to sleep thru night without having to get up to use bathroom; brought periods back after a year without one (would rather have periods than hotflashes, and periods are lighter than they used to be). | F | 47 | 4 months | 6/26/2008 | 2 | weight gain around stomach | I haven't taken the cream yet but was considering it. I exercise consitently and maintain a healthy diet and have not been able to lose weight since I turned 30. It's very frustrating. I thought, perhaps, that this could be do to hormonal imbalance. I read that natural progesterone could assist in weight loss. But from what I've read on this site, most have experienced weight gain....how can this be? I did order the cream but have not received it yet......I'm scared to use it now - - anyone have any suggestions? | F | 32 | | 6/15/2008 | 4 | Too much estrogen, very heavy bleed | Im a heavy girl but I was on Progesterone 1st 10days of the month for 6 mos and gained a TON!! of weight. Very tired, bad headache by day 3, wild nightmares! achy on and off. Sleepy but can't sleep except w/the wild dreams. | One GOOD thing....Was VERY...sexualy inclined LOL the first 3 days on it! Was taking it due to heavy periods one day suddenly almost like hemmorage and blood pressure dropped like a stone. Dr did biopsy of uterus and found had too much estrogen and not much else. It did help the periods very much was pleased w/ that part. This month is 1st month off of it and praying weight will come off soon!! But hoping periods won't become heavy again. Another biopsy coming later in the month. email me if you have similar problems we can chat! :) | F | 44 | 6 months | 6/13/2008 | 1 | PCOS/PMS Mood Swings | I started the Progest cream after hearing about it from a friend. I have only been on it for a few days and I am already having side effects. At first it seemed to be working the way it is supposed to, I was losing water weight..but then the insomnia, irritability, anxiousness set in. I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin. I have been incredibly irritable and starting fights with my husband over nothing. I am also constantly on the verge of crying. I have also had nausea/ severe abdominal pain. | I am going to discontinue use, and hope that these symptoms will go away. I don't know if this cream is interacting with another drug I am on (Yasmin BC, and Welabutrin, Antidepressant), or if I just don't tolerate it. Either way, I am not going to continue use and risk getting worse. | F | 22 | 5 days | 6/7/2008 | 2 | IVF 2 cycles | Vivid Dreams, Night sweating, headache, nausea, dizzines, bloating, | when I stopped the progesterone I dropped wait withen 3 days, side effects went away. This is mandated to take during IVF so I am stuck with it. | F | 31 | 8 weeks | 5/26/2008 | 1 | Post menopausal low levels | Severe depression and lethargy with the natural cream. Doctor said it was not related, but as soon as I stopped the cream (after 1 week), the symptoms went away. Very frustrated that doctors DO NOT KNOW THESE THINGS!!! You really have to be your own advocate and find your way alone anymore. Very sad situation. | I now have endometrial issues and they want me to try progesterone again, but not sure what to do. It has some very serious side-effects and made me feel just awful. Not going there again!!!! | F | 58 | 7 days | 5/23/2008 | 1 | Premenstrual migraine | The worst headache of my life, with nausea and vomiting. Also fluid retention, anxiety attacks and night sweats, which I didn't have before. | The first month, felt calmer, reduction in breast tenderness, joints less stiff. As soon as I started the cream for the second month the headache began. Four weeks later I still have it, though it is starting to wear off now. I lost a lot of weight from nausea and vomiting, and have had to take time off work. I stopped taking the cream at the end of month 2, and really regret ever trying it. I was really frightened by what was happening to my body, and am still worried I might have done lasting damage. | F | 47 | 2 months | 5/5/2008 | 2 | Bleeding Between Periods | Muscle and joint pain, especially in the lower back and major muscle groups. Tenderness in the breasts and abdominal areas. Increased appetite, tiredness, upset stomach, and swelling in hands and feet. | Although the doctors keep telling me I am not perimenopausal, I am experiencing all the symptoms of such. For the last 4 years I have been on hormones in one form or another trying to regulate my periods, which either never stop, don't happen, or are so heavy I can't leave home. For the last year I have been on Progesterone tablets (5 mgs) for a 21 day off and 10 day on cycle during the month. The idea was at the end of the 10 days on I would then have a period. This worked fine for the first 6 mos.(I just suffered through the side effects) then I began spotting during the 21 days off the meds. I was advised to increase the dosage of the Progesterone to 10 mgs. to stop the bleeding, which worked. This last bout, which has come 10 mos. into this regiment, has been the worst. I began bleeding on the first day of the Progesterone cycle and now 11 days later have not stopped. I again increased the dosage per doctor's orders, and have experienced terrible muscle and lower back pain. I feel | F | 54 | 10 months | 4/29/2008 | 5 | Severe endometriosis | none | I take natural progesteron serentiy (Health & Science). Severe endometriosis = bowel resection and ovary loss due late detection. The Marina and Depo Provera (severe allergic reaction)didn't releave inflamation of the bowel caused by remaining edno. Serenity had to be used along side the both even though not advised, as one neutralises the other. Serenity has been a saviour and although I have gained a lot of weight (Depo reaction - chronic flu attacked joints)now the injection is waring off my body shape and weight is slowely returning to normal. Told 21 months from injection administered till out of system. I live in England and have it shipped from the US. | F | 39 | 2 years | 4/15/2008 | 1 | Birth Control - Depro Provera | Suicidal Depression. two shots caused infertility for 18 months. | Would NOT recommend this for anyone, should be off the market. Have heard same from many others. | F | 37 | 4 months | 4/5/2008 | 1 | post hysterectomy symptoms | bloating, weight gain (10 lbs in one year)breast tenderness and increased size, constipation | My NP has me taking progesterone cream. My last saliva test had me at a level of 230, the other day, my level was over 900! I'm at a level 3 times higher than "normal" I'm going off cold turkey. I don't think they know how to "tweek" your level to be consistant!! | F | 47 | 12 months | 4/5/2008 | 1 | Spotting between periods | NAUSEA, bloating, irritability, hypoglycemia, Fatigue | I was supposed to take this drug 14 days after my period started to day 25; for 3 months. This was supposed to help stop my constant spotting. IT DID NOT. This drug worsened my hormonal swings and I do not feel wonderful. I am stopping this drug immediately. I want to feel good again..not terrible. More study needs to be done on women and hormones! Obviously this drug is not working well for many. | F | 41 | 2 months | 3/15/2008 | 5 | hormone balance | No side effects. I feel wonderful. I felt crazy, had night sweats, hot flashes, disoriented and either woke up at 2am or went to sleep at 2am. Loss of energy. | It has allowed me to sleep for 7-8 hours a night after YEARS of sleeping only 2-5 hours a night. | F | 59 | 3 weeks | 3/4/2008 | 3 | IVF - to support embryo implant | Extreme fatigue, disinterest at work (feeling tired and just want to go home), vivid dreams, bloating, sometimes irritable, weird cravings (potato chips at 10am) | I don't know if it will work because I go for my pregnancy test in about a week. If I'm pregnant, I may have to continue to take progestene another 6 weeks. | F | 38 | 7 days | 2/23/2008 | 1 | PCOS | Good nights sleep, but woke up very tired. The entire day had a severe headache and was very hungry. | I had a very bad experience with birth control (EstroStep then Yasmine). I gained 50lbs. in 5 months. So, when I had the bad side effects after 1 day I knew. might not effect you as bad. | F | 24 | 1 days | 2/18/2008 | 2 | Spotting between periods | It stopped my spotting. I had normal cycles. But after 3 years of taking it, I had vaginal burning and atrophy, yeast infections & weight gain that wouldn't come off. Feel OLD | Decided to stop taking progesterone cream. My skin feels like it's on fire. Primary dr. has no clue. Hoping symtoms go away in time. Progesterone and estrogens extremely high with saliva test. Body doesn't like extra hormones of any kind. Use ANY hormone w/caution even "natural cream". Not a miracle cure! | F | 39 | 3 years | 2/9/2008 | 5 | hyperplasia,anxiety, hashimotos | Started on Prometrium 100mg with .5mg Estrace for 10 years, early menopause. Now on 1mg. Estrace and 200mg. Prometrium for 4 months. It has a very calming effect on me, which I needed due to extreme anxiety from undiagnosed Hashimotos disease (thyroid numbers "normal")just diagnosed 8 months ago, and am also taking Armour Thyroid (great stuff too). Was prescribed higher dose in November for hyperplasia and has worked wonders. No weight gain at all for me. | F | 54 | 4 months | 2/5/2008 | 2 | Hormonal Balance | Had a sub thyroidectomy (right lobe removed) after found golf ball size lump which confused doctors as to why I had it. They said all tests appeared normal but only tested thyroid level. Had no follow up after 1 and a half years. Was feeling worse than when had lump but doctors said level was normal {3.5}?!? Gaining weight after quitting smokong was horrible 20lbs in one month. Went to another doctor who sent me to compounding pharmicist and immediately prescribed thyroid (dessicated) 2-30mg /day and 1mg of compounded progesterone cream. Ive been on both now for 8 months and have really not seen a whole lot of benefits. Still gaining weight From 174lbs to 215lbs and counting. The only true benefit is my head hair is thicker than had been it was getting thin. Some days I feel so winded and cant make a flight of stairs..its pathetic and I feel so unhealthy, probably more unhealthy than before I quit smoking a year and a half ago. Abdominal fat, butt and hip as well as about 3 breast si | F | 38 | 8 months | 2/5/2008 | 5 | Painful, cystic breasts | Onset of headache around 3:00 a.m. but no hot flushes. | I suffered with many symptoms for years. No doctors connected symptoms to hormone imbalance. I am not overweight, eat a reasonable diet, no unhealthy habits but 1 cup daily coffee. I did my own research after biopsies including needle localization for a suspicious mammogram. No cancer but the scare motivated me after an oncologist wanted me to take tamoxifen. My key complaint was painful, cystic breasts. On a scale of 1-10, they were a 9. No doctor mentioned progesterone cream. I felt improvement in my breasts after 24 hours of use. By the end of a week, my breasts were a 3 or 4 pain-wise and smaller in size due to reduced swelling. I can't wait to see how much they continue to improve. I appreciate the comments of others' experiences and will be watchful for similar symptoms. For myself, it has been an answer to a prayer. I will watch to see if the headache goes away. So far, no weight loss or gain or mood changes. We need to see what works for each of our bodies. For the young | F | 50 | 7 days | 1/26/2008 | 5 | hysterectomy | After a complete hysterectomy I was a mess - Dr had me on high level of estrogen...I was bloated and depressed. I found Dr that practises integrative medicine and found my life again and least as good as I can have it without my ovaries! | I take 3% progesterone cream in the morning and 200mg of prometrium at bedtime along with 1 mg of estrace....I may try to stop the cream in the morning as may not need with the prometrium at night....I have tried to get on completely a bioidentical hormone treatment but experienced a lot of side effects which I could not deal with as need to work. I feel that the risks of my HRT balance out because they allow me to deal with life again....Am I who I was before the hysterectomy...absolutely not but has progesterone balanced me as best I can be , absolutely...just being on estrogen was a nightmare... | F | 50 | 4 years | 1/1/2008 | 2 | offset estrogen dominance | I gained 14 pounds in ten weeks. Immediate weight gain. Irritibility and water retention as well. | Transdermal cream (Enjoy) was applied from day 14 of cycle to first day of bleeding, 2x day, 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. Suggested by book, "What your Doctor may not tell you about pre-menopause". Sounded like a sound idea, but I got fat... Fast. I have discontinued the progesterone cream, and will go back on my nuva ring as soon as I have a period. | F | 44 | 3 months | 12/24/2007 | 5 | Menaupausal symptoms | The only side effect is my vowel volume seem to have decreased the first week but is now back to normal. I am taking progesterone with bi-estrogen (from yams) and testosterone. All are bio-identical hormones, meaning their chemical structure is the same as the ones naturally produced by the body. My research indicated that it is important to keep a balance of these hormones. Since I have not had my period for 17 months, these hormones are at very low levels in my body. The symptoms I had before taking these hormones were: extreme joint and muscle pains, painful intercourse, forgetfulness, low libido, vaginal dryness, no sexual arousal and capacity for orgasm, insomnia due to the need to pee several times a night, loss of concentration, confusion, hot flushes, headaches, unusual tiredness, dry hair. Within 1.5 days of taking the hormones, the joint and body pain were reduced by 90%. I was able to sleep through the night. I can get arousal and orgasm again. I am less confused. Less | I believe that what helped me is having a good balance of these hormones, instead of just taking the progesterone. Before I took the hormones, my doctor and Greenpark Compunding Pharmacy had me take a survey to learn my symptoms and their intensity. I got an individualized dosage of the hormones and I think that was key in getting a good result. Rosan | F | 50 | 16 days | 10/9/2007 | 4 | Maintain pregnancy in 1st tri | Severe fatique, bloating, lethargy, acne | When I become pregnant, my body stops producing progesterone. I had 3 miscarriages before I finally had my kids - I now have 3 and EACH was because I was taking the progeterone. I did the injections the first 2, suppositories with the 3rd and now 4th pregnancy. I dont like how I feel, but it is worth it to maintain my pregnancies. | F | 33 | 15 weeks | 10/9/2007 | 2 | Severe Endometriosis | Severe depression, weight gain, intense sweets cravings, exhaustion, massive irritability. | I actually have a Mirena which uses Progesterone and has been wonderful, so I was open to taking Provera for worsening endo pain. At first, it did work, but only briefly (2 weeks at most) and then I had to step up the dose. Each time I did, the side effects became more intense. Last week I stepped up to 4 pills a day and immediatly gained more weight and my mood went from depressed to psychotic. I'm annoyed with my doctor, who knew I was already taking an anti-depressent for PPD and had a history of problems with birth control pills as well as weight issues. I am especially irritated that at our last visit she stated that my weight gain couldn't possibly be all from the Provera and that I should go on a diet. At the last step up last week, I bloated up an entire size in 2 days, that's not me overeating. Today I halved my dose and tomorrow will stop altogether. I don't know what I will do about my endo, but I'd rather just live with the pain than be so angry all the time at my family wh | F | 34 | 6 months | 9/19/2007 | 1 | Heavy bleeding | Extremely agitated/upset, bloated, gained weight, now beginning to experience depression. | Horrendous experience. It has helped to curb my bleeding, but I am overly emotional, totally wretched and perpetually exhausted. My family don't know how to deal with the Jekyll/Hyde transformation and I am not nearly as productive at work. | F | 50 | 5 days | 9/10/2007 | 5 | PMS and monthly mood swings | A little nauseous but not bad. I've loss 7 pounds in 6 weeks while on the progesterone cream (14 day administer each month) | I can not begin to tell you how wonderful I feel. I researched for several months and continue to research. I purchased natural progesterone cream (not synthetic) and the first month I administered 2times a day for 14 days. This month 1time per day. I want to see what difference I might feel this month. My next step is to purchase a saliva kit to check my progesterone level. The first month on progesterone cream I had no bloating, cramping, headaches, and no mood swings. I must say I am not any other medicine (no birth control, no HRTs). Just progesterone cream. | F | 39 | 60 days | 8/26/2007 | 1 | r/o menopause cognitive decl | On day 2 (with estrogen) suddenly got hot flashes, feeling crappy/lethargic, eating frequently. | I had sig. cognitive issues which were thought to be related to peri-menopause. Started on estro/prog to see if I felt better. Today will be my last day of messing with my hormones. | F | 53 | 3 days | 8/25/2007 | 1 | perimenopause | I used 20mg of cream, 10mg 2x a day. The first month it helped my peri symptoms, joint pains, pms migraines, brain fog, low energy and depression. The second month I noticed I was very depressed and fatigued easily and was gaining weight in my stomach and my breasts were a whole cup larger. The third month I got my period at 17 days and it lasted 11 days!! Normally my cycle is 24-27 days with the period lasting 5 days. I was even more depressed with more fatigue and it was very difficult to concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds! The weight gain continued in stomach, waist, breasts, arms, face. The next two months things got worse, black depression, muscle weakness mostly in my thighs, carpel tunnel symptoms in my right hand and arm, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, overwhelm, emotional numbness, hair loss and hot flushes, ALL which I NEVER had before! The weight gain has continued as have all the other symptoms. I also now have hypothyroid symptoms including low BBT, wh | I was on a low dose of progesterone and it caused major problems for me. I am an otherwise healthy woman, but this med made me ill! I would not recommend it, and if after SERIOUS consideration, you do decide to try it, be aware and make notes of any symptoms that come up during usage so you know what is going on with your body, and listen to your body carefully, it knows best. Doctors don't seem to be very concerned about the side affects, but they don't have to live with them either!I do want to praise both Dr. Mercola and the Dr.'s at Woman to Woman which are both internet sites, for their very careful and concerned approach to the use of progesterone. More doctors should follow their lead! Good luck ladies, and hang in there! | F | 47 | 5 days | 8/25/2007 | 2 | To treat PCOS | I took it before bed and had had slight light headedness the last time. This time I gargled with Listerine but didn't think it would effect it and maybe it didn't. I got severely dizzy, mentally confused, and had slirred speech. I reported with to my Dr. and will not take this medication again. The side effects happened 30-40 minutes following taking medicine. | Possibly good for some but didn't work well for me. | F | 29 | 2 days | 8/17/2007 | 4 | Heavy bleeding | none | My doctor injected me with Depo-provera but only stopped the bleeding for that one period...the following month it was back to heavy I took a massive dose and it stopped it. Im mid cycle and I feel great. No fatigue, skin looks good, less irritable and im as skinny as can be and still unable to put on weight, so no problem with weight gain. the most essential thing now is to take these hormone tests to see where I am , otherwise im only hinting at what I need (experimenting and that is not good) From what I see here these ladies dont really need progesterone. I did, and I feel good, normal, I was very estrogen dominant and have fibroids to prove it.. I took way over the recommended dosage of progesterone and still have no symptoms of depression or anything like what has been described here. I too take it transdermally at 125mg (alot) a day and reducing. Im getting hormone testing as soon as I can... but not soon enough. | F | 38 | 1.5 months | 8/16/2007 | 2 | Estrogen dominate, low progest | Immediate weight gain, in my stomach, face, everywhere. I became very unmotivated and depressed. | I was taking the cream, my doctor said it would help. I am young, an athlete, and could not explain the incredible weight gain i experienced in two weeks. Nothing I would do could get it off. I also started growing facial hair. I got very depressed and unmotived to do anything. I stopped taking it and I lost 6 of the 20 lbs i gained. | F | 20 | 3 months | 8/16/2007 | 1 | endometrial hyperplasia | DEPRESSION!!! Irritability! Bloating, weight gain in the stomach area, food cravings, diarrhea, flatulence, cramping like going to start period. Irritability. Depression. Irritability. Depression. | Am so relieved to find this web-site! Thought I was going crazy!!! Am on "15 days off and 15 days on" for the third month and once I start on the "15 days on" progesterone I start feeling the depression and the bloating. It came on within two days this month. Took longer to develop side effect symptoms in previous months or maybe just didn't attribute the problems to the progesterone. This stuff is HORRIBLE!!! My GYN recommended this as an alternative to hysterectomy, but the surgery is looking like an more viable option. I can't live like this with the irritability and the depression. If she expects me to take this indefinately, she needs to think again! Am getting a second opinion next week. This stuff is AWFUL!!! Everything seems like such an effort and useless and the fatigue.... I feel like I've been run over by a steamroller... | F | 44 | 3 months | 8/9/2007 | 1 | AMENORRHEA | sore nipples, bloating, abdominal pain. | i stopped taking the drug 3 days ago and am still experiencing symptoms. | F | 24 | 4 days | 8/8/2007 | 1 | To change my period cycle | Major depression, nausea, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, acne sprouting on my cheeks, and mood swings. Before taking progesterone I was a perfectly normal and healthy girl. Was stress-free, had a clean face, slept a good 8 hours a day, and ate normal. I had to take progesterone for 10 days, on the third day I started to feel different. This is not a safe medicine. | F | 18 | 10 days | 8/8/2007 | 2 | Migraine Headaches | Extreme, rapid weight gain all over body (waist, hips, thighs, arms, face). I am an avid exerciser and eat a lean, balanced diet and was unable to control this weight gain. | Progesterone shortened duration of migraines (2 days instead of 3) but did not stop them. Made PMS symptoms much worse. Side effects far outweigh the benefits. | F | 43 | 12 months | 8/3/2007 | 1 | no period for 7 mo | Took 10 days of 200mg prometrium pill (natural progesterone). On 5th day - had gained 8 lbs; by 10th day - gained 12 lbs...all without changing eating habits. One month from date of first pill - gained 20 lbs and five months afterward - have gained 35 lbs. NO CHANGE OF APPETITE OR EXERCISE ROUTINE. I'm an active teenager working out 5 days/wk eating 1600 calories - all under Dr and dietician care. There's no way anyone can gain this much weight this fast without something being wrong. Have had blood drawn 7 times and have done two 24-hr urine tests and one urine specimen. Have had MRI done on pituitary gland in brain, DEXA scan for bone loss, and Metabolic cart study. Labs keep changing, so at times my glucose is high, at times my thryoid is high, at times my cortisol is high - this mess all triggered by progesterone. Drs have no idea why I continue to gain weight. All they know is that when someone takes progesterone and isnt' short on progesterone in their body, it can shut | I was told by a gynocological endocrinologist that those that are underweight, low normal weight or obese have an 80% chance of gaining 20 lbs on progesterone. If you are of normal weight, you have a 20% chance of a 20 lb weight gain. This was NOT told to me or I never would have taken it. I was low body weight due to alot of training (that is why I lost my period). If I would have just stopped training so hard and waited a bit longer, my period would have come back. Oh, and to top it off, the progesterone didn't start my period. It came back on it's own 2 months later. My life is a disaster and I am desperately unhappy. Please don't take progesterone. It has changed my life for the worse and nobody can give me a definite diagnosis or treatment to get me back to normal. If anyone has also experienced this, please contact me. We are in need of advice as the 7 Drs we've seen don't know what to tell me anymore. I NEED my life back. | F | 17 | 10 days | 7/26/2007 | 1 | menopause | natural progesterone cream causes me to gain weight almost immediately in waist, hips, and thighs. dr. lee said one wouild lose weight, and regrow thinning hair--i find this not to be true!! in fact my hair felt terrible in less than 3 weeks. | i am very athletic and fit. i follow a body building diet lifestyle and will not take this medication again. i am dissappointed in dr. lee | F | 62 | | 7/15/2007 | 3 | insomnia, menopause symptoms | reoccuring yeast infections, vaginal irritation | I love all the good things its done, I sleep like a baby ... but the yeast infection thing.... not so nice | F | 52 | 2 months | 6/6/2007 | 5 | BPH and Prostatitis | None from progesterone. | My urologist had put me on Proscar (finasteride, 5 mg) for my BPH (enlarged prostate) and severe prostatitis. It did help, but the side effects were unbearable: depression, anxiety, weight gain, insomnia, loss of libido, shrunken penis, difficulty getting and keeping an erection, dry and painful ejaculations. I then read about research done by Dr. Lee, who discovered that natural progesterone can cure many prostate problems. I purchased and have been using a natural progesterone USP cream, 1/8 teaspoon applied 2x/day directly to my scrotum, and have had amazing results. No more nasty side effects, no more BPH, no more prostatitis, no more pain! It has worked wonders for me. Most doctors will not tell men about its benefits because either (1) they are uninformed, or (2) they know they can't get a kickback from a drug company, since natural progesterone is not a prescription drug. Needless to say, I flushed my remaining Proscar down the toilet and fired my urologist! | M | 57 | 60 days | 5/30/2007 | 3 | mood swings, hot flushes, perimenop | On my first use, and after only a few days, a great weight had lifted and I felt alive again. After experiencing no periods for 3 months the cream brought on a huge bleed, and after 5 days from the end of that period I'm feeling some depressive moods again. not sure if this is a side affect. | Am going to cease the use of the cream to see if I get another period and if the depression will kick in again. I'm looking forward to my periods stopping altogether. At this point I am positive about using natural progesterone but wary. I would suggest to anyone contemplating its use is to read as much as possible, and talk to as many people before making a gut decision for yourself. Its about knowing and finding your own balance. The experiences on this web are all a great help. thanks. | F | 45 | 24 days | 5/20/2007 | 1 | menopause | Pounding heart, severe depression, weight gain, bloating, constipation, brain fog, muscle pain in legs, nausea | Initially liked it for first week (slept well). Then, side effects started appearing. Pounding heart at night is especially upsetting. | F | 55 | 21 days | 5/14/2007 | 5 | Bio-Identical for excessive bleedin | Greasy, oily skin Other than that nothing | The Progesterone cream saved me in so many ways. I had taken the depo shot and it completely ruined my period. I have been bleeding ever since December 26. The cream has made this 4 month long period lighter so I won't become anemic. I had lost my whole personality while on depo, but the Progesterone made me my old self again. Other than the oily skin and still bleeding, the progesterone cream has made me my old self again. I am so thankful for that. And the Depo was making me gain weight each week! The Progesterone has helped me maintain my weight. I haven't lost any, but then again I haven't really been trying too. Always talk to your doctor about side effects. Some women take progesterone for different reasons which is why women have different side effects. I personally love this stuff! I am a bit scared of coming off of it though... | F | 15 | 2 months | 5/10/2007 | 1 | perimenopausal /PMS | Anxiety. Heavy abdominal pain. Chest pressure. Increased heart rate. Night hot flashes. Restless sleep. Joint pains. | Other than pms symptoms and some added unexplained weight, I am very healthy, till day 3 of taking 1/2 t. total pharmaceutical grade cream. I had hoped for increased balance in my health but took a tailspin instead. NOT recommended as a self diagnostic supplementation. Too dangerous. | F | 49 | 4 days | 4/17/2007 | 1 | Heavy bleeding due to Implanon | Began crying for no reason, skin broke out worse than ever before, which led to depression. | I tried it for 2 motnhs alongside the implanon implant and found it worsened my bleeding and state of mind | F | 22 | 2 months | 4/9/2007 | 2 | to regulate cycle | calming effect while taking it, but extreme mood swings, depression, mania when stopped taking it | My dr. prescribed 200mg Prometerium for first 10 days of month to regulate my cycles. During those 10 days and up until 2-3 days after my period began I felt great. However, for the time between the beginning of my period and when I was to start taking Prometrium I had horrible anxiety, depression, mania, irritability you name it. Very scary to deal with these mental issues brought on by a drug and doesn't help that Dr. doesn't have a clue as to why. Be careful with this drug! | F | 29 | 4 days | 3/29/2007 | 5 | irregular period,hashimoto thyroid | At first,nausea set in for a few minutes. Later on, I begin to feel good.. As with anything new, it takes your body time to adjust!! I feel much better and I feel that it has helped me in numerous ways!! I now have an intrest in sex that I haven't had in years and the goiter around my thyroid is GONE!!!! I reccommend this for anyone who has thyroid problems and has missed periods.. It has taken me years to discover natural progesterone cream!! The side effects are worth it!! Hang in there! | F | 26 | 3 weeks | 3/27/2007 | 2 | lining too thick | depression | I have been depressed generally about infertility so don't know for sure if the progesterone is too blame. Otherwise no noticeable side effects. However, for me it did not work -- did not induce a period -- quite disappointing seeing that it takes 10 days to complete the medication course and then waited around 2 weeks with no results. | F | 35 | 10 days | 3/23/2007 |