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 | PCOS | At first when you take it, you feel about the same as 6 wks pregnant. Tired, sleep well, pee alot, sore breasts, queasy, and happy. Once your body adjusts (just like the 2nd trimester) the symptoms gradually disappear. | F | 37 | 2 months | 3/7/2007 | 4 | Low progesterone level | Postive emotions within 1-2 hours of taking it | I, too, like many of you, am searching for an answer to the problems resulting from severe PMS and progesterone-related symptoms. Taking natural progesterone seems like a logical choice. But after reading these ratings and doing a little digging, there may be more information that we must gather before continuing on our hormonal paths. A very good resource, in my opinion, is a site 'www.mercola.com'. If you search for the article entitled, "Complications Regarding Progesterone Cream," it may prove to be of some help as it identifies significant issues related to natural progesterone cream usage. In my case, it has done so. Unfortunately, many physicians, even well-meaning holistic ones, simply do not know all of the intricacies involved in natural hormonal replacement. It has helped me immensely to learn all that I can about certain health issues so that I can walk into that physician's office armed with as much knowledge as possible--sometimes more than the physician | F | 41 | 2 days | 3/5/2007 | 2 | Estrogen Dominance-Adrenal Fatigue | Severe Depression, Weepy, Tired, Unmotivated | I started taking a progesterone cream (pea size drop) twice daily after my saliva test showed estrogen dominance, or low progesterone. The test also showed low levels of cortisol consistent with evolving adrenal gland fatigue. My MD thoughts were that if I got my estrogen/progesterone levels in sync, the adrenal gland would kick in. After only four days on the progesterone I experience the worst depression! I felt like I wanted to wither up in some corner. I had no energy or motivation to do anything. I opted to get off the cream and try something else... do not know what yet....I never knew such depression could come on so sudden! | F | 42 | 4 days | 3/5/2007 | 1 | estrogen dominance | Depression, anxiety attacks, onset of hypothyroidism, extreme hair loss (lost 1/3 of hair), weight loss (12 lbs in one month), severe insomnia | My doc cut my estradiol in half (from .5 to .25) and doubled progesterone (100 mg to 200 mg) and it brought on the side effects I mentioned. My thyroid went down, hair fell out, depression (I had not been depressed before). Adrenal fatigue got worse then as my insomnia got worse to the point where I slept 2-3 hours only a night. Be very careful with balancing these hormones!!!!! I've nearly lost my job over it. | F | 58 | 5 months | 1/26/2007 | 1 | Surg Hys,low prog level, high estr | I have been on a rollercoaster since my surgical hysto 10 years ago. Suffering from estrogen dom (serum & saliva testing)and no prog levels, I started taking FEMGEST cream. Had taken PROGEST cream a couple of years ago but then stopped. I suffer on a semi-daily basis with all of at least the majority of the following: dizziness, some vertigo, muscle weakness,(primarily my thigh muscles) headache, exhaustion, coordination issues, mental clarity issues, some depressed thoughts (these are scary and come "out of the blue") severe anxiety, fear, phobic thoughts and panic. | I am on a rollercoaster and have no clear way to go at this point. The progesterone cream initially helped my anxiety (why I started it again in the first place) but about a month into the cream I started going down hill. Have been to the doc and had MRI's, CT's, a spinal tap, bloodwork and the doc as of late acually even was thinking it could be MS but MRI showed no lesions. I am miserable and am thinking of weaning myself off of this cream to see if I feel better. Please feel free to email if you have any thoughts as to what to do from here or have had the same experience. Thank you | F | 41 | 10 months | 1/21/2007 | 3 | Estrogen dom & heavy bleeding | It started to decrease the heavy flow gradually & helped some with PMS symptoms but then after about 3-4 months I started noticing weight gain in my stomache & waist +intense cravings. I'm assuming (and hope) this is most bloat as I havef gone up a whole size and about ready to go another in just 3 months however I only have gone up 3 pounds on the scale. | I'm wondering if maybe it is because I'm using an OTC cream although from responses it doesn't seem to matter. | F | 40 | 4 months | 12/26/2006 | 4 | Menopause-to counter the estradiol | On Prometrium (pill form of progesterone) I experienced heart palpitations and light headed at 100mg per day. Depression would set in within an hour of taking it. Switched to 1/8 teaspoon cream @ 22MG per day 2 times per day and have no problems. Sleeping better, calmer through the day. Tried to tell my doctor but he said the prometrium at 100mg was fine so I ignored him and listened to my body. | Need the progesterone to counter the estrogen I take for early menopause. Have Hashimotos thyroid disease which caused ovarian failure. Now take synthroid daily, estrogen for the bone loss and drying up of early menopause and the progesterone cream to counter the estrogen and anxiety that comes from the estrogen. | F | 45 | 3 years | 12/20/2006 | 3 | To help acromegaly symptoms | Confusion, tiredness, weight gain stomach, dry aging skin, look older. | I have taken this for 9 years at first it was a miracle cure, I have acromegaly but this was not diagnosed. I suffered from thickening skin, greasy skin and hair, acne, sweating, vaginal abscesses, headaches, joint pain and more.... When I take provera these stop so this was amazing. After many years I was found to have a pituitary tumour which caused the symptoms, as I have had the tumour for many years these have got worse. Unfortunately the side effect of provera have made things worse, I did not realise that some of my problems were the provera. I had an operation for the tumour which did not work out and have now been told I have to take a drug which also has side effects; I decided I would take nothing and came of the provera and now feel amazing. The effect of the tumour will eventually cause serious problems but I don't care I don't want side effects which make me ill I would rather have a short life than be sick all of the time. | F | 46 | 9 years | 11/17/2006 | 3 | menopause | Weight gain and thickness around waist,hips,thighs. I wake up and say "who's face is this?" Incredible cravings for sweets and carbs. I am normally considered a slim person, we are very physically active people. I have never had to "watch" what I eat, yet I find myself restricting my food intake in hopes the weight and swollen look will go away. | I haven't taken my pill for 2 nights. I don't think I will take it again. Honestly the hot flashs won't kill me. This weight thing and feeling miserable in my own skin just doesn't work for me. | F | 47 | 18 days | 11/8/2006 | 1 | Uterine lining was thick | On the first day, I felt extreme dizziness, feelings of panic and anxiety. My doctor said it wasn't progesterone related, so I stayed on it and spent the next three months in bed seeing one healthcare professional after another, MRI's, cat scans, bloodwork, etc. . . Only to find out from my OB that I am sensitive to natural progesterone cream. | This is a horrible drug! Find another way. I was so dizzy i couldn't even get out of bed, and while I don't have a history of anxiety or depression, this drug definitely gave me a huge dose of both. I am still suffering from symptoms of panic, shakiness in the brain, and numbness in my arms and legs. STAY AWAY FROM PROGESTERONE! | F | 42 | 2 months | 11/5/2006 | 1 | perimenopause?/pms | Ist month, felt calmer; 2nd month, more irritable and anxious. Suddenly had frequent hot flashes (never had them before!). I went off. Hot flashes completly stopped, but I've had sore, swollen breasts for weeks, gained 5 lbs and have not had a period for 2 1/2 months (was regular before). | Hormones are not to be used without caution. | F | 49 | 2 months | 10/22/2006 | 2 | PMS, Heavy Menstration, short cycle | First month was great. I used "Natural Progesterone Cream" USP 1.7%. Second month, not so great. I have in just 48 hours, broken out on my face (chin area) worse then I have in years. I feel depressed, confused and disappointed. I am starting to think I made a mistake. I just turned 30 and it seems like my hormones are going crazy. I have lost 1/3 of my hair in the last 3 months. | This is my second month on the cream and I am not so sure about it. First month was great. My period was lighter. Very minimal cramps. No PMS amd moodiness. Now though, it seems like things are changing onto something worse then I started with. | F | 30 | 2 months | 10/14/2006 | 1 | Menopause | abdominal bloating, weight gain in breasts, thighs, abdomen, hips, anxiety attacks | I stopped the cream and feel more stable, have lost 2 pounds, anxiety almost gone, more energy. | F | 53 | 3 months | 10/13/2006 | 1 | SUPPORT PREGNANCY | OH MY GOODNESS, TERRIBLE FROM CYCLOGEST: great when on it, when i came off of it: PARANOIA, TERRIBLE ANXIETY, FEELINGS OF MANIA, I HAVE TO TAKE THIS AS IM TRYING TO CONCEIVE THROUGH IVF. I WAS ON HIGH DOSES WHEN I GOT PREGNANT, BUT MISCARRIED, AND GOT THE SAME SYMPTOMS BACK AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW.ITS MADE ME VERY VERY ILL | what can i do im low in progesterone, but the coming off of it, has given me bad mental problems, but at least i know what it is | F | 39 | 2 months | 10/5/2006 | 2 | PCOS, lack of period for 10 months, | weight gain, severe headaches, depression, moodiness, general lack of motivation. | I was not aware of the side effects, except that my doctor said it would-if anything- lead to weightloss... I'm vegetarian and go to the gym everyday with weights and cardio - and yet I was putting on weight rapidly. Today's the first day of not taking the cream - I didn't get a period- no bleeding at all. It is a good idea to be very cautious!!! My dosage was one mil everyday.I am hoping get rid of the negative impacts this cream has had on me, I am starting with an Auyervedic Practitioner to help my body produce its own hormones (from a different paradigm of health/wellbeing). I wish everyone really well, your feedback is very helpful. | F | 24 | 3 months | 9/24/2006 | 4 | heavy and prolonged bleeding | immediate weight gain | otherwise, it saved my life as i'd been bleeding for 53 days prior with large clots. it stopped on my third tablet. not looking to take it long term at all as the weight gain and my appetite is frightening! going to have my D&C in two days time, hopefully i'll work. if not maybe surgery. meanwhile, hoping chinese herbs and acupumcture will regulate my problem (much safer and no side effects!) | M | 51 | 11 days | 9/18/2006 | 1 | serenity | weight gain as soon as i starated to use the cream 1/8th teaspoon twice a day | F | 49 | 14 days | 9/18/2006 | 1 | birth control | severe depression, weight gain due to increased hunger and decreased energy (due to depression) | If you have symptoms of depression, stop taking it! Don't try and wait it out. | F | 27 | 2 years | 9/9/2006 | 2 | Heavy painful periods - pre meno | weight-gain, tiredness, irritability, moody, no sex drive | I am not impressed with this medication. I am still in pain and bleed heavy when i have my period , plus i spot all month long. | F | 38 | 2 months | 9/7/2006 | 3 | Severe PMS | Severe depression, anxiety, irritability, loss of concentration, anger, very emotional, feeling very overwhelmed with little things in life, acne on my face, fatigue some days, insomnia other nights, aches and pains in the joints | At first, when I started the progesterone treatment, I felt great but then my PMS symptoms worsened so I was placed on a anti-depressant/cream combination. My depression has deepened to the point of feeling so helpless and hopeless, I just want to sleep ALL day. I have become anti-social, gained extreme weight and cannot seem to lose it, very irritable and not able to concentrate well on anything. My level of fatigue in the day has intensified and so I use caffeine to get me through the day which worsens PMS symtoms. Then, some nights, I experience insomnia. I began getting cystic acne on my face (around lower jaw/lower cheek area - both sides) and I feel very anxious. At times, I feel as though I am losing all control of myself but don't know what to do to help me combat PMS. | F | 29 | 1 years | 8/15/2006 | 5 | PMS, heavy blood flow,depression | no side effects I use the cream usp grade | I feel so much better since starting the cream, my PMS is minimal, no mood swings, no depression, I recommend this to everyone starting peri-menopause. | F | 45 | 1 years | 8/11/2006 | 4 | nipples bleeding | I started taking natural progesterone 6 years ago because I was having intermittent bleeding from my nipples. After all the mamograms, etc. they did a blood test and determined that my progesterone level was worse than a post menopausal woman. I was 40. I went on natural progesterone and it did cure alot of other problems besides this one. headaches, moody, etc. BUT the first few months were awful. My doctor explained that since my body was sooo deficient all of the hormone receptors that should have been used by progesterone were currently filled with estrogen and that my symptoms would get worse as those receptors became filled with progesterone because they had not been active for so long. It was true. But after a few months, I felt so much better. Now I have to say that my estrogen has been higher than full term pregnancy, my testosterone has been non-existant and the reverse has all been true. My doctor said that my levels could flucuate daily or even hourly in premenopau | F | 48 | 6 years | 8/5/2006 | 5 | pms, breast tenderness, headaches | none | I felt a difference within 5 days of first using the cream.Headaches that I had for years are gone, I have 8 hours of uninterrupted sound sleep nightly, increased libido,a good level of energy thruout the day, no cramps, no tender breasts, level headed, focused, good moods, sugar cravings are gone. I also read Dr. Lee and Dr. Hanley books on premenopase and menopause, which largely address the issue of hormone imbalance, also guided me to a better diet and selection of vitamins to take to supplement my depleted body. I am using a high quality natural progesterone cream, doing yoga, eating a organic diet rich in veggies and whole grains, organic meats and poultry and I feel great. | F | 42 | 3 months | 7/11/2006 | 1 | Endometriosis | Weight gain, bleeding, abdomenal pains, nausea | I had taken Provera for approximately a month, when I started to gain weight in the stomach area. I've never had weight problems before, I eat healthfully and exercise daily. There was nothing I could do to prevent the excess weight from gathering. Abdomenal pains occurred alongside the bleeding and I had nearly constant nausea for the entire 5 months that I used progesterone pills. All the side effects were as worse as the original problem I was being treated for. | F | 20 | 5 months | 7/1/2006 | 1 | dr. recommended for perimenopause | I went to the dr. and told her I thought I was experincing menopause symptoms. She had a "compounded" progesterone creme at her office. She told me to use 1/4" everyday for 3 weeks and then stop 1 week and then start again. I used the cream for 2 days and had severe headaches and vomiting. I went into a tailspin downward, started experiencing horrible hot flashes, irritability, insomnia. It has been pure torture. I went to a compounding pharmacist later after I did a salvia test, she said that I may have shocked my body with the progesterone and said she wouldn't put me on anything right now. It's been a month and I'm still having problems, not as bad but I'm not the same person. | Make sure you need it. Don't let the dr. give you cream and tell you to go ahead and use it without tests. | F | 50 | 2 days | 6/24/2006 | 2 | adrenal fatigue | The first time I rubbed the bioidentical progesterone cream into my wrists, a few seconds later I got a huge "rush". Felt really odd and got really anxious. Called my doctor and didn't take anymore. That dose was taken on a Monday and today, Thursday I am beginning to not get those nasty anxiety attacks (small). Progesterone? I don't know. | I tried the bioidentical progesterone one time, 0.l ml. | F | 59 | | 6/22/2006 | 2 | adrenal fatigue | The first time I rubbed the bioidentical progesterone cream into my wrists, a few seconds later I got a huge "rush". Felt really odd and got really anxious. Called my doctor and didn't take anymore. That dose was taken on a Monday and today, Thursday I am beginning to not get those nasty anxiety attacks (small). Progesterone? I don't know. | I tried the bioidentical progesterone one time, 0.l ml. | F | 59 | | 6/22/2006 | 1 | menstruation | Felt sick to my stomach---so I quit. After I stopped the dug I had suicidal depression and felt totally out of control. | I was on a high dose and my doctor said that progesteroen does not cause depression---hello read this website. Then I tried provera again about a year later and the same thing happened. | F | 31 | 7 days | 5/21/2006 | 4 | pre-menopause | Weight Gain | I started natural progesterone 4 years ago for hot flashes, heavy periods, headaches and insomnia; after the first month of taking this hormone all my symptoms of stopped. Through the years I have had to adjust the dose a couple of times due to hot flashes creeping back up every now and then. I am now concerned about other issues such as weight gain and ovarian cancer that can be caused by too much progesterone, my body also creates on it's own high counts of Estrogen and Testosterone which do not help my weight issue or the chance of breast cancer. In the last 4 years I have put on 15 - 20 pounds that I have been unable to get off. I exercise 4 times week, watch everything that I eat and a Weight Watchers Member. Plus I have Hashimoto's Disease and I am on 5.0 grams of natural thyroid medication which is an extremely high dose and I have still do not have any signs of that medication working for me. My doctor has now taken me off the progesterone to see if my weight can get under | F | 43 | 4 years | 5/12/2006 | 3 | PMS, Sleeping Disorder, Libido | I normally have a period once every 21 to 24 days. The pharmacist at the compound pharmacy suggested that I start two to three days earlier than the recommended 12 days after my period due to my shorter cycles. I did, and started on day nine. Everything was fine, and normally by day 14, I'm feeling my PMS come on. No PMS. Then, no period. I did not get my period until day 38. Now that I am on my peirod, it's lasted 13 days so far, every day with a heavy flow. A normal cycle for me is 4-5 days, and very light flow. I think I will try the PC for another month, but so far, I'm not overly impressed. My sleeping is better though but I'm concerned about the length of time I've been bleeding, and the amount. | Not sure how to determine whether or not I should continue or whether I'm not a good candidate for PC. | F | 46 | 2 months | 5/9/2006 | 5 | Maintaing Pregnancy | Bloating Tiredness Irritablity | I have to take progesterone natural suppositories and I use natural cream too when we try to conceive. I take it 3 days post ovulation until I either get pregnant (then I take it for 12 weeks) or until I find out I'm not pregnant and stop. Yes parts can be unpleasant the first couple days were the roughest for me after ovulation, but truthfully it has raised my horrible progest levels that caused 2 miscarriages and allowed me to have my miracle son, so I'm using to conceive again. To me it's not that bad and the results are worth it! | F | 26 | | 4/26/2006 | 1 | Depression | Anxiety Depression Weight Gain Inability to think clearly or concentrate | After reading Dr. Lee's book, I ordered natural progesterone cream hoping it would put an end to my 15-year battle with depression, anxiety, and other ills related to hormonal imbalance. The product seemed to work wonderfully for one month. After that, I gained 10 pounds and my depression became worse than it was before I went on the cream. I have decided to go off the natural progesterone cream altogether. It didn't help; it just made things worse. The depression I experienced with natural progesterone cream (regardless of the brand) was no different than it was when I was ingesting the synthetic hormones found in birth control pills. If there is a cure out there for women who suffer as I do today, I do not believe it can be found in natural progesterone cream. | F | 42 | 1 years | 4/10/2006 | 1 | to stabilize early pregnancy | extreme fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, shortness of breath, sleeplessness | I hated every second I had to take this. The side effects left me completely incapacitated. | F | 33 | 45 days | 3/20/2006 | 4 | pre-menopause | Increased appetite; I feel hungry every few hours. | I have noticed a positive change in my disposition. I am sleeping soundly without warm flashes (haven't graduated to hot flashes yet!). I no longer have breast tenderness and my libido has increased slightly. Overall, I'm feeling much better. But now I'm looking for something safe to curb my appetite. | F | 51 | 7 days | 3/16/2006 | 2 | to lengthen luteal phase | intense cramping, weight gain (almost immediately), moodiness, irratic temperature shifts | F | 37 | 10 days | 2/27/2006 | 1 | failing to conceive | depression, anxiety, panic attacks, crying, despair, hallucinations | i would never take it again | F | 39 | 17 days | 2/15/2006 | 2 | peri-meno / mood and weight issues | horrible moods/depression worsened, skin breakouts, unwaned hair growth | this was on a medium dose of oral drops am now trying a "gentler" compounded cream version will quit if I have a month like the last on drops- supposedly helps most women but not me - yet anyway - use with great caution and start with low dose your Dr will give you. GOOD LUCK | F | 42 | 60 days | 1/17/2006 | 4 | premenopause | I am taking natural progesterone which is not available through a regular pharmacy. It has helped, though, I have noticed some vaginal burning and itching. I have been able to lose some weight. No intense mood swings and no intense night sweats. I feel happier and I can sleep! It has been discovered that I have a swollen liver, but I do not believe it is related. | After 40, we all gain weight because our metabolism slows as we age. I do not believe the progesterone is the cause for weight gain. I believe that since a person is more relaxed when taking this pill, they tend to eat more. | F | 49 | 6 months | 1/8/2006 | 2 | Perimenopausal symptoms | More recently--episcleritis of my left eye at start of natural progesterone cream which lasts for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks; weight gain (about 10 lbs that has remained no matter what) mainly around waist, hips, thighs; some depression, sweet cravings (increased appetite). | I started using the cream about 3 years ago at the recommendation of my OB-GYN doctor; it's a "natural" compound that I get from a pharmacist (3%) the first year it helped with no side effects that were noticeable. However, it began to not help and in the past year I have had weight gain and it has not helped with moods--maybe made my depression worse, and I have this recurrent episcleritis of my eye that lasts about a week when I use the cream. Has anyone else had this episcleritis of the eye occur? | F | 47 | 3 years | 12/29/2005 | 3 | spotting during pregnancy | Bloating!, very moody and depressed, strange dreams, irritable | F | 41 | 2 months | 11/4/2005 | 3 | to stabilize pregnancy | extreme fatigue, depressed, bloating, constipation | The progesterone definitely stopped my spotting, but the side effects were almost debilitating | F | 40 | 30 days | 11/4/2005 | 4 | pre menopausal - 0 progesterone, | I have been taking 2 grams (for two days now) of natural creme per day (1 gram morning and 1 gram evening). Relaxing sleep and calm throughout the day. | I feel great. Very relaxed. However, when I first take the dose, I do feel a surge of energy for about an hour and then tapers back to relaxation. I'm not sure if the progesterone is the cause. I have also started a new natural thyroid medicine (Armor Thyroid) since I have hashimotos disease (hypothyroid). So far so good. | F | 48 | 2 days | 10/22/2005 | 3 | to stablize pregnancy | reaction at site of injection, mood swings, frequent crying. | F | 26 | 30 days | 10/3/2005 | 1 | heavy bleeding | Took Prometrium and it made me bloated, sleepy and made my legs numb. Had to stop taking it because of the leg numbness. Had to be checked for a blood clot, but did not have one. Did not see any positive effect from this med. | F | 40 | 10 days | 9/13/2005 | 2 | Perimenop&PlanningPregnancyattempt | I am DES-exposed and extremely sensitive to hormones. I began bleeding lightly within 2 days of starting and I've been bleeding like this since (5 days). | I plan to stop use and discuss what occurred with my gynecologist. | F | 43 | 6 days | 9/12/2005 | 2 | PMS, low prog. by sal test | Severe depression, uncontrollable crying, immense sadness, helped with fatigue(from low cortisol levels) | Had low progesterone and low cortisol levels from a hormone salivary test. Took natural cream for 2 days. Compound pharmacist wasn't sure of the dosage and said take a pea size and if that doesn't work, take two. Well I took the two pea size worth and by the next morning was a wreck. Had postpartum depression 6 years ago. Doctor gave 4 options: get off cream entirely to see if cream or work stress causing depression, take less of the cream, take prometrium pill but warned that this can cause depression, take cream and combine with anti-depressant. Chose the fourth option, but after reading comments am now reconsidering getting off cream entirely. Thinking I should call doctor for other PMS options. Would still like to try for baby for next two years, so birth control is out. | F | 39 | 2 days | 9/6/2005 | 1 | Bio-identical Progesterone Cream | Horrible Depression to the point of suicidal, Greasy Skin, Bloating in stomach and body, pain throughout body especially in joints, nausea, sick headaches, constipation, anxiety, crying all the time, panic attacks, irritable, anti-social, inability to handle even the smallest amount of stress, I feel like I am in someone Else's body. | Progesterone is the WORST thing for me. I have heard the hype, tried the bio-identical hormone. When I had these severe symptoms and was told by the medical professional that it was estrogen (which I am was NOT taking), I did some research. If you want good information on HRT and/or BHRT, try these books, "Screaming to be heard" - Elizabeth Vliet; "The Sexy Years" - Suzanne Summers... These cover the topic of what progesterone does to women....like me. | F | 41 | 98 days | 8/31/2005 | 3 | to help with sleep | Had an extremely strong reaction to heat today...and somewhat over the last couple of weeks since I've been taking it....profuse sweating and a feeling of having the wind knocked out of me...could this be related to natural progesterone? I've been on in for two weeks now. | Am not sure whether its helping with sleep yet...possibly. | F | 50 | 2 weeks | 8/15/2005 | 2 | Depresn, low prog lvl on sal. test. | Got worsening depression and fatigue. | Started on the cream because have been having problems with depression off and on. Was having very light but regular periods. Took saliva test and it came back that my progesterone was low. Compound pharmacy consultation told me to try cream. I am in the second month of trying it and feel extremely tired and depressed! Was not aware this could happen. Was told there were no side effects!! Waiting to hear back on how to stop this cream and move on. | F | 38 | 2 months | 7/28/2005 | 2 | To balance my hormones. | Ive taken it for about a month and I still have weight gain, which I had before but thought this would help in that area. I also feel very depressed. I feel like every little thing is a monumental effort. I had my last child 2 1/2 years ago and that may have spurred me on into menopause. No period for10 months now. My mother didnt go into menopause until after 50. I had all my kids after 37 years of age. (3 of them) | F | 44 | 4 weeks | 7/22/2005 | 1 | PMS | SEVERE depression; inability to make decisions and extreme irritability with my three young children. | I began taking progesterone after my cousin recommended it due to PMS. My doctor had prescribed anti-depressants, but I didn't want to go there. I bought Dr. Lee's book and thought I had found a miracle cure. I didn't even check the internet to see if there were any side effects! I followed Dr. Lee's advise in his book for women with PMS symptoms (high dosage) and I have been crying for four days. I finally got the energy to look on the internet and found this website with numerous people listing depression as a side effect. I'm worse off than before, honestly. I hope I can get this out of my system and soon and then I'll be happy for my 'normal' PMS days. Please email me if you would like further discussion on this topic. | F | 42 | 7 days | 7/20/2005 | 3 | amenorrhea | depression, weight gain in hips and thighs, anger, short temper, sore breasts, whole face broke out in acne. | YUCK! did the trick and restarted my period, but I will never take it again. Felt and looked awful. Depression set in and I wondered if i was going crazy, weird dreams. | F | 40 | 5 days | 5/29/2005 | 4 | to relieve insomnia and hot flashes | I have gained weight in thighs, breasts and waist and just now have a period when I have not had one for over a year. | This drug does reduce the intensity of hot flashes and I am able to sleep fine. I began Progest by using a smaller amount than called for and within a month, hot flashes were reduced by 50%. Second month I took a bit more-still within recommended doesage-and they were reduced further. Third month I was up to normal dose (about a pea size amount per day) and hot flashes have stopped, but I now am having a period after a year without one. I am a little concerned because of the weight gain-about 10 lbs- and wonder what will happen if I go off the drug. I am concerned about taking it for too long because I have not seen much info about long term effects. | F | 51 | 3 months | 5/13/2005 | 3 | severe emotional PMS symptoms | The first month, I couldn't believe how my emotional PMS symptoms had DISAPPEARED! It messed up my period terribly though--it was 4 days late starting and then lasted TWELVE days with 4 days of heavy bleeding. And this second month I'm finding that I'm irritable and have had several headaches and a little bloating already and I have more than two weeks to go until the next period. | I had what I felt were severe emotional PMS symptoms--irrational irritability with little things my 5 year old daughter did, anger at other driver's | F | 37 | 45 days | 5/2/2005 | 2 | Premenopause symptoms, no sex drive | Instant and extreme weight gain in abdomen. I gained almost 15 lbs in 3 weeks in my stomach area - no change in diet habits and I was going to the gym MORE. Also excessive (19-day) period with heavy bleeding. | I am still taking the progesterone cream, at least until the end of this cycle. There doesn't seem to be anything I can do about the weight gain, and my sex drive has not improved one bit. I am hoping that when I stop the cream at the beginning of my next period I will begin to get more normal. I don't know what to do about my sex drive, though. | F | 39 | 3 months | 4/19/2005 | 3 | Natural switched to Liquid | Abdominal weight gain. Stomach, abdomen, hips and thighs. Do not stop cold. Makes everything worse. | I suffered severe PMS and the cream did help, however over the years, the symptoms have changed. I am no longer having such bad PMS but the most painful and intense perids and the excessive weight gain. I have no waist any longer. I go to the gym and watch my diet, but still the weight continues. I am told it is from long term progesterone use. | F | 48 | 4 years | 3/13/2005 | 3 | Premenopause symptoms | Craving for sweets, increased appetite, puffiness in face and hands, bloated abdomen and cramps, weight gain in stomach and breasts. Always feel like I am going to start my period. | After reading John Lee's book I thought this was the answer. I am not so sure now this is what to take. I have used several different brands and one the pharmacist mixed up. I noticed I lost weight and was not having problems with cravings and depression while off of it for 1 month. Went back on it and noticed a weight gain right away in my stomach.It seems like I am hungry all the time when I use the cream and have sweet cravings as if I am having PMS type feelings. I have been off 2 weeks now and will see how it goes. I am wondering now if this has kept my weight from coming off???? I have only had 2 periods in a year and feel crampy and like I am going to start all of the time. I am going to go off of this for a while and see how I do. It did relieve hot flashes. I take Calcium and Women in Balance Herbs from Herbal Healer Academy also. No more Progesterone Cream for me for now. I had regular periods until I was 50. I have used Progesterone cream for 2 years now off and on. | F | 51 | 2 days | 2/5/2005 | 1 | Induce period | I felt really relaxed at first (400mg of Prometrium for 10 days). Soon, my face had giant, cystic acne and I swelled up. The withdrawl sent my body into a severe depression. | After I stopped the drug, I began to have uncontrollable anxiety, heart racing, nausea, headache. I called the dr. and o course they claimed that it was not from progesterone. Well then I sunk into the worst CHEMICAL depression. Keep in mind that I have no history of anxiety or depression. I have heard that progesterone (even depo provera) can really mess you up. I am now on antidepressants due to this experience. | F | 34 | 10 days | 1/17/2005 | 3 | dysfunctional uterine bleeding | Very painful swelling of my abdomen. Very moody. No patience. | It did stop the bleeding very effectively, but I am having a hysterectomy on Tues. and can't wait to get off this medication. I actually have been losing weight (5lbs) in last week. Probably because the bloating is so severe. | F | 47 | 7 days | 1/12/2005 | 4 | Using the Shot for Birth Control | uterine cyst | I'm unsure if this was a true side effect of taking the shot. I have looked over every other possible way I have gotten these. Uterine Cysts seam to be caused by the egg removing itself from the uterine lining. After not having a period for 6 months I thought I was ok. I thought that my body was getting used to being on the shot and there for I would no longer have a period, however, two days ago I started my period with intence cramping pain, yesterday I went to the hospital being unable to move. They told me I have 3 Uterine Cysts, larger then they normally see. I was perscribed Tylonal 3 for the pain but there is not much else they can do without seeing if the Cysts go away natrually. As I said I'm unsure weither this is related or not, the MD at the hospital said it very much could be. I'm a 7 yr smoker, don't know if that has to do with it but going to post it here so ya'll know a possible side effect that was not noticed in the origional testing. Also I started the shot 1 day after delivery of my first full term pregnancy. | F | 21 | 15 months | 12/24/2004 |