Is natural progesterone the best choice for my 40 something body? My gynecologist gives me that look whenever I mention using any natural substance, but what is truly best for me? My grandmother followed her gynecologists advice to the letter, developed breast cancer and died. So pardon me if I have a few questions.
For those of us who are taking natural hormones, such as bioidentical progesterone, how much do we take? How long do we take it? Will our bodies adjust? Most of us start taking progesterone to balance it out with our high estrogen level. There are so many ingredients in our lotions, makeup, laundry detergent, shampoos and deodorants that cause xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), not to mention the excess estrogens we are exposed to through pesticides, plastics and meats. These xenoestrogens are causing estrogen dominance in our bodies, which may cause pms, foggy brain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, testicular cancer, mood swings, etc.
According to Dr John Lee in his book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause one of progesterones most important and powerful roles in the body is to balance or oppose estrogen. When our progesterone levels are in balance, excess estrogen is better handled. The fall of progesterone levels at menopause is proportionately much greater than the fall of estrogen levels.
Also from his book The uterus is one of the first organs to manifest symptoms when a womans hormones are out of balance. Two of the most common uterine symptoms of premenopause syndrome are an enlarged uterus and uterine fibroids. How many 40 something women do you know with a flat stomach? What is being done to clean up our environment and to help us get these xenoestrogens out of our bodies?
Estrogen dominance affects everyone differently. For me it was breast cysts and uterine fibroids. My doctors, and I have seen many, would ask me if I wanted to keep my uterus. Like its disposable! OF COURSE I WANT TO KEEP IT! I may want more children, and dont give me that look again! So I began the research. Dr. Lees book suggests that, after taking an ultrasound of the fibroids, women with fibroids can take one oz of progesterone cream from days 10, 11 or 12 of the cycle, to days 26 to 30. After 3 months, have another ultrasound done to see the results. If the fibroid has gotten smaller, or at least not gotten any bigger, continue with the progesterone until menopause.
I tried the progesterone, for years, along with reducing xenoestrogens from my environment. The migraines before my periods went away. The breast tenderness before my periods went away. Then THEY RETURNED. I thought I might have exposed myself to more xenoestrogens so I INCREASED MY PROGESTERONE! My symptoms got worse. I then had my hormones checked. My estradiol was low and my progesterone was high. These same symptoms were now caused by Progesterone Dominance! According to Dr. Mercola, progesterone is stored in fat cells for up to 2 years! Is this really the best solution for me to balance my hormones?
In my research I have come across an herb/root grown organically, high in the Andean Mountains in Peru, that is worth looking into. Its called Maca. It is suppose to adapt to the bodys needs and support menopausal health. It works with the body, the pituitary and hypothalamus, to bring about healthy balanced hormones. Maca is not a hormone, but a food that helps the body balance itself. I would much rather take something natural that helps my body get itself back into balance, than try and guess how much of a particular hormone to take.
I didn't think that I would be able to find any info on comparing maca to progesterone. I was surprised when your article came up. Thank you. After reading other articles on maca, it was suggested that it be discontinued after 3 months due to no long term studies. Why? The menopause symptoms don't go away after 3 months? Maybe I should try progesterone creams also? My Dr. put me on HRT without really asking me if I wanted to be on it! I went off after one year. I would also like to d/c my antidepressant Celexa, but it keeps me sane and keeps my family alive. Ha ha. I just want to alleviate my mood swings and find my missing libido. Thank you!
I'm 54, postmenopausal for over a year and I'm asking that exact same question! I was doing well on Dr. Mercolas nutritional type diet and applying natural progesterone cream in vaginal area (his recommendation). Last week I had cramps, am ovulating and gained 5 pounds! (A lot for me) What's going on?!!!! I'm going to do the Dr. John Lee's saliva hormone test, meanwhile I am taking organic Maca, actually feeling much better but still need to know what's going on!!! I like Maca and believe it would be better than progesterone cream, but it's never as simple as that. I'm going to find out where I'm at with hormones and see if the Maca really is balancing everything. Anyone else out there doing this?
I am 52 and postmenopausal. Have been on HRT for about 8 months, but still have mood swings and depression often. My sister mentioned depression was an effect of vitamin D deficiency. I started taking vitamin D and how I feel in general and how I react to adverse situations are both noticeably better. I am taking 1000-2000 i.u. daily. If I miss a day or two it is noticeable in my mood. Give it a try. Much better than antidepressants and other beneficial effects. Win-Win for me. I hope this helps you. It also seems to improve mood for my husband. I say Win x 3.
Can you take maca with oral hrt after a total hysterectomy and both ovaries out? I had that done 12 years ago.
I am using progesterone cream and wondering can I take maca as well as the cream… as it’s a hormone adaptor would it raise my estrogen levels which I don’t want… thank you.
To the author of the post: Thank you for this article, it made me think about progesterone (it had to be from wild yams) and wonder if you have tried besides maca, taking Wild yams capsules? It balances progesterone naturally in the body. I read a lot about Maca, and currently taking it for my perimenopause symptoms!
I highly recommend a for women 2 books by Lara Briden naturopathic doctor “Hormone Repair Manual” (for women after 40) and “Period repair manual” (for women younger) for those who is fed up with western approach to health and not competent doctors approach to women’s health!
You will learn a lot in those books, it will empower you with knowledge and support and confidence for your health and the rest of your life! Especially when it comes to HRT and misunderstanding that gynos and endocrinologists create and giving wrong guidance to women, as a result women loose female parts and get cancers etc.