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[GeordieGirl]

For a couple of decades natural doctors have extolled the virtues of progesterone (natural, not progestins that are synthetic). Dr John Lee has indeed published a number of books on the matter.

The NHS instead insists progesterone is only needed to protect wombs, so if you've had a hysterectomy, it's not needed.

Yesterday Cancer Research UK publicised a study that shows that progesterone helps slow the growth of cancer tumours in up to 50% of sufferers.  http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/cancer-news/press-release/2015-07-08-common-hormone-could-help-treat-breast-cancer

Although this is a new research, there are a number of other previous studies showing the role of progesterone in breast cancer - amongst others the Imperial Cancer Research 1999; research at  Guys Hospital by Cooper, Gillett, Patel, Barnes and Fentiman in August 1999 and yet earlier work by Hrushesky et al (Lancet 7989).

Following a sudden menopause, I had breast cysts last year and despite one large one being aspirated, it simply shrunk but stayed put. After a number of months on progesterone, they've gone completely (first the natural cream, then Utrogestan when my GPs suddenly got up to speed with HRT)....I've also seen other benefits, not least much improved quality of sleep.

Will the NHS now look more favourably on progesterone as an option for all or does it need yet further proof?


GG X

[Dancinggirl]

GeordieGirl - this is an interesting point.  All the research to date shows that the risk of breast cancer comes with the use of combined HRT. In fact women who use oestrogen only after a hysterectomy actually have a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those not using oestrogen at all!!!! This would suggest that progesterone plays a part in possibly triggering breast cancer??!! However the research is to do with the synthetic progesterone and you are pointing out that the bio/body identical progesterone we take, Utrogeston, is a very different beast. It is it actually not a beast but a friend? I did hear that Utrogestan is widely used in France and so far research is showing a 'breast friendly' side to this form of progesterone.  I am pleased to hear there is research here in the UK about this - hopefully this will lead to more understanding and a greater use of HRT for all sorts of treatments.
It doesn't get round the fact that many of us still find we get side effects with any sort of progesterone - including Utrogestan. I feel so great on oestrogen and stick with a sequi regime, even though I'm 59 and very post meno, because I don't like using progesterone too much because of side effects.
All very interesting and positive though.  DG x

[GeordieGirl]

However the research is to do with the synthetic progesterone and you are pointing out that the bio/body identical progesterone we take, Utrogeston, is a very different beast.

The recent research appears to be progesterone and not progestins, which are as you say very, very different. I have seen research trials that showed progestins to be potentially carcinogenic (is it any great surprise when they're synthetic?),  but none that claimed the same with bio identical progesterone?

Although there has been previous research on the role of (bio) progesterone both worldwide and the UK, it still seems to be overlooked.  It did tickle me to read so many people thanking Cancer UK on their FB page for this amazing research, when in fact it's a good few decades behind the times in recognising the role of progesterone.  You never know, one day they may well come out and say eating properly will help too..... though then again....

Call me a cynic 

GG x

[GeordieGirl]

The good old Daily Mail have got the reporting of this wrong - they suggest using the pill will help breast cancer...

The comment below posted by Cancer Research UK on their Facebook page, clarifying that it is progesterone and not synthetic progestins that have the anti-carcinogenic effect:

"We just wanted to clear something up in light of media coverage of this story this morning. The effects observed in this study were from using progesterone itself. Many contraceptives, and certain forms of HRT, contain derivatives of progesterone (e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA) – these seem to act differently."

GG x

[CLKD]

The breast disease I had were oestrogen dominant …….. I was still having regular periods at that time.  It does depend on the type of cancer, surely ?

At least someone is doing some Research ………

[GeordieGirl]

The breast disease I had were oestrogen dominant …….. I was still having regular periods at that time.  It does depend on the type of cancer, surely ?

At least someone is doing some Research ………

That's the whole point - progesterone blocks the oestrogen receptors.

Research has been done for decades (some listed above from 1990), we need someone to act on it 

GG x