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[racjen]

I'm struck by how all the posts on here about progesterone focus on the bad side and the search to find one that's tolerable. Presumably there are also positive effects of progesterone, as well as the uterus protecting function? Personally I feel that after 6 weeks on unopposed estrogen my mood is worsening again despite my estrogen level improving, so I'm wondering if this is the effect of too much estrogen compared to progesterone? It's supposed to have a calming, anti-depressive effect so surely we need it, in balance, to achieve optimum good mood? And yet women without a uterus are prescribed estrogen-only - what effect does that have on mood?

[Dancinggirl]

Some women do like progesterone and I did find the sedative effect quite pleasant in the short term but taking it continuously was an issue. It's often towards the end of the progesterone phase of sequi HRT that can bring the nasty pmt symptoms and headaches so many find difficult.
It isn't necessary at all as part of HRT unless you still have a uterus, however some hyster women find some testosterone very beneficial.
Most of us would love to just have oestrogen- progesterone is the problem but if HRT generally. DG x

[racjen]

But then where does the oestrogen dominance theory fit in? If you look online there's lots of stuff claiming that progesterone also has necessary positive effects, balancing oestrogen not just in terms of uterus health but mood-wise too. I'm confused...

[Otes73]

I take continuous progesterone due to extensive Endometriosis and I find it great! I also use Estrodot patch and testosterone. The progesterone for me helps me sleep and I've had no side effects at all. I wouldn't want to be without it!

X

[Dancinggirl]

Racjen-  the oestrogen dominenace thing relates to the peri stage when ovulation becomes erratic and then progesterone isn't produced. This can result in a build up of the womb lining so can give erratic or heavy bleeding and cause more low mood, headaches etc.
As I said before, there are some women who do feel good using progesterone all the time. When I had Utrogestan continuously I felt very spaced out - almost high - and this wasn't good. Some feel really irritable and depressed in any progesterone. DG x

[Annie0710]

I have no uterus so am prescribed oestrogen and testosterone but I dabbled with progesterone and I got on really well with it, but I'm not allowed it on prescription

I've just today got some progesterone cream to use twice a day in the hope it gives me some nice effects x

[NinaH]

Like otes I too use utrogestan daily and find it excellent. Very stable and no spotting. In fact, it's when I stop it I find I have mood swings. Hence why I take it continuously 

[Lizzieb60]

I use utrogestan on alternative nights and I find it has a welcome sedative effect. When I recently tried reducing oestrogel from three pumps to two, this was when I noticed a distinct drop in mood and more frequent headaches so I guess the previous mix must have been about right.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

In the past I have read reports about the calming effects of  progesterone and the feel good factor of  oestrogen.
In the early days of my journey I thought the synthetic progesterone Norethisterone was giving me pmt but since then I seem to feel rubbish on any combination of hormones! I'm sure being thirty again would sort it though lol.

I suppose yet again it's a case of we are all different in our responses but it would be nice if medical science could help us out figure out the best combination so that we could all feel well.

Take care all.

K.

[Dancinggirl]

Yes Kathleen - I do agree.
HRT can only do so much and trying to replace what we made naturally 20-30 years ago is not really feasible.
HRT is about finding a balance that gives the most Benefits with minimal side effects. There is still a lot of research needed before they will really find a way to help every women.  DG x

[dangermouse]

The main issue (in the UK) is that the NHS do not offer a wellness or therapeutic service. They offer the pill to prevent pregnancy and oestrogen for post menopause. The Utrogestan is available to protect the womb for those on ERT who still have a womb.

For perimenopause and those post hysterectomy, who both need progesterone therapeutically, to help with mood, sleep, anxiety etc. progesterone is unlicensed so has to be sought privately. I believe some NHS docs will twist the rules and I have been offered it because I was diagnosed with high oestrogen which has caused liver growths. This is where I think NICE are being ignorant as high oestrogen in peri can cause oestrogen driven breast cancer.

Like anything, it's about balance and whichever one you're low on, you'll feel better on it and worse on the opposite.

[Meeka]

I use utrogestan vaginally and I feel quite well while using  it and I sleep better.   Only problem is it sometimes causes my bladder to be a little sensitive.  When I stop using it I have a couple of nights  disturbed sleep and sometimes get a headache.   I think I dislike the fluctuating hormones but I wouldn't like to use it vaginally continually and taking it orally means more side affects for me.   Even while taking it vaginally I sometimes get very dizzy after a few days use.   I have a friend who uses the progesterone cream which is prescribed by a London HRT specialist.....she loves it.   I don't think it is used by many medics as they believe it may be unreliable and the uterus lining may get too thick.