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Author Topic: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone  (Read 207 times)

Kai_63

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Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« on: October 19, 2025, 11:01:05 AM »

Having done some research, I've just realised that my increased thirst/water retention and dryness (including vaginal) is due to progesterone (Utrogestan 12 days a month orally 200mcg).

I only get these symptoms during these 12 days so pretty sure it's Utro causing it. Also get what feels like pressure/sinus headaches.

Any tips beyond drinking more water and using eyedrops etc?

I already use Vagifem/Ovestin/Oestrogel plus Yes for reference.
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CLKD

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Re: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2025, 12:45:29 PM »

How were U during your menstruating years?  I remember increased thirst I think in the 8 days B4 a period begin, I would gulp water from the tap which was and still is, unusual!

What colour is your urine?  The 1st P of the day will be darker and may be smelly, as we hydrate the colour should remain like 'straw'.  Any lighter and the body is taking on too much liquid, remembering that the kidneys remove fluids from both liquids and foods: soups, yoghurts, custard etc..

I've had to begin using eye drops in recent weeks because mine feel gritty.  My last period was in 2002.  R your VA treatments helping and do U need to use more during these 12 days?
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Kai_63

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Re: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2025, 02:05:30 PM »

Thank you. Never noticed thirst during the period but I've found I get a more symptoms with HRT than I ever did with my period (including migraines).

Pee is a little yellower than usual although I need to stop my supplements to see for sure I think (Vit B can make it yellower).

I can manage VA symptoms OK with extra Yes ans Ovestin. It's the thirst and headaches that are the challenge.
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Konijntje

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Re: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2025, 04:46:19 PM »

I trialed drospirenone as my progestin (in Drovelis) and that has a diuretic effect and my thirst was pretty bad for a while. Taking electrolytes did help, although it didn’t totally eliminate it. It could be worth a try though. There are also gels and tablets you can place on your gums to increase saliva production and those help really well with dry mouth. They usually contain xylitol and sweeteners give me gut issues, so I only used those when the dry mouth was really bothering me.

Personally, I’m progesterone intolerant, but I’ve tried getting used to utrogestan a few times and I also experienced vaginal irritation (especially when I tried it vaginally, only a few times, since it caused way too much discomfort). Increasing my vaginal estrogen to more times a week during taking progesterone (orally) did help a bit. I also experienced extra vaginal irritation during drospirenone and I’m not sure if it is the progestogenic or diuretic effect. I stopped last week, because it also caused extra eczema (dry skin) and going to try dienogest next (I’m doing estrogen only for 2 weeks to get my dose right and to let the drospirenone (which has a long halflife) out of my system), so I’m not sure yet if that will cause the same issue for me.

I always use eye drops 3x a day, because since my pregnancies my eyes have been dry. The gel drops, I use the “hylo gel” (I’m in the Nettherlands myself) drops, work way better for me than the more watery drops, so a change in the sort of drops you use can make a difference.
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CLKD

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Re: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2025, 04:54:39 PM »

 :thankyou:
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Kai_63

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Re: Reducing thirst/water retention due to progesterone
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2025, 07:29:21 PM »

I trialed drospirenone as my progestin (in Drovelis) and that has a diuretic effect and my thirst was pretty bad for a while. Taking electrolytes did help, although it didn’t totally eliminate it. It could be worth a try though. There are also gels and tablets you can place on your gums to increase saliva production and those help really well with dry mouth. They usually contain xylitol and sweeteners give me gut issues, so I only used those when the dry mouth was really bothering me.

Personally, I’m progesterone intolerant, but I’ve tried getting used to utrogestan a few times and I also experienced vaginal irritation (especially when I tried it vaginally, only a few times, since it caused way too much discomfort). Increasing my vaginal estrogen to more times a week during taking progesterone (orally) did help a bit. I also experienced extra vaginal irritation during drospirenone and I’m not sure if it is the progestogenic or diuretic effect. I stopped last week, because it also caused extra eczema (dry skin) and going to try dienogest next (I’m doing estrogen only for 2 weeks to get my dose right and to let the drospirenone (which has a long halflife) out of my system), so I’m not sure yet if that will cause the same issue for me.

I always use eye drops 3x a day, because since my pregnancies my eyes have been dry. The gel drops, I use the “hylo gel” (I’m in the Nettherlands myself) drops, work way better for me than the more watery drops, so a change in the sort of drops you use can make a difference.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. I think we've had a lot of similar symptoms!

I got very dry skin and rashes with Gepretix (generic utrogestan) but then got a lot of other symptoms on branded Utrogestan. I know everyone says they are the same but they are definitely weren't for me. I'm now on half and half and the water retention etc is one of the few symptoms.

I use Hycosan eye drops and they've been great.

I don't use Utrogestan vaginally because between Vagifem, Ovestin and Yes gel there last thing I need is anything else down there!
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