Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Jillymoo on February 27, 2012, 06:52:27 AM
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I've just used the search function to see if theres a thread about Serenity Cream,an advert for which keeps popping up on various pages I go on ,and I thought I'd have a little look.Unless I'm not using 'search' right,I couldn't see anything on here about anyone trying it.
Of course,in the ad,it sounds fantastic,and the best thing since sliced bread!
The testimonials are awesome,particularly regarding stopping hot flushes.I'm in the grip of nightmarish ones at the mo,so it sounds very tempting,but I guess it can't be any good or lots of ladies I know (and on here) would be using it.
What is it they say....'If it sounds too good to be true....then it probably is' LOL
For one thing,I couldn't find anywhere what the ingredients were ::)
Anyone on here tried it/know anything? The company who make it is called WellSprings I think.
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Sorry, Jillymoo, it is you not using the search engine right! ;D
There have been many, many threads on this and as with so many things meno, both positive and negative reactions. Try using the "Search" button in the blue menu on the top left. Type in Serenity cream or natural progesterone cream and both should bring up lots of threads. ;)
Bette x
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I've tried it and it was a waste of £18 per pot. However, I was so desperate that I would have been willing to pay twice that. It seemed to be working initially, but after about 6 weeks or so I was going backwards instead of forwards.
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Aaahhh....thank you Bette.....I used the other search box,top right ::)
I guessed there must have been some discussion of it,it would be hard to believe there hadn't,given the breadth of matters we do discuss on here! ;)
I shall go do that now,although I somehow feel I already know the answer......it's not worth the pot it's packaged in,and all a load of hype ;D
xx
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Haha! Cubagirl has said just what I expected I'd hear :)
If only it was as easy as rubbing a dab of cream in eh?
xx
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Yep, if it was that good we'd be able to get it either from our GPs or a chemist. Would be great if it did mind you.
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Jillymoo
Here are a list of the ingredients.
[link removed]
Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream is manufactured in the United States of America by the original manufacturer to the original formula under the highest standards of Good Manufacturing Practice. Serenity does not contain cheap low-grade Chinese progesterone as used by many manufacturers. Purity and potency guaranteed by analysis. Advanced skin care delivery. For topical external use.
Contents: Deionised Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Vegetable Oil, Glycerin, USA Produced USP Natural Progesterone (2.34%) USA, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, d-alpha Tocopherol, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, GermabenII, AMP95. (Merest trace of commonly-used preservatives added due to the ineffectiveness of natural preservatives).
Serenity is formulated with the most advanced delivery system for maximum absorption (97-100% assimilated).
The process involves No Animal Testing, No Animal Cruelty and No Animal by-products.
A 60-gram jar normally lasts up to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of symptoms and beginning progesterone levels.
Each sealed jar of Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream contains 2.1ozs (60gm/60ml) of the finest quality liposome moisturising cream with not less than 1,260 mgs of USP Pharmaceutical grade bio-identical Natural Progesterone extracted in the USA from plant saponins. The Certified-Potency Natural Progesterone content (2.34%) has been carefully calculated so those who suffer with the symptoms resulting from unopposed oestrogen can utilise the cream on a schedule which parallels their own body's natural cycles of progesterone production.
Serenity cream is light, non-oily, hypo-allergenic with a unique liposomal delivery system for swift maximum absorption, is free from common allergens, does not contain any animal products or derivatives and is cruelty-free.
Some well known creams claim 800-900mg per 2ozs or 2,000mg per 4ozs but offer far worse value as they only provide two-thirds of the effective days treatment of Serenity which, with their poorer absorption, actually makes them very much more expensive. Many women using other creams say they changed to Serenity after finding Serenity a lot more effective (with the added bonus of a much better skin tone), far better quality, easier and more pleasant to use and much more economic as a jar of Serenity can last up to three months depending on symptoms dosage regime and progesterone levels prior to use.
Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream has been carefully formulated for women who suffer with any of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS / PMT, Menopause, Osteoporosis and Infertility. Used in conjunction with known dietary lifestyle modifications, countless women around the world have regained their health and control of their lives"
if you are going to try Natural Progesterone Cream the Serenity Ctream is a good one. It is one of the creams recommended by the doctor who made it his life work to study progesterone.
I hesitate to talk about progesterone cream because certain some members reactions see "Sore Vulva" post
I have read numerous text books on progesterone and and the delivery method of using cream gel or oil in doses of 15- 20 mgs a day. , Serenity is one of the cream that is recommended as having the correct dosage.
If you can't use estrogen, then natural progesterone cream could be an alternative that you could try without a prescription, in France you can get it in the pharmacies they tend to sell it in gel form.
Try it for yourself and don't be put of by any negativity, read up all you can preferably books, try and find some forums where the girls are discussing and using it, the femail forum of the Daily Mail and mumsnet are some good UK forums.
It might not be for you, but make up your own mind and don't be influenced by negative comments.
Hope this has answered some of your questions.
silverlady x
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Thank you so much Silverlady :)
Thats a great amount of info you've taken time to post for me,and yes,I will search into it some more and make up my own mind whether to invest in a pot.
If I knew these dreadul,drenching and exhausting sweats were not going to last for too much longer,I'd just get on with coping with them.But you never know how long they'll carry on for,do you? I'm 55 with only the odd period about every 6 months or so for the last 3 years......but a colleague of mine is 60,last had a period at 58,but is STILL having loads of flushes!
Anyway,thank you once again, Jilly xx
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There's a theory that most women will have stopped their periods by 54 but I'm not so sure. My sister in law who had a hysterectomy was told by her gynae that 56 is more realistic these days.
I used the Wellsprings cream in early perimenopause and thought it was keeping the hot flushes at bay, but then they kicked in properly and it was useless. Perhaps the women who swear by it are those who wouldn't have had really severe hot flushes anyway?
Who knows - whatever works for you!
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As you will see on other threads and if you do an informed search there is not enough scientific evidence to demonstrate that natural progesterone cream works in the same way that oestrogen does for reducing menopausal symptoms. If you look at forums etc of course there will be individuals that say it does for them, as has been reported on here - but it could be the placebo effect, and you don't know what would have happened to you anyway - as Rivadan says.
If you want to try natural progesterone then you can get it as pessaries on the nhs - I understand it is synthesised from yams in the same way as the stuff sold at great expense in America which is no more natural than the UK NHS products described below - but a lot more expensive (and of course available in a pot in cream form).
Cyclogest (pessaries in a waxy coating) and Utrogestan (oral capsules but can be used vaginally) are both available (Cyclogest is not licensed for HRT but to treat fertility but many GPs will prescribe it) on the NHS. Utrogestan can be used vaginally. With either you could use the lowest dose ( ie Cyclogest 200 mg or Utrogestan 100mg) every 2-3 days. It isn't much to pay if you find it doesn't work, at £7 odd for a prescription.
Of course replacing oestrogen does more than reduce hot flushes - because it performs so many functions in the body - protecting bones, bladder and vaginal area amongst other things - on a long term basis.
There are a lot of mainly American sites devoted to selling all these creams becuase they have a different healthcare system to us and if it worked and could be used instead of oestrogen, as cubagirl said, we would be prescribed it.
Hope this helps
Hurdity x
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I really cannot go into this any more and expected this post word for word.
Cyclogest and Utrogestan would be far far more the jillymoo should take under the circumstances.
silverlady x
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Thank you for all your helpful posts,full of information girls :)
I'm due a visit to my GP shortly for couple of blood tests (cholesterol and iron),so I'll mention it to him and see whats on offer that would suit me,given my recent medical history.
Best wishes,Jilly xx
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I would just add that from my personal experience I would have to agree with Silverlady that Wellsprings cream and Utrogestan are in TOTALLY different leagues and can't be compared. The Wellsprings is a million times gentler.
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That is true Rivadan, but I have given my last advise on natural progesterone cream on the open forum, will leave it to others to respond, if anyone wants any info they can PM me.
silverlady x
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This is just my personal experience of natural progesterone cream called Juvan which is 1.5% available only on private prescritpion.
I had severe dysfunctional bleeding and large ovarian cyst and was told I was oestrogen dominent by nhs gyny and offered mirena coil but did not want one.
I saw a private Dr who specialises in womens hormonal problems and was prescribed the above cream. He told me that my cyst should resolve itself within a couple of months of using the cream and the constant heavy bleeding ( lasting up to 12 weeks at a time) should improve as well.
Within 2 months my bleeding had improved immensely back to erratic but normal length periods and at my follow up ultrasound for the cyst 3 months after starting cream it had gone totally.
I have continued to use the cream for past 2 years. I have to say it does not stop hot flushes as I do get them but they are not horrendous but have no way of knowing if this is the cream or just me.
For oestrogen dominent peri meno symptoms it was fantastic but for hot flushes it does not stop them in my case.
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I think it's a shame if everyone doesn't keep posting their opinions on these things publically. I know that there's a member on natural prog. cream prescribed for her by a gynae as tests showed that she was estrogen-dominant. It's not common but it does exist. Also, a long-term member, Yogini, found that the Serenity cream really helped her anxiety. Sadly, she doesn't post these days, possibly partly due to feeling unwelcome because of her decision to use less conventional treatment. :-\ :'(
These things might not help as many women as estrogen etc. but this is exactly the sort of place that it should be discussed - but non-confrontationally. :)
Bette x
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Sorry - we posted at the same time! ::) :)
Bette x
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For promoting products! when I thought my links were for information, I do try so hard and to make sure "Buy Now" is not on the page
or violate any rules.
I don't mind Emma telling me if I slip up , but not a forum member reporting me to Emma.
silverlady x
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Oh dear,I hope I haven't prompted this SL by my asking for info about a certain product..... :-\
I've lost track of the amount of times I've 'come back' to this very helpful and enjoyable forum,after an incident of this kind.I've got enough aggravation in my real life,without finding it online........so every time unpleasantness breaks out,I just think f**k it,and don't bother coming on :(
Best wishes,Jilly x
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Re - natural progesterone
I do agree that Cyclogest and Utrogestan are more concentrated, and there is definitely a need for more research for example to find the lowest dose (or at least a tapered dose) needed to prevent endometrial hyperplasia so that those who are progesterone intolerant do not have to suffer the negative side effects from having a sudden increase in hormones.
I think that is the problem with HRT generally - if you look at the natural menstrual cycle the hormones go up and down in gentle curves so that both oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall gradually - but with HRT it is just there or its not at a fixed dose which is what causes problems.
Jillymoo - I forgot there is another natural (bioidentical) progesterone called Crinone gel ( applied vaginally) which is at a lower dose than the others. This isn't licensed for HRT because it is used for fertility but some meno specialists do prescribe it so may be possible to ask for it? (It is an NHS medicine). It is possible it could be used every other day or every third day - which would give you 30 mg per day), but depends on what you are using it for and whether you are having a cycle? I have no experience of this and not sure if anyone else has but might be worth asking?
Hope this helps
Hurdity x
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I am using Serenity cream and sage leaf tablets and am now on my 2nd week I feel 98% better in this past 2 weeks than I have done in a long time, I went to see my GP last week originally to discuss HRT and while waiting for my appointment I thought what have I got to lose by trying serenity? a friend of mine has used it successfully for about 2 years now as she couldn't have HRT due to breast cancer in her family.
I was having in excess of 10 flushes a day and up to 6 or 7 durng the night with severe sweats, also feeling so low in mood, and irritiable almost constantly, Within 4 days of starting the serenity and sage leaf I can honestly say that my hot flushes had improved to the point of getting maybe 2 a day and one at night. I now have an occasional glow during the day but it doesn't develop into a full on (omg my head is going to explode!) flush...and night time I might get one sweat but that is copeable with.
When I went to my GP to discuss HRT I took along allthe information iincluding the book on natural progesterone cream, she has said if it working for me then to continue using it, if it should stop working, or not control my symptoms suffieciently then to go back and see her and we can discuss other options.
She also said that some women are naturally oestrogen dominant so progesterone can help to balance this out and make you feel better.
I am more than happy to spend my money on serenity for as long as it is helping, but I am also willing to try other things if the situation changes.
No harm in trying, and sometimes you have to up the dose or even double the dose at first, sometimes for the first 3 months or so to allow it to balance out the oestrogens in your body.
Lisa x
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a friend of mine has used it successfully for about 2 years now as she couldn't have HRT due to breast cancer in her family. I hope that you don't mind me commenting on this but it did ring an alarm bell. :-\ Progesterone is not usually considered completely "safe" for those with high breast cancer risk; I presume that she did check with her gp? ???
Bette x
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Just a note here. I used to use it and got an email from them saying the price has gone up after the budget. Blooming government!
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I was using a Progesterone Cream, think it was the 3% one if I recall in conjunction with my Oestrogel. When I informed my Gynae, he was not terribly happy, said that the creams are not strong enough to oppose the oestrogen in the Oestrogel and he prescribed Uterogestan instead. I must say, on the Progesterone cream it did not bring on a monthly bleed when I withdrew it at the end of every cycle so that got me thinking! Is there anyone using a Progesterone cream with a conventional Oestrogen? Would be interested to know if it gives you a bleed as this would make me feel a bit more comfortable knowing that I am not getting a build up of the uterine lining.
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This is from the menu on the left, Cassie:-
NATURAL PROGESTERONE CREAM This is only available on a private prescription and is used in varying strengths. Some individuals believe that the replacement of progesterone rather than estrogen is needed at the menopause but many experts still believe that the symptoms of menopause are due to estrogen lack and therefore the main hormone to replace should be estrogen, with forms of progesterone only being added to protect the womb lining from stimulation by estrogen. However, progesterone cream has been shown to be of some help in the relief of flushes and sweats at the menopause but natural progesterone cream is not suitable for providing protection to the womb lining.
I really don't think that it's safe not to be using another prog. source to oppose your Oestrogel. :(
Bette x
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Thankyou for that Bette, I am glad that I listened to my Dr and went over onto the Utero instead. :)
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This is the danger with some of these remedies.
It is so important not to be swayed by the advertising and promotion (mainly from US where their healthcare system is different) and use recommended products from the NHS/GP as HRT.
Alternative remedies can be bought if desired - some of them are harmless, some won't do what you want them to do, some are harmful or potentially so (see DHEA and Black cohosh threads) - but only with full understanding with what you are using them for.
Thes products vary so much - if it is a mineral or Vitamin supplement then most likely this will only be beneficial - but not all herbal remedies are hamrless - but if it is a hormone sold freely I would urge caution
Hurdity x
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I have never seen Serenity cream promoted here in US. I learned about it from a friend in South Africa.
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"When I went to my GP to discuss HRT I took along all the information including the book on natural progesterone cream, she has said if it working for me then to continue using it, if it should stop working, or not control my symptoms sufficiently then to go back and see her and we can discuss other options.
She also said that some women are naturally estrogen dominant so progesterone can help to balance this out and make you feel better" quote from Lisajp.
It seems some GPs are open to alternate methods to conventional HRT, not combining it with estrogen prescribed I am sure though.
I don't think think in all my research and reading I have ever read that progesterone cream that was not compounded should ever be used to off set conventional HRT that has been prescribed. However I have read about estriol cream combined natural progesterone cream to be used on its own.
Just to add about that, these are creams sold for profit, pharmaceutical companions sell their drugs for profit too, every thing is sold for profit.
If a woman wants to try something different to conventional HRT she should be allowed to talk about her experiences without disaproval, each time we talk about a make of HRT surely we are promoting it as much as someone talking about serenity cream or any other creams or alternatives to conventional HRT. Posters including me try very hard not post links directly to any product, but at least I hope we can still talk about them.
silverlady x
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I think it's a shame if everyone doesn't keep posting their opinions on these things publically. I know that there's a member on natural prog. cream prescribed for her by a gynae as tests showed that she was estrogen-dominant. It's not common but it does exist. Also, a long-term member, Yogini, found that the Serenity cream really helped her anxiety. Sadly, she doesn't post these days, possibly partly due to feeling unwelcome because of her decision to use less conventional treatment. :-\ :'(
These things might not help as many women as estrogen etc. but this is exactly the sort of place that it should be discussed - but non-confrontationally. :)
Bette x
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I think Bette's post is spot on......
I do not think any member should criticize another member's posts. The moderator can decide if a post is not appropriate. The forums should encourage a free flow of contributions.
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Thanks, Trey, saves me repeating myself! ::) ;)
Bette x
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Cassie - I am very curious to know where you got the idea from that it would be OK to use natural progesterone cream to oppose the oestrogen part of HRT in the oestrogel, which you said you tried to start with? Did someone suggest this to you or did you read it somewhere? Just wondering!
Hurdity x
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Neither Hurdity, I presumed that it would be in order as it was sold by my local pharmacy and touted all over the net as being the answer to what I presumed was what I was looking for, a natural form of Progesterone. I had not yet been introduced to Uterogestan as this was all at the very beginning of my adventure with HRT and Menopause and I was not lucky to have discovered a forum like this one nor to have much support from my GP so I spent a great deal of time on the internet trying to find the answers and discovered this Progesterone cream which I was using in conjunction with the Oestrogel thinking that it was opposing it as it is supposed to, as I was not keen on the synthetic Progestegins due to the nasty side effects. This was almost 10 years ago and since then I have become a great deal more enlightened and have realised that self medicating can be to one's detriment if not done with a bit of background info or guidance! :)
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Hi all, Just want to make it clear I am using serenity cream and sage leaf capsules to help control my hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, NOT to balance or try to balance any HRT.
I am using this to see if it is sufficient to help me through this time in my life, but if it should prove unhelpful over time I am certainly open to discussing HRT with my GP.
I think as women we should be able to use and try what we each think might help us and if it works great if it doesn't then try something else...obviously after talking to your GP!
It is early days for me only been using the cream for 2 weeks but as I said in my earlier post, at the moment it has certainly help reduce my flushes and night sweats, and brain fog. Just wish it would help my urgency/frequency problem in the bladder department though!
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Hi Mrs P
The vagifem, does it help with other menopause symptoms too? and does it carry the same risks as tablets/patches? and do you need to take progesterone with it if you are perimenopausal?...I haven't had a period since January but I've been told that doesn't mean its the end of them yet!
Thank you
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Thank you x
:)
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Lisajp
The vagifem does not help with other menopause symptoms - it is not intended to as Mrs P says - it is just for the vagina and bladder issues.
You don't need to take progesterone either as a minimal amount is absorbed into the system.
It is not known to carry risks - and in fact transdermal oestrogen (patches and gels) is the least risky method of HRT - compared to tablets, as the oestrogen does not go through the digestive system or liver. There are the standard HRT warnings though on the leaflet - but if we worried about these I don't think we would even take aspirin!
I also tried other things earlier on in my menopause (peri days) - black cohosh, phytoestrogens etc - but nothing worked so here I am happy on bio-identical hormone replacement!
Hurdity x
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@ Hurdity, if you do not mind me asking what is your Bio Identical HRT combination that is working for you? I guess Uterogestan used in conjunction with? Always nice to know when something is working well for someone.
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Hi Susan,
You asked "Do you think you defiantly have VA, you would know as the main symptom is feeling like you want to pee all the time. but it can also mean painful sex, impossible smear tests and feeling like you are on fire down below."
Not 100% sure it is VA but the symptoms indicate it could be, I have frequency issues, not like cystitis, but need to pee a lot (sometimes no sooner have I been then I need to go again, but its not all the time mostly mornings)...also I am noticing since not having had a period since January, that I just feel drier in that area generally, not itchy just less comfortable.
Also my GP prescribed me some vasicare, to help with over active bladder, and cant say it really helped a lot with the urethra disomfort on peeing, and the feeling of needing to go. Had urine tested and no cystitis.
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Gosh I ve just ordered serenity in desperate need hope it works I’ve tried everything else 🤦♀️
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Hi Catherineeelford
This is a very old thread but the title caught my eye ::)!
Unfortunately the cream is unlikely to do anything other than have a placebo effect and there is a limit to how far this will properly alleviate symptoms.
Can you tell us more about yourself - maybe in a new thread so that we can try to help?
Hurdity x