The following symptoms and diseases respond to progesterone therapy, if they are hormone related. It is important to remember that progesterone is not a drug, it is a hormone vital to our well being.
Please click a letter to show symptoms and diseases begining with that letter (if you cannot click a letter, it means that section is empty):
Period pains and ovulation cramps
Pain during menstruation, known as dysmenorrhea, used to be regarded as pyschological or 'all in the mind' because no physical or hormonal reason could be found. The pain is very real and is now acknowledged to be an imbalance of hormones. Endometriosis also causes pain at menstruation. There are two kinds, cramps which occur on the first day of menstruation which are similar to labour pains, so severe that the child/woman is doubled up. This type of pain generally starts 2 years or so after her first period when ovulation begins and is usually gone by the time a women is in her mid twenties, it always disappears after a full term. It has been found that the cells lining the uterus of women with this type of pain secrete a high level of prostaglandin F-2-alpha. The normal treatment is to give a prostaglandin inhibitor such as mefanamic acid. The other type starts at the first period and can continue until menopause. The pain is a continuous ache in the lower abdomen, starting 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation, increasing in severity until bleeding starts and then easing. Ovulation pain which occurs in the middle of the month is a mild cramping on one or other side of the abdomen. It is thought that it is caused by the contractions of the Fallopian tube as the egg makes its way down to the uterus. Sometimes there might be a slight vaginal discharge or bleeding.
Prevention : Depending on the severity of the pain and whether there are any other PMS symptoms present, between 20 to 200mg/day of progesterone should be used. Many women have found relief within 20 minutes after rubbing the cream on to their tummys. As omega 3 is extremely effective at inhibiting prostaglandins 15 to 75ml/day should also be taken.
Phrynoderma or follicular keratosis (permanent 'goosebumps' on arms and thighs)
These small bumps occur on the upper arms, thighs, elbows and the bottom. There is some reason to believe they are due to an Omega 3 deficiency or an allergy to dairy products. It might be hormonal as they go within a few weeks after starting progesterone.
Prevention : 20mg/day of progesterone cream rubbed on the bumps. 15 to 75ml/day of omega 3. The carotenoids and vitamin A are also beneficial.
Porphyria
Characterized by the excessive production of porphyrins. The symptoms are: acute abdominal pain, intestinal problems, neurologic disturbances and skin lesions. As oestrogens are contra-indicated in this condition progesterone therapy may help.
Prevention: As no studies are available it would be essential to try progesterone under the guidance of a health practitioner versed in progesterone therapy.
Pregnancy problems
In approx. 10% of women problems can develope during pregnancy. In these women their placenta is under-devloped and giving progesterone throughout the pregnancy not only helps with the symptoms but the chances of getting pre-eclampsia are greatly reduced. The problems are: nausea and vomiting (sometimes called morning sickness which is badly named as some women are sick all day). When severe it is called hyperemesis meaning excessive vomiting. Nausea normally goes within 4 months, but in some women it continues throughout pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia which occurs in late pregnancy, affects 5% of pregnant women. It is characterised by a raised blood pressure, excessive weight gain, oedema (water retention) and protein in the urine. If untreated it will lead to eclampsia, characterised by a severe headache followed by convulsive seisures. Eclampsia accounts for 5% of maternal deaths and 40% of foetal deaths. It is one of the commonest causes of infant and maternal deaths throughout the world, and yet the cause is still unknown. It has been found that PMS sufferers have a greater chance of developing pre-eclampsia. Some of the other problems experienced by women are: headaches throughout pregnancy, depression, backache, lethargy, dizziness, fainting, irritability and bleeding. An added benefit of progesterone therapy has also emerged, in a study held it was found that the 'progesterone babies' were on average more intelligent than a control group.
Prevention : Generally 200mg/day is needed initially. The progesterone can then be reduced gradually to the required amount. On no account must the progesterone be stopped suddenly as this will cause a miscarriage. It is essential to eat small, starchy meals every 3 hours to keep the blood sugar stable.
Prostate diseases
The symptoms of prostate disease are: enlargement, smaller urethras, inflammation, increased frequency of urination and cellular changes leading to cancer. In many cases these changes can be linked to a rise in oestrogen and di-hydrotestosterone and a drop in testosterone. The rise in oestrogen also causes fatty tissues to be deposited in mens breasts and to shave less often, whereas high levels of di-hydrotestosterone have been linked to prostate enlargement and cancer. Progesterone is as vital for mens health as it is for womens. Approx. 5 to 15mg is made on a continuous daily basis in the testes, which then converts it into testosterone and other hormones, including oestrogen. As progesterone protects men against excessive oestrogen, particularly the xeno-oestrogens and di-hydrotestosterone, some researchers believe that the drop in the level as a man ages and the rise in environmental oestrogen is causing the alarming increase in prostate problems.
Prevention: Generally 20mg/day is sufficient to reduce an enlarged prostate to normal. Some cases of cancer have also responded to progesterone. As it is so safe, with no toxic side effects, it is always worth trying. (see cancer) Omega 3 is also essential, between 15 to 75ml/day of flax oil. Also important is zinc and the herb saw palmetto can be of help. Take all the anti-oxidants if cancerous.