23-02-2016, 14:32
Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 2 2007 at 6:04 PM sophie (Login sophie9)
Hi...
I'm asking Waxingmoon, but anyone else who can answer, please help me out! So I have been doing well on the PC. I really do notice a difference in my anxiety levels. I do feel "relief", and it occurs rather quickly. Sort of amazing. I just read through your entire program, and I see your program has basically been approached knowing you have estrogen dominance. My cream was specially formulated for my by a lab to help balance my own personal progesterone levels. It also includes DHEA. I have stretch marks on my breasts, and I know that high estrogen levels can cause one to develop stretch marks, but what about progesterone? Is it all female hormones? It was recommended I apply it to fatty areas, so I have been sticking to inner thighs and my rear. I just do not want my stretch marks to worsen. Does it matter where you apply the cream as long as it is absorbed into the skin? I have normal estrogen levels. I would rather have smaller breasts than worsen the stretch marks I already have. Do you always apply it to your breasts? I was instructed to use a 1/4 tsp. of the cream on once at 8am and a second time at 6pm. So far so good. I missed one day and whoa - what a difference - I felt like a NUT! It was rather bizarre. So okay, my point is, do you know anything about progesterone application to stretch marks? I know estrogen thins the skin, but I don't know about progesterone.
Also in reading your program page, I have had horrible anxiety problems for a very long tim. I am 27. My doctor said I have probably been estrogen dominant for at least 10 years - that sounds about right. I also CRAVE sugary foods and always have. I am on a special diet for my imbalance and it is VERY hard to stick to it. The diet is supposed to be incredibly important, and I'm not following it as closely as I should. I also eat a lot of pasta/starch foods. I'm sorry; I just don't feel like eating vegetables, nuts and fish 24/7. But I suppose I should try as much as possible. So reading your program page made a lot of sense in terms of my own experience - the anxiety, insomnia, sugar craving. Something very traumatic happened in my life 10 years ago, and I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, Anxiety Attacks. I have had really bad problems with depresion. I was surprised to see one of the symptoms of ED was obsessive thinking, and well, I've had OCD since age 7. My obsessive thoughts have even been reduced. I try really hard to reduce my stress and everyone tells me how key exercise is (I know you are an expert in that!) but I still am lacking there. Did you notice changes in breast size just from using the progesterone cream to get your body into balance? I have a lot of quesions - sorry! But it would be helpful to have answers from someone who has gone through it. I have shrunk since stopping NBE. I suppose it is something I can deal with, but I think had I never started, I wouldn't be this small. So that is sort of disappointing. I also plan to get that book you mention in your program page; apparently it is a good book for women of all ages with hormone imbalances. Well, thank you in advance - I know I asked a lot of questions. If you could answer some I would be appreciative. Anyone else who can chime in, feel free as well!
Sophie
waxingmoon
(Login waxingmoon)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 2 2007, 6:50 PM
Hi Sophie,
I don't mind answering your questions at all. I hope I can help.
You have been instructed to apply your PC to fatty areas. The advice I received indicated I should avoid using fatty areas and place the cream on thin skinned areas. This was to enhance absorption and reduce the storage of PC in fat tissue. I also know that some are advised to use fat areas - the idea being it restore the body's progesterone stores and provide a slower release of progesterone. Both ways sound logical, but I stuck with the teachings of Dr. John Lee and used thin skinned areas.
I only applied the cream to my breast to resolve a fibrocystic area. It worked for this -but I did not apply it every day, just every third day I was using the cream.
I started off using 40 - 60 mg of progesterone per day. Dosages vary based on the total amount in your cream, but you are probably using about 40 mg total with your two doses. This should help you resolve your estrogen dominance. I assume you are using it during days 12 - 28 of your cycle.
As far as progesterone and stretch marks... The initial application of progesterone will activate dormant estrogen receptors - so things that are worsened by estrogen may have a temporary increase. I noticed my estrogen dominance symptoms were heightened during the first 3 months of use because of this. They did resolve as I kept using the cream and now I have virtually none of the symptoms I had before.
It is likely if your stretch marks are exacerbated by estrogen they will begin to fade with the continued use of progesterone. If your stretch marks are from some other reason then the progesterone may have no effect on them. I noticed a marked improvement in my skin overall with the continued use of PC.
Anxiety symptoms were one of the things the PC resolved for me. It was an immediate effect and if I have anxiety now I apply the PC and it resolves within a few minutes (this is usually a night time phenomenon for me).
Your diet is extremely important. In order for the PC to work the best for you the diet should have a high amount of protein (so that your body will have the building blocks for creating the hormones you need). It is not unusual to have trouble sticking to a new eating regime. No-one ever has an easy time with this kind of change. The best thing to do is to focus on one aspect of the diet at a time. Cut down on things at first instead of eliminating them completely. Add in the items that are recommended one at a time until you are eating them every day. Take a day off the diet once a week. This will help you feel less deprived of the old foods you love.
Exercise is the fountain of youth. It will do more to resolve your stress and anxiety than anything else in the world. It is also hard to stick to an exercise plan at first. Don't try to do more than an hour of exercise a day at first- 20 minutes is a great amount. Stick to simple things at first. Take an exercise class at least once a week. -Always choose a beginner level and realize some teachers are really horrible at their job. If you do not like the experience then find another class. Get a friend to go with you. Take a walk. The choices are endless.
As far as breast size and PC. Yes, I did notice an increase. It was almost immediate and quite a surprise to me. My breast growth continues today and is mostly because of the use of PC to balance my hormones, along with high protein intake.
Do get Dr John Lee's book. It will help you a lot and give you answers to things you didn't even know you needed to know.
Best wishes to you in your journey to improved health,
waxingmoon
Heloise
(no login)
more ideas... GABA Green tea and Brahmi...
December 3 2007, 10:02 AM
I've come across interesting articles about the effect of gamma amino buteric acid GABA (or lack of) on increasing anxiety during PMS and jsut generally. I've been taking Brahmi and Gingko for anxiety and improved concentration, and have just ordered some GABA (a particular amino acid - see below). Also started drinking Green Tea because Green Tea contains L-Theanine and this in turn increases the level of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) which relaxes and may provide relief from anxiety. If the caffeine in Green Tea bothers you it is possible to order L-Theanine separately.
I'm sorry I don't have time to collate the materials I've recently come across but the following info seems like it might be of interest in this discussion... There are plenty of other articles out there if you tap in the keywords GABA PMS and Green Tea. (Happily too GABA can be plant derived & also increases human growth hormone in the body so has the side-effect of developing a leaner body mass if one is overweight.)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s11123.htm
"Well what happens, in premenstrual syndrome, is that a hormone called progesterone is elevated in the second half of the menstrual cycle, and then it drops to very low levels right before the premenstrual period. It's also elevated during pregnancy and drops right at childbirth as well.
But it's not progesterone that's the problem here, it's actually a metabolate of progesterone. Progesterone is converted into another hormone called alopregnanolone and this hormone is really interesting. It acts a lot like a sedative, like valium or even alcohol for instance, in that it can make you feel relaxed, it reduces anxiety, it reduces seizures, and it acts in the brain like these other drugs actually, to increase the effectiveness of a transmitter, a chemical in the brain called GABA."
Hope the above was interesting.
Cheers
Heloise
sophie
(Login sophie9)
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 5 2007, 12:04 AM
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions, Waxingmoon!
Just one more...I promise: as long as the cream is absorbed into your body, does it really matter where you apply it? I was told to apply at specific times - 8am and 6pm - and use one area for the morning and different area for evening. So because I have been afraid of making my stretchmarks worse, I have abstained from applying the cream there. So the point is that the progesterone is absorbed right? Do you attribute your growth to using the cream on your breasts or just using the cream in general?
I also have noticed immediate results - wow! I mean...it truly is amazing. It isn't just a relief from anxiety, but more of a relief from "nerves." I don't know exactly how to describe it. I have been experiencing a sort of "wired" feeling as well; is that due the waking up of estrogen receptors? Okay, that is question #2 I suppose, but did you experience that as well, and do you think that is what the reaction is? I simultaneously feel relief AND a wired hormonal feeling...sort of strange.
Okay...question #3 - was the change you noticed in your skin an all-over skin improvement or a was it changes in your facial skin? I feel like my stretchmarks may look slightly more pronounced and I am wondering if maybe it is due to the estrogen receptors. Any stretchmarks I have I got when I was before age 21 and from what I've been told, they are related to taking the pill - probably also already being estrogen dominant and taking the pill, so my skin thinned. Do you happen to know what progesterone alone does for the skin? I'm hoping by raising my progesterone levels my skin will be stronger. The whole age acceleration thing I find sort of scary since I take really good care of my skin.
And yes, you are so right about exercise being the fountain of youth! My grandma has exercised her entire life, is 75 and she has men pursuing her who are old enough to be her son! She eats healthy, walks, rides a bike, and has the same exercise routine to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album that she did when the album came out (I remember doing it with her as a kid!) She has fun, her friends are my mother's age, and she enjoys her life. I think taking that time to make that mind-body connection everyday helps you understand where you fit in the grand scheme of life and makes living a happier experience. I have a hard time being an "optimist," and it probably has to do with the work I do. I work, work, work, and my life lacks balance. So your emphasis on laughter, or whatever it is that makes you happy, I think is so important. My naturopath said everytime we do something for ourselves and are happy we help balance our hormones. Playing music for me is a big stress-reliever. None of it works without stress reduction, and I am doing the diet in small steps. I think your positivity really helps everyone on here. Exercise definately gets your endorphins moving. I've realized lately that if I don't balance my life with other things besides my work, I just cannot be happy...or healthy! So I'm working on it and I'm hopeful. I'm definately getting that book. The one thing I've noticed, and if you wouldn't mind answering question #4, I have noticed I feel sort of stomach cramping similar to menstrual cramps. It is bloating I suppose. Did you experience this? Do you know why it happens? Okay...that was 5 questions - sorry! I will get that book, and I'm sure it will answer many of my questions; it is just nice to hear from someone who has gone through it. Sorry for being so long-winded!
sophie
...and thanks Heloise for your response as well. I drink decaffinated green tea. People with anxiety are always told they should drink caffiene, but from what I understand the effects of caffiene on anxiety are a little more complicated than caffiene causing anxiety. I can drink caffiene in small amounts. I try to stay away from coffee, but I do like green tea and it does help keep me going without making me anxious. Since I take an anti-anxiety prescription, I don't try natural methods just yet. I have in the past done some homeopathic stuff. It does help, and does tend to help balance hormones. I know taking Xanax right now is more of a bandage than a solution, but I'm working with what I have. Hopefully in the not to far-away future I will talk to my naturopath about natural ways to help residual anxiety. Thanks for the replies!
waxingmoon
(Login waxingmoon)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 5 2007, 7:44 PM
Hi Sophie,
I broke the following down into any questions you asked in order to make sure I answered them all. Don't worry about asking a lot of questions. I will be glad to answer anything I can.
Question : as long as the cream is absorbed into your body, does it really matter where you apply it?
Yes. If you place it in areas with high fat content, some of the progesterone will be stored in the fat and some will go into circulation. If you place it in areas with low fat content and high blood supply, the progesterone will enter circulation without being stored in body fat. So yes, both ways will be absorbed, but there will be a slight difference. You do need to rotate the areas where you apply the cream in order to enhance absorption. The reason for the specific times is also to maximize absorption and keep your body with a more constant level.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : So the point is that the progesterone is absorbed right?
Yes. Even though there is some difference in how it is absorbed, both methods (fat areas versus non fat areas) are endorsed by doctors - so depending on what your doctor was trying to achieve with your progesterone you have been advised to use it a certain way. Ultimately - both ways work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question
o you attribute your growth to using the cream on your breasts or just using the cream in general?
Just using the cream in general. I grew before I ever applied the cream to my breasts. I only used the cream on my breast to resolve a fibrocystic lump. I don't think it is necessary to apply the cream to the breasts. I don't think applying progesterone to the breasts will enhance any NBE effect. It is the progesterone in circulation being used by the body for various hormones that causes any NBE in this regard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : I have been experiencing a sort of "wired" feeling as well; is that due the waking up of estrogen receptors?
Maybe so. Progesterone itself would cause relief from anxiety - the initial heightened estrogen response from the increased receptors could cause the symptoms you are reporting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : - was the change you noticed in your skin an all-over skin improvement or a was it changes in your facial skin? I feel like my stretchmarks may look slightly more pronounced and I am wondering if maybe it is due to the estrogen receptors.
I noticed an over-all improvement, but there was definitely an improvement to facial skin. Any breakouts I had been having were completely eliminated. Also, I had been experiencing skin issues as a result of hypothyroid symptoms brought on by the estrogen dominance (dry, flaky - puffy eyes). This was also resolved with the progesterone. As far as your stretch marks looking pronounced, it may indeed be a response to the estrogen receptors and also there could be more luteal swelling due to this estrogen response.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : I have noticed I feel sort of stomach cramping similar to menstrual cramps. It is bloating I suppose. Did you experience this? Do you know why it happens?
It's probably that mean old estrogen again. You may initially experience a worse PMS during your first month or two of use due to the increase in estrogen receptors. This could mean more water weight gain, bloating and cramps. Have no fear though. If you use the progesterone for long enough it will all be resolved.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work.
waxingmoon
December 2 2007 at 6:04 PM sophie (Login sophie9)
Hi...
I'm asking Waxingmoon, but anyone else who can answer, please help me out! So I have been doing well on the PC. I really do notice a difference in my anxiety levels. I do feel "relief", and it occurs rather quickly. Sort of amazing. I just read through your entire program, and I see your program has basically been approached knowing you have estrogen dominance. My cream was specially formulated for my by a lab to help balance my own personal progesterone levels. It also includes DHEA. I have stretch marks on my breasts, and I know that high estrogen levels can cause one to develop stretch marks, but what about progesterone? Is it all female hormones? It was recommended I apply it to fatty areas, so I have been sticking to inner thighs and my rear. I just do not want my stretch marks to worsen. Does it matter where you apply the cream as long as it is absorbed into the skin? I have normal estrogen levels. I would rather have smaller breasts than worsen the stretch marks I already have. Do you always apply it to your breasts? I was instructed to use a 1/4 tsp. of the cream on once at 8am and a second time at 6pm. So far so good. I missed one day and whoa - what a difference - I felt like a NUT! It was rather bizarre. So okay, my point is, do you know anything about progesterone application to stretch marks? I know estrogen thins the skin, but I don't know about progesterone.
Also in reading your program page, I have had horrible anxiety problems for a very long tim. I am 27. My doctor said I have probably been estrogen dominant for at least 10 years - that sounds about right. I also CRAVE sugary foods and always have. I am on a special diet for my imbalance and it is VERY hard to stick to it. The diet is supposed to be incredibly important, and I'm not following it as closely as I should. I also eat a lot of pasta/starch foods. I'm sorry; I just don't feel like eating vegetables, nuts and fish 24/7. But I suppose I should try as much as possible. So reading your program page made a lot of sense in terms of my own experience - the anxiety, insomnia, sugar craving. Something very traumatic happened in my life 10 years ago, and I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, Anxiety Attacks. I have had really bad problems with depresion. I was surprised to see one of the symptoms of ED was obsessive thinking, and well, I've had OCD since age 7. My obsessive thoughts have even been reduced. I try really hard to reduce my stress and everyone tells me how key exercise is (I know you are an expert in that!) but I still am lacking there. Did you notice changes in breast size just from using the progesterone cream to get your body into balance? I have a lot of quesions - sorry! But it would be helpful to have answers from someone who has gone through it. I have shrunk since stopping NBE. I suppose it is something I can deal with, but I think had I never started, I wouldn't be this small. So that is sort of disappointing. I also plan to get that book you mention in your program page; apparently it is a good book for women of all ages with hormone imbalances. Well, thank you in advance - I know I asked a lot of questions. If you could answer some I would be appreciative. Anyone else who can chime in, feel free as well!
Sophie
waxingmoon
(Login waxingmoon)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 2 2007, 6:50 PM
Hi Sophie,
I don't mind answering your questions at all. I hope I can help.
You have been instructed to apply your PC to fatty areas. The advice I received indicated I should avoid using fatty areas and place the cream on thin skinned areas. This was to enhance absorption and reduce the storage of PC in fat tissue. I also know that some are advised to use fat areas - the idea being it restore the body's progesterone stores and provide a slower release of progesterone. Both ways sound logical, but I stuck with the teachings of Dr. John Lee and used thin skinned areas.
I only applied the cream to my breast to resolve a fibrocystic area. It worked for this -but I did not apply it every day, just every third day I was using the cream.
I started off using 40 - 60 mg of progesterone per day. Dosages vary based on the total amount in your cream, but you are probably using about 40 mg total with your two doses. This should help you resolve your estrogen dominance. I assume you are using it during days 12 - 28 of your cycle.
As far as progesterone and stretch marks... The initial application of progesterone will activate dormant estrogen receptors - so things that are worsened by estrogen may have a temporary increase. I noticed my estrogen dominance symptoms were heightened during the first 3 months of use because of this. They did resolve as I kept using the cream and now I have virtually none of the symptoms I had before.
It is likely if your stretch marks are exacerbated by estrogen they will begin to fade with the continued use of progesterone. If your stretch marks are from some other reason then the progesterone may have no effect on them. I noticed a marked improvement in my skin overall with the continued use of PC.
Anxiety symptoms were one of the things the PC resolved for me. It was an immediate effect and if I have anxiety now I apply the PC and it resolves within a few minutes (this is usually a night time phenomenon for me).
Your diet is extremely important. In order for the PC to work the best for you the diet should have a high amount of protein (so that your body will have the building blocks for creating the hormones you need). It is not unusual to have trouble sticking to a new eating regime. No-one ever has an easy time with this kind of change. The best thing to do is to focus on one aspect of the diet at a time. Cut down on things at first instead of eliminating them completely. Add in the items that are recommended one at a time until you are eating them every day. Take a day off the diet once a week. This will help you feel less deprived of the old foods you love.
Exercise is the fountain of youth. It will do more to resolve your stress and anxiety than anything else in the world. It is also hard to stick to an exercise plan at first. Don't try to do more than an hour of exercise a day at first- 20 minutes is a great amount. Stick to simple things at first. Take an exercise class at least once a week. -Always choose a beginner level and realize some teachers are really horrible at their job. If you do not like the experience then find another class. Get a friend to go with you. Take a walk. The choices are endless.
As far as breast size and PC. Yes, I did notice an increase. It was almost immediate and quite a surprise to me. My breast growth continues today and is mostly because of the use of PC to balance my hormones, along with high protein intake.
Do get Dr John Lee's book. It will help you a lot and give you answers to things you didn't even know you needed to know.
Best wishes to you in your journey to improved health,
waxingmoon
Heloise
(no login)
more ideas... GABA Green tea and Brahmi...
December 3 2007, 10:02 AM
I've come across interesting articles about the effect of gamma amino buteric acid GABA (or lack of) on increasing anxiety during PMS and jsut generally. I've been taking Brahmi and Gingko for anxiety and improved concentration, and have just ordered some GABA (a particular amino acid - see below). Also started drinking Green Tea because Green Tea contains L-Theanine and this in turn increases the level of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) which relaxes and may provide relief from anxiety. If the caffeine in Green Tea bothers you it is possible to order L-Theanine separately.
I'm sorry I don't have time to collate the materials I've recently come across but the following info seems like it might be of interest in this discussion... There are plenty of other articles out there if you tap in the keywords GABA PMS and Green Tea. (Happily too GABA can be plant derived & also increases human growth hormone in the body so has the side-effect of developing a leaner body mass if one is overweight.)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s11123.htm
"Well what happens, in premenstrual syndrome, is that a hormone called progesterone is elevated in the second half of the menstrual cycle, and then it drops to very low levels right before the premenstrual period. It's also elevated during pregnancy and drops right at childbirth as well.
But it's not progesterone that's the problem here, it's actually a metabolate of progesterone. Progesterone is converted into another hormone called alopregnanolone and this hormone is really interesting. It acts a lot like a sedative, like valium or even alcohol for instance, in that it can make you feel relaxed, it reduces anxiety, it reduces seizures, and it acts in the brain like these other drugs actually, to increase the effectiveness of a transmitter, a chemical in the brain called GABA."
Hope the above was interesting.
Cheers
Heloise
sophie
(Login sophie9)
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 5 2007, 12:04 AM
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions, Waxingmoon!
Just one more...I promise: as long as the cream is absorbed into your body, does it really matter where you apply it? I was told to apply at specific times - 8am and 6pm - and use one area for the morning and different area for evening. So because I have been afraid of making my stretchmarks worse, I have abstained from applying the cream there. So the point is that the progesterone is absorbed right? Do you attribute your growth to using the cream on your breasts or just using the cream in general?
I also have noticed immediate results - wow! I mean...it truly is amazing. It isn't just a relief from anxiety, but more of a relief from "nerves." I don't know exactly how to describe it. I have been experiencing a sort of "wired" feeling as well; is that due the waking up of estrogen receptors? Okay, that is question #2 I suppose, but did you experience that as well, and do you think that is what the reaction is? I simultaneously feel relief AND a wired hormonal feeling...sort of strange.
Okay...question #3 - was the change you noticed in your skin an all-over skin improvement or a was it changes in your facial skin? I feel like my stretchmarks may look slightly more pronounced and I am wondering if maybe it is due to the estrogen receptors. Any stretchmarks I have I got when I was before age 21 and from what I've been told, they are related to taking the pill - probably also already being estrogen dominant and taking the pill, so my skin thinned. Do you happen to know what progesterone alone does for the skin? I'm hoping by raising my progesterone levels my skin will be stronger. The whole age acceleration thing I find sort of scary since I take really good care of my skin.
And yes, you are so right about exercise being the fountain of youth! My grandma has exercised her entire life, is 75 and she has men pursuing her who are old enough to be her son! She eats healthy, walks, rides a bike, and has the same exercise routine to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album that she did when the album came out (I remember doing it with her as a kid!) She has fun, her friends are my mother's age, and she enjoys her life. I think taking that time to make that mind-body connection everyday helps you understand where you fit in the grand scheme of life and makes living a happier experience. I have a hard time being an "optimist," and it probably has to do with the work I do. I work, work, work, and my life lacks balance. So your emphasis on laughter, or whatever it is that makes you happy, I think is so important. My naturopath said everytime we do something for ourselves and are happy we help balance our hormones. Playing music for me is a big stress-reliever. None of it works without stress reduction, and I am doing the diet in small steps. I think your positivity really helps everyone on here. Exercise definately gets your endorphins moving. I've realized lately that if I don't balance my life with other things besides my work, I just cannot be happy...or healthy! So I'm working on it and I'm hopeful. I'm definately getting that book. The one thing I've noticed, and if you wouldn't mind answering question #4, I have noticed I feel sort of stomach cramping similar to menstrual cramps. It is bloating I suppose. Did you experience this? Do you know why it happens? Okay...that was 5 questions - sorry! I will get that book, and I'm sure it will answer many of my questions; it is just nice to hear from someone who has gone through it. Sorry for being so long-winded!
sophie
...and thanks Heloise for your response as well. I drink decaffinated green tea. People with anxiety are always told they should drink caffiene, but from what I understand the effects of caffiene on anxiety are a little more complicated than caffiene causing anxiety. I can drink caffiene in small amounts. I try to stay away from coffee, but I do like green tea and it does help keep me going without making me anxious. Since I take an anti-anxiety prescription, I don't try natural methods just yet. I have in the past done some homeopathic stuff. It does help, and does tend to help balance hormones. I know taking Xanax right now is more of a bandage than a solution, but I'm working with what I have. Hopefully in the not to far-away future I will talk to my naturopath about natural ways to help residual anxiety. Thanks for the replies!
waxingmoon
(Login waxingmoon)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: Waxingmoon- Question about Progesterone Cream, Estrogen Dominance, Stretch Marks, and NBE?
December 5 2007, 7:44 PM
Hi Sophie,
I broke the following down into any questions you asked in order to make sure I answered them all. Don't worry about asking a lot of questions. I will be glad to answer anything I can.
Question : as long as the cream is absorbed into your body, does it really matter where you apply it?
Yes. If you place it in areas with high fat content, some of the progesterone will be stored in the fat and some will go into circulation. If you place it in areas with low fat content and high blood supply, the progesterone will enter circulation without being stored in body fat. So yes, both ways will be absorbed, but there will be a slight difference. You do need to rotate the areas where you apply the cream in order to enhance absorption. The reason for the specific times is also to maximize absorption and keep your body with a more constant level.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : So the point is that the progesterone is absorbed right?
Yes. Even though there is some difference in how it is absorbed, both methods (fat areas versus non fat areas) are endorsed by doctors - so depending on what your doctor was trying to achieve with your progesterone you have been advised to use it a certain way. Ultimately - both ways work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question
o you attribute your growth to using the cream on your breasts or just using the cream in general?Just using the cream in general. I grew before I ever applied the cream to my breasts. I only used the cream on my breast to resolve a fibrocystic lump. I don't think it is necessary to apply the cream to the breasts. I don't think applying progesterone to the breasts will enhance any NBE effect. It is the progesterone in circulation being used by the body for various hormones that causes any NBE in this regard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : I have been experiencing a sort of "wired" feeling as well; is that due the waking up of estrogen receptors?
Maybe so. Progesterone itself would cause relief from anxiety - the initial heightened estrogen response from the increased receptors could cause the symptoms you are reporting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : - was the change you noticed in your skin an all-over skin improvement or a was it changes in your facial skin? I feel like my stretchmarks may look slightly more pronounced and I am wondering if maybe it is due to the estrogen receptors.
I noticed an over-all improvement, but there was definitely an improvement to facial skin. Any breakouts I had been having were completely eliminated. Also, I had been experiencing skin issues as a result of hypothyroid symptoms brought on by the estrogen dominance (dry, flaky - puffy eyes). This was also resolved with the progesterone. As far as your stretch marks looking pronounced, it may indeed be a response to the estrogen receptors and also there could be more luteal swelling due to this estrogen response.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question : I have noticed I feel sort of stomach cramping similar to menstrual cramps. It is bloating I suppose. Did you experience this? Do you know why it happens?
It's probably that mean old estrogen again. You may initially experience a worse PMS during your first month or two of use due to the increase in estrogen receptors. This could mean more water weight gain, bloating and cramps. Have no fear though. If you use the progesterone for long enough it will all be resolved.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work.
waxingmoon