Low progesterone....how can I balance my hormones?

[mykdsmomy]

I searched through threads before I posted this because I feel like I'm always starting new threads

Anyway, I have a bazillion things going on with my body at any given time. I'm working on improving my diet (slowly but steadily). I know I have low progesterone because I was tested for this a few years ago when we were TTC'ing (I'm still dealing with infertility but I don't think it's entirely progesterone related). My periods have always always been horrible. Very heavy, cramps that would take down an elephant, etc. Lately, I've started spotting 3-5 days before my period...(also sometimes after DH and I know each other in the "biblical" sense ). I'm still pretty much on time every month but the spotting and cramping several days before my period, plus heavier and more painful periods makes me wonder if there's something I can do to even out my hormones?
I don't eat/drink soy. My thyroid is pretty much under control (medication).
Is Vitex a good option for hormone balance? I need to lose some weight too
Ideas? Thanks

[KMK_Mama]

I have similar problems and I am on progesterone cream (prescription) and a supplement for my high estrogen called DIM. I spot for about a week before my period....making my period a good 2 weeks long.

[mykdsmomy]

Thanks for responding I have thought about the progesterone cream for my luteal phase but I wasn't sure if I should try it or see if there was something I could take that would balance my hormones more naturally.

I agree that the two week period stinks!!! So sorry you are dealing with this too

[subtlycrunchy]

Read up on hormonal balance at Women to Women -- they are the experts! Here's their hormonal profile quiz (free): hormonal health profile

[dbsam]

I'm not familiar with Vitex, but I recently started taking a plant based oral progesterone supplement (Bezwecken Progon B). Prior to supplementing I took a thirty day hormone test (periodic daily saliva samples). Based upon my results I know which days of my cycle my progesterone tends to dip really low. If I am seeing symptoms at this time I take the supplements. I like the fact that I am only taking the Progon when needed; not every day.

I have always been a hormonal mess and didn't start having periods until my 40's after having my children. I was prescribed Provera for over twenty years because of PCOS but often didn't take the Provera because I hated how it made me feel. These wild yam based pills have really made a positive difference in how I feel.

[kiwiva]

I started taking Vitex a few months ago at the suggestion of my acupuncturist. I only take it after ovulation. It made a big difference in my period. I've always had horrible ones, but last month I felt nothing at all, literally nothing. It's been helpful for midcycle bloating, water retention, etc.

I'm sure my progesterone is low, that's why I started it. I read the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell you About Premenopause (which is the many years before menopause according to this doc). It seems like a lot of the symptoms of hypothyroid are the same as with low progesterone. I'm also hypo and though my levels are fine, I have a lot of symptoms.

So, I'm not balanced and thin but vitex has been helpful so far.

[WantRice]

I've been working for 3 years to get off all the painkillers I needed every month when I got my period. I was alternating 2-3 Extra Strength Advil and 2 Extra Strength Tylenol every 2 hours for up to 3 days! I shudder to think about it. I am happy to say that this month I took one Extra Strength in total. Just one!!

I tried many things over the years and improved greatly, but came to a bit of a stand still about 3 months ago where I was taking about 3 to 5 Extra Strength Advil and couldn't seem to improve things beyond that. That's when I read about Vitex and its hormone balancing properties. I started taking it daily and each month has been better than the last. I've read about some people having dramatic mood swings and other undesirable side effects from Vitex, but I haven't experienced any of that. It sound like it might be worth a try for you. Good luck!