can we talk about progesterone cream?

[eastkygal]

My NP (natural minded) has suggested an over the counter progesterone cream to try to help remedy recurring headaches that leave me completely unable to function.  They come in the 2 weeks prior to the beginning of my period.  If it weren't for the prescription pain relievers I have right now, I would not be able to endure this.  I am not a medicine taker, and I hate to add hormones to my body when I already am reliant on Armour Thyroid for hypothyroid.  Not to mention the cream is $50 or so a tube.  However, if I don't do something, I know I'm going to end up in the ER over this.  I can definitely say it is the worst pain I have ever felt.  I don't have a regular midwife that I see, and I am wondering if I should find one before supplementing any more hormones.  I do think in general this approach would be much better than the meds I currently have.  I had to take progesterone to conceive DD1 and Clomid to conceive DD2, but that was before getting regular periods after going on my thyroid medicine.  Before I'd have a period once every 4-6 months.  Now, they are very regular, but with horrible PMS including these headaches.  Has anyone used progesterone for this reason?  Did it work for you? 

[Naturopath Mom]

I cannot comment on personal use, but I believe that homeopathy has some very specific remedies for hormonal issues, however this is not my specialty. Headaches can come from so many different angles and be caused by many things. Are you sure it is from the hormones? If so the progesterone cream might be worth it, but you can also try to focus on eliminating estrogens in your lifestyle (meats, plastics, pesticides, etc). I would do some liver cleansing (associated with PMS) and start taking a thyroid supplement that contained seaweed derived iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and maybe a few others. I'm guessing you are stressed as well, that your adrenals are taxed? If so, b vitamins would be called for.

Hope you start feeling better soon!

[Panserbjorne]

Yes, homeopathy can be immensely helpful-even used acutely.  You don't need to go for a full constitutional work up.  It may be worth trying a combination remedy to see if you get relief that way.  UNDA has one that is supportive of the liver and it's amazing for headaches when it's indicated. 

Flower essences can also be used to balance hormones, so that's another avenue.  Getting a personalized blend would be best, but again there are combinations out there which may be helpful.  IN the Australian Range there is a combination that can do a magnificent job for hormone related issues in women.

Beyond that as the PP suggested there are things you could do dietarily that could help.  I would also seriously consider some structural work which can make a world of difference.

[staceyshoe]

Have you done any hormone testing?  OTC progesterone cream is very very low dose.  If your hormones are very out of balance, it may not be enough for you.  (For example, my SIL needed the equivalent of a 30-day dose every day for her blood tests to be in normal range.  BTW, she used Rx Prometrium or compounded progesterone for this.)  Compounded bio-identical hormones can be fairly cost-effective actually and may be less than the OTC cream.  Another thought is acupuncture which can be very good in treating hormone problems.

[eastkygal]

I haven't other than checking on my thyroid every 3 months or so. :(  Thyroid is good though.  Now, I'm 7 days late for my period and it has been regular for almost 2 years.  Gradually the last 3 months it has been getting later and later, and the PMS worse and worse.  The two worst things are mood swings and severe headaches.  The headaches alone are more than I can continue to deal with.  It feels like something is horribly wrong in there CT scan showed nothing, so my Family Dr. prescribed pills for a tension headache.  :(  I don't like taking them.  I don't have insurance, but it is probably to the point where I should get those lady hormones straightened out.