Community Chat

[Sue98]

Does anyone use it?  If so, what has it done for you?  Is it available OTC?  Thanks!

[2blonde]

I don't use it myself (take a pill instead), but I know you need a prescription and I think you have to go to a compounding pharmacy to get it filled.

[tends2dogs]

@Sue98  You can buy a low dose Progesterone cream at health food stores and online.  A stronger cream would require a RX from a doctor that would be filled through a compounding pharmacy.  I have used both.  It was useful for me for many years.  I stopped when it began converting to estrogen and gave me unwanted symptoms. 

[tends2dogs]

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@Sue98wrote:

Does anyone use it?  If so, what has it done for you?  Is it available OTC?  Thanks!

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@Sue98  What it did for me?  It helps to balance your estrogen levels.  It helps with mood, PMS like symptoms (even in menopause).  Too much estrogen without progesterone is dangerous for your body.

I was told that progesterone is a bit like valium.  It is calming.

[redwingsgal]

I use both a pill and the cream, which is compounded for me.  I had a total hysto three years ago and have been on it since.  Without both of the hormones (pills do contain some testosterone), I was having horrible panic attacks.  After 40+ yrs on oral contraception, the lack of hormone threw my body in chaos.  Once we managed the hormones, things have been much better.

[Laura14]

I used an OTC cream for a bit when I was getting very out of control with anger.  It did work for me and calmed me down almost immediately.  Helped me catch my breath and reset.  Thumbs up from me

[2blonde]

Let me add that I've been on Estradiol and progesterone pills ever since menopause.  My observation with the progesterone is that about 40-45 minutes after taking it, I get very sleepy.  With this in mind, my routine has been to take both pills about 40 minutes before I want to retire for the evening.  This works like a charm!  When I was going through the change before I started the HRT, I was awake all night......couldn't fall asleep for hours, but still had to get up for work in the a.m.  I truly believe the lack of sleep is the biggest part of women's mood swings during menopause......they are just tired!

[Nightowlz]

I started using Emerita Pro-Gest OTC until my dr gave me a script to have it compounded. After she retired I started using Emerita since I did not have to deal with a doctor & none seem to be able to help either. I used about 1/4 tsp once per day.

I had about all the symptoms of estrogen dominance. I think I would have gone crazy without it. I was an emotional roller coaster. Tears would start out of no place for no reason, anger, mood swings. irritability, hot flashes, night sweats etc. I was not the same person.

I used it for years & stopped about 3 different times when I was using it. I also used it 25 days on, 5 days off for a break. I read online your receptor cells need that break. I rubbed it in different places on my body like wrists, inner thighs, inner arms, upper chest or places with thinner skin so any one area does not get saturated.

I'm no longer using it. I started using Andrew Lessman's Womens Wellness or Ultimate Womens Wellness which has really helped me.

[Sue98]

Can you tell me which OTC cream you used?  Thanks!

[Laura14]

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@Sue98wrote:

Can you tell me which OTC cream you used?  Thanks!

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@Sue98  If you are asking me, I used Emerita Pro-Gest cream.  You can get it from Walmart or Amazon for about $25-$30 for 4 oz. 

There may be a smaller size if I am remembering right if you just want to try it.  I researched and it can't hurt you.  It can only make you really tired if you overdo it. 

Just a small dime size amount to rub into your wrists or leg or other parts of your body every day and you stop if you still have your cycle during that time.

Fair warning:  your first cycle after using it could be extremely painful.  I never get cramps and I was in need of pain relief the first time.  Never again after that so don't let it scare you.  Progesterone is what starts the contractions of the uterus during that time and I must have not come off fast enough so it really kicked in for a few hours. 

Good luck if you try it.