Using Natural Progesterone Cream

Updated on June 04, 2011
H.J. asks from Fairchild AFB, WA
6 answers

I was wondering if anyone knows much about progesterone cream. Over a year ago my husband I started trying for another baby but its 14 months later and Im still not pregnant. I got tests done showing that its because my progesterone was too low. So instead of going the progesterone and clomid route I chose to do accupuncture and natural progesterone which had started to regulate my menstraul cycle ( I havent had a cycle since right after my daughter's birth). I had gone several months with a menstraul cycle but no ovulation because I was using the progesterone on day 7 through day 28 of the cycle to regulate the periods first. Anyway, 2 weeks ago I had an accupuncture appointment that finally made me ovulate. But 14 days later im not prego and I have no menstraul period in sight. This is both very confusing and very frustrating because I only have 30 days to ttc before my husband deploys again. My first question is, is there anyway I could still ovulate without having a period this month?
2nd question is, I missed a few days of progesterone here and there through this cycle. Would that throw off my menstraul cycle?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thats for all the advice and answers! I was taking the progesterone cream 7 days into the cycle because I wasnt having any periods at all so starting it 7 days in helped regulate them. Then after a few months of that my doctor had me go to 14 days into the cycle. THankfully my menstrual cycle finally came today. It was late but im so happy its here :)

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Ovulation precedes a normal menstrual period. That being said, a person can have light or heavy bleeding and it NOT prove to be an indication that they ovulated. The bleeding can be just random shedding of the uterine lining from hormone fluctuation. Ovulation could occur (or could have already occurred) this cycle, but, just not on the 14th-16th day as expected. By using the progesterone before proof of ovulation, it is likely acting as a contraception in preventing ovulation each month as you said. If you are trying to conceive, why would you want to prevent ovulation by using progesterone? Progesterone's function is to support a pregnancy by increasing the blood vessel and tissue formation in the womb. Natural progesterone used inconsistently is not a good idea either because it causes the progesterone levels to rise and fall randomly. This could effect implantation if conception did occur and could be to blame for your period being late. You really need to be under a professional's care in order to give yourself the best chance at conception. Achieving pregnancy is not an exact science. Even if you time sex and ovulation perfectly, you still only have a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month. Please get a copy of the book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler to learn more about this subject. Nurse Midwife Mom

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I use natural progesterone cream. I start taking it each month 2 weeks before my period begins. I think you are starting it too early. That would make it work like birth control pills (low dose ones are progesterone). And, if you miss a few days, it will effect your cycle. You have to be consistent. I use mine in the morning after my shower. Change where you apply it daily: back of knees, inside elbows, bottom of feet. And make sure you are measuring the amount you use as the dosage is important.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have been taking bio-pro for 4 1/2 yrs since my daughter was born. I had horrible cramping my first trimester as I wasn't making enough P to sustain a pregnancy. It's pretty amazing that I got pregnant in the first place as I had stable periods but did not know that my P was that low (5 weeks prego and my number was 7 instead of 25!). You may not be getting pregnant due to the stress that you are ttc on such a schedule. Remember, the body needs to know that it is safe to get pregnant or it's usually not going to. Your cortisol levels are going to mess with your P from the stress and worry. Generally you take P only in the last 2 weeks of your cycle right when you ovulate.

As for the ovulating without a period, sorry, that I don't know. As for missing a few days, it probably depended on how close together. Generally P only lasts about 12 hrs or so in your body and that's why you have to keep doing it. It does eventually build up some, but you sound fairly new with it. Check out Dr. John Lee's book What Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Menopause. He was the 1st doctor to bring up bio-identical Progesterone and other hormones as well. It's a great book that I am reading now.

BTW, if your P is so low you can't get prego, you are going to have stay on the P once pregnant until the 2nd trimester when the placenta makes enough. Obviously your ovaries are not making enough like mine weren't. I didn't know about the natural P when I got pregnant so I used a prescription suppository for weeks 6-15 everyday and when I tried to stop one time for 3 days (they are very expensive), my cramping came back full force.

What brand of P are you using? Are you sure that you are getting at least 20 mg of P in every 1/4 tsp if a cream or 200 mg orally? Are you using it once or twice a day? Are you breaking up your doses? Just read that book...it's a fairly small book and really easy to jump to what you need after skimming some of it.

I wish you the best!

H.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Yep it sure would.

Typically if you're taking any sort of progesterone, it is the withdrawal from the progesterone that triggers the period. Progesterone prepares the body for a pregnancy (pro-gestation) but when the levels drop off, the brain is told that a pregnancy does not exist and then the lining of the uterus sheds. If you're not ovulating, chances are you are having an estrogen problem as well. Estrogen stimulates and nourishes a primary follicle into becoming an ovum. You may also have an hcg problem. Hcg is the 'trigger' that releases the egg from the ovary.

Some people may take the progesterone supplement to have a withdrawal bleed in order to 'reset' the hormonal system that regulates your period. Of course, never make this decision without the guidance of your physician. It is possible that you could get pregnant but if you're not ovulating naturally then your chances could be exceptionally low.

I highly suggest you read Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility to learn more about your cycle and try to figure out what's going on. Perhaps give temperature and cervical mucus charting a shot. If you've not been to a reproductive endocrinologist, you may wish to try that as well.

You probably are not going to ovulate naturally this month if you've already ovulated but not had your period (which resets the thyroid stimulating hormone to produce the right hormones, the follicle stimulating hormone that encourages follicular growth, and estrogen which also assists with the ovum). Typically you would need to have your period and start over with a new cycle. But...stranger things have happened!

Best wishes to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Seattle on

Have you been tested for PCOS or anything like that? Trying for over a year is an indication that it's time to talk to a Dr. Good luck

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

Pregnancy is on its own cycle. A soul that wants to come to you has to be born at the right time to do its mission on earth. Astrologically the signs have to be right to create the impetus for it to be able to have a fulfilling life.
You will become pregnant when the soul needs to be born.
Progesterone is in yams. Eat them often.
Progesterone cream takes time to work. Have patience. God willing if you don't conceive before he goes he will come home safe and sound able to make children.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions