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Progesterone
Cream
Progesterone is a
hormone produced after a woman has ovulated. It is also know as the
warm hormone and is what causes the rise in basal body temperature.
One of the tests a doctor will run to determine if a woman has
indeed ovulated is a cycle day 21 test to measure the level of
progesterone. The understanding, of course, is that “normally” a
woman is then 7 days post ovulation--this, of course isn’t the norm
and each woman is unique and different in when she actually
ovulates.
When you have low progesterone, it can be detected by a blood test
after ovulation or by charting your fertility signs. If you chart
(see my articles on Charting Basics to learn how to effectively
chart), you can tell if you have low progesterone if your basal body
temperature stays at or below the coverline. Another sign of low
progesterone is if the luteal phase (the time from ovulation to
menstruation) is less than 10 days.
There are several things you can do to boost the progesterone level.
One is to go to the doctor and get a prescription for progesterone
and/or a prescription for a fertility drug like Clomid. The other
three are to take vitamin B6 and/or vitex- which helps to regulate
hormone levels and/or to use progesterone cream. Progesterone creams
can be purchased over the counter from health food stores.
Progesterone cream is usually marketed toward the menopausal woman,
but it can have great benefits for the younger woman. The only
difference is how often you use it.
Usually a good progesterone cream should be used after ovulation has
been established - at 1 or 2 days post ovulation till either
menstruation happens or in the tenth week of pregnancy. This is
because if you have a low progesterone problem, then by the tenth
week of pregnancy, the placenta has taken over the corpus luteum in
the production of progesterone. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon twice a
day--applied to the neck, chest, belly, thighs, inner arms, face and
hands--changing locations at least every 3 days. This is because the
progesterone cream tends to build up on the skin, causing it to be
tough. I used it twice a day and changed locations each time. I
didn’t put it on my face and hands because I wear make-up and I
would rub the remainder into my hands each time I used it. I did
notice at first that when I used it on my chest, I would have hot
flashes there. It was just a reaction that didn’t harm me and
eventually went away.
While some people are skeptical about progesterone cream actually
helping, one thing I’m fairly certain of is that it can’t hurt. And
it did indeed help me. With two chemical pregnancies, I wanted to be
sure I was doing all I could to prevent them. I began using
progesterone cream in September and my luteal phase went from 13 to
15 days that very month. And 5 months later I conceived. So, whether
or not it truly works, I don’t know, but I’m a believer!
A word of caution--I do not personally recommend taking supplements
with wild yam in it unless you know it has been properly processed.
In my research on progesterone creams, I have found that the
progesterone produced in wild yams does not get used by the body
unless it is processed a certain way. Look for a cream with natural
progesterone in it. If the wild yams have been processed to make a
"natural progesterone" or a "progesterone USP" these are good.
Whether or not you think progesterone cream is right for you,
research it for yourself. Like I said before, opinions vary widely
on this subject and I’m merely offering my experience and opinion.
As always, it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor or
practitioner before using or taking any new health product.
Lori Ramsey of
Stages in Pregnancy
© by Lori Ramsey
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