Progesterone is a very helpful ally. Yet, many women with signs of hormone imbalance have chronically low progesterone, without realizing this is undermining their health. Could you be one of them?
Levels of this important hormone peak in the second half of a woman’s cycle after ovulation (the reason for progesterone’s name, which literally means “promoting gestation”). If you enjoy natural hormone balance, then estrogen and progesterone work a little like yin and yang in your body. But hormonal imbalance in women is such a common modern world problem, that many women are getting by on the minimal amount of progesterone. And because of this, they are struggling emotionally and physically.
Low Progesterone Symptoms as a Hormonal Imbalance in Women
When progesterone drops too low you can experience a range of unpleasant symptoms of hormone imbalance. These may include:
Estrogen Dominance (ED)
This is one of the main causes of low progesterone. Here is an analogy that will help you understand the relationship between estrogen and progesterone: Estrogen is what makes the grass grow and progesterone is like the mower that cuts the grass.
When estrogen is way too high (making the grass high), and progesterone is too low (cutting off the grass), the lawn goes out of control – this is how a condition like estrogen dominance develops.
Symptoms of ED include cellulite, breast or ovarian fibroids, varicose veins, weight gain around your hips, and issues like painful periods, bloating and mood swings.
When estrogen dominates there is also a strong breast cancer risk, so it’s important to protect yourself if you suspect you have low progesterone. It’s not surprising then, that research from the University of Adelaide in Australia has confirmed that progesterone may be beneficial in treating breast cancer (1).
Fertility or menstrual problems
Estrogen grows the lining of your uterus to prepare it for conception (remember that grass analogy above?). But progesterone also has an important role – to ensure that the lining remains there for roughly 14 days after ovulation (the luteal phase) in case you become pregnant. If you conceive, progesterone rises. If not, progesterone levels drop again causing the shedding of the uterine lining which we know as menstruation.
However, when progesterone is chronically low, this process malfunctions and the progesterone peak may not occur. Then you may have irregular or very heavy periods or trouble conceiving. You may also experience pre-menstrual migraines and more intense symptoms of PMS.
High anxiety and low mood
Progesterone has both antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) actions, courtesy of its metabolites – 5α- and 5β-allopregnanolone. These help to increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter which has calming affects on the brain.
Insomnia
Low progesterone levels have been linked to poor sleep, especially problems in falling asleep.
Weight gain and cellulite
If you’re low on progesterone, your body won’t burn fat stores for energy. In addition, you lose progesterone’s anti-catabolic benefits, which help to protect your muscle tissue, particularly when you’ve had a rough week.
Your body will not burn fat. Instead, you will pull glucose into your bloodstream, which often means your body starts breaking down your muscle tissue to provide this quick source of energy. This can, in turn, lead to the production of cellulite.
Fluid retention
Progesterone is a natural diuretic – it prevents your cells from taking up excess sodium and water, so it can help reduce fluid retention. When it drops too low women complain that they retain fluid during the day (particularly in the legs, ankles, and tummy), find their rings feel too tight for their fingers, look puffy in the face, and often have swollen heavy (and often sore) breasts.
Brain fog
Brain functions benefit from progesterone. It is also is involved in the production of the myelin sheath, which protects your nerve cells. It is so important to brain health that research from Emory University indicates benefits from giving progesterone to help people recover from traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Sagging skin
Skin stays supple when there is enough progesterone, which helps to stimulate the production of collagen.
Thyroid issues
As I mentioned, low progesterone leads to estrogen dominance, which can interfere with the conversion of the inactive T4 thyroid hormone to the active T3 thyroid hormone.
Bone problems
Progesterone affects new bone formation by stimulating special bone-building cells called osteoblasts.
More intense hot flashes and night sweats
Progesterone may be a secret weapon in helping to treat frustrating common signs of peri-menopause and menopause, shows recent research from the University of British Columbia (2).
Progesterone Production
Progesterone is produced mainly in the corpus luteum and the ovaries but small amounts are also made in your adrenal glands. It is involved in the following important cascade, which is critical to female hormone balance:
- Your body uses cholesterol to make pregnenolone, which is often called the “mother of all hormones.”
- Pregnenolone is then converted into progesterone.
- Pregnenolone is also the precursor hormone for estrogen and testosterone.
Stress is the Major Progesterone Robber
Doing everything at warp speed is a major downside of modern living. You race the clock and feel you never have enough hours in your day. Often you feel you can’t cope because you have no control over your life.
Don’t underestimate the fallout.
Progesterone is a big casualty of stress. Every time you’re anxious or wound up due to that traffic jam, huge in-tray, an argument with your partner, or car repair bill, your body responds as though your life is in danger. Hello, adrenaline and cortisol.
These fight or flight hormones have enormous impacts and lead to chronic symptoms of hormone imbalance. This happens because your body thinks you’re in an unsafe environment and drops progesterone levels to ensure the lining of your uterus is not-conception friendly. This makes sense, given that your brain signals are saying your life is under threat.
As a result, you may develop Luteal Phase Insufficiency.
Here’s why: each month when an egg is released causing you to ovulate, it leaves behind a crater on the surface of your ovaries. This is called a corpus luteum and it’s like a little pop-up factory where most of your progesterone is made. When you ovulate, your body produces around 25mg of progesterone daily all through the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle (3).
Or, it should produce this amount. But I constantly see a hormonal imbalance in women that leads them to have a progesterone deficiency. I have an entire guide on how to naturally boost your progesterone levels using the seed rotation method.
Estrogen Dominance + Luteal Phase Insufficiency = Progesterone Deficiency.
The end result? Many women fail to reach this progesterone peak in the second half of their menstrual cycle. This means a huge drop in the very hormone that helps promote calm and is important for fertility and a stable menstrual cycle.
How Cortisol (stress) Steals Progesterone: Both these hormones are produced from pregnenolone. When you are in chronic stress, the body will always divert the available pregnenolone to produce higher amounts of cortisol to help you get through stress. This means there might not be enough to produce sufficient levels of progesterone. This is called “pregnenolone steal” and it’s the leading cause of low progesterone problems.
Measuring Low Progesterone
Keeping track of certain changes in your menstrual cycle can help to indicate if you have low progesterone. Telltale signs include:
- Low temperature during the luteal phase (roughly 11 – 14 days from ovulation mid-cycle, to menstruation).
- Spotting for several days before menstruation starts.
- The luteal phase of your cycle (from ovulation to period) is shorter than the follicular phase.
- Persistence in the clear, stretchy, fertile mucus of ovulation during those last few weeks of your cycle – this can be a sign of Estrogen Dominance. If progesterone levels are sufficient, your mucous should change to a tackier, drier consistency in the lead-up to your menstrual period.
- Of course, you can get lab tests. The most accurate is a urine test. I like the DUTCH test but you need to find a practitioner to help you interpret the results. (You can email my team to ask for recommendations). To find a doctor in your area, here is a list of directories for you. Blood is utterly useless when it comes to steroid hormones such as progesterone.
How to Increase Progesterone Naturally
Though no foods contain progesterone, the following micro-nutrients can provide the environment needed to support your body to boost progesterone levels.
Vitamin E
Research shows that vitamin E can help to improve luteal blood flow and raise progesterone levels in some women (4). By following the seed rotation method, vitamin E levels are naturally increased during the luteal phase (the last half of the menstrual cycle).
Sources: Sunflower seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts. In smaller amounts: avocado, red peppers, collard greens, pumpkin, asparagus, butternut squash, broccoli, and mango.
Zinc
This important mineral is not just a must-have for your immunity and skin: zinc also helps the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormones. These tell your ovaries to produce more progesterone. A simple way to increase zinc is through eating sesame seeds. Combine with sunflower seeds for a progesterone boost during the luteal cycle.
Learn more about the seed rotation method with my free guide.
Good sources: Sesame seeds, oysters, shrimp (prawns), beef, lamb, liver, shellfish, red meat, pumpkin and cashew nuts.
Magnesium
This important mineral not only helps to preserve progesterone levels through keeping you calmer, but it also assists the breakdown of the antagonistic estrogen metabolites, reducing estrogen dominance.
Other good sources: Pumpkin seeds, Cashews, leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard, black beans, lentils and other legumes, cacao, mackerel fish and whole grain brown rice.
Fiber
Fiber is essential in good hormonal balance; it helps with bowel movement and the evacuation of metabolized hormones, including the harmful estrogens which antagonize progesterone from doing its work.
Good sources: Flaxseed, quinoa, millet, amaranth, teff, gluten-free oats.
Vitamin C
Research shows that vitamin C can help boost progesterone levels and correct luteal phase issues (5).
Good sources: Camu camu (Peruvian berry), sweet potato, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, papaya and pumpkin. Many other veggies also boost vitamin C too, including broccoli, mustard greens, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and lemons.
Vitamin B6
The B vitamins help combat stress and also help your liver break down estrogen byproducts, reducing estrogen dominance.
Taking vitamin supplements of B6, can also help reduce levels of estrogen while boosting progesterone production (6).
Good sources: Russet potatoes, salmon, tuna, bananas, spinach, walnuts, beef, chicken, sweet potato, beans and prunes.
Good cholesterol
Cholesterol is needed in your body to make pregnenolone, which as I’ve said, is the “mother hormone.” Pregnenolone then goes on to help make progesterone, which is a precursor for other hormones, like testosterone and estrogen.
Good sources: Coconut oil, coconut butter, turkey and red meat, eggs and yogurt (if you can tolerate them), olives and olive oil.
Sulfur
Cruciferous vegetables are a great way to reduce Estrogen Dominance. They are rich in glucosinolates, which activate phase 2 detoxification in the liver, helping to filter estrogen metabolites from your body. This is good news for your hormone balance because it prevents estrogen byproducts circulating for too long, which can raise estrogen levels and cause hormonal havoc.
Other good sources: Broccoli, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
L-Arginine
This amino acid is found in high-protein foods and it helps your body make nitric oxide. In turn the nitric oxide, relaxes your blood vessels so that circulation increases. This then ensures that your corpus luteum and other organs such as your ovaries enjoy improved blood flow to help them produce more progesterone.
Other good sources: Lentils and chickpeas, fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout, turkey, chicken, pork, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and dairy foods (if well tolerated).
Begin your journey to naturally balance your progesterone using our simple and effective seed rotation starter kit.
In this starter kit you will discover:
- How seeds can help painful PMS, irregular cycles, no periods or mid-cycle spotting.
- How to overcome menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mid-belly fat.
- How to mitigate the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause.
- Recipes to add these seeds to your daily diet.
Resources
- New Study Highlights Progesterone Benefit For Breast Cancer, University of Adelaide, 2016.
- Using progesterone for hot flashes shown safe for women’s cardiovascular health, University of British Columbia, 2014.
- Warren, et al. “Uses of progesterone in clinical practice.” International journal of fertility and women’s medicine, 1999.
- Takasaki, Akihisa et al. “Luteal blood flow and luteal function.” Journal of ovarian research, 2009.
- Henmi, et al. “Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum progesterone levels in patients with a luteal phase defect.” Fertility and Sterility, 2003.
-
Abraham, G E. “Nutritional factors in the etiology of the premenstrual tension syndromes.” The Journal of reproductive medicine, 1983.
You still have progesterone even after a hysterectomy but not is the same amounts. The body will find balance if it gets the right nutrients.
Recall that the adrenal glands take over hormone production so reducing all forms that put the body into stress is important to optimise the production of progesterone. Think of stressfrom worry , upset , stress from poor nutrition , too much coffee , medication or injury n pain, rushing and always busy , not enough nature n too much electronics etc
HI Cath,
You are correct about the adrenals. We are hoping you have been able to slow things down and work on the other tricky areas.
Thank you for this article! That’s true. The low levels of progesterone can be due to various reasons. Some of them include menopause, excess stress, ovarian problems, and previous miscarriage, among others. I’ve been taking Prometrium (progesterone) for about 4 months now, & for the most part have no side effects.
Ive got Prometrium online from
* GET365PRG * (Please search on Google, I don’t remember the link). Ive got great results with it. 👍
Prometrium works like its suppose to and keeps my progesterone to where it needs to be. 😀
I think it important to suppplement with zinc glycinate and magnesium glycinate to get the strengths required as well as a colloidal plant mineral liquid
Hello,
I’m 25 years old and have been battling cancer (Hodgkins Lymphoma) for the last 3 years. The treatments never ceases my periods. Last August I had a stem cell transplant and ever since then I have not had a period and from a blood test have gone into menopause. My hormones are very low and it has been a rough year. I’ve been put on a birth control pill – but it seems to not be the best option.
Is it possible to restore my hormones to their proper levels and even consider having a child?
Hi Tanya,
That sounds very challenging. Here is program that would be the one to look into http://www.cookingforbalance.com and this too https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/seed-rotation-and-estrogens-impact-on-the-thyroid/. It has a significant impact on fertility. We cannot make any medical promises…however, hippocrates said “let thy food be thy medicine” and there is healing that happen.
HI Tanya,
Thank you for sharing your story here. I can’t give you a definite answer but eating a diet designed for hormone balance might give you a chance at a healthier life. Magdalena’s cooking for balance program focuses on repairing digestion, restoring the liver and ridding the body of sugar. http://www.cookingforbalance.com I wish you all the best.
Hi Tanya, thank you for sharing your story. This does sound challenging and Magdalena’s Cooking for Balance Program can heal your body and when organ health is restored there is no telling what could happen. I believe that with time and healing food you could balance your gut and hormonal health.
Stop the Birth Control Pill asap!!! Read the book “Beyond the pill” by Dr. Jolene Brighten. BCP are poison! Given in the U.S. like candy
Hi Tanya,
I wish you a really quick recovery.
can you make an appointment with Dr Robert Morse; google him and fix an appointment with his office. at this point you need more than internet information and guidance. you need an expert on nutrition working directly with you.
All the best.
Similar to the seed rotation, would you want to make sure you eat extra of these foods during the last half of your cycle? Or all the time?
Hi Jaime, if you are perimenopausal I would say to eat them as much as possible as progesterone will low more often than not. If you are not at that age then you could focus on eating them more so during the last half of your cycle. Hope that helps clarify.
HI Kelly,
Yes, here is a talk that addresses the question https://youtu.be/YUpQzesYx9E
Hi Leo,
Thank you so much for sharing-wonderful!
Hi Melissa, there are some companies including turmeric in their teas like Rumi or check out Magdalena’s recipe for a turmeric chai latte https://hormonesbalance.com/recipes/breakfast/dairy-free-turmeric-chai-latte/
HI Viki,
I am not sure what you mean by “early” but this method helps in regulating cycles https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/seed-rotation-and-estrogens-impact-on-the-thyroid/.
I’d love to see the article you mentioned but the link doesn’t work!
Kathy, I’m sorry you are having some issues with insomnia. You could look into a couple of things, magnesium supplements and essential oils at bedtime to aid with sleep. Creating a bedtime routine that is consistent also helps.
Hi Amy, post partum time is always tricky as having a new born and then toddler does wear on the adrenals. I would use the foods in the article to try and boost your progesterone naturally. Progesterone is the hormone responsible for holding the pregnancy so if you are not conceiving it could be for other reasons. Give your body time to recover and try not to get too stressed out about it because stress contributes to fertility issues. Please let us know if you have more questions.
Hi Kathy, Are you doing topical cream or taking the progesterone internally?
Hi Viki,
If your periods are coming late then you are ovulating late. To work on ovulation timing requires balance on both estrogen and progesteron and luteinizing hormone. Have you seen this article on seed rotation: https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/seed-rotation-and-estrogens-impact-on-the-thyroid/.
Hi Terry, with a full hysterectomy you may still need support from bio identical hormones and eating foods can help support your hormones too.
Hi Laura,
If you are having a hard time eating healing foods sometimes supplements can be useful for raising levels.
About the time My periods started getting wonky from the beginnings of menopause, I developed chronic diarrhea.. can this be caused from low hormones? Could boosting progesterone possibly help?
Hi Chris,
There are many variables here. It would be good to look at this quiz https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/. It may point you in some areas that need support.
Hi Chris,
Many women get diarrhea when they start their periods due to excess hormones in the system. Getting progesterone and estrogen balanced can ease these symptoms. Try the seed rotation to help with this. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/seed-rotation-and-estrogens-impact-on-the-thyroid/
Where’s my Breast Cancer Survivors? I have a question-
I’m 4 yr survivor- stage 1, estrogen positive HER2 negative-
Let’s talk hormones/menopause……
Did you or are you doing any hormone replacement therapy???
My oncologist is like nope never and a doctor we see in Austin says she’s wrong that it is safe and I would greatly benefit from compounded progesterone-
everything I read is BEYOND confusing ….
if you have low progesterone is there cure for it . and how soon can she get pregnant .
Hi Grace,
The information in the article give you ideas on how to boost it. There is no way we can say how soon anyone would conceive. ~Deanna HB Team
Hi.
I am 63 an suffer from severe hot flashes can find no relief nor can I get my family Dr to help .can u recommend anything
Hi Peggy,
I have asked Magdalena and she said “Hot flashes are often due to low estrogen levels. As much as maca and black cohosh can offer some relief, they often do not address the underlying reasons why our ovaries (or adrenals in the case of someone who lost her ovaries) are struggling with producing adequate amounts of estrogen. Or, why is our body not metabolizing and using whatever estrogen there is, efficiently. This is where food and striving for a balanced body come in. On one hand, we can add foods like flax seed to help boost estrogen levels and the metabolism of estrogen. This can help but if your body is imbalanced, then flax seed alone might not help. This is where restoring the health of the gut, liver and sugar levels play a big role even though most of us do not connect these three body systems to our hormonal balance and symptoms such as the hot flashes. I have seen women’s hot flashes going away by just stopping to eat gluten, drinking too much coffee and stopping sugar/carbohydrate binges. When the body is in a state of a relative balance, wonderful healing can start happening. I hope this gives you a sense of perspective – to add foods like flaxseed while restoring the health of your gut, detoxing your liver and rebalancing your sugar levels.” Here is her workshop on that http://www.cookingforbalance.com
Hi Peggy,
“Hot flashes are often due to low estrogen levels. As much as maca and black cohosh can offer some relief, they often do not address the underlying reasons why our ovaries (or adrenals in the case of someone who lost her ovaries) are struggling with producing adequate amounts of estrogen. Or, why is our body not metabolizing and using whatever estrogen there is, efficiently. This is where food and striving for a balanced body come in. On one hand, we can add foods like flax seed to help boost estrogen levels and the metabolism of estrogen. This can help but if your body is imbalanced, then flax seed alone might not help. This is where restoring the health of the gut, liver and sugar levels play a big role even though most of us do not connect these three body systems to our hormonal balance and symptoms such as the hot flashes. I have seen women’s hot flashes going away by just stopping to eat gluten, drinking too much coffee and stopping sugar/carbohydrate binges. When the body is in a state of a relative balance, wonderful healing can start happening. I hope this gives you a sense of perspective – to add foods like flaxseed while restoring the health of your gut, detoxing your liver and rebalancing your sugar levels.”
Hi,
I have premature ovarian failure (now 35 years old) and have been on bioidentical hormones for 8 years now. I am using estrogen cream everyday (Biest) and for 2 weeks out of every month, I take a 200 mg compounded progesterone troche and my progesterone level is only 2.5! I have tried every imaginable combo of bioidentical progesterones (both oral and troches) and can’t get my level up. I used to have higher progesterone levels and would have a period after taking the progesterone, but now absolutely nothing. Would you think something has changed in adrenal health or gut health for my body to just stop responding to my hormones? It used to work and just doesn’t any longer. Any tips???? Thank you very much.
Hi Addie,
Magdalena says that many times is can have to do with the liver being clogged up. Here is a workshop that is coming out that talks about that http://www.herbsforbalance.com
I like your post & glad to appreciate it..
Hi Susan Stukes,
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts about it 🙂
Dear SUSAN,
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!
Hi! I am 49. I’ve never taken any kind of hormonal birth control my whole life. I’ve always had easy routine periods. I’ve had three healthy children with very easy pregnancies. Suddenly about a year ago I’m experiencing horrible heavy period as with lots of blood clotting and cramping that go on for 2-3 weeks at a time. I may go 1-2 weeks without bleeding and it all starts all over again! I’m also having just about every premenopausal symptom there is! I’ve been trying lots of different herbal remedies that just don’t seem helpful much. Ugh!!! I’m really at whits end here.
Hi Kristie Stewart,
That sounds upsetting. Here are 2 workshops that focus on that (estrogen dominance) there is http://www.cookingforbalance.com and http://www.herbsforbalance.com. You can sign up for each one to learn more about how to relieve symptoms and heal the imbalance.
Hi Kristie,
I know perimenopause can come on with a vengeance. Leaving you feeling at your wits end. The cooking for balance program really helped me get my symptoms under control. Here is a free workshop http://www.cookingforbalance.com We have a new program coming soon Herbs for Balance. That might be interesting to you as well. http://www.herbsforbalance.com
I had what I called “spells” going through puberty, just a little offness and only I new it if I did not tell somebody. Did not have them again until perimenopause. Had them for a few years and then started with full blown nocturnal grand mal seizures. only at night around the time of my cycling. I no longer have periods, have not for many years, but the seizures are getting worse. I know these are hormone related. Any advice other than the above for balancing?
Hi Joyce,
That sounds difficult. It would be good to look into a making an appt. with a functional medicine doctor. Here is a link to help you find one https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/ if you need one. Also, have you been able to view the workshop at http://www.cookingforbalance.com?
HI Joyce,
I’m sorry you are experiencing some health issues. We cannot give medical advice here but hopefully you have a good functional medicine doctor to partner with. You could benefit from the cooking for balance program to get your health back on track. Here is the link to a free workshop. http://www.cookingforbalance.com We wish you well.
I’m having spotting problem for 5 to 6 days everytime before period come. Any recommendations or solution for the imbalance?
Hi Jessy,
Yes, that is frustrating. It would be good for you to look into the seed rotation here https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/how-to-use-seed-rotation-to-rebalance-your-menstrual-cycle/
Hi Jessy,
Here is a great way to get your cycle regulated using seed rotation. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/seed-rotation-and-estrogens-impact-on-the-thyroid/ I hope this helps.
I have prolonged heavy period as well. Try to check your uterus lining! Must be too thick.
Hi Xing Xiao,
Have you seen the workshop at http://www.cookingforbalance.com? It goes further into what one can do to help balance hormones naturally with food. ~Deanna HB Team
Hi everyone,
Has anybody tried Vitex to balance progesterone? Any recommendations on this?
Thanks,
Lesley
Hi Lesley,
Yes, I do use vitex and depending on your levels and how old you are there are a few ways to use it. If you are perimenpausal or menopausal you can use 1 full dropperful of tincture 2 times a day. If you are younger and cycling regularly and have estrogen dominance issues take 1 dropperful 2 times a day from ovulation through day 28. Then get you cycle and do not start again until ovulation. You can use capsules in place of tincture but I like the tincture because you can adjust dosages more easily to find that perfect dose. Hope this helps.
Yes, I take Vitex because it helps my migraines, but it also made me gain 20 pounds. I backed off on the amount to lose the weight but then it isn’t enough to stop migraines. You just have to try it. Start slow like 1/16 teaspoon a day.
Thank you for sharing more on this V ~Deanna HB Team
It’s funny whenever I read the suggestions for this issue it’s like yes, yes, yes. I’m doing all of it and have been for a long time and yet I still have major breast tenderness, insomnia moodiness and migraines starting two weeks before my period.
I am wondering if progesterone bio-identical hormone is then necessary at this point.
I’m losing my mind with this. It’s been years! A Dutch test revealed excess estrogen but progesterone levels were normal atvthst point in my cycle.
Hi Chantal, that does sound challenging. Perhaps also consider taking DIM for estrogen metabolism and perhaps even adding evening primrose oil in a softgel. These may help with those symptoms.
What is DIM?
Di-I dole Mehane… a hormanal “balancer”
If you have breast pain, you have unopposed an estrogen dominance issue even if tests show “normal” level of progesterone. I had the same issues with estrogen dominance breast pain. I read about and tried topical iodine therapy along with prometrrium (bio identical progesterone) prescribed by my gyno….this worked great for all my pms and then peri menopause symptoms. Whenever I have a flare up of breast pain, I generously coat the iodine evenly over breasts and it works within hours! I was amazed it actually worked! Studies show your body will only absorb the amount of iodine it needs so no risk of overdosing on it. I buy the individually wrapped iodine pads and keep some with me at all times. Also I have tried over the counter progesterone creams and only had intolerable side effects. Ask your doctor if you can give Prometrium a try. In fact don’t ask TELL your doc you want to try it and if they won’t find a new gyno who is more up to date!
Also please stay away from all scented lotions and laundry detergents, air fresheners, cleaners etc….The chemicals can can caus estrogen dominance flare ups! I love unscented micellar water wipes to moisturize with. Or an unscented oil in the shower works well for especially dry areas but don’t slater from head to toe…your skin needs to breath. These fragrenced products are proven to cause endocrine disruption and once I cut them all out as much as possible I noticed a HUGE difference.
Good luck to you!
Thank you for sharing part of your journey Dawnstar.
~Deanna HB Team
Hi- I’m 32 and my husband and I have been trying for our first baby- 11 months without luck. I was on birth control for 15 years and since being off, I start spotting a week after ovulation until I get my period which I’m sure is contributing to our issue. My 3rd day hormone check came back normal but I can’t imagine this is normal. I’m assuming I have a progesterone deficiency… thoughts?
Hi Jillian, spotting is sign you have progesterone deficiency and using the suggestions in this article may help. You could also consider using Chasteberry tincture or capsule and take days 14 through 28. Hope that helps!
I have a 16 year old daughter who has horrible PMs… she gets lots of anxiety, sad and cry’s easily, very moody. It’s getting very debilitating for her. Any suggestions would be so much appreciated .
Hi Camille, PMS is very challenging no matter what age. PMS is estrogen dominance issues and boosting progesterone is very helpful for this. You might also consider Magdalena’s Herbs for Balance program that will go into this issue much more in depth. http://www.herbsforbalance.com/join. Think about liver health and metabolizing estrogen better. See this article about the topic. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/what-is-estrogen-dominance-as-a-hormonal-imbalance-in-women/. Hope that helps.
Hi there. My periods stopped 2 years ago. I’m 55, so post menopause. My mom had a stroke so i doubt my Doctor would consider giving me HRT. I look and feel hypothyroid (i’m told hypothyroidism and low progesterone after the menopause can go hand in hand). I’m doing everything right ‘diet wise’ and ‘supplement wise’ to give progesterone a helping hand. Also using Serenity progesterone cream am and pm. That’s stopped the flush’s and the feelings like i’m having a heart attack in the night. But my weight just won’t shift and i ‘still’ look like a hypothyroid person. Do you think i should go to the Doctor asking for a thyroid test or a hormone level test? I mean what comes first, sorting out your thyroid or sorting out your hormones? Thanks, Karoline
Hi Karoline, thank you for sharing your story. Your hormone panel being menopausal won’t be a surprise, low estrogen, low progesterone and testosterone, so you may want to get your thyroid panel done just to check on things. One of things that happens when we get low estrogen is weight gain. No matter what women do the weight just stays in an effort to keep estrogen stored. There are bio identical hormones available that don’t have the same health issues the synthetic one cause and are good support for this time. I don’t think it would hurt to have a thyroid panel done to ease your mind but we just have to support our bodies with herbs and progesterone cream in an effort to balance to things out. Be sure to have testosterone tested too.
Hi, I’m 44 and 3 years ago I went through a terribly stressful time, I lost my 25 year old brother, then lost my dad, whilst also separating from my husband….. I started having terrible mood swings, depression, anxiety and hot flushes and my periods stopped…. the doctor told me according to blood tests I was menopausal !
I have tried everything in the last 3 years, diet, essential oils, supplements and more recently serenity progesterone cream…. sometimes the flushes will go for a few weeks and always come back real bad…. sometimes I’m suidicidal and feel like I could literally kill my children, I just can’t cope with his this imbalance makes me feel most of the time and I’m so close to going to the doctor and resorting to hrt…. I really don’t want to do this as I’m follow a natural lifestyle……. the serenity cream worked on day 2 I felt amazing and all the flushes and moods went but it was only for 2 weeks when they slowly came back again and are now every 30 mins again night and day….. I cannot cope with my children and at my wits end…. please, is there anything I can do ? How do I find out whether it’s oestrogen or progesterone deficiency or both ? I’m also taking phytoestrogen supplements but not sure if I should be ? Thanks for any advice ! X
Hi Jasmin,
Please take the hormone quiz to see what might be going on hormonesbalance.com/quiz If you feel really our of control emotionally it is important to seek the help of a counselor as well as looking at natural ways to balance hormones. You have been through alot emotionally. If you want to try to balance your hormones naturally watch the free workshop here: http://www.cookingforbalance.com I hope this is helpful.
Angela, HB Team
I’m 67 currently taking HRT for the last 10 years, my OB is telling me it is time to go off of them, Estradiol and Progestron because of cancer scare at my age I have had two D& C’s in the last year removing suspecting tissue it was benign but she says my tissue is getting thick on my uterus and it should be thin. Anyway I know that I have to go off HRT but nervous because I had a very deep depression anxiety panic for almost 2 yrs and never went out of my house. I’m currently taking anti depressant 0.5 of Klonopin & mirtazipine at night which has stopped my depression and now back to normal life. My concern with going off HRT is i’m worried it will throw me into a depression or make me feel low and sad, which I can’t bare to have to go back there and feel bad again. I have read many articles about women who go off HRT and they feel depressed and sad no energy. What would be your advice to someone with my condition how I should go about moving on with my need to go off HRT ? Thank You sincerely, Lynn
Lynn,
I’m sorry you are having difficulties with the thought of getting off HRT. I know this may sound new to you but healing your digestive system will help with anxiety and depression. Please watch Magdalena’s free workshop on cooking for balance on how to balance hormones with food. You will learn so much and getting off HRT won’t seem so scary anymore. http://www.cookingforbalance.com
Warmly, Angela, HB Team
Hi,
Just stumbled across your site after googling things for hours. What a godsend.
Im 24, and till about 4 yeas ago I never experienced any PMS symptoms. Then all of a sudden, BAM! I had always had perfect skin, rarely even a blemish, and now like clock work. Right at about 14 days since the end of my last period I begin to get these super painful cystic blemishes that last till the first day of my period. It’s been really hard on my self esteem. Unfortunately, I also now have insane mood swings leading up to my period. Anything can throw me into a intense rage. I also get migraines that are really debilitating. I feel like overnight I gain 20lbs, that only disappears once I get my period. I feel like a completely different person for half the month, every month. I don’t really know what to do. Also once my period does start, it’s extremely heavy with lots of clotting. It stays like that for the duration of my period. I also have extreme exhaustion the first 3 days of my period.
The last few months I feel like I feel like I have put on weight on my hips, even though my weight hasn’t changed.
I’m a vegan and I don’t eat any refined flour or sugar.
Any suggestions you may have will be much appreciate!
Thank you
HI Elle,
I’m sorry you are having some health challenges. I’m glad you found Magdalena. Please watch her free workshops to learn more about how to balance your hormones. http://www.thyroiddetox.com http://www.cookingforbalance.com and http://www.hebsforbalance.
Warmly, Angela HB Team
Thank you so much for the practical information you share. I really appreciate it.
With gratitude
Debbie
Hi,
this id Ms gamzay(35years old)..not married yet…my menstrual cycle has been changed before it was of 30 days now it is 21 days..high libido..painful breast every time ..facing heavy bleeding of 8 days…with blood clotts..thick blackish coloured blood….I am loosing wieght fastly too….m sick of too much bleeding…that my daily life activities and health are disturbed…
Hi Ms Gamzay,
You will want to view this workshop at http://www.cookingforbalance.com. This is also an article for locating a good practitioner https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/find-supportive-doctor/ ~Deanna HB Team
I have hashimotos and hypothyroid. My cycle is clock work every 26 days, no biggie…. wrong! I bleed for 7-10 days and my iron levels won’t come up!!! I have been reading a lot of magnesium with my thyroid. Any suggestions on test? I was put on a progestrone cream based on my symptoms but I swear it was making me anxious unless it’s these winter months. So I’m going to hold off for now. But I wasn’t tested!?!?!
Hi Lc,
Yes, getting tested is a good idea. Here is a talk about what you will need to request besides iron labs https://youtu.be/tpitbCA1yXg. ~Deanna HB Team
Hi, I am 29yrs old struggling to conceive for d past 3yrs. My doctor did some test and found my progesterone level is low which is why I have an irregular period. Though she(doctor) place me on progesterone injection and drugs but am still not satisfy because after the injections, I had my period once and it never came back in preceding months. Pls what did I do?
Hi Dammy,
Most times for the progesterone to come up, the aggressive estrogen needs to come down. This workshop explains what happens and the receptors for the progesterone may not even be available- http://www.cookingforbalance.com. This will make sense to you ~Deanna HB Team
Thanks for the great article! I had some postpartum issues after my first baby (mainly anxiety). My son is now a year and a half and I’ve been struggling with irregular periods since his birth. My functional medicine dr put me on bioidentical progesterone cream but my levels are still not very high. I will be regular for months and then have two periods within the same month. I take the cream throughout the entire month. I also take vitex and holy basil. Any other suggestions or thoughts? I’ve thought too about only taking the cream after ovulation and until my period but not sure! I’m 29 and prior to pregnancy never had any issues with my periods. Thanks in advance!
Hi Holly,
That sounds frustrating. It is good that you have found Magdalena. When the body is out of balance, sometimes the hormone receptors (as for progesterone) are not available. This workshop talks about what one can do with gut healing, liver support and sugar balancing http://www.cookingforbalance.com ~Deanna HB Team
Hello. I just found your site and feel hopeful in regards to what I am reading so far. I i’m 57 years old and had a total hysterectomy when I was only 34 and have been on Estrace pill all this time. I’m putting the pieces of the puzzle together regarding some health issues and I am wondering that not taking progesterone all this time is at the root of those problems. Would adding a progesterone cream to what I am presently taking (2mg milligrams of Estrace) be all I needed to balance things out?
Hi Jane,
Here is a talk about bio-identicals https://hormonesbalance.com/qawithmagdalena/#vid20. Please try not to blame yourself for not taking the progesterone in the past. ~Deanna HB Team
.
Sweet reply about not blaming herself, Deanna!
Hi I have pcos and estrogen dominance but I am trying to conceive i have a herbal all natural progesteronic hormonal tonic do u think that can help ? What would u suggest?
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, it can be helpful. The suggestions would be the same as in the article If you are looking for more, please check out this workshop at http://www.cookingforbalance.com ~Deanna HB Team
I recently did am ultrasound which stated that I have a cyst on my right ovary. The doctor is suggesting that it could be pcos but not confirmed just yet. I was pregnant in 2016 but lost the baby in Jan 2017. I have been trying to conceive from since then with no luck. The doctor was saying that pcos can also be the reason for not conceiving . She has said that we would try some hormone treatment. My next appointment is the 26th Feb. Are there any suggestions that you can give that I can bring up in the docs appointment? Great article btw…
Hi Annie,
It sounds challenging. It is good that you have found Magdalena and her programs. Here is a talk about what labs to request https://youtu.be/tpitbCA1yXg. Also, you will want to view this workshop to learn more about what you can do to resolve issues like PCOS http://www.cookingforbalance.com ~Deanna HB Team
Hi there,
I’ve read this with great interest after feeling really alive with what’s happening to me. I’m 39 and for ten years have had night sweats for a week leaving up to my period and the the week of my period, therefore every two weeks out of four and it’s really getting me down. How do I know if it’s my progesterone OR oestrogen levels which are dipping too low? I’ve had blood tests that show that I am not menopausal, I am a normal weight and don’t suffer from endometriosis.
Many thanks,
Zoe
Hi Zoe,
Sometimes, the tests are not done in the best way to show the clearest picture. Magdalena has this talk about testing https://youtu.be/tpitbCA1yXg. Also, you will want to catch this workshop to learn more http://www.cookingforbalance.com. When we have too much of the toxic aggressive estrogen it “pushes down” the progesterone. So, the trick can often mean resolving the estrogen dominance. ~Deanna HB Team
Hi alone, not alive (in my first sentence)
HI Zoe-ok 😉
Hi I have been battling with hormonal imbalance for over 5 years and doctors report says my fsh is low and my prog is very high please kindly help provide solution
Hi Oyin,
What type of testing have you had done? We recommend DUTCH testing. Check out this article to learn more. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/what-lab-tests-to-order-to-manage-your-hormones/
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for further support.
Healthy Regards,
HB team
hello
I spot bleed 7 days before my period, could this be due to low Progesterone. I have had smears and scans and all sorts of tests all came back normal, doctor seems to think that was just it. I’ve been ttc for over 2 years now and I’m going to go down the fertility route this year as I’m 38 but was wondering if it might be a hormonal imbalance as this was initial why they had me on Yasmin. I would have liked to try and sort it out naturally then by putting more chemicals into my system.
Many thanks for any help or advice that can be offered
Hi Charity,
Yes, it can be. It sounds confusing for you. It is a good thing you are on this page. Have you seen Magdalena’s new protocol cook book? It is here http://a.co/dq0DSD1. This can help you sort it out. ~Deanna HB Team
hey! i used to have very cold hands and feet and body aches and heavy periods. i didnt really have a lot of strength and i was usually moody. then i got married and moved in with my husband. i started feeling a lot better, my aches were gone but now my period has become much shorter, the blood is pinkish and i hardly see any tissue on my pad. its also gotten more painful. i looked up online and i think it might be because of low progesterone. i was so happy because i thought i ws getting healthier but im scared now as i want to concieve. i have always been a little underweight with high blood cholesterol but that has always been that way. please help
Hi Fatima,
This is a workshop to teach you how to balance hormones naturally with food http://www.cookingforbalance.com. Also, you will want to talk to a practitioner about testing if you are very worried. Here is a talk on testing https://youtu.be/tpitbCA1yXg ~Deanna HB Team
Hi,
I am 55 and having very i frequent periods. I am gluten and mostly dairy free and have mild MS for 26 years. I eat very well, mostly plant bases with fish and seafood. My big problem is my hair has been falling out for the past 2 years like crazy. It is very distressing. I also have constipation. I take O.N.E. MVI, ALA, Probiotics, and sometimes mag glycine. Any suggestions?
Hi Marla,
I think you would really enjoy our blog articles “Causes of Hair Loss in Women and Potential Treatments”, “How Constipation Causes Hormonal Imbalances and Ways To Get Going Again:” and “How to Use The Magnesium Rotation Method to Balance Your Hormones”.
For further support, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
This is a wonderful , God sent article. I started reading it and I knew this information would be so helpful for me. All my unanswered questions started to unfold, just by reading this article. Once I check some things out and do some real research on my own body, I will come back on this site for an update, thanks so much. And Please don’t stop putting info like this out there for people that are at ends wit with health issues.. Again this is an amazing article..
Hi Theresa,
We are so happy that you are finding this all helpful. Magdalena will not stop sharing what she is learning. This is her passion to help women find healthy balance. ~Deanna HB Team
Article recommends olive oil for raising cholesterol. Olive oil however does not contain cholesterol.
Very helpful web. Thank you.
Hi Mercy,
We appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
~Deanna HB Team
Cutting out sugar 100% may help see my comment below…
Any increase in progesterone immediately is a HORRIBLE experience for me, instant weight gain, terrible in every single way. Been to many excellent doctors and done research for years, Something about my metabolism of it goes terribly wrong, and I’m not the only one who cannot tolerate birth control pills or progesterone supplementation. These opinions to raise progesterone need to be qualified with the words “for some people” it’s not horrible to raise progesterone, but it’s absolute POISON for others.
Hi Alison,
Yes, Magdalena is writing an article about the issues around negative reactions. It will be out soon. Thank you for your feedback.
~Deanna HB Team
Hi
Thanks for this information. How do I stop spotting in pregnancy due to low progesterone.
[…] https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/10-natural-ways-to-boost-progesterone-balance-hormones/ […]
Hi Theresa,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! ~Deanna HB Team
Hi Stacy,
Yes, definitely! Here is a workshop on choosing foods to balance hormones naturally http://www.cookingforbalance.com ~Deanna HB Team
Yes-great! ~Deanna HB Team
Hi Robin,
Yes, raw 🙂
Hi Paula,
You have made some excellent points about how eliminating sugar can make a HUGE impact on our health. Since you have done it before, I know you can do it again…when you are ready. Also, you will want to check out this workshop about helping the body heal naturally though food choices http://www.cookingforbalance.com. Thank you for your contribution here ~Deanna HB Team
Hi Alison,
It sounds like a difficult experience. Magdalena actually promotes healing the body naturally with foods, and decreasing estrogen dominance so that progesterone comes up on its own. Here is her workshop http://www.cookingforbalance.com ~Deanna HB Team
Hi Nahida,
We cannot say the issue. However, a lot of symptoms will disappear when one focuses on gut healing, liver support and sugar elimination. You will want to view this workshop to learn more http://www.cookingforbalance.com. Also, this seed rotation has been helpful for some women trying to conceive https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/how-to-use-seed-rotation-to-rebalance-your-menstrual-cycle/ ~Deanna HB Team
Hi Felicia,
It would be best for you to speak to your practitioner. Magdalena does not make recommendations for pregnant or breast feeding women as it is such a specialized area. ~Deanna HB Team
Please can you help. I was on depo provera for 2.5 years I came off a month ago and I am suffering nausea everyday and struggling to eat. Is there anything I can do to increase my progesterone and balance my hormones quicker to bring on a period and regulate my body. It’s horrible please help.
Hi Sarah,
Magdalena has just started carrying Progestpure in her supplement store https://hormonebalancenutritionals.com/collections/single-products/products/progest-pure. ~Deanna HB Team
While flaxseed is good for bowel regularity I’ve read that it’s very high in phytoestrogens when taking a urine test for estrogen levels. It specifically said not to eat sesame or flax seeds prior to the test as these will alter the test.
Hi Chelsea,
It does and is helpful for many people in boosting the good estrogen. Here is a link to learn more https://hormonesbalance.com/seed-rotation/ ~Deanna HB Team
Hello,
I started to get pain in my ovaries last September, and started trying to conceive in Feb. In April I had a miscarriage and the scans showed I had a cyst on each ovary. I keep going back to get help from doctors as I am constantly in pain from persistent cysts but they say it’s natural and send me on my way still in pain. It’s nearly been a year worth of pain and I just want rid of these recurring cysts.
I am starting to think I have a hormonal imbalance, high estrogen causing cysts and low pregestrone causing the miscarriage.
Is there anything you can recommend to get rid of these cysts.
All this doesn’t help stress but I am trying to control it with yoga and meditation. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Emma,
Yes, that sounds very difficult. Here is a link where you can learn how to balance foods naturally with foods https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/. This article is very good too about cysts and hormone health. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/avoided-hysterectomy-one-womans-story-stress-nutrition-healing-ovarian-cysts/ If you have more questions, you may contact the customer support team at [email protected]
~Deanna HB Team
What a great post!! Thank you so much for this information!
Thank you for your thoughts on the article Bella 🙂 ~Deanna HB Team
I was put on progesterone cream for 5 months and it caused severe anxiety. I stopped it two months ago and still feel the effects. When will I feel normal again? Has it permanently messed up my hormones. My cycles used to be 27-29 days now are 31-33 days
I have read that it can take from 3-6 months to clear from your body. There is some conflicting information about the best place to apply the cream. Sometimes it can build up in the fat in your skin. I haven’t tried it yet, still doing research, but putting it on the mucosal tissues outside of your vagina is supposed to be a better place to let it enter your bloodstream in a natural way. Thanks for your comment about the anxiety, this is the kind of stuff I’m reading about to see if it is a good choice for me.
Hi Emma,
Magdalena is writing an article on negative reactions to progesterone and it will be out soon. She will shed more light on this.
~Deanna HB Team
I have been on a keto diet for 3 weeks and i am not losing any weight. I am 42 andi am exploring the idea of an hormonal problem of which matches up to the symtoms of high estrogen low progesterone. My question is is the keto diet the way to do? Are there are pills to help the issue without losing more hair? What other options are there?
Thanks
HI Sara, I know these imbalances can really be frustrating. Keto is not necessarily the way to eat for hormone balance, I think there are many nuances that Magdalena teaches that are much more effective than a straight up Keto. Take a look at her Cooking for Balance program, here is a link. https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/
This online course is a deep dive into balancing blood sugar, sussing out food intolerances, healing digestion, and optimizing liver function. All of these things are paramount to balancing our hormone health. I hope this helps ~ Jen HB Support
Thanks for all this info. I’m currently in perimenopause and experiencing hot flushes.
I started taking peuraria mirifica tablets and they disappeared, but recently over the past week they’ve come back once or twice a day, though not as intensely as they were before I started taking the herb.
Usually a cup of red clover tea helps when the hot flush comes on but they take time to go down and are very unsightly because they are patchy and look like I’ve been sunburnt or scalded with hot water. I don’t feel hot through my body, just on the skin itself which is hot to the touch and then only on my elbows, which sometimes migrates to the backs of my hands, and patchy uneven red on my face. It’s quite unusual, from what I can gather.
My question is, is the flushing or reddening of the skin caused by a drop in estrogen, progesterone, or just a drop in both of these hormones? It’s hard to say where I am in my cycle because they’re now irregular, but if they were regular, I would be in the second half of the cycle.
I also tend to have high cortisol problems and have suffered from adrenal fatigue in the past which isn’t helping matters, so I wonder if this is also part of it.
Thank you in advance to anyone who can provide me with an answer or further information.
HI Paula, here is what Magdalena says about Hot Flashes/Flushes. “”Hot flashes are often due to low estrogen levels. As much as maca and black cohosh can offer some relief, they often do not address the underlying reasons why our ovaries (or adrenals in the case of someone who lost her ovaries) are struggling with producing adequate amounts of estrogen. Or, why is our body not metabolizing and using whatever estrogen there is, efficiently. This is where food and striving for a balanced body come in. On one hand, we can add foods like flax seed to help boost estrogen levels and the metabolism of estrogen. This can help but if your body is imbalanced, then flax seed alone might not help. This is where restoring the health of the gut, liver and sugar levels play a big role even though most of us do not connect these three body systems to our hormonal balance and symptoms such as the hot flashes. I have seen women’s hot flashes going away by just stopping to eat gluten, drinking too much coffee and stopping sugar/carbohydrate binges. When the body is in a state of a relative balance, wonderful healing can start happening. I hope this gives you a sense of perspective – to add foods like flaxseed while restoring the health of your gut, detoxing your liver and rebalancing your sugar levels.”
I would recommend Cooking for Balance, here is a link to the program. https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/
~ Jen Hb Support
Hi – I have short, light periods and an ovulation cycle of 26 days (24 when I’m really stressed). In the 9 days leading up to my period, I get dark brownish discharge (no more than usual, just brown). My OB/GYN said this means I’m not producing enough progesterone, but every time I’ve gone on a progesterone pill, it didn’t do anything about the spotting and only made me gain weight. The only thing that’s helped regulate my cycle and get rid of the luteal phase spotting was going back on birth control, but I’m trying to get pregnant so that’s not an option. I’m trying to get enough sleep, keep my stress minimal, eat healthy (fruits, veggies whole grains, fish, etc), and exercise regularly – but it doesn’t seem to be helping. Should I try DIM? Are there any other suggestions that might help? Apparently this luteal phase spotting is really common and it seems like doctors know shockingly little about how to solve it. Thanks in advance.
HI Liz, Please look into eating for hormone balance. It’s not commonly taught, but food does WONDERS to balance our hormones. Look into Magdalena’s program Cooking for Balance. Here is a link to the free info session. https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/
~ Jennifer HB Support
I have heavy dark clots painful periods and a week before and of the period Iam super hot at nite and have 1 nite I’m actually sweating
And I’m loosing tons of hair all the time and feel cold all the time
My doc keeps saying all the blood work is normal
I take a b complex and vitd and c
Started taking iron
And I take magnesium
What does your intuition tell you Danielle? Have you looked into DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate? ~ Jen HB Support
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this
helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thank you for sharing.
thank you! ~ Jen HB Support
Hi
I’m interested in trying trying seed rotation method. I’ve suspected it for a while having read other articles but your article has convinced my that I’m not producing enough progesterone. I have a child who’s just turned two, but having suffered a miscarriage 4 months ago I’m struggling to conceive. One issue is that I’m getting spotting for about 7 days before my period, then a normal period. So frustrating!
My question is, if I use the seed rotation method, what do I do if I then become pregnant? Presumably I wouldn’t want to be promoting estrogen for 14 days then progesterone for 14 days, once I’m pregnant? Perhaps a lack of progesterone contributed to my miscarriage so should I just promote progesterone once I’m pregnant?
Thank you X
HI Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Spotting before your cycle is commonly a symptom of low progesterone. Keep in mind the estrogen cycle is not promoting estrogen so much as balancing. It helps us clear toxic estrogens, and balance the clean estrogens. In answer to your question, google seed rotation & postpartum, and you will find your answer. ~ Jen HB Support
Allvia Progrsterone cream. 1-2 pumps before bed.
There are also capsules on market.
Might help with the symptoms. Found at Whole Foods or Natural products store. Rec by my Functional medicine colleague. We are both in nutrition and integrative medicine. Good luck! 😊
Hi Diane, Magdalena sugggest Progest Pure, Here is an article she wrote that might be also be interesting for you to read: https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/topical-progesterone-when-why-and-how/
~ Jeanne HB Team
Hi I’m 32 and I was on the mirena for 8 yrs and now I’m on month 4 ttc #2 My cycles have been 33 days since Sept w/11 day lp
Is it possible I have any deficiencies? Thank you!
Hi FaithfullyTTC, here is another article Magdalena wrote you might find helpful: https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/topical-progesterone-when-why-and-how/
~ Jeanne HB Team
Thank you for sharing, highly educating.
I am 29 years old, I have been struggling with irregular period (every two weeks or 1 month of period) for over 5 years. Luckily I was able to have a child. Now my days a full with me having periods, bruises without injury, weight gain, mood swings and constant fatigue. I have been to numerous doctors with no solution or slight ease. I am 29 with acne(horrible) covering my lower jaw, fatigue is taking ahold of my life. Please help
Hi Philli, Bioidentical hormones have their place but they can also temporarily mask the underlying root causes of hormonal imbalances (such as poor diet, stress, toxicity). When these root causes remain unaddressed (because you temporarily feel better on the bioidenticals), many, often more serious conditions can develop over time. For example, Magdalena has seen many women develop autoimmune conditions after years of unaddressed digestive problems who also had hormonal issues with their thyroids. Because they were “managed” with bioidentical hormones, they let their guard down, never addressed the autoimmune element which eventually backfired resulting in an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s or others. Therefore, we advocate balancing your hormones in this order of priorities:
1. Dial in your diet (anti-inflammatory foods, good gut health, healthy liver, and stable sugar levels).
2. Add natural tools such as the seed rotation.
3. Only then, add the supplements.
4. If that’s not enough, consider bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are not the same as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Here is a little quiz to give you an idea of possible hormonal imbalances https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/
And, if you want to learn about how food can balance hormones, here is her free workshop https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb.
~ Jeanne HB Team
I have had one miscarriage recently and am pregnant again (2 weeks). I have gained weight from my last pregnancy and am 39 years old with only one child.
What preventative measures should I be pursuing to help promote a a healthy pregnancy to at least make it past first trimester? Meaning, do you recommend any plan I could benefit from? I plan on seeing my OBGYN in one week as well.
Hi Celyxo,
So Magdalena has structured her programs and cookbook by first focusing on the three fundamental foundations: gut healing, sugar balancing, and liver support. It is amazing what kind of healing can occur when we take care of these critical areas first!
If you want to learn about how food can balance hormones, here is her free workshop https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb.
Here is a little quiz to give you an idea of possible hormonal imbalances https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/.
I hope this helps!
Jeanne HB Team
This did not help me. I am a person that has had a total hysterectomy. I don’t get hot flashes, sweats or the normal stuff that most women get. I get physically sick; I can’t take a generic form of the meds that I use which is a hormone patch. I am looking for a way to get estrogen and whatever else is missing since menaplase. Is that a natural way to get it without pay for medication? Can I find what I need in nature (i.e. food)? Thank you!
Hi Clara,
Bioidentical hormones have their place but they can also temporarily mask the underlying root causes of hormonal imbalances (such as poor diet, stress, toxicity). When these root causes remain unaddressed (because you temporarily feel better on the bioidenticals), many, often more serious conditions can develop over time. For example, Magdalena has seen many women develop autoimmune conditions after years of unaddressed digestive problems who also had hormonal issues with their thyroids. Because they were “managed” with bioidentical hormones, they let their guard down, never addressed the autoimmune element which eventually backfired resulting in an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s or others. Therefore, we advocate balancing your hormones in this order of priorities:
1. Dial in your diet (anti-inflammatory foods, good gut health, healthy liver, and stable sugar levels).
2. Add natural tools such as the seed rotation.
3. Only then, add the supplements.
4. If that’s not enough, consider bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are not the same as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Please consult your doctor or work with a bioidentical specialist to get clearance on using any bioidentical, if you or your family has a history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancers, Also, women who do not break down estrogens, DHEA or progesterone the right way (producing more of the antagonistic metabolites) are at a risk.
Here is a little quiz to give you an idea of possible hormonal imbalances https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/
And, if you want to learn about how food can balance hormones, here is her free workshop https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb.
I hope this helps!
~ Jeanne HB Team
Soaking Fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drinking the water helps in many ways. It’s also an anti inflammatory.
I am Francisca and I am 36 years. I gave birth to my first child on may 2017 and I stop breastfeeding him when he was one year and two month but my breast milk is still coming out .my period changes from 28 to 30 31 32 33 34. There is acens in my tongue and it pains me when I eat pepperish food. my sex drive is low and my virginal is always dry. and I can’t get pregnant since then. plus what is it and what can I do
Hi Francesca,
Here is a good place to start https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/. See what the results indicate and we can look into options from there. When you get your results, please send an email to [email protected]. You will also want to check out the preview of Magdalena’s new program related to estrogen rebalancing https://hormonesbalance.com/er/. ~HB Team
Hi I am 28 year unmarried girl with heavy periods + clots issue. clots are like jelly-type and i usually get stressed. I feel bloated and see mood swings also. In december in a test, i am daigonised with 2 ovarian cyst -30mm and 20 mm. please suggest what should i do. my stress is enhancing badly
Hi Chahat,
You will want to view the program preview series for Magdalena’s new program Estrogen Reset. You may register here https://hormonesbalance.com/er/. ~HB Team
Hi,
When making additions to the diet to naturally increase progesterone (as mentioned in the article) can you advise if these need to be taken at specific times of your cycle to increase benefits?
I’m guessing “No”. Your body will just use the nutrients to make it’s own progesterone and will know when to release it and when not to, just as it does normally.
Thank you for being supportive here Cindy 🙂 ~HB Team
Hello. Yes, I agree with everyone, this article was very informative. I was identified with Stage 0 breast cancer which came back as ER+. Agree my lumpectomy I realized I have low progesterone. Might your diet help me balance my levels?
Hi Rebecca,
These natural suggestions discussed in the article are not dependent on a specific time of the cycle. Have you tried any of these yet?
~HB Team
Hi, I was wondering if there is a way to reduce the levels of progesterone? I have really high levels of it.
This article was just what I needed. Thank you! So comprehensive. Every woman should have this info.
Hi Bella, Thank you for your support! We are glad to hear you enjoyed reading this article 🙂 ~ Jeanne HB Team
You are doing amazing work! 👍 Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts! Progesterone (Prometrium) saved my baby. I was showing signs of miscarrying because of my hormone levels (due to insufficient progesterone levels). So happy I found “Get365prg” in Google and got Prometrium, ❤️ I took Prometrium (progesterone) for 12 weeks. The bleeding stopped the next day and I now have a healthy little boy! It is pretty commonly prescribed for low progesterone levels to help avoid miscarriage until the placenta takes over progesterone production.
Can I ask how many mg of progesterone they had you on?
10mg X3 at present, just started 5 days ago
10 mg X3 times a day. Started 5 days ago. Dose is to be tapered.
@KimLittle, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your wonderful news-congratulations! ~HB Team
Dear Team HB,
Currently suffering from bleeding after d&c.
Started progesterone by doctor and responding well. But bleeding has not stopped completely.
Please advise
HI Suri, Please see your doctor about this. HB Support
Please I’ve had my hormones checked almost two years ago and discovered that my estrogen was high and my progesterone was very low…I was given a supplement then to boost my progesterone but didn’t go back to check their levels…
Could it still be a problem to look at while trying to conceive?
I do not have a cycle since last six months, have high FSH and LH levels. can these foods help to bring on a period. I am 40 and weight is increasing
Hi Mumtaz,
The nutrients can be helpful in regulating the cycle. It is good to look into the possible root cause of the issue. Please check out this quiz to learn more https://hormonesbalance.com/estrogen-dominance-quiz/. You may also connect with the team at [email protected] ~HB Team
Did you get your cycle back? If so how?
Shatavari is a good estrogen supplement. Its asparagus root.
I have gained more weight lately and more cellulite. I have changed to 200 mg bio identical progesterone morning/night. Before I had a cream. I also still use Estradiol gel but I am trying to lower the dose. I am post menopause. How do I know if the weight gain and cellulite is from taking oral progesterone or from estrogen dominance without do a lab test? Hope to hear from you. Warm Regards, Kitty
Hi Kitty,
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] and we would be happy to offer further support.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
200 is ALOT to take everyday. if you gain weight you may need to lower your estrogen to balance out, since fat cells contain estrogen. If you just lower your does of the gell, and see what happens, I bet taht you will feel better. Eat alot of crucerferous veggies, too to get rid of some of the estrogen NOT increase progesterone! If you take it daily you should only take the 100 mg, 1 time a day and decrease the estrogen with foods that block it and use less gel. I am surprised your doctor is allowing you to take that much P per day,thats nuts! Go find a better doctor
A great reminder to eat a variety of whole foods! I constantly think I have low progesterone but I know I work out too much sometimes and it’s most likely that I am not ovulating. I have been focusing on a 2500k/d diet for a few months now and my cycles are much better. Food really can cure! Stress is another project…
Whole goods are so important. Thank you for sharing! HB Support
I am in a perimenaupause state and my prolactin is also high and the blood is going on and on what do I do for stopping it
Hi Aliya, Thank you for reaching out. Please connect with your medical practitioner to help you with your question. Best, HB Support
Kindly help,I have all the symptoms of low progesterone
You’re in the right place, Murugi! This article is a great place to start to include more foods with micronutrients that support your body in boosting progesterone levels. If you’re still noticing symptoms of low progesterone, you might also consider our ProgestPure topical serum. Another article with excellent information is Topical Progesterone: When, Why, and How.
– Alexandra, HB Team
How long did it take for you to notice your insomnia and fatigue were getting much better on the Prometrium? We’re you on 200mg?
whats prometrium please
I went for hormonal test and my progesterone and estrogen level are low but the doctor prescribed palodel , clomid and vitamin E supplement could all these work
Hi Adachi,
It depends on what your test results said and were and what you’re experiencing. We aren’t medical professionals and are unable to say for certain but we can offer to help support you on how to rebalance your hormones. If you’d like further information, please send us an email at [email protected]. We can help you with identifying resources that would be helpful.
Healthy Regards,
HB team
Hello I’m a 40 year old and I was on a progesterone only pill for 5 years. I stopped last year and have got my period which usually last about 5 days max.. this month I got my period right on time but it’s a longgg one. It’s been 10 days light flow no pain cramps etc just a consistent light flow and hasn’t stopped yet. My dr did a CBC & thyroid check and everything is normal. Can you advise me from here? I’m tired of being on my period.. it’s the first time this has ever happened.. my dr is saying perimenpause.. but after reading your posts I seem to have more of the symptoms you’re describing!!
At 67, 20 years past menopause, do I still need it at all for estrogen dominance?
Thanks
I’m 60 years old and had indrometreosis and at 45 had a full hysterectomy. Now at 60 I have stage 1 breast cancer. My receptors reflects her negative, estrogen 90 positive and progesterone only 2 positive. Should I be taking something to increase my progesterone?