To learn more about using progesterone for fertility visit the Fertility Progesterone Guide.
Q: How should you use progesterone if you are trying to conceive?
A: The basic rule is to follow the instructions on the bottle. You want to mimic your natural cycle as much as possible.
For most uses you would begin to use progesterone by using this calculation:
Figure out the first day of your period. Subtract two weeks. That day would be the first day you start using the progesterone cream.
Dr. Lee suggests 15 to 30mg (20mg is generally the optimal) of cream during the two weeks before your period, stopping a day or two before the expected period.
Example: An average cycle length is 28 – 30 days. In this case you would begin using progesterone on day 12 of your cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1. If your cycle is shorter or longer than the given example you would start two weeks before day one of when your period is due. If you have no period at all then you would choose a date and work from there.
Q: I have found out that my progesterone is low. What does this mean to my reproductive health?
A: When saliva hormonal tests show low progesterone levels, that could indicate that you have not ovulated or that you are not producing the proper amount of progesterone after ovulation – which is called luteal insufficiency. The correct amount of progesterone after ovulation is very important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
In a study published in the Lancet, a group of 18 regularly cycling women, average age 29, seven of them (39%) were found to not be ovulating and were not producing progesterone.
Q: If someone has PCOS and/or doesn’t have a regular menstrual cycle, how do they know what days to take the progesterone on?
A: In cases where your cycle is an 18 or 32 day cycle, starting on day 12 or 14 would not be good. To figure out when would be the best time for you to start and end your progesterone use get out a calendar…
Figure out what day 1 is of your cycle (this is when your next period is due). This is based on what your cycle is. What is normal for you. Then count backwards two weeks. That is when you start using the progesterone cream.
This works because despite the length of a cycle, the days between ovulation and day 1 of the period is consistently two weeks.
Q: Does progesterone cream benefit those of us with PCOS, without a regular cycle? Or are we better off just taking Vitex and/or Maca?
A: With PCOS progesterone supplementation can help to make a big difference with PCOS. It can seem confusing when you should use it since usage is based on a menstrual cycle. In this case choosing your own cycle can help to establish a pattern. Mimicking a general cycle is best. Following the same suggested usage as someone who has a cycle, just choose your own and mark it on the calendar.
Vitex works great in conjunction with progesterone cream. Vitex is working on the the underlying imbalance (which takes some time) while the progesterone helps in the current cycles.
Q: If I have an irregular cycle and don’t menstruate sometimes, how should I use progesterone cream?
A: Figure out what day 1 is of your cycle (this is when your next period is due). This is based on what your cycle is. What is normal for you. Then count backwards two weeks. That is when you start using the progesterone cream.
If you do not menstruate at all then you may want to check out our article on bringing your period back and talk with your health care provider to find out what the imbalance may be.
Q: I know that I am ovulating. Do I still need progesterone? Could my progesterone levels still be low?
A: Depending on what your fertility issues have been in the past. Many women ovulate and then have a drop in progesterone levels after ovulation (the luteal phase). This may be the cause of recurrent miscarriages or the inability to get pregnant. One way to tell if this is happening is to start fertility charting.
Fertility charting or Basil Body Temperature charting can help to determine the availability of progesterone in the luteal phase. You can learn more about BBT Charting here. There will be a slight rise in temperature after ovulation has occurred and progesterone has increased and stay increased until the period is about to begin. It will then drop. If you are pregnant the temperature will stay at its increased amount.
Q: Is it possible to conceive if I have low progesterone levels?
A: It is possible to conceive with low progesterone, but may be more difficult. It may be hard to maintain a pregnancy if you have low progesterone. Please read the answer to the question before this one.
Q: How do I know if I have low progesterone?
A: There are a couple of different ways to find out if you have low progesterone.
Hormones testing can be administered by a doctor, naturopath or through labs online. There are a couple of test options. Tests range from charting you menstrual and basal body temperature, finding out the length of your luteal phase, or taking saliva tests to find out your progesterone levels. This preogesterone questionnaire on this page can help to point out signs of progesterone deficiency while these tests help to confirm it.
BBT Charting
Basil Body Temperature charting can help to determine the availability of progesterone in the luteal phase. You can learn more about BBT Charting here. There will be a slight rise in temperature after ovulation has occurred and progesterone has increased.
Length of luteal phase
If the date of ovulation is fewer than 11 days before your period, this could suggest luteal phase defects. You can detect ovulation using BBT charting, ovulation detector strip tests.
Saliva Hormone Testing
Dr. John Lee was very adamant that testing for hormones and progesterone should be done through saliva testing, not blood testing (almost all doctors will test the blood). This is because a blood test may not show an accurate picture of available hormones. Most of the time the hormones in your body are not usable. They are tightly bound to proteins in the blood stream. Only 1-2% are bio available at a time to enter the tissues of the body. Blood tests measure only the total level of hormones in the bloodstream. Dr. Lee suggests saliva testing is more accurate because of the saliva glad being the one of the tissues that bio-available hormones enter.
You can order an “at home” saliva test that you will take at a certain time during your cycle and then send away to a lab for analysis. They will then mail back the results so you can find out if you have any hormonal imbalances.
Q: Can I have both low progesterone and low estrogen?
A: Yes. This sometimes shows up as a luteal phase defect.
Q: What is the difference between natural progesterone cream and progesterone that is prescribed by a doctor?
A: Natural progesterone cream contains “bioidentical hormones”. These are hormones that are identical to the ones in your body. Most of the progesterone prescribed by doctors has been molecularly altered to created a kind of “pseudo-hormone” or a synthetic hormone. This is done so the drug is patent protected. Natural progesterone can not be patented as they are natural. Since the structure of the progesterone has been altered in prescribed progesterone, it will not act the same in the body as natural progesterone and may cause dangerous side effects.
Q: Can I use wild yam cream instead of progesterone cream?
A: Wild yam cream is not the same as progesterone cream. There is a substance called diosgenin in soybeans and wild yams that is extracted and then modified in a the laboratory to create the progesterone found in progesterone creams. Your body is not able to turn diosgenin directly (from wild yam cream) into hormones itself.
Q: What is the difference between Fertilica Progesterone and Emerita Progesterone?
A: We sell two different kinds of Progesterone Cream, the Fertilica (our brand) contains other herbs which we find important for hormonal balance and Emerita which is just plain progesterone cream.
The progesterone in both products are formulated from a substance found in Mexican wild yams. United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) denotes a recognized standard of purity and strength. It is sometimes referred to as “human-identical” or “bio-identical” progesterone, which differentiates it from synthetic progestins. USP classifies the progesterone as the highest quality available. Both progesterone creams contain USP grade natural progesterone.
Fertilica Natural Progesterone cream contains 20mg of USP Progesterone per full pump. The bottle contains approximately 70 pumps. It also includes additional hormone balancing herbs.
Emerita Pro-Gest cream contains 450 milligrams (mg) of USP Progesterone per ounce (900 mg per two-ounce tube). Each 1/4 tsp contains approximately 20 mg of USP Progesterone.
Q: Which is the best to take if I have low progesterone… progesterone cream, maca or vitex?
A: It depends on what is happening in your body. Here are some general guidelines to how each works:
Progesterone cream is a direct way to increase progesterone levels. This is helpful in the case of luteal phase defect, preventing recurrent miscarriages and reversing conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts.
Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has the ability to affect key hormones in both women and men without containing hormones itself. In women maca has been shown in studies to help regulate estrogen and increase progesterone (if that is what the body needs). In men It has been shown to regulate estrogen and increase libido and sperm health.
Vitex has been found to help normalize ovulation, improve a short luteal phase and reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), all known fertility inhibitors. In one study, vitex helped normalize progesterone levels and increased the luteal phase from 5.4 days to 11.4 days. In addition, two double-blind studies show vitex extract increases a woman’s fertility and chances of successful conception.
Q: Can you use both progesterone cream and vitex or maca?
A: Yes, progesterone starts to have an effect the cycle that you start taking it. Vitex and maca both take time to have there effect. The previous question explains in detail the difference of the three. It is also not necessary to take all three. Every situation is unique and different.
Q: If I am using Maca to boost my progesterone should I stop taking it once I become pregnant?
A: Here is what Dr. Wong has to say on Maca and pregnancy.
Dr Wong:
“Currently Maca is being used throughout South America to prevent miscarriage and help women carry to term. It also has shown itself to provide a further benefit of increasing the birth weight of children. The average weight of babies born in Denver is lower than of babies born at sea level and Denver is only 5000 feet high. What happens at triple that in the Andes? Nothing, because the Maca increases progesterone production and this adds valuable mass to the child. The higher the birth weight the greater the chance of survival!”
Q: I am using Vitex to increase my progesterone levels should I stop taking it once I become pregnant? Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
A: Aviva Romm states in her wonderful book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health…
In placebo controlled studies for teratogenicity and mutagenicity were conducted in rats, and even with the animals ere administered 74 times the dosage typically consumed by humans, no toxicity nor aberrations in fetal development were seen. While Vitex can be used to help a miscarriage that is acute, it is best to use at least 3 months prior to conception and continued into the first trimester to maintain stable progesterone levels. The Botanical Safety Handbook provided no contraindications to use during pregnancy.
Q: I have been taking progesterone and am now pregnant. How much progesterone should I use for pregnancy and how long should I use it for?
A: While pregnant it is best to work with your health care provider to help monitor and guide your progesterone usage. When you do become pregnant and you have been using progesterone you want to make sure you do not stop taking it. A drop in progesterone levels can cause a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) to occur.
In the first trimester of pregnancy progesterone production is the sole responsibility of the ovaries, often fail to produce sufficient levels to maintain the pregnancy. By the second trimester, the placenta itself is responsible for producing progesterone, and it hikes the level of this hormone to 486% higher than the non-pregnant norm.
Synthetic progesterone drugs, not being natural progesterone, have side effects that if used to maintain the pregnancy may do damage to the baby.
If you are taking progesterone and get pregnant, you must continue taking progesterone until at least the 16th week. I personally would not stop if I had seriously low levels to begin with. But it is best to work with your health care practitioner if this is the case. They will continuously monitor your levels to make sure they are healthy for pregnancy.
Q: Is progesterone cream safe to take while on the Fertility Cleanse?
A: If you have been taking progesterone cream before starting the Fertility Cleanse, than continue to use the cream as you have been.
If you are starting the Fertility Cleanse and progesterone cream at the same time I would suggest that you wait and begin the cream after your cleanse. The reason for this is that the Fertility Cleanse has a lot of different herbs that are going to be working on the endocrine system. It will be hard to monitor yourself and see how the progesterone is affecting you. Starting the progesterone cream the cycle after you have completed the Fertility Cleanse makes it easier to see how you are doing with the progesterone.
Q: Does it matter whether natural progesterone cream is made out of soy or wild yam?
A: No. There is a substance called diosgenin in soybeans and wild yams that is extracted and then modified in a the laboratory to create the progesterone found in progesterone creams. Your body is not able to turn diosgenin directly into hormones itself. So taking just a soy supplement or using wild yam cream will not have the effects that progesterone cream does. It can be confusing because of soy’s phytoestrogen ability to have estrogen-like effects. But those come from a different part of the plant which is accepted by your body.
Q: What is the difference between progesterone and progestins?
A: Progestins are a synthetic form of progesterone. While progesterone found in progesterone creams is natural and identical to the progesterone in your body. Natural progesterone is much safer to use than progestins which can have serious side effects. During the third trimester of the pregnancy the placenta naturally produces 300-400mg of progesterone daily. If progestins were given to the mother in that same dosage, serious birth defects could occur.
Q: Are there any side effects from using progesterone cream?
A: It is rare but, yes, there can be. Large doses (100mg) of progesterone can cause side effects, sleepiness, loss of libido, mild depression, exacerbated symptoms of estrogen deficiency, and serious hormonal imbalances.
If you take progesterone out of phase then it may cause the timing of your period to change or spotting to occur.
The best way to avoid these side effects is to make sure to use the progesterone cream as directed, at the correct time of your cycle and not to exceed the recommend amount (10-30mg per application) or to work with a health care practitioner so your progesterone levels can be monitored.
Q: Can too much progesterone cause a light period?
A: It is hard to say, as there are many factors that can affect your cycle. The timing of when you use progesterone is very important. Taking it the wrong time can cause the cycle to be different. The best way to make sure you are using the cream at the right time is to calculate your progesterone start date by counting two weeks backwards from when your period is due.
Q: I have been using progesterone and am now spotting between periods. This never happened before? What is happening? Is it the progesterone?
A: Spotting could be from a variety of reasons… The most common is a too high dose of progesterone.
The second common is that your timing may be off. If your cycle has been 24 days for years and changes to a 28 day cycle after you’ve began using progesterone cream this could be a sign of changes happening or a confused body. The best way to make sure you are using the cream at the right time is to calculate your progesterone start date by counting two weeks backwards from when your period is due.
The third common reason for spotting is that when the body is making hormonal shifts it sometimes gets out of wack for a cycle or two as it is shifting to its new cycle.
Q: Can I use progesterone cream if I am on birth control pills?
A: We do not know for sure, but it would be best to not mix hormones or use herbal products that can have an impact on your hormones while on birth control. An educated guess is that the birth control would block the progesterone from the receptor sites, but we do not know.
Q: I am preparing for an IVF and will be taking medications. Can I use progesterone cream?
A: We would not recommend it. When you are preparing for IVF you will be prescribed a very specific hormonal protocol. It would be very dangerous to use anything with hormonal effects during that time. Speak with your doctor if you feel you have low progesterone levels.
Q: I am breastfeeding, can I use progesterone cream? What is the recommended usage?
A: Progesterone cream is not generally recommended postpartum or while breastfeeding. It has been shown to be helpful for the baby blues/postpartum depression though. Talk to your doctor about this, especially if you are breastfeeding as some evidence shows that progesterone can effect lactation from occurring.
Q: Can using progesterone cream prevent menopause from happening?
A: No.
To learn more about using progesterone for fertility visit the Fertility Progesterone Guide.
Click here to purchase natural progesterone cream
Have a question? Ask it below or in our Natural Fertility Community forums. In the forums you will get responses from both herbalists and women sharing their first hand experience.
References:
1. Lee, John, M.D. Hormone Balance Made Simple. 2006
2. Lee, John, M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause. 1999
3. Hobbs, Christopher, L.Ac. Vitex The Women’s Herb. 2003
4. Trickey, Ruth. Women, Hormones, and the Menstrual Cycle. 2003
5. Weed, Susun. Herbal for the Childbearing Year. 1986
6. California PSR and CALPIRG. “Generations at Risk” Chemicals and Reproductive Health.PDF
7. Romm, Aviva. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. 2009
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
If i am using progesterone cream, cos my progesterone is low and i am trying to conceive, will my cycle come out naturally if i am not pregnant
Hi Udeka,
There is no way for me to know if your cycle will come on naturally with the use of Natural Progesterone Cream, it may or may not depending on what your fertility challenges are.
Many of our readers know they want to try natural therapies to help boost their fertility but don’t know which ones are bet for their personal situation.
If you are someone who has questions about what natural fertility therapies may be right for you, you may want to consider a Natural Fertility Consultation.
If you have low progesterone and that is one of your main fertility challenges you may want to learn more about the use of Natural Progesterone Cream at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide
Best Wishes,
Dalene
If I start my period early — while I’m still using the Progesterone Cream, do I stop using it until my period is over or continue the cream like normal?
Hi Kay,
You would want to stop using it during your period.
All the best,
Dalene
This is my first cycle using 20mg (1 dropperful of progestelle) and I am currently 14-16DPO. I have PCOS and irregular periods. I have been charting BBT to determine ovulation since it varies so much. My LP is generally13-15days.
My question is the following; if I’m not pregnant will my period start while I’m using the progesterone, or do I need to stop it in order for it to start?
I don’t want to keep having to take pregnancy tests 12,13,14,15DPO and delay stopping the progesterone/and my period if I am not pregnant, but on the other hand I don’t want to stop the progesterone at all if I am pregnant. It may take until 16-18DPO to know for sure if my period doesn’t show while I’m taking the progesterone.
Hi Brianna,
It sounds like you are in a pickle and you are just trying to adjust to using progesterone for your first time. You are going to have to get used to waiting to take a pregnancy test until you know that it is for sure a good time to test to get a positive result. You may have to stop the progesterone use to bring on your cycle, though it should naturally decline on its own to bring on natural menstruation. Many women find that they need to create a cycle with progesterone, once they do this they can then chart more easily and know when to stop the cream or continue it. This will also help you to know when you should take a pregnancy test. You can learn more about Progesterone use here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I am 51 years old. I have been going through “menopause” for about 2 years. Sometimes I will get a period every month for a few months, then I will go without periods (but will have light cramping and extra tiredness and sometimes low back ache) for about a week around the time I would have had my period. I was thinking that I should do a menopause cleanse. Woudl you suggest taking maca? I already take dong quai when I feel estrogen-dominant. I don’t really have any hot flashes, but my hair falls out. I have low thyroid and take thyroid animal glandular extracts. What do you recommend? I certainly am not interested in conceiving.
Hi Cathy,
I am sorry, but we are solely focused on the fertile times in a woman’s life, as well as fertility issues or healing that may need to take place. We have not moved toward any menopausal remedies, education, or work as of yet. Because of this I feel it is best for you to find a practitioner in your area to work with for natural menopausal support. I would love to direct you to a great informational website on menopausal remedies, but there are none that I have found yet that I would support that do not have tons of adds. Try doing a search on the internet. Your best bet would be working with a naturopathic doctor or herbalist in your area.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
This is my second cycle taking natural progesterone. My luteal phase last month didn’t improve. I ovulated on CD 18. My temperature only remained elevated for 8 days. My temperature dropped on it own and I continued 20mg of progesterone until my period on CD 28. I didn’t stop the progesterone to bring on my period. This month I ovulated on CD 18 and my temperature has remained elevated. I’m currently on CD 31 and my temperature is still elevated. I had very light spotting. Once yesterday and twice today. I’m scared to stop my progesterone in case I am pregnant, but what if I’m just delaying my period? I’m just not sure this is implantation bleeding or my period trying to start, but it’s unable to do to me still taking the progesterone. I have taken pregnancy tests and they are all negative. I’m only 12 days past ovulation…maybe it’s too soon for a postive pregnancy test. Please let me know what you think. Any help is appreciated. It just hurts so bad to miscarry and to keep thinking this will be my month. Every month is a disappointment. On the bright side, if this is my period, then it looks like I have finally extended my luteal phase, right?
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you! In the future, if you need your questions replied to quickly, please contact us here: http://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/help_answer.asp?ID=17
It would be best to NOT stop the progesterone cream if you think you are pregnant. Tests may come out negative early in pregnancy. You can learn how to use progesterone for Pregnancy at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide (scroll toward the bottom of the page).
It can take some time, 3 or more cycles for your body to adjust and get into a rhythm when using any type of supplement, including progesterone cream.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hello I would like to start using the Natural progesterone cream for endometriosis, I have had this for almost 10 years now, and I have a regular 28 day cycle, how do I use the cream and how much? I haven’t taken anything for my endo for the past 4-5 years, and I have read a lot about the use of progesterone cream to treat endometriosis. Do I first have to see a doctor, or is it safe enough to try on my own? Please help!!!!
Hi Yolanda C.,
You can learn about how to use natural progesterone cream for endometriosis by reading over our Progesterone Fertility Guide at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide
Please scroll down the page until you come to the section and video on how to use this product for endometriosis. It is always best to consult with your doctor first prior to beginning any new product for your health.
You may also be interested in reading over our guide for Endometriosis.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
hello , i want to start using npc and dont know where to start! i had a miscarriage and dnc last aug and since my periods are off the wall! i dont know when i ovulate and i dont know when ill get my period! sometimes ill go 2-3 months without a period! ive been using vitex for 3 months and ihavent noticed a change in anything, i know vitex works best when used over a 3-6month but i havent even gotton a period one time in the 3 months ive used vitex. i want to start using npc and if i havent gotton a period in 3months when do i start taking it? how long do i take it for? i dont know what day i ovulate on so when should i begin to take it i dont want to stop ovulation because i want to become pregnant! im so confused please help me all i want is to have a child my husband and i have been married for 8yrs and we were so excited about our pregnancy last yr after only trying for 1 month and then for it to end in a miscarriage and dnc was devastating! thanks!
Hi Jessica,
I am sorry to hear how sad and frustrated you are. I am also sorry for your loss, I hope as these next few months go by you can heal even more!
I do not advise that you begin natural progesterone cream without first knowing if you have low progesterone levels. Now obviously you are having some hormonal imbalance that is causing your cycle to be absent. Please consider hormonal testing done at a doctors office. Once you get the results of your tests, you will be able to know which natural remedies may be best for you. You will have a base in which to move forward from. Learning to chart your cycles will help you to see if you are ovulating or not. If you are feeling completely lost, and need further guidance, you may want to consider a Natural Fertility Consultation, you can learn more about that here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/natural-fertility-email-consultations
In the mean time, here are some helpful links………..
Natural Fertility Diet:http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-diet
Fertility Cleansing:http://natural-fertility-info.com/prepare-for-conception
Progesterone Fertility Guide: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide/
Fertility Charting:http://natural-fertility-info.com/menstrual-calendar-charting-your-signs-of-fertility.html
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hello Dalene,
My problem is spotting between periods, anytime between 2 to 10 days before the actual bleeding. It started after a few years of birth control (Yasmin).
I have been trying to conceive our first child for a year now, I am 39, and the spotting has not stopped when I stopped birth control. All my tests were normal except for the TSH that was slightly elevated, as it turns I have autoimmune thyroiditis. I am taking synthroid and the TSH is now back to normal. My tubes are clear and my AMH is nice and high for someone my age so I am not premenopausal. Also, my day 21 progesterone was normal. I ovulate between cd12 and cd14 and my periods are very regular (28-29) days. I thought the spotting will stop when my thyroid issues were addressed, but I have been on treatment for nearly 3 months and despite feeling great the spotting is still there.
Should I assume that my progesterone goes down early in my luteal phase? Could that explain infertility? And what would you recommend? Progesterone cream? Any other natural supplements?
Thanks!!!
Hello! I have had 4 pregnancies (2children, 2 miscarriages). We are ttc #3. with all my pregnancies, I’ve had low progesterone and needed supplementation with suppositories. I was wondering if you think it’s a good idea to use NPC after ovulation to help implantation/lining. Thank you!
Hi Christine,
It sounds like you may have Luteal Phase Defect (LPD). Spotting during the LP is a sign of this. The most common reason for this to occur is low progesterone, but you said your progesterone levels for 21 days are fine. While natural progesterone cream supplementation may help with this, we do not recommend using it without knowing if your progesterone levels are low. There are other causes of LPD, you can learn about them here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/luteal-phase-defect.html
The article at the link above may also help you to learn solutions for LPD.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
HI Sara,
It may be best to talk to your doctor to see if you still have low progesterone. If in fact you do, then you may want to consider natural progesterone cream after ovulation up to menstruation to aid in reducing 1st trimester miscarriage.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi!
We are TTC and I am using the progesteron cream 3,000 usp. I am also now on Metformin recommended by my OBGYN and I am thinking on adding vitex to the equation but I am not sure because last time I did I had a very profuse bleeding. I don’t know when I ovulate becuase I have anovulatory cycles and PCOS so I use the cream every day for 21 days then I stop for 5 and I go back. This is my second round of progesterone cream which I started to use 2 days after de depo shot for the second time and now a month later I had today a brown discharge. Is it my period? I don’t know what to do I am waiting to see if that discharge keeps for a couple of days or not. I am also thinking of acupunture to see if we can help with this TTC process. Any sugestions? Am I doing something wrong or should I keep the metformin and the progesterone cream? Thank you so much!
Hi Charlotte,
When you use natural progesterone cream everyday except the days that would be your menses, you are doing the suppression cycles. You are suppressing ovulation and increasing progesterone. I am not sure that this is right for you based on the information you have provided. Progesterone Cream is best used when there is confirmation of progesterone deficiency. If you have not had your progesterone levels tested, I urge you to do so! Using progesterone cream when you are not progesterone deficient may cause more hormonal imbalance. Depo-Provera is made from synthetic progesterone called Progestin. This injectable shot contains progestin. Progestin keeps the ovaries from releasing the eggs, thickening cervical mucous to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus and thinning the uterine lining which may prevent implantation. Note: continued use of Depo-Provera may stop the menstrual cycle completely and it may take longer than average (9 months-2 years for the menstrual cycle to regulate after stopping it). Once you have gotten a shot of Depo-provera you cannot stop it’s side effects for 12-14 weeks. It is not a good idea to use natural progesterone while also using Depo-Provera. You would not want to begin progesterone cream until the Depo-Provera was out of your system, so at least 12-14 weeks after the shot. Your doctor who prescribed the metformin should have advised you about this. Please talk to your doctor about all the supplements you are taking. I would urge you to consider stopping the natural progesterone cream. We do not suggest using NPC while also on fertility medications like Depo-Provera, which stays in the body for 3 months.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I’ve been on NPC for several months now due to my levels being low. I’m trying to conceive now and am wondering if I still should be taking the NPC from cycle day 12 through menstruation or if that will suppress ovulation? Should I wait until after I know I ovulated? Thanks.
Hi Annie,
Day 12 is a general estimation. If you feel that day 12 may be too soon in your cycle and are worried that you may be suppressing ovulation, it would be best to learn how to chart your cycle. Charting will help you to pin point ovulation so you can use the cream after your exact ovulation date! We have a great tool to help you learn to chart: Guide to Fertility Charting
All the best!
Dalene
Hi- I’d like to address the question by the woman who said she was taking progesterone cream but it had not increased her luteal phase length. I have had excellent luck with increasing my luteal phase my taking 50 mg per day of B Complex (throughout the cycle). My progesterone levels have almost tripled and my luteal phase went from 11/12 days to 13/14. Women with luteal phase lengths of less than 12 days should consider taking up to 100 mg B Complex per day.
Hi Kate,
You are absolutely right! Readers can learn more about taking vit. b6 for Luteal Phase Defect here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/luteal-phase-defect.html
Thank you for sharing your story Kate!
Dalene
Hi,
I have a 14 week old baby. I’ve been using natural progesterone cream for years to keep my endometriosis under control. Once I conceived my gp adviced me to continue using the 3% natural progesterone cream for my entire pregnancy in small amounts (1/16th tsp morning and 1/16 tsp evening every day of the month). I have had some problems in the past when using higher doses, such as adrenaline rushes, so have stuck to a low dose. My gp recommended that I continue to use the cream during the entire pregnancy and also to continue on the same dose after the baby was born which I have done.
I am just starting to feel as if my cycles might be returning with twinges in my ovaries and feelings of pms in my stomach and my mood. Could you please offer any advice on how I should be using the cream. Should I continue to use it every day of the month? I have not yet had a period.
Thank you for any help,
Sincerely,
Elaine.
p.s Are there any natural cures for quite severe pms?
I started using NPC without knowing if I had low progesterone or not. I have PCOS and was told it could help with implantation. I am now 4 weeks pregnant, and my doctor has asked me to stop using the NPC. He did a blood test today and my progesterone level was a 24 which he was happy with. My question is, how do I know if the 24 was MY bodies level, or due to the NPC usage? If I stop abruptly now, will I be causing harm? I’m not sure what to do and fear stopping it cold turkey because the doctor may or may not understand the benefits. I have been using 1/4 tsp 2x a day from ovulation until yesterday.
Thank you!
Hello,
I am taking 50mg of progesterone that I started on day 15 of my cycle and took a pregnancy test on the first day of my missed menses but it showed negative. Is it possible to have a negative result using progesterone? I am still 2 days late. Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Elaine,
Thank you for sharing your experience with progesterone cream! You would want to consider only using it after ovulation. I am not sure that the small amount you are using would suppress ovulation, but there is a chance of this when progesterone cream is used all month long. Learning to chart you cycle will help you to see any changes in the cycle and predict ovulation. Charting will also help you to know when to start the progesterone cream after ovulation. Since your GP knows you so well, you may want to ask for their guidance in this transition as well!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi, I am trying to conceive and have two children. I came off the pill (microgynon) in August and have had 4 cycles since, the last 3 i know were 22,23 and 23 days long. I have charted temps this last month and belive i am ovulating around day 17. This would suggest a short LP. I have been taking 50mg a day B-complex, this made no difference. Would you suggest my short cycles are due to low progesterone? If so, would you reccomend i begin taking progesterone cream and if i did become pregnant, would i have to continue on this for the first trimester?
Also, i sometimes experience light, darker spotting around day 10-11 is this normal?
Any help/advice is appreciated!
Thanks
Carolyn
Thanks Dalene!
Thanks very much for the link to the cycle charting website. I am wondering whether I could be ovulating if I have not yet had a period? If I am not ovulating again yet would you know whether I should continue to take the progesterone cream every day until I know that I am?
My doctor doesn’t seem to be too familiar as to what to do now that I am in the transition phase after having a baby and not yet getting a period,
Very grateful for any further suggestions,
Sincerely,
Elaine
Hi there!
My last cycle I went almost 3 months without a period. I have been taking Vitex and later added Maca root to it as well. I know these are slow acting and after much research about NPC, I went out and bought some. I used 40 mg a day–one pump in the morning and one pump in the evening. This brought on my period in 12 days. At that point I stopped using all herbs and creams to let my body cleanse.
I am currently on CD 15 and have been charting my bbt. My chart looks great which is a surprise for someone who has been irregular for a long time. All my temps have stayed pretty close together, until yesterday at Cd 14 it dropped .4 degrees. I am assuming this is my pre-ovulation dip. Today on CD 15 my temp spiked almost .2 degrees above my coverline. I know you don’t confirm ovulation until 3 days of elevated temps.
My question is: Do I start the natural progesterone now, or should I wait until I have naturally confirmed ovulation after 3 days of elevated temps and then start the cream? I just don’t want false temp readings by starting the cream today because I really want to know if I actually ovulated or not. At the same time, I am trying to conceive and I don’t want to hinder my chances by waiting on using the cream.
Thank you in advance!
Heather
Hi Kim,
Please talk to your doctor about continuing it until the 16th week of pregnancy, when the placenta will take over progesterone production. There has been no evidence that continuing the natural progesterone cream will be harmful for the baby or mother even if there are adequate progesterone levels present. Stopping it could potentially cause a drop and may lead to miscarriage. Please talk to your doctor again!
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Dalene
Hi Tiffany,
A regular suggested dosage of natural progesterone cream (NPC) is 20mg a day. It sounds like you are using a loading dose. Do you know if you need to take that much NPC or if you need it at all? It is not abnormal for a woman’s first menstrual cycle, after beginning the NPC to be absent or not come until later. Did you stop the NPC? That may help to bring on a period, but be sure you are NOT pregnant before doing that. It may be that you are using too much NPC? There is no way I can be sure, I just don’t have enough information.
All the best,
Dalene
Hi carolyn,
It sounds like you may have Luteal Phase Defect (LPD). Low progesterone levels are the number 1 reason why LPD happens. Progesterone cream supplementation may help, but it would be best to know for sure if you are progesterone deficient first. There are at-home testing kits available. If you decide to supplement with natural progesterone cream, it is best to continue into pregnancy to help sustain progesterone levels and to help prevent miscarriage.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Elaine,
You would only use the natural progesterone cream in cycles, not everyday. If you use it everyday, it will suppress ovulation. The best way may be to mimic a natural cycle. So resting phase (mock period) day 1-5. Then on day 12-13 of the cycle the NPC would be started and continued until day 26. This may be done each month to help mimic and create a natural cycle. Learn ways to supplement NPC here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide/
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Heather,
It would be best to begin the progesterone cream after confirmation of ovulation, so there is not chance of suppressing ovulation, which may happen if natural progesterone is used too soon.
All the best,
Dalene