A woman's monthly hormone cycle begins to change during perimenopause, or pre-menopause. One of the first symptoms of this may be signs of estrogen dominance such as breast tenderness and heavy menstrual flow; this is due to the balance of progesterone and estrogen being thrown off when progesterone production begins to slow down, leaving estrogen as the dominant hormone. Estrogen dominance may also be a factor in PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. Some women find relief from these symptoms by supplementing with a progesterone cream.
Step 1
Use a calendar to track your menstrual cycle. Count the first day of your period as day one. Begin using the cream at bedtime on day 12.
Step 2
Measure out approximately 20 mg of progesterone cream. A 1/4 tsp. is about 20 mg when using a cream that has 450 to 500 mg of progesterone per ounce.
Step 3
Spread the 1/4 tsp. of progesterone cream over the breasts, neck, chest or inside of the thighs, and smooth into the skin.
Step 4
Continue to use this same amount daily and then stop a day or two before menses are due.
Step 5
Begin to use the cream again on day 12 of your menstrual cycle. Continue each month; relief from estrogen dominance may take several months.
Tips and Warnings
- Be sure to choose a progesterone cream that contains bio-identical progesterone or USP progesterone from a reputable vendor. The term "USP" refers to the purity of the progesterone and is the abbreviation for "United States Pharmacopia." The amount of progesterone per ounce should be noted on the container. Creams that are only extracts of yams or soy are not the same as those with USP progesterone.
- Talk with a doctor if taking oral contraceptives because they may interfere with progesterone cream, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Progesterone cream, 450 to 500 mg USP natural progesterone per ounce
References
- John R. Lee, M.D.: Estrogen Dominance
- "What Your Doctor May not Tell You About Estrogen Dominance"; John R. Lee, M.D.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Premenstrual Syndrome
- "Journal of Clincial Pharmacology": Over-the-Counter Progesterone Cream
