Menopause Support Group

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.

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kjfe 09/05/2011

I have been using progesterone cream for many years. I use Life-flo complete progesta care with DHEA. I was reading about using it from day 12 to 26 for women who are still menstruating and 3 weeks on and 1 week off for menopausal women. I do the latter even though I still have periods that are VERY irregular. Age 51 and perimenopausal symptoms.

I think I need to combine it with estrogen cream from what I have been reading. Does anyone use creams and how do you decide when and how to use it (with irregular periods). Please don't tell me to check with my doctor. That's a long story.... Just looking for some feedback from others on what they do. I have still have all my reproductive organs.

Thanks.
Katy

Kara123 09/06/2011

I use an estraderm patch full time (change twice a week) and take oral prometrium the last half of my cycle--both are natural human woman estrogen (estradiol) and progesterone, but they're made by pharmaceutical companies. If you look on line you can see the different strengths you can buy. I started on the lowest estrogen and increased after a few months when I skipped another period and had insomnia, hot flashes, and a week long migraine. I'll increase again if that happens again.

deleted_user 09/10/2011

Hi Katy,
From what I've read if you're still getting your period you do not need estrogen. Therefore, I would keep using the progesterone cream and not add estrogen cream. Progesterone cream alone is fine. Estrogen alone is not. Either use both or just progesterone. I also use progesterone cream, it's 3% compounded at the pharmacy here. I think it's all pretty much hit and miss. If you're feeling pretty crappy I'd try adding the estrogen cream. But if your only symptoms is irregular periods, I think you're damn lucky and wouldn't start messing with the estrogen yet. Have a great weekend :)

deleted_user 09/10/2011

I also use progesterone cream, it's called emerita Pro-gest. I don't think you should use estrogen cream. Have you had your hormone levels checked? If so, are your estrogen & progesterone levels low? Is your testerone level normal or high? I recommend that you get them checked & then decide from there with a hormonal specialist cuz it is safe to use progesterone cream alone but unsafe to use estrogen cream alone. It is safe to use progesterone cream period, especially if you suffer from hot flashes, insomnia, dry skin, depression, mood swings, or any of the menopausal symptoms, etc.

A great book to read on the subject is, Dr. John Lee's What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. Make sure you hang in there & do all of your research on the issue & let me know how it goes.

If both your hormonal levels are low, compounded creams from certain pharmacies seem to be helping so many women with all of the hormonal problems, etc. You can talk to your Doctor & see which is more beneficial for you & please keep me posted on how your doing! I hope for the best for you! Good Luck & thanks for sharing! Peace&Understanding 2U!

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