progesterone question

I have been taking 1mg estrace for 5 years w/o any progestrerone. During that time my facial skin has gotten really dry. The pharmacist assured me that estrogen could not cause *dry* skin but I have read on here that other women get dry facial skin from estrogen. I have since started taking 100 mg of the compouded progesterone. The pharmacist told me to give it at least 4-6 weeks before I notice any change. He was also adamant about any dose changes before that time. He said to change a dose too quickly doesn't give your body enough time to adapt to the new dosage. I am so hoping that the progesterone will help my skin. Its so dry that I am getting eczema and redness and its very upsetting. I have noticed some breast tenderness after I increased the estrogen but I was expecting that. Can any of you girls share any experience you have had with adding progesterone and how soon you noticed any changes?? Thanks.
Greta

Hi Greta,

I added my progesterone about 6 weeks ago, but I really started to notice a difference around the two to three week mark. My skin is somewhat improved, but not totally. My doctor says my dry skin is from hypothyroidism, though, and just put me on armour thyroid today.

The symptom that I feel the progesterone addressed most effectively is the anxiety. I feel much more calm and balanced with the progesterone.

My thyroid test came back normal so I am hoping that the progesterone will help. It certainly makes sense. My skin has looked weird since I started on HRT. I hope that the thyroid meds make a diiference for you. Its so hard when different problems have the same symptoms.

Greta,
Did they do the thyroid tests recommended at the end of this article www.hormonejungle.com/thyroid.php I am by no means a thyroid expert, but it is my understanding that the regular thyroid test could show normal, but you may be low or high in the T-3,T-4, or free antibodies.

Greta,
Progesterone and estrogen are only part of the hormones that affect skin. Have you had your testosterone or DHEA levels checked. I am a compounding pharmacist and have found that most women who have had a total hysterectomy have low testosterone levels. We also know a physician who finds that most post-menopausal women have low DHEA levels. Your physician may also not be aware that the normal range for TSH has changed effective in Feb of this year TSH should be 0.5 to 3. Your pharmacist is correct about giving the hormones time to work, but every woman is very unique. Don't stick with any hormones if they are making your symptoms considerablyworse.
Good luck.

Lisa

Carol,
Are you taking 100 mg. progesterone 2x a day??
Eileen

	Quote:
Originally posted by LLHUTCH Have you had your testosterone or DHEA levels checked. I am a compounding pharmacist and have found that most women who have had a total hysterectomy have low testosterone levels. We also know a physician who finds that most post-menopausal women have low DHEA levels. Your physician may also not be aware that the normal range for TSH has changed effective in Feb of this year TSH should be 0.5 to 3. Lisa [/b]

Thanks for all this information. My TSH is 0.7 and my doctor feels this is normal. I have not had my testosterone or DHEA checked, I guess she wants to see how I do on the progesterone. I have not had a hysterectomy. When I was placed on estrogen 5 years ago, I was in perimenopause. I was having hot flashes and night sweats. I developed the dry skin problems after starting the estrace. It makes me wonder if I needed more estrogen or just the proper balance.
The pharmacist told me it could be months to get my skin back in shape from the decreased estrogen and adding the progesterone. He said the estrogen was for skin and the progesterone for bones. But I have read on here that many women have smoother, more moist skin after adding progesterone. If things don't improve I will ask to have the other hormones checked. Thanks again!!!

Hi Eileen, just read your question.

My progesterone/ bi-est mix is written for once a day, although once my body has time to adjust to the Armour thyroid I plan to ask for an increase. I've played around a little and find I feel best if I take one 1.25 bi-est/100 progest in the AM, then one in the PM the first day, then just one midday the second day (I know that sounds confusing!)

Greta, it is interesting that estrogen could possibly cause dry skin when it's known that estrogen is good for the skin. What could possibly be going on is progesterone deficiency. When progesterone is low, it can cause a decrease in thyroid hormone. And when estrogen is high, it can cause an increase in a protein that can bind with the thyroid to make it inactive. Even if your TSH comes back in the normal range doesn't always mean it's normal, since it's bound up and inactivated by this protein. Hopefully with you replacing the progesterone it will help balance out the hormones and cause the thyroid to become active again.

I see where you said you've not had a hysterectomy. It's highly unusual for a doctor to put a woman on estrogen only when she has a uterus.

This is great information. I took estrogen alone because I had bad side effects from progestins. Even though this was 5 years ago, my dr suggested natural progesterone but I never got it filled. I had to have an endometrial biopsy and then a D&C because it was borderline. After that I only took estrogen even though I knew the risks. The doctor I am seeing now insisted I take progesterone and agreed to the natural hormones. I have just become familiar with them mostly through this forum and reading Dr.Lee's book. I hope that taking the progesterone will help. I am printing what you wrote me because I think its invaluable and I will show it to my doctor. Thanks again!!!
Gretch