heavy period

I have been taking 100 mg of the progesterone for one week and am having heavy bleeding. I could never get hold of the dr yesterday so I called my pharmacist. He said that this could take several months to work out. In the meantime I had horrible cramps and bleeding last night. I had one period last year and maybe 2 over the last five years!! Does this mean I am taking too much progesterone??

Hi Greta,
What route are you using for the progesterone(cream, pill etc) and are you taking it every day or just the last two weeks of your cycle? How many months have you been taking it. How old are you? Have you read John Lee's book on progesterone? It is called what your doctor did not tell you about menopause, and there is another one about perimenopause. His website is www.johnleemd.com
I would need more information before I could comment on what is going on with you.
If you are bleeding heavily though and can not reach your doctor..does he not have a doctor on call?
I hope you are able to resolve this soon

Becky

Greta, I don't know everything and I may not be right about this but progesterone typically doesn't cause heavy bleeding. Provera (medroxyprogesterone) certainly will but natural progesterone should not. Heavy bleeding is typically caused by estrogen excess since estrogen builds up the uterine lining. If there is not enough progesterone there, then it cannot stop the build up of the uterine lining. Progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact. A good example given by a speaker I recently heard described it as estrogen being the bricks and progesterone being the mortar. If there is no mortar to hold the bricks, then the bricks keep falling, causing excess bleeding and irregular periods.

Could it be the estrogen you're taking? I do recall a lady who was taking only estrogen continuously (still had her uterus). When she began NHRT, she did bleed due to the build up caused by the estrogen.

I'll be interested in your reply.

I have been taking unopposed estrace (pill) for 5 years. I have just started taking the NHRT so I guess I am like that other woman who started bleeding after starting the hormones. Lauren, did that woman return to normal after her period??

Becky, I am taking it by capsule and have taken it for 1 week only, the progesterone. I am to take it daily. I am 50 and have not had a period, (except for a couple of times) in 5 years. I called my pharmacist again this morning and she thought I may need to increase the progesterone. She also thought I may need to wait and see what happens. I guess I should try and call my doctor on Monday. I am so glad that I have you gals to talk to about this
Thanks for any advice!!
Gretch

It is good to come here for suggestions from the ladies, but it is always best to check with your doctor asap. I recommend you call him first thing Monday morning. I don't know if you have had other problems, but he may order an ultrasound to find out why you are bleeding. They can tell a lot from the transvaginal ultrasound. It sounds strange, but it doesn't hurt. Good luck.

It might be a good thing you're bleeding so to get rid of the uterine build up. I'm not sure but I don't think I would try to stop it unless it gets to be excessive. Of course your doctor needs to know this is going on with you. Now I remember you telling us your doctor was aware of the unopposed estrogen and that your uterus had thickened somewhat. Ask her what she thinks about the bleeding. I would think she'll tell you it's okay.

I feel better knowing this is probably normal. It does seem like a normal period today. Thanks again!!

I had the same thought--that you'd had this build up of uterine lining and the progesterone was clearing it out. What's your FSH? Did that show that you were menopausal? My periods stopped for 7 months (I was 47) but because the FSH wasn't high they gave me prometrium (natural progesterone) and sure enough I started bleeding heavily to rid myself of the excess lining. In my case my own body was sending out high unopposed estrogen. When I added the balance, it cleared everything out.

So, without a doubt, you need to talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible but take a deep breath.

I had a very heavy flow last night. I had to keep getting up every couple of hours and this is different for me. I used to have a heavy flow but never when I was laying down. I started to get worried but it has settled down. I agree with you and Lauren about the build up of the lining. Its been over 1 year so I probably have alot to lose!!! LOL!! I will try to get in touch with the doctor in the morning. Thanks!!






Gretch