Cycle Update | Healing My Progesterone Deficiency Naturally

[Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor. I'm not trying to give medical advice. I'm sharing my experience and what worked for me in hopes that those out there with similar issues will seek out the treatment they need and not settle for a sub par cycle/period]
If you've been following along you'll know that my cycle has been a bit crazy lately. It got to a point where I had to do something about it. I talk about that today. Enjoy!
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Do you really want to quit your hormonal birth control, but you're really nervous about how your body will react? Scared of acne, irregular cycles, cramps, etc.? Take my hand and let's go through all that you need to know together. And you'll find yourself ready to toss that HBC in no time!
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[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

Chasteberry has helped me with this as well. Fixing progesterone levels saved my baby from miscarriage!!

[@rosethioune7732]

Nikki Schumacher Official where did you buy and which kind is it. There is a lot different brand in amazon

[@heatherogoussan7984]

I lost my son from not having enough projestron.

[@jessicanelson6885]

Just want to clarify something at 2:10; someone please correct me if I'm wrong. With low progesterone causing a short luteal phase, the issue would not be "not getting pregnant" but rather not staying pregnant. Without healthy uterine lining, a fertilized egg could not embed in the uterus and a miscarriage would result. I want to say that with sensitivity for anyone shooting for a healthy pregnancy ❤

[@ntmn8444]

Yes, correct. You are likely already pregnant, you just can’t stay pregnant:

[@meganc3090]

Yes, I was spotting for 3 weeks in my first trimester of pregnancy. Plus, my baby was measuring smaller than what they were supposed to be at that time. Turned out I had very low progesterone. My doctor put me on a progesterone supplement, and my spotting immediately disappeared. She said "there's not enough proof in the studies that this is going to work, but we can try it anyway" (meaning, idk if it will save your baby, but we can try) I'm so glad I decided to take the progesterone supplement, because I am now holding my 2 month old as I'm typing this. ❤️

[@jenni11880]

I'm sorry you're going through these problems, but I'm glad you're posting about them because I have been going through the exact same thing! I got off the pill and had a few normal periods, and then I had no periods at all for months. I took vitex and got it back right away and I stayed on it for a few months and then went off. I'm back to having spotting before my period and a little after. I'm also very tired all the time and having no motivation to do anything. I know vitex would probably help me out again but I am wanting to conceive later this year and know that vitex can't be taken when you're pregnant so I'm kind of back to the drawing board. I'm happy to follow your story and see what you learn!

[@alyssazen2192]

Omg!!!! It's amazing how you put out the first video when I was having the same issues and I immediately started doing my research. I started taking a zinc supplement, magnesium oil, vitex, a probiotic, l-glutamine, collagen peptides, b12, and b 6 my last cycle. My period was amazing! I'm not sure if it's been just the vitex or a combination of everything but if anyone is having the same issues and needs extra support I would recommend all of the above mentioned supplements. Thanks Victoria ❤️

[@merel6851]

How good to hear! How is your cycle doing now? :)

[@pb9159]

Can you please tell me when can I start vitex?? After periods

[@michluna]

Thanks so much for this video! I have endometriosis with some serious hormone imbalances so I can relate to a lot of the symptoms you mentioned. I'm doing everything I can to balance myself out naturally after coming off of birth control. It would be awesome if you could do a video on endo as well 💕

[@blugirl214]

Wow!! This was really informative and educational. I have had hormonal issues since puberty. I’m 39 and it’s time to get it balanced. I was okay with not getting pregnant but the listing, endo, pms, fatigue, blood clotting issues, etc. are NOT good. Thank you!

[@carolynhurley8520]

Thank you so much for your videos :) They are really interesting and informative. I will definitely do some research on the things you have mentioned as I think I am having some issues with my cycle.

[@vintagemoth]

I recently became diagnosed with pcos and I see no one is talking about the connection that bpa and plastics can disrupt hormones and the reproductive system. I think that's may be a problem for a lot of women. If any one sees my comment please look into it. Chemicals in the environment can be a factor.

[@thanksmaddytv815]

What are your suggestions?

[@vintagemoth]

@@thanksmaddytv815 reduce plastics as much as possible. There is even a post on a pcos group I'm in about receipts that you get with any purchase anywhere contains bpa

[@xswtmiseryx07]

@@vintagemoth Eat organically too. Too many fertilizers and heavy metals are another factor that can disrupt hormones too.

[@gazalaroohi261]

S....it is great hormonal disturabtor ...we look into it

[@vintagemoth]

@@gazalaroohi261 could you rewrite your message I didn't see what disruptor you were talking about

[@lindsaykosma6344]

CHASTE TREE BERRY is my JAM! I work with a naturopathic doc for the same thing. She gave me a tincture with chaste tree and ashwagandha! I took is right when I stopped HBC. Have regular periods. Stopped taking the tincture. Had 3 LONG cycles + other effects. Started taking it again and period came within 7 days.

[@Yeodoongiiie]

I finally found out that rice was causing my inflammation. I'd already cut out all grains due to celiac disease. Now I'm grain free and immediately my cycle got more smooth and nice. I could barely notice anything and then one day bam my period was there and usually I would deal with HORRIBLE bloat and pain. Now it's all better ! Yei.

[@lanataliamaria]

Thank you for the tips. NHS doesn’t really look at these issues if having regular periods so I’m having to research and fix my cycle myself!

[@ntmn8444]

Awful. If it makes you feel better, here in the USA, we don’t get much help either. What I’ve noticed is that there’s so much that is purposely kept from us about our bodies. Being Catholic, I took a NFP course before getting married, and it’s here where I learned the most about my body. I tried to talk about what I learned with my doctor, and she immediately shut me down. They don’t want you to know.

[@seltzermint5]

Vitex/chasteberry is so awesome for this...I've had the exact same experience over the start of this year with it, and so pleased.

[@rosethioune7732]

seltzermint5 which store you brought it and kind is it there is a lot of brands in amazon. I need it ASAP . Please help

[@lesleymccann9771]

@@rosethioune7732 a heath food store maybe check wallgreens

[@MainCourseEncouragement]

Thank you sooo much! Subbed!

[@summersalix]

I just found your channel and I appreciate how clearly you explain something as complex as the menstrual cycle. What are your thoughts on progesterone cream?

[@HazelYellowbird]

Thank you for this video!

[@kettlejoy]

Very empowering approach! I've introduced zinc and magnesium, but also they say Vit C and B6 can help with this; and so far it has worked for me. I can hardly believe how little I knew about my own body before starting to track.

[@Jmarr16]

Hello! How much B6 did you take to help you? I had a chemical pregnancy last month and I am almost positive that it is due to either low progesterone/shorter luteal phase (11-12 days is my average)

[@kettlejoy]

@@Jmarr16 I'm so sorry to hear that. I've had one of those before and it's tough. I took both vitamin C (around 500-1000mg) and 50mg of B6. My luteal phase lengthened almost immediately and I now have an 8 month old baby! Good luck xx

[@Jmarr16]

@@kettlejoy Aww congratulations on your sweet baby! Thank you for your advice, I am going to order some B6 and up my vitamin c intake! Thank you! 💕

[@candeezymarie9827]

Thank you! I just found out I'm having this issue currently ttc.

[@xxshell16]

In the Chart Your Cycle course, are you teaching us how to chart? I'm interested in taking the course, but I'd like to know what to expect. I've read TCOYF, but I haven't started charting yet.

[@monicafrye5218]

wow, awesome video...

[@Nadoxa1]

Hi Victoria! I'm loving your videos about coming off the pill and learning so much about FAM, that I'm actually thinking of going for it. The only problem that I see is: you have to measure your BBT right after you wake up, and it is best to do that at the same time every day, right? The thing is I work on shifts, so basically one week I wake up around 4/5am , and then next week I wake up around 10/11am. So do you think I can measure the temperature whenever I wake up and get good results anyway, or should I wake up everyday at 4/5am just to measure it and then going back to sleep, or is it not a good option for me? Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge, You Rock 👏🏽

[@iamalexandra.]

Nádia António Either always measure at 5 a.m. or on the days you get up later you can set your alarm to 7 a.m. (if you use Natural Cycles) or 8 a.m. (if you use the Daysy), measure and go back to sleep.

[@angelachapman2541]

Oh yay🎀

[@rosethioune7732]

Hi could you please please help me with vitex. I need it ASAP. Amazon has lot different brands. I don’t which one to choose

[@lydiachan2555]

I’m glad Vitex helped you! Unfortunately, it hasn’t done anything for me :(

[@ItsKelsiesLife]

I've been taking vitex now for a little over a month. My cycles are so irregular (currently on cycle day 63) hoping vitex will start kicking in and help things out!

[@00jdn]

I've heard "seed cycling" is helpful for balancing irregular cycles-might be helpful! :)

[@hmarie060]

What dosage of the vitex are you taking ? I've been having troubles with hormonal imbalance for years and never have heard of it.

[@iamalexandra.]

Hailey H Depending on your case, the dose goes from 400mg twice a day to four times a day.

[@sarahking7041]

Can you do a video on increased feelings of anxiousness, jitters, clumsiness, ect. right before and during your period and potential ways to make it a little better? I've had other women tell me they experience this and I know I do and it's very distinct and drastic to me. For me, 2-6 hours before every period I get nauseated, panicked, dizzy, and jittery then on my most heavy days I feel this way on and off all day. I can't find any information about how to alleviate it and it's bothersome. (I'm not anxious about having a period, but anxious about everything while I'm on my period.)

[@iamalexandra.]

Sarah King Have you tried ginger for your nausea? It helps most women.

[@MollySkupine]

Ive been having the same problem for well over a year now. Some cycles are great and I have no spotting, but recently I've been having 4 to 5 days of spotting before my period and then 3 to 4 days of spotting after my period. It drives me nuts!! I want to try the Vitex but I've read that it makes you really fertile and I do not want children whatsoever. What do you guys think?

[@alyssazen2192]

molly. The reason it makes you more fertile is because it helps your cycle to be healthy again. A healthy cycle where you are fertile is more important for your body than an unhealthy cycle where you are not as fertile. At least to me it is. Its worth it to be healthy and to make the changes necessary to get your hormones back in balance and feeling SO much better overall. If you don't want to get pregnant look into the fertility awareness method. It can help you to know when you are fertile and when you aren't, so you can avoid pregnancy very effectively. I hope this helps!

[@meaghanrobinson8487]

Had the same spotting troubles! A supplement by crystal star called fibro defense was my savior! Stopped the spotting a day or two after I started taking it :)

[@trangpham9522]

I have short cycle with 3 days spotting. Will it work?

[@sophiekrupp1777]

Have you ever tried seed cycling? I'd love to hear your experience if you have.

[@leabeauvais4550]

I'd like to know too!

[@alishamartin6554]

How long can you take vitex? How do you properly use it?

[@andreajohnson3878]

Why u didnt tell which brand zinc supplements u take?😓😓😓😓😓😓

[@laurenreynoldsd8079]

I love your two videos on this i have watched. As i listen to you and read comments from others it really sound like you and others are dealing with something called Adenoymosis not endometriosis Adenoymosis. I am almost sure that it what's going on. Ask your doctors to do an ultra sound to determine. It is a hardening of the uterine lining you do not get rid of it and doctors will tell you to havre hysterectomy but that is not necessary. I deal with a wholistic doctor get his blood "mediSins". He cured of the symptoms but you do not get rid of the Adenoymosis. These things you take are some of te very things he put me on and they worked . Even my gyn does not understand nor did she believe it until she tested. She however does not understand how i am a-sympyomic

[@wuggish]

What brand of Vitex are you taking? It looks like there is a wide range our there in terms of potency and quality. Dealing with a similar issue.

[@FemmeHead]

I have the Gaia brand.

[@11shafaqwaheed70]

Can you please share diet plan to boost progesterone level.

[@Cm-up9sf]

Where did you buy your chasteberry ??

[@AleksaDiaz]

Is the thin endometrial lining progesterone or estrogen? My OBGYN said it was due to low estrogen and wants me on the pill. Ofc I said no thanks! I have both low estrogen and progesterone sooo. Anything you'd recommend to increase both? Thinking of creams but they can be risky...

[@TheVanillebluete]

I think estrogen builds it up and progesterone supports it which is why people spot in the second part of the cycle

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

Endometrium is thinnest during menstruation. Uterine lining gets built up during the proliferative phase (b/w end of period and start of ovulation).

[@kimbo3468]

@femhead can i ask what y ou do for birth-conrtol i mean obviously i know you use natural family planning but do you use condoms on your firtile days?

[@DnG100]

How do you know your progesterone levels are normal? I’m still unclear. You mention your period but that’s not your progesterone \ luteal phase, right? I’ve tried taking Vitex but it makes my heart feel like it’s going to pump out my chest so I have to try something else. 😕

[@FemmeHead]

Check out the book Period Repair Manual: amzn.to/30p89BA For me it was a lot of pre-menstrual spotting and a shorter luteal phase.

[@bbbsq11]

I'm experiencing the exact same issue. I ovulate every cycle, but have the same spotting almost every day in my luteal phase. This started after I had a miscarriage in Feb 2016. So i've been dealing with this for a long time now and just started another cycle today, so that marks 13 cycles where I'm trying to get pregnant but cannot because of my SPOTTING! I believe this is why I cannot get pregnant but my GP and specialist DR both say spotting is normal.

[@hannahbaker2777]

Hi, did you figure this out, I am also ttc and spotting every cycle

[@zachsuddarth]

@@hannahbaker2777 (Just happen to me on my husband's account, so this is Melissa not Zach!) Hi - Spotting is definitely not normal. It indicates hormonal imbalances because the body is not able to start and stop a period. The hormones that power these processes are weak. Spotting is typically a progesterone deficiency. I am TTC as well and working through regulating my hormones. I recommend the book "The Infertility Cure" for a deep dive into this, herbs, and traditional chinese medicine. :) I read it a couple weeks ago and am starting to implement a lot of the recommendations.

[@alannaleet]

jw why is it bad to have brown blood?

[@jacquelinevoigt4710]

Heyaaa Thank you soo Much. I'm wondering if this light help me too, I went off the pill 2 years ago, I don't have a period since then. Nothing at all. I was on the pill from years 14 to 19 years and now I just turned 22. My doctor says I have PCOS , but only some of the symptoms.. he says it is inevitable to take hormones, however I have a reluctance against taking hormones. Now I am looking for alternative methods or products .. Looking forward to an answer, thanks for your videos!!!

[@FemmeHead]

You should check out "WomanCode" by Alisa Vitti. She healed her PCOS naturally and has gone on to help other women heal their hormonal problems too.

[@jacquelinevoigt4710]

FemmeHead thanks, I got the book already!! Follow her instructions for about 3 months.. maybe it needs more time

[@freezycoldy4408]

Thx a lot informative video strange thg doctors dnt tell any abta progesterone...my wife hs vaginismus n was pregnant had miscarriage most doctors still dnt knw much abt ths...peace n good luck to all..

[@andyt.1035]

Hi Victoria, i know this is an old video but when u started with Vitex, did it move or change your ovulation somehow? I have the annoying spotting as well and want to try vitex to get rid of it, but have no other problems otherwise. My doc confirmed it is a low progesterone. Thank you!

[@TheVanillebluete]

Did you try it? How did it go?

[@andyt.1035]

@@TheVanillebluete i haven't - still in doubt with Vitex, but i have been doing Hormone yoga for two months now and see the improvement.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

@@andyt.1035 how did your doctor test for progesterone?. I've been to two gynecologists that say they won't test for estrogen/progesterone because "all women fluctuate during their cycles".

[@user-yp3yj4ig7g]

Hi Victoria, do you suggest that people just coming off of hormonal birth control take vitex to get their cycles back on track? How long should people wait before taking it?

[@iamalexandra.]

Victoria M You should wait 3 months, because you have to give your body some time to see how it adjusts.

[@ellekatrina1900]

Victoria love your videos 💞. I've had servere period pains to the point where I've been referred to the hospital because of contractions like pains no painkillers will work but they say my uterus and ovaries are fine, no problems at all. Drs say the pill I say no there must be another way. I know your not a Dr but do you know what it could be? xx

[@michluna]

Hi Ellena, you may want to look into endometriosis. I had the disease for 14yrs before I was properly diagnosed, and by then it had progressed to stage IV. No doctors could explain my symptoms. I ended up in the emergency room one month due to the severe pain on my period thinking my appendix had burst. Yet all of the tests they ran came back inconclusive. I eventually started doing my own research and brought the info to my gyno. Unfortunately a lot of doctors aren't educated enough about this disease, they say painful periods are normal, and put you on the pill. 1 in 10 women have it, and it causes infertility so there should really be more awareness. The only way to actually get diagnosed is with laparoscopic surgery. Check out the documentary endowhat.com it has some amazing information! I hope this helps 💗

[@ellekatrina1900]

Michelle Grace thanks so much!! This is really helpful. I'm from the UK so the health system is slightly different than America. I'll keep pushing with my GP to keep getting me referred that's all I probably can do. 💞

[@michluna]

No problem, hopefully if you bring the info to your GP you can at least get a referral to a gynecologist which is what I did. They are the most qualified to help you other than an endometriosis specialist. In the meantime you could always do some research and watch that documentary. Like Victoria was saying, you definitely have to be your own health advocate. Especially with a misunderstood and underdiagnosed disease like this. There aren't any tests they can do, other than maybe an ultrasound and it very rarely shows up - mine didn't the first time but showed a large cyst on my ovary a couple years later. However, they can give you a probable diagnosis based on your symptoms and refer you to get a laparoscopy. Best health decision I've ever made other than going vegan. That's another huge thing by the way.. you can google some common trigger foods like meat, dairy, gluten, soy, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and chocolate. All the good stuff I know, but it drastically relieved my symptoms and was so worth it. I have pelvic floor dysfunction and interstitial cystitis too which sometimes go hand in hand with endo so those could be worth looking into as well. I hope you get it sorted out, I just had to say something because your symptoms sound all too familiar. I know how painful it can be, almost like giving birth or something and meds barely even touch it. I would throw up and nearly black out it was so unbearable. I'd lay in bed for days or sometimes weeks at a time not able to walk. My case is obviously extreme, but you could have stage IV with no symptoms and not even know it. Crazy right? It's a very debilitating chronic illness but I'm learning how to heal myself naturally through a plant based diet, herbal remedies + supplements, and alternative medicine therapies like acupuncture. And after my excision surgery I don't have those horrible endo flare ups every month anymore. So there is hope! Can you tell I'm passionate about this? Haha I just don't want anyone else to suffer the way I have and it's so important to catch it as soon as possible so it doesn't spread further and cause more damage. Since you're in the UK you can also look up @this_endolife on Instagram and her blog - I believe she lives in London and is super sweet and knowledgeable. Ok done with my novel now ;) Sending lots of positive vibes and healing your way. Good luck and please let me know if you have any questions!

[@iamalexandra.]

Michelle is right - although most of the time, gynecologists won't listen to you, either. You should really see a specialist. Oh, and you know that thing about them wanting to put us on the pill because of our pain? It doesn't work for me. Actually, it made it even worse.

[@michluna]

True, a lot of gynecologists are under qualified as well. However, there are some good ones out there. I had to do a lot of research in my area and switch doctors to finally go to someone I felt comfortable with. But when in comes to getting the laparoscopy you absolutely need to go to an endometriosis specialist. They are the only ones truly qualified to do the procedure. A lot of women have to have it done multiple times due to improper excision. Which is so unnecessary, it should be one surgery done right. I went to Dr. Sinervo at the Center for Endometriosis Care and he was unbelievably worth it. And I agree, birth control didn't help me either. It isn't good for you and is honestly just a Band-Aid effect. It may somewhat suppress your symptoms but won't treat the underlying disease.

[@Projectparenthood_]

Check out Walkinlab.com you can order your own lab work.

[@annathomas2771]

What is spotting

[@brownbeauty2795]

light bleeding

[@kissgirl67]

Hi,i didnt understand,when you should take vitex,and when not?

[@FemmeHead]

Don't forget to do your own research, but I took Vitex everyday except for when I had my period.

[@Queen-yj9pj]

I've had worse experiences with doctors than you realise to the extent if I continued taking my doctors advice I'd have died 4 years ago. I'm all for being your own advocate but doctors are good too sometimes you just need to find the right one.

[@iamalexandra.]

Sarah O'Connor Exactly, SOMETIMES doctors are good. It doesn't mean that you have to visit 20 of them and almost die when you can do some research of your own. If you almost died because of them and you still can't see that, you're not thinking straight. But to each their own, if you're willing to put your life on every doctor's hands, that's your choice, but some of us would rather take a natural approach before doing something like that. Especially because in Victoria's case the most likely answer she would get would be to go on hormonal birth control. And that's not a cure; it's not even a treatment. So if she can do it herself, I can't see what's bad about it. It's not like she's taking dangerous medications - you know, like the ones doctors prescribe.

[@Queen-yj9pj]

Alexandra I only made my comment because I was terrified someone might listen to her about self diagnosis and they could have a serious problem which would go undetected. The first stop for anyone should be a doctor's office and nothing will convince me otherwise.

[@iamalexandra.]

Sarah O'Connor If someone isn't capable of making their own decisions, they shouldn't be watching videos like these. Besides, Victoria is not saying "Do this, do that", she's simply sharing her experience, which may help other people or not. And never say never, because if one day you see yourself in one of the situations I mentioned, you will change your mind. You have no idea what it's like to be in excruciating pain and having all the doctors say it's all in your head.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

@@iamalexandra. so true 👍. Good conventional doctors are few and far between. Most aren't accepting new patients. 👎

[@iamalexandra.]

@@user-vg8ez9cu6u Right, unfortunately. Not to mention a lot of them like to blame everything on someone's weight, too. The problem is they aren't taught about psychology - if they acted like humans dealing with other humans (who actually know their own bodies), everything would be so much better.