PMDD Progesterone Sensitivity and me

[@tellmesomethinggood.]

I have been scouring the interwebs for information about PMDD Menopause HRT- I have tears hearing the stories that resonate so much with my own experience. I will share this episode with some of the women’s groups and also with my daughters who are in their 20’s and struggling to manage their own experiences with their cycles. Thank you!

[@skuggitmcskuggit1029]

I think PMDD is very misunderstood - misdiagnosed in many cases as mental illness - I have have it since puberty and it has caused immense problems. Stupidly I thought that menopause would be the end of my problems BUT unfortunately now it seems that I am constantly at the worst level of PMDD all the time - with NO relief as the hrt progesterone I cannot tolerate and I have tried them all. I thought this would all be over at 60 but now its there ALL the time. I cant stand it and life is unbearable - I see no way out.

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I feel you! I’m sorry you’re going through this. I hope you’ve found an answer. I’m also post-menopausal, age 63, and sensitive to progesterone and had PMDD (although it wasn’t called that back then). For me, testosterone has helped a lot. Have you considered it? I can tolerate a low progesterone dose but become deeply depressed with a moderate dose.

[@cearilindubhlaoi9507]

​@@GwenMotoGirlhave you tried a different delivery method??? Look up Dr Catherine Dalton who was way ahead of her time, she done numerous studies ref progesterone..Taken it vaginaly or anal can be more beneficial than oral ..😊

[@cearilindubhlaoi9507]

Have you tried progesterone in a different del😢method as in vaginaly or anal..as the late Dr Catherine Dalton did numerous studies on progesterone for this reason...we all thought that taken progesterone oral would be better it is for ppl who suffer from insomnia or anxiety but vaginaly & anal you absorb more ..orally we only absorb 10/ 20% ....😊

[@FreeSoul605]

Hysterectomy and estrogen patches?

[@MT-uf8xh]

@@cearilindubhlaoi9507interesting

[@dianeparkin1868]

What a relief - listening to this and this is exactly my symptoms and I keep getting prescribed different HRT’s and told that I am the only one who has mentioned these symptoms so I feel that I am making this up. I was diagnosed with PMDD over 5 years ago but was put on Fluoxetine and now I know that I have probably suffered with Progesterone Intolerance all my life. Off to my Doctors to argue with them.

[@dogfoodlady173]

I am sitting here crying at your explanation of PMDD and it mirrors exactly how I have felt throughout my life and still experience at 55. It’s desperately upsetting but I now feel, thanks to your video, that I have access to resources that will help me out of this hell. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@essanjay8604]

The only way I've found it possible to tolerate Utrogestan and therefore to remain on HRT is to use the capsules vaginally - 100mgs for 10 days every 6 weeks. I'm still always glad to reach day 10! For me putting up with a bleed is worth it to give me the long stretch on Oestrogen only. I could never tolerate any sort of progesterone taken daily.

[@rachelche]

i am unable to tolerant utrogestan taking it every other night and now continuedly bleeding is it ok to take for just 10 day in 6 weeks does that protect you enough did doctor tell you to do it that way very grateful for any advice

[@essanjay8604]

@@rachelche It's enough for ME. I have always had regular bleeds and also have endometrial scans every other year. You should check this out with your doctor as it can depend on age and stage and of course on how much oestrogen you take. Every woman is different.

[@karinelaizet6912]

In 20 minutes you explain all my symptoms! So shame that we do not have the same than positivity in France!😪

[@isabelalder9998]

Thank you so much for all of this amazing & life saving information about progesterone sensitivity. I identify w/ all of this. Now 57 & recently stared bii- identical hormone therapy. I noticed almost immediately extreme fatigue & that heavy feeling with it the day. When younger I had secere PMS (or PMDD) w/ that clumsy symptom as well. Thank you again so much. I'm hoping to get an alternative hormone therapy (utrogestin possibly?) for more energy & normal lifestyle . . ❤

[@skuggitmcskuggit1029]

I just found out today that I have replies ! and am am so sorry not to have replied earlier - I am a real dummy on the computer and still dont know how to do things . so I will just say thankyou here for your kind and useful comments, I was in a very dark place and since i posted that comment i had the whole hrt issue decided for me with a big NO as I now have a contra indicated health condition - However I have totally and radically changed my bad habits re.diet and exercise and basically cutting out the ultra processed foods and junk as much as possible and just trying to be a healthy as i can be . Funnly enough the fact that hrt is not going to be allowed for me has stopped me thinking about it and its a bit of a relief just to stop trying to get hrt to work for me.

[@kkr5595]

THIS is my story exactly!! I felt horrible the last two weeks of my cycle. I was mentally a mess and physically felt awful until my period would start and then RELIEF. For a short time during peri I felt awesome! I actually went to a PMS clinic and they prescribed progesterone and it was awful for me. Never felt so clear minded and calm but as my E's dropped I started feeling awful entering into post. I've been struggling with using HRT for the past year and a half and I can't seem to be able to use the dose of level I need to have the level of E that I need. I've found that if I use micronized progesterone cream vaginally I get horrible cystitis so it works best if I use it rectally. Thank you so much for the much needed validation that I needed for years! So why was it the Utrogestan pill that helped you?

[@stargazerbird]

I do eostrogen only. Been doing this for twenty years and I am fine. Every time I try and add progesterone I get really sick. I wonder if we who are sensitive don’t need it. It’s ridiculous how little is known about all this.

[@carascottvo]

I'm sitting here crying watching this video, and I wonder if this is me, too. Every test I've had- serum, saliva and DUTCH - has indicated low estradiol and normal progesterone. However many women have their progesterone tank during perimenopause, I am definitely NOT one of them. Do you get regular scans? I'm 49 and just starting this mess.The lowest dose of oral micronized compounded progesterone gave me horrible insomnia and vivid nightmares!

[@greenprivam.3085]

How much estrogen you take ? And which form ? I am having problems with progesterone too 😢

[@NMW80]

@@carascottvosame I can’t take it cos it makes me feel awful. Do you take estrogen only?

[@carascottvo]

@@NMW80 Yes, so far I’m just on estrogen only. I should probably take another Dutch test to check for imbalances. Sigh.

[@NMW80]

@@carascottvo I know how you feel 😞 if I take progesterone my immune system which already sucks get so much worse. I wish I could tolerate the progesterone so I could cycle. It effects my mood too in a bad way, maybe I’m not taking the right balance of estrogen vs progesterone though cos my stupid gp doesn’t care to check my levels. I need a lady doctor to check my levels.

[@darrylwhitesall4565]

Thank you so much! This explains me to a T. I'm so thankful that us women have the ability to bare all to eachother ...and empower one another

[@anatino]

I’ve read about women that took benzo, cannot tolerate many things including progesterone because the acting on GABA receptors. It’s a shame.

[@brightwithspirit]

oh!

[@ellen8847]

Hi! I've just started HRT and so far I'm finding it helpful. Your channel is wonderful, it has so much information. The menopause used to be so taboo, it's really important that women talk about this because there is so much ignorance, and yet it us something that effects 51% of the population! ps you can get free apps that allow you to easily edit videos, so you can edit out the bits where technology has gone a bit awry!

[@malanathan8617]

I thought I was going to find a solution at last but no...😢 I've tried vaginal ultrogesten and it was awful. Totally non functional and suicidal within days. Telling people to go to gp isn't always helpful. I've seen gp's and specialists and they have no answer.

[@Brad14397]

Oral progesterone passes through the liver and makes a calming hormone called allopregnalone. Vaginal doesn't convert the same way. Maybe worth a try? It's helped me a ton. Hugs!

[@questioneverything1776]

@@Brad14397oral is worse!

[@PinkelefantZ3]

Oh no! I tried oral and felt suicidal. I was crying like a mourning widow! I’m on topical cream now and it’s much better but still weird, not horrible thoughts just feel different. Sleep is still weird too. Progesterone is not the miracle hormone everyone claims for me. My last resort is vaginal but I’m terrified now after reading your experience. How are you now?

[@serizer9]

@@PinkelefantZ3adding a strong b complex and DHEA has allowed me to metabolize progesterone beautifully for the first time

[@OZMAZZ12]

@@serizer9which b complex ?

[@ceridawn]

This was like a warm hug,

[@Moonlight-hp7nt]

I know your talking about menopause but I'm pregnant and they had to put me on progesterone it's truly been so difficult,. I've never been able to take hormonal birth control because I would get so sick and got it confirmed that the progesterone was causing sensitivity at the allergist. I have a long story but wow this is helpful! I feel understood at least.

[@karinagonz11]

Can you elaborate on your story? On top of the normal PMDD symptoms I also get allergic reactions during my PMDD cycles.

[@Brad14397]

​@@karinagonz11hey, not the original author but feel free to ask any questions, I also have progesterone hypersensitivity. The biggest thing I'd recommend is to see an allergist. Mine was able to titrate me onto progesterone so I didn't react and I feel 99999x better now-mood/joints/sleep/skin/nausea/lightheadedness/even my mouth gums improved! I feel a little drowsy at times but that's all 🤩

[@olilumgbalu5653]

Some of the fatigue and anxiety could be due to low iron from blood loss, thyroid issues (which can cause heavy bleeding and depression/anxiety) and/or low B12. All of those things (and more) should be evaluated in a woman who thinks her symptoms are caused by PMDD.

[@sandeewichkoski1574]

I found this discussion very interesting, however whoever that was shuffling papers and such in the background was very distracting. Hopefully the next time those who aren't talking on the zoom can mute themselves

[@janemasini356]

I have always been told I've got pms, but with these symptoms I think I've got pmdd , I've always suffered progesterone sensitivity, I suffered terrible heavy periods, tearful ,anxiety, sleep deprivation, I gad bad pregnancies with bad morning sickness, sore breasts. When I went into perimopause, the Dr put me on the microgynon 30 pill, wen I reached 50 it was lock down so I couldn't change until I went for a biopsy on my womb they put me on the mireena coil and estradot , it increased to 100mg , I was having spotting and periods after year I had a scan the problem was that the coil wasn't in the right place , so I'm waiting for it to be removed under sedation and replaced because of my heavy period s, ! My patch wasn't working so they put me on oestragel and my estrogen was low in my blood test, cthey told me to take utragestran to raks at night fir my skeep anxiety, as I don't get sleep! I'm worried to taje it as I suffer from progesterone sensitivity ❤

[@fionabell1744]

This is my story also. Thankyou xx

[@jennydellasanta2085]

This video really spoke to me- I am here in the US dying to know what is the progesterone that Elizabeth finally found some balance with? I couldn't quite make out the name of the progesterone she is taking now.

[@pausitivityknowyourmenopau3452]

Hi there. It's UTROGESTAN, a micronised progesterone. You could also try the Mirena Coil as that is very effective (and gentle) too. Good luck and we're so glad we were able to help.

[@jennydellasanta2085]

@@pausitivityknowyourmenopau3452 Thank you! We don't have utrogestan in the US but I think it might be the same as Prometrium which is also micronised progesterone. Was also considering the Mirena but it's a bigger commitment and I'm just not there yet!

[@pamw3238]

@@pausitivityknowyourmenopau3452 I cannot tolerate prometrium or the coil, I had to have the coil removed two days after inserted. Cried all day and night. Has anybody or heard of anybody who's gp offered bioidentical hormone cream from a compounding pharmacy?

[@pausitivityknowyourmenopau3452]

@@pamw3238 We're so sorry you struggled with these Pam! I'm afraid NHS GP's wont prescribe BIO-identical hormones from a compounding pharmacy. You will have to find someone who will do this privately, take the appropriate blood tests etc. If you choose this route please ensure that you have regular checkups. Good luck! :-)

[@lorimoore5589]

😭😭😭 I thought the IUD didn't effect our moods because it only effected uterus an was not systematic. This is discouraging, I started on HRT 6 weeks ago an literally want to die. The first week I felt fantastic but it was down hill from there. I stopped caring about everything, drinking water daily, taking vitamins, washing my face at night etc. I spend all day everyday in bed an cry ten times a day. I take 1 mg of estradiol an progesterone/ medrox something can't really remember, then doctor changed it to micro progesterone an used that an that was worse. I now stopped the progesterone 5 days ago because I just can't stand it an want to see if its the issue. I am going to try the IUD if doctor will give it to me. But I feel I will never feel good again. I just hate hearing these women who get on HRT an immediately feel fantastic., because I don't understand why I can't feel this way. I used to be suicidal when I took birth control in my 20's an couldn't ever take it. An my pms was horrible until I started my period an I felt amazing so I think progesterone is my issue or at least I hope so. The doctor also prescribed estrogen/testosterone but can't pick it up yet because I can't afford it, its only $36 but I am not working right now an can't afford that, hopefully I will be able to try in the future although I currently don't feel I have a future.

[@hannahgarth6366]

Thank you for this talk, I have just sobbed through it. I can't take the Progesterone- for the HRT, the Doctors keep giving me it makes me ill. I had given up on HRT. I think I have suffered with PMDD my whole adult life too. I am now desperate, terrible depression and anxiety ... I've just spent 4 days in bed not being able to get out! Having seen this, I'm going to speak to a Doctor a.s.a.p to see if I can change to the Utrogeston vaginal capsules, so that I can go back on the Oestrogen-HRT. Thank you.

[@marlarangeloff5163]

Oestregen doesnt help you in menopause. You make it in your fat cells. The only estrogen you really need is estraidol. That's the one your ovaries stop making in menopause.

[@Brad14397]

Hey, try taking an antihistamine next time. If it helps at all I'd recommend seeing an allergist. Mine titrated me onto progesterone to avoid a reaction and now I take it continuously. This is the first time I've tolerated any kind of progesterone. My only side effects on bioidentical progesterone are feeling tranquil and a bit drowsy- but I'll take it over depression, anxiety, joint pain, racing heart sometimes, sleep /skin issues

[@RhondaLucas-rm8ku]

What does an antihistamine do for it? I feel I react badly to progesterone

[@Brad14397]

@@RhondaLucas-rm8ku the antihistamine is a test to see if inflammation is the cause. It helped me because I'm allergic to progesterone(later confirmed by a Dr)

[@cathycoppin5682]

I been given Utrogestan but still can’t take progesterone this way

[@TheAmra66]

I dont understand this at all , if you are sensitive to progesteron how can you take urtogestan? Also how long it takes after you take it for containdicaton to sattle? Please answer:)

[@CarmQ]

I don’t understand this either!! It’s all so confusing. I’m post meno and we tweaked my estradiol and progesterone and I have had a period now for 10 days and no end in sight. I don’t know what to do and the doctors here where I live are no help :(

[@rachelgrigg7189]

Are you all doing it without hrt then? I was a psycho on Mirena in my 40s and got it taken out. Two cerazette plus hrt kind of worked but now am on utrogestan and just had a massive rage yesterday. Which I haven't had since I started on hrt, went on citalopram at the same time (also now three weeks of not taking citalopram though) so I have no idea if its the utrogestan or the lack of xitalopram thats making me crazy, heart beating fast, anxiety etc I think I want to ditch all the hormones.progesterone sends me bonkers

[@rachelgrigg7189]

Currently doing utrogeatan vaginally every other day because. I'm too scared to do 200mgs orally for half the month

[@marzenarongione4968]

How much are you taking vaginally? No one seems to give me an answer… I can’t tolerate oral progesterone but willing to try vaginally

[@Teragram68]

I’m on continuous regimen oestrogel and utrogestan , 6 months of feeling very unstable and ache all over. Im in bed by 7.30 pm I cant face life, its making me feel so ill. 😢I’ve been offered the coil, but I’m scared to have a coil. I use utrogestan vaginally its still making me feel ill.

[@cearilindubhlaoi9507]

Have you even considered its the estrogen not the progesterone...alot of women blame the progesterone when it's really the estrogen..we lose progesterone first so it's so low it takes time to build it back up..its the happy calming hormone...

[@Teragram68]

@@cearilindubhlaoi9507I am progesterone intolerant and have suffered from that since starting my periods at 11 it took till I was 54 to ever realise the issue, clearly PMDD. I’m going to ask the Dr to see if I’m absorbing the oestrogen ok as advised by a menopause counsellor, 4 pumps is the maximum dose and I am still unwell they have suggested that may be a oestrogen change might be needed. Patches or something? I’ve been on sequential for 12 months before switching to the continuous regime and feel far worse since being on progesterone everyday. God forbid I’m not tolerating either of them, but tbh the utrogestan is the one that makes me feel awful and depressed.

[@essanjay8604]

The only way I can tolerate utrogestan is to use it vaginally every other month for 10 days. I use 100mg. I use 2 pumps of gel. It works for me. I have a good withdrawal bleed and I've paid privately to have uterine scans and my endometrium has been fine. I absolutely can't take progesterone every day. It sends me crazy. The oestrogen only weeks are brilliant.

[@Teragram68]

@@essanjay8604 yes its a difficult hormone to tolerate when i was on sequential regime i found the utrogestan easier once the oestrogen went up to 3 pumps. Im on four pumps and utrogestan every day. Im still not right but had a transvaginal scan yesterday and had oestrogen levels tested a couple of weeks ago. Hoping to feel better soon. Fairly miserable today though. 😕 hope you stay well yourself good luck on your menopause journey x

[@jaykaira9939]

@@essanjay8604 It’s good that HRT working for you. Just wondering how many days in a month do you apply estradiol? Thanks!

[@jacquelinefoote8081]

Looking at the symptoms of PMDD I have all of these since taking progesterone along with estrogen but I’ve been trying different types of progesterone and I’ve been told now that I’m intolerant and the menopause specialist has suggested I should think about a hysterectomy my suicidal thoughts are getting worse and it looks like I’ve been suffering for years and didn’t know plus I started my menopause at the age of 25 now I’m 49 and I’m still suffering 😢

[@cathycoppin5682]

Hi what did you finally take for progesterone that worked ? Please

[@missymiss10]

You just tile my entire story

[@bubblefizz9144]

I'm on oestrogel and no progesterone just yet, as they want to load me up with eostragen first,( I had bad side effects utrogestan) but I'm having all the side effect of the progesterone 🤔 when I'm not even taking it! Feel so low and depressed, I cant function, I dont understand?

[@questioneverything1776]

Maybe you have estrogen dominance

[@cathycoppin5682]

I tried usgeston can’t take it or progesterone what can I do

[@essanjay8604]

Have you tried using it vaginally? I use 100mgs vaginally for 10 days. The side effects are much less. I have a bleed about 3 days after I finish the course.

[@elizabethkaranja570]

Story of my life🥺

[@lisam2703]

Hove you got any updates on the ustugesten with PMDD? I just switched to it yesterday from the synthetic patches wich was living hell. I hope this works

[@cathycoppin5682]

Do you get less affects from virginal Pedestrian cream

[@Frenchie12442]

I missed one period and felt awful

[@rebeccaaldrich3396]

Any experience with taking testosterone or pregnenolone?

[@bluejean-1968]

Where do I start? Ok. It's not progesterone sensitivity, it's estrogen kick back. It means to stop taking estrogen therapy and only take progesterone cream. I take 800 mg a day to keep my estrogen dominance in check. I'll go down in my dose eventually. Also, if you're taking a 20% cream, that probably won't absorb. I take a 5% cream which is 50mg per dose. I apply it every single hour between the hours of 7am and 10pm. I've never felt better in my life. Estrogen can hide in your tissues, so even if your serum levels are low, that doesn't mean it isn't very high hiding in your tissues. If you need more information, visit healthy gut girl. When you take too little of a dose of progsterone, all that does is antagonize your estrogen stores. You need to take a LOT of progesterone (and probably DIM) to squash down the high estrogen. I've always thought I couldn't take progesterone, but this was what was happening. Menopause is NOT a low estrogen state. It's a state of estrogen dominance. The last thing you need is high estrogen supplementation.

[@questioneverything1776]

I took progesterone only and my mental health and body tanked. I had no idea it was the progesterone until fairly recently. I had no idea about progesterone intolerance and now my life makes so much more sense! Menopause IS an estrogen deficiency by the way and lack of estrogen negatively impacts cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. That’s proven. Everyone’s body is different though so you found something that works for you but it may not be like that with everyone

[@ginaamoroso1882]

Wrong. That’s what worked for you. Not everyone. I felt suicidal on high dose progesterone. Be careful your advice is dangerous.

[@lyndengeo]

What???

[@sascollins23]

Please stop with the nonsense. Menopause IS low to no estrogen production. It’s great to have an opinion but don’t tell others who are especially vulnerable at this stage in life that they should stop their estrogen intake. Please follow studies and do your own research to find out what works best for you as an individual. I’ve found that using bio identical testosterone and dhea has helped my progesterone intolerance a lot and I am now able to take it. Your own body may or may not respond this way..best to work with a caring health professional who can help you navigate this crazy labyrinth.