Peri-Menopause is a time when progesterone is vital for well being. Levels start dropping from the age of thirty five, whereas estrogen remains at normal levels until menopause, when they drop sharply. The reason for the drop in level is anovulation. From thirty five onwards ovarian function declines, ovulation does not occur every month, and progesterone levels in those months will be very low. For ovulation to occur an egg needs to reach maturity, the following explains what happens in the cycle.

The first half of the monthly cycle is known as the follicular phase, and it can range from seven days to twenty-one days. Progesterone is present in extremely small amounts, estrogen and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) being the dominant hormones.

When the egg has reached maturity, another hormone called lutenising hormone (LH) is released by the pituitary. Approximately twenty four hours later this causes the Graafian follicle to rupture releasing an egg, commonly known as ovulation. The follicle, which is now called the corpus luteum due to its yellow colour, starts producing progesterone, which it does for the next fourteen days, progesterone is now the dominant hormone. This part of the cycle is known as the luteal phase.

During peri menopause cycles become very erratic, bleeding can be very light to flooding, 2 weeks apart to 3 months apart, clots, spotting, sometimes pain. Although progesterone can normally be used to regulate the cycle, unfortunately no amount is going to regulate it once peri menopause has started.

It's the imbalanced ratio of the two hormones that causes the symptoms. Both serum and saliva tests can be done to check levels of hormones, saliva being the more accurate of the two. This is difficult in peri menopause when cycles can be so erratic. The reference used below is the UK standard. Only the luteal phase level has been shown to save confusion.

In some women symptoms can start ten years before menopause, the average age of which is fifty one, sometimes they can persist from 5 to 10 years after.

This is also a time when the medical field will recommend that you go on HRT - please DO NOT do this, it is not necessary!!

• abdominal bloating
• aches and pains, including joint pain
• agoraphobia
• aggression, anger, rage, resentment
• alcoholism, particularly pre-menstrual
• allergies
• anxiety, nervousness, irrational fear
• arthritis, joint and muscle pains
• blood clots
• breast tenderness
• bruising and capillary breakage
• chronic fatigue - muscular weakness, procrastination, exhaustion, tiredness, mental confusion, difficulty in getting up after enough sleep, lethargy
• clumsiness
• cold hands and feet
• constipation
• cracked heels
• cravings, eating disorders, binges, inability to tolerate long intervals without food
• cysts - breast and ovarian
• dizziness
• depression - loneliness, uselessness, endless crying, irrational behaviour
• fibroids
• guilt
• hair loss and excessive facial hair

• headaches
• hot flushes/flashes and night sweats
• hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• hypothyroidism
• incontinence
• insomnia
• irregular menstrual flow, heavy or light flow
• irritability
• lack of self confidence and esteem
• low libido 
• memory loss
• mood swings and irritability
• nails - flaking, brittle and weak
• osteoporosis
• palpitations
• panic attacks
• personality changes
• skin problems-dry skin and early ageing of the skin
• sleep disturbances
• tension
• urinary tract infections, cystitis
• vaginal thinning, dryness and itching
• violence-verbal and physical
• violent dreams
• weight gain
• water retention

Heavy/Continual Bleeding/ Clotting Protocol

400-500mg Natpro Progesterone Cream per day
2000mg N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) per day
2000mg Taurine per day
5000iu's Vitamin D3 per day
1000mg Bioflavanoids or Vitamin C per day