PROGESTERONE MISCONCEPTIONS

Regrettably, the internet is overflowing with misinformation propagated by individuals who do not fully grasp the complexities of progesterone. It is essential to verify that the information you come across online is both accurate and free from inaccuracies; otherwise, you might find yourself thoroughly confused! This vigilance applies not only to progesterone but also to a multitude of other topics. Deceptions, scams, and erroneous information can swiftly result in considerable bewilderment. Therefore, please take a responsible approach to your research.

Some ridiculous misconceptions are

  • progesterone makes them feel worse
  • weight gain
  • water retention
  • hair loss
  • candida feeds off progesterone
  • rotate the areas where you rub it in
  • progesterone builds up in fatty tissue
  • don't use it on thick skinned areas
  • using at ovulation will prevent it
  • too much progesterone will ‘make’ estrogen - really?
  • only progesterone oil should be used
  • should not be used until all forms of phytoestrogens or estrogen mimics have been removed from our food, skincare, makeup etc - well that is never going to happen is it? Why? Because of our Environment!
  • reduce or stop amount used if adverse symptoms are felt 
  • progesterone can't be used once a hysterectomy has been performed - really??
  • progesterone is NOT a sex hormone.  it plays no part in the secondary sexual characteristics which develop at puberty

The list goes on and on which obviously gives progesterone a bad name.

The interplay of two hormones reveals that progesterone is not the antagonist it is often seen as. While estrogen is indeed an essential hormone, it is also incredibly powerful; even a small amount can have significant effects.

For example: in serum tests estrogen is measured in pg/ml or pmol/L, and progesterone is measured in ng/ml or nmol/L. A pg or pmol is a 1000 times smaller than a ng or nmol.

Without estrogen, women would lack their distinct feminine shape, and men can also develop this shape if they have elevated levels of circulating estrogen. Estrogen encourages the proliferation of subcutaneous fat cells, leading to a shift in body shape during puberty. An excess of estrogen contributes to weight gain, making it particularly challenging to lose this weight unless the surplus estrogen is curtailed. It acts as a mitogen, prompting fat cells to multiply.

Estrogen promotes water retention, leading to a rapid increase in weight if it is suddenly activated. The use of a low quantity of progesterone inevitably triggers this effect. The two hormones begin to stimulate each other, creating what I like to describe as a battle between them. This phenomenon also occurs in men, as testosterone enters the equation, allowing all three hormones to interact and create a cascade of stimulation that ultimately results in Estrogen Dominance.

Progesterone is currently being held responsible for symptoms of estrogen dominance, leading many to diminish or discontinue its use. Ceasing progesterone will alleviate the stimulation of estrogen, but this undermines the objective of suppressing excess estrogen and allowing progesterone to assume dominance. It is crucial to increase the amount of progesterone used if estrogen dominance arises, rather than reducing it.

As previously noted, estrogen acts as a mitogen, stimulating cell proliferation, particularly in breast and endometrial tissues. This explains the development of breasts during puberty; however, elevated levels can lead to gigantomachia in women, gynecomastia in men, and increased breast cancer risk for both sexes. Estrogen serves as an excitatory, inflammatory hormone, while progesterone counteracts mitosis, making it advantageous in treating conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, heavy bleeding, and more.

Phytoestrogens present in food exert an estrogenic influence on cells, making them challenging to completely avoid. It is advisable to minimize the consumption of grains and legumes, as these contain the highest concentrations.

Our environment is saturated with more than 100 estrogen mimics. They are in our food, water, air, and skin care products, especially sunscreens. Daily avoidance of these substances proves to be a significant challenge. However, we can take steps to mitigate their impact by choosing organic foods and products. Progesterone serves as a safeguard against their effects.

Progesterone acts as a soothing hormone, serving as a powerful anti-inflammatory and an effective diuretic. In cases of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), patients receive over 1200mg daily through IV transfusions. Check out this touching video.

There is another common misconception regarding the application of progesterone: that it should only be rubbed on thin-skinned areas with rotation. Is that really accurate? In fact, this approach is not feasible if high levels of progesterone are required. Progesterone is effectively absorbed throughout the body. The skin consists of 95% keratinocytes, which contain plenty of progesterone receptors, and even hair follicles and sebaceous glands readily absorb progesterone. NOTE: The thicker the cream, the longer the absorption time will be.

Numerous websites claim that receptors become desensitized, making a break crucial. This is misleading, as it simply allows estrogen to regain dominance. The accumulation of progesterone in fatty tissue could suggest receptor insensitivity. A break should only be considered if one is trying to conceive and has a healthy, regular cycle, which many do not possess. There seem to be no studies indicating that progesterone accumulates in fatty tissue, but there is a paper stating otherwise.

The paper says

"Although the creams yield low serum progesterone levels, salivary progesterone concentrations are notably high, suggesting that serum progesterone levels do not always correlate with tissue levels."

If the fatty tissues were truly saturated and minimal progesterone was circulating, the study would have observed the opposite outcome, specifically lower saliva levels.

Saliva tests indicate that progesterone is indeed circulating in the body. A comparison of tests conducted before and after shows a significant rise in levels; however, more importantly, the women report feeling well and experiencing benefits.

During the proliferative phase, specifically the follicular phase, progesterone tends to be concentrated in fatty tissue. This phenomenon is easily understood when we consider that progesterone is not produced during the follicular phase, leading to its storage in fatty tissue. Consequently, its levels remain very low, as it does not play a role during this phase. Progesterone is produced after ovulation in the secretory or luteal phase and is primarily located in the skin, uterus, and ovaries.

One aspect that appears to be frequently overlooked is that progesterone is metabolized into various compounds. It doesn't simply remain in its progesterone form stored within fatty tissue. Among these metabolites is allogregnanolone (3-hydroxy-5-pregnan-20-one, also known as 3.5-tetrahydroprogesterone or THP). This particular metabolite acts as a powerful analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Progesterone undergoes conversion into various metabolites, including 5-dihydroprogesterone (the precursor to allopregnanolone), 17alpha-hydroprogesterone, and 20-hydroxy-5-pregnan-3-one. Additionally, there are three mono-hydroxylated products: 6-, 16-, and 21-hydroxyprogesterone, along with a dihydroxy compound, 4-pregnen-6, 21-diol-3, 20-dione, among others.

Since the body is structured to metabolize progesterone and other hormones, it appears quite improbable for these substances to be diverted into fat cells or for the receptors to lose their sensitivity.

One paper says:

“The ephemeral nature of the corpus luteum makes it even more remarkable that this tissue is able to synthesise upwards of 40mg of progesterone in the human on a daily basis”.

Research has also shown that progesterone can stimulate its own synthesis. Unlike the typical negative feedback mechanisms observed in other endocrine tissues, the corpus luteum operates differently. By the end of the luteal phase, despite the continued secretion of LH, the corpus luteum undergoes regression, leading to a decrease in progesterone production.

It is well understood that a 50-hour surge of progesterone occurs prior to ovulation. This surge originates in the brain and is believed to trigger the LH surge, which then prompts ovulation. Therefore, administering progesterone at the time of ovulation will undoubtedly not hinder the process. In fact, it will boost the early increase in progesterone that is crucial for successful implantation. Utilizing it 50 hours before the pre-ovulatory surge will actually facilitate ovulation.

While progesterone serves as the precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, consuming large amounts does not increase their production. Instead, it inhibits any surplus levels of estrogen and testosterone. Conversely, the same principle applies in reverse.

The commonly suggested dosage of 20-40mg per day, which is often cited, fails to elevate levels to those observed during the luteal phase. In fact, one study discovered that administering 40mg per day resulted in "only low plasma progesterone levels, with a median of 2.5nmol/L."

1 6alpha-OHE1 is considered a strong estrogen, while 2-OHE1 is viewed as a weak estrogen. The role of 1 6alpha-OHE1 is linked to the rising incidence of breast cancer among menopausal women. When there is an overproduction of these two hormones, or when anovulation or a defective luteal phase occurs, along with low or declining progesterone levels during peri-menopause and menopause, negative symptoms may arise.

For this reason, a daily dosage of 100-200mg of the appropriate progesterone concentration should be utilized, with adjustments potentially needed based on individual symptoms. If any adverse symptoms arise while using it, please refrain from decreasing the dosage as many tend to do, mistakenly attributing the issue to progesterone. Insufficient amounts will only enhance estrogen activity, and the effective way to address these negative symptoms is to increase the progesterone dosage.

Selecting the appropriate Delivery Method for progesterone is crucial. The most effective options include injections, suppositories, and creams. A comparison of topical oils, gels, and creams revealed that an emulsion-type cream produced a higher plasma peak.

How to use Progesterone Cream will explained exactly how to use and what to expect.

Please remember to review the Estrogen Dominance page when you begin progesterone therapy; it’s crucial to comprehend what is occurring and the reasons behind it.

References to website explaining Progesterone Misconceptions

Reference for Progesterone Misconceptions

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