As menopause approaches, a woman may begin to experience physical symptoms due to her body's reduced hormone production. According to Dr. Nisha Jackson, author of "The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause," progesterone deficiency is the most common of all hormone deficiencies in women of menopausal age. Progesterone, in cream or gel form, may be custom blended at a pharmacy to a doctor's recommendation, or a woman may choose a natural form of progesterone cream, available over the counter.
Timing
Progesterone cream is used in two common ways. The first entails applying the cream to the skin on the 14th day of a woman's menstrual cycle and continuing to apply it daily for 14 days. The second method instructs the woman to apply the cream every day except for days when she has her period. Women with less severe menopausal symptoms may benefit from the first method and may reduce the number of days to as few as two or three, if desired.
For women who experience intense hot flashes, night sweats or heart palpitations, the second method of applying progesterone cream for a longer regime may be advised. In addition, women who have undergone a surgical hysterectomy may benefit from longer application periods.
Application
Jackson recommends applying between 20 mg and 60 mg of progesterone cream, twice a day for up to 14 days. Since the hormone enters the body through skin absorption, areas where the blood vessels are closer to the skin's surface are optimal. These include the inner portion of the arms, the face, the neck and the inner area on the thighs.
Natural progesterone creams are not as strong as prescription progesterone creams, so more may be needed if you are applying an over-the-counter cream.
Symptom Reduction
After beginning a progesterone application regime, you may feel calmer and you may experience fewer mood swings as well as fewer depressive episodes. As the hormone regulates healthy blood sugar, food cravings may subside. Jackson also reports that women on a progesterone routine may feel less bloated and may retain less water. Sleep may improve if you previously suffered from insomnia; however, if your progesterone dosage is too high for your needs, you may experience excessive sleepiness.
Some women may experience spotting between periods or their menopausal symptoms may increase in severity, although this may only be a temporary side effect. Any bothersome side effects from progesterone cream usage should be reported to your doctor.
Tags: progesterone cream, benefit from, menopausal symptoms, Progesterone cream, progesterone creams, second method
