I am not seeing my doctor for a few weeks and want to ask him about Crinone or Prochieve, but in the meantime I'd like to know if anyone uses Prometrium vaginally.
Thanks for your help ladies...
Full Version: Prometrium vaginally, anyone?
No, but I have heard that you can. If that helps. :-) You would have to break the capsule.
Forget what I said... I found this instead.
Prometrium is usually taken orally, however it can also be used as a vaginal suppository. In the latter case, the capsule is inserted directly in the vagina.
One important note: Because Prometrium contains peanut oil, anyone allergic to peanuts should not use this! However, micronized progesterone capsules from a compounding pharmacy can be made using a different type of oil than peanut oil.
Standard dosage: 200 mg daily (cyclical therapy) 100-200 mg daily (continuous therapy)
Pros: Minimal side effects; may help build bone in addition to preventing bone loss; doesn’t interfere with estrogen’s raising of HDL
Cons: More expensive than progestins; absorption rate may vary depending upon the formulation; can cause drowsiness and sleepiness (which is why many women find it best to take at night)
Forget what I said... I found this instead.
Prometrium is usually taken orally, however it can also be used as a vaginal suppository. In the latter case, the capsule is inserted directly in the vagina.
One important note: Because Prometrium contains peanut oil, anyone allergic to peanuts should not use this! However, micronized progesterone capsules from a compounding pharmacy can be made using a different type of oil than peanut oil.
Standard dosage: 200 mg daily (cyclical therapy) 100-200 mg daily (continuous therapy)
Pros: Minimal side effects; may help build bone in addition to preventing bone loss; doesn’t interfere with estrogen’s raising of HDL
Cons: More expensive than progestins; absorption rate may vary depending upon the formulation; can cause drowsiness and sleepiness (which is why many women find it best to take at night)
That's interesting Carol....I have not actually seen it in print to do this. Only read about it from women who use the Prometrium trying to avoid some of the nasty side effects.
The dopy, drowsiness thing is what I'm really trying to avoid.
Where did you find this? Thanks for posting it.
Cathy
The dopy, drowsiness thing is what I'm really trying to avoid.
Where did you find this? Thanks for posting it.
Cathy
I had taken prometrium orally and had horrid cognitive and physical side effects. Unfortuanately, I didn't get the bonus of it making me sleepy. Quite the opposite - it also gave me wicked insomnia by suppressing my estrogen levels. I have heard of some women using it vaginally with less side effects. (It is also used vaginally for some ivf procedures - check out some of those boards for more info).
When my ovaries stop cycling permanently, or I miss more than one or 2 periods, then I will either try Crinone vaginally or apply a combination patch for 10 - 14 days per month. Hope this info helps..
Oh, one downside of the Crinone is that is tends to build up in the vagina and you might see some "clumpy, cottage cheese" type of discharge. I know this sounds gross but just thought you should know ahead of time.
When my ovaries stop cycling permanently, or I miss more than one or 2 periods, then I will either try Crinone vaginally or apply a combination patch for 10 - 14 days per month. Hope this info helps..
Oh, one downside of the Crinone is that is tends to build up in the vagina and you might see some "clumpy, cottage cheese" type of discharge. I know this sounds gross but just thought you should know ahead of time.
QUOTE (JZZ @ Mar 5 2009, 08:10 PM) 
I had taken prometrium orally and had horrid cognitive and physical side effects. Unfortuanately, I didn't get the bonus of it making me sleepy. Quite the opposite - it also gave me wicked insomnia by suppressing my estrogen levels. I have heard of some women using it vaginally with less side effects. (It is also used vaginally for some ivf procedures - check out some of those boards for more info).
When my ovaries stop cycling permanently, or I miss more than one or 2 periods, then I will either try Crinone vaginally or apply a combination patch for 10 - 14 days per month. Hope this info helps..
Oh, one downside of the Crinone is that is tends to build up in the vagina and you might see some "clumpy, cottage cheese" type of discharge. I know this sounds gross but just thought you should know ahead of time.
When my ovaries stop cycling permanently, or I miss more than one or 2 periods, then I will either try Crinone vaginally or apply a combination patch for 10 - 14 days per month. Hope this info helps..
Oh, one downside of the Crinone is that is tends to build up in the vagina and you might see some "clumpy, cottage cheese" type of discharge. I know this sounds gross but just thought you should know ahead of time.
Hey there,
Yes, the Prometrium makes you sleepy and at first it helped me to sleep wonderfully. Now, it makes me feel sleepy, but I am waking up in the middle of the night and not going back to a full sleep. Sleep is quite fractured now. So the Prometrium is not helping there at all.
I'm also getting some other pretty nasty side effects that I'm not happy about. I just think it's too high a dose for me and taking it every day is not good.
What are you taking now for P then?
Thanks for the heads up on the Crinone. Yuck.
Cathy
QUOTE (manyboys @ Mar 5 2009, 07:16 PM)
That's interesting Carol....I have not actually seen it in print to do this. Only read about it from women who use the Prometrium trying to avoid some of the nasty side effects.
The dopy, drowsiness thing is what I'm really trying to avoid.
Where did you find this? Thanks for posting it.
Cathy
The dopy, drowsiness thing is what I'm really trying to avoid.
Where did you find this? Thanks for posting it.
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Here is the website I found it on. http://www.earlymenopause.com/hrt_prometrium.htm
I think I may have mentioned already but I'm only using the Prochieve once every other month... so perhaps you are getting too much and I would think the vaginal route would increase the intensity.. since it goes directly into your blood stream. But I don't know that for sure...
Hi Cathy. I'm currently not having to take any progesterone because my ovaries "restarted" after an 8 month hiatus. During that timeframe was when I experience the horrid Prometrium. Matter of fact, it was the Prometrium that restarted my cycles. (the only good thing about the Prometrium in my opinion.)
I do supplement my own ovarian function with the full dose .1 vivelle estrogen patch to keep me from dropping to low on the estrodial. Also, occasionally use a tiny amount of Estrace cream vaginally. Once, I start skipping periods again I will have to cycle in a progesterone. Whether I am still Peri or then become fully Menopausal I will only have to cycle in a progesterone 10 to 14 days every other month. (Right now - still having periods I am allowed to go up to 3 months without a period before we will add the P due to my ovaries producing enough Progesterone to shed my uterine lining. During the time of adding in the P I will reduce my Estrogen (vivelle patch) to a lower level. Example: 6 weeks at vivelle .1 (changing 2 times per week) then week 7 and 8 reducing the vivelle patch to .50 (because the combination patch contains approx .50 estrodial and a progestin). Also, P suppreses the E levels and that is why some of us have a reemergence of symptoms.
My other options for Progesterone/progestines include: Several E&P combination patches containing different types of Progestins, oral synthetic Progestin (Yes, I did say synthetic. I mention this because everyone, drs and alot of patients are committed to pursuing only the Bioidenticals. I was too. However, after trying the much hyped Prometrium, and talking to lots of drs. and patients, I know realize that I may be one of those people who tolerate a synthetic P better. I will remain opened minded because this is all trial and error. Basically you don't know until you try it.)
Other P options: Crinone/Procheive vaginally (gross but sometimes the mode of delivery is a important as the type of P and can make a HUGE difference in the side effect profile we may experience on it.)
Mirena Iud - not my favorite option but again I will keep my options open because I cannot function without my Estrogen.
Please remember some important points: You have many options to choose from so don't panic (One of my 2 gyns (from different practices) said that to me). You will eventually find a pogesterone and a dosing schedule that you can tolerate.
Anyway, you need to be proactive in regard to your care, You need to do your own research. Write down your info and bring it to gyn appointments. Have or find a willing gyn (they don't have to be a much "hyped" meno expert. - I've already been disappointed by several of those and spent lots of $), Get someone who is openminded and has been a gyn for a long time. I've been disillusioned with some of the newer gyns. I have found that sometimes experience is better. (However, some of the long time gyns still like to take a "one size fits all approach" or reach for the "old school drug of choice - Premarin or Prempro). Bottom line: Find someone who is willing to work with you. (btw - I would even consider the Prempro if that was the ONLY thing my body would tolerate. However, I have many other options to try.) Get several gyn consults until you find a consensus and or a course of treatment that YOU are comfortable following.
Both my mother and grandmother suffered from Peri onward until the day they died. Things did not "settle down" once they became Menopausal. I guess some of us are more estrogen dependent than others. My own Peri experience to date has been horrid so I am not worried taking hormones, about cancer or other purported side effects. Also, my breast surgeon, who follows my breast calcifications said, "I have had some patients with estrogen dependent breast cancer go back on hrt AFTER having a mastectomy because they can not function without hormones" "Not all surgical oncologists will agree but we, as doctors do not have all the answers."
I've read some interesting sources of information about how we, as women, are more at risk for cancer and other disease states (ie - hbp, cholesterol, heart disease et al by being without our female hormones. One great book is, Sex, Lies and Menopause.) My body is totally disregulated without my ovarian function. I will continue to pursue my hormonal options and help, to the best of my ability, anyone who may want advice (whether or not they pursue hormone therapy.)
Sorry to be so long winded but have a lot of info, wanted to give you some highlights/hope, and can't fully concentrate today. Forgive the rambling and run on sentences. Best regards to all, J.
I do supplement my own ovarian function with the full dose .1 vivelle estrogen patch to keep me from dropping to low on the estrodial. Also, occasionally use a tiny amount of Estrace cream vaginally. Once, I start skipping periods again I will have to cycle in a progesterone. Whether I am still Peri or then become fully Menopausal I will only have to cycle in a progesterone 10 to 14 days every other month. (Right now - still having periods I am allowed to go up to 3 months without a period before we will add the P due to my ovaries producing enough Progesterone to shed my uterine lining. During the time of adding in the P I will reduce my Estrogen (vivelle patch) to a lower level. Example: 6 weeks at vivelle .1 (changing 2 times per week) then week 7 and 8 reducing the vivelle patch to .50 (because the combination patch contains approx .50 estrodial and a progestin). Also, P suppreses the E levels and that is why some of us have a reemergence of symptoms.
My other options for Progesterone/progestines include: Several E&P combination patches containing different types of Progestins, oral synthetic Progestin (Yes, I did say synthetic. I mention this because everyone, drs and alot of patients are committed to pursuing only the Bioidenticals. I was too. However, after trying the much hyped Prometrium, and talking to lots of drs. and patients, I know realize that I may be one of those people who tolerate a synthetic P better. I will remain opened minded because this is all trial and error. Basically you don't know until you try it.)
Other P options: Crinone/Procheive vaginally (gross but sometimes the mode of delivery is a important as the type of P and can make a HUGE difference in the side effect profile we may experience on it.)
Mirena Iud - not my favorite option but again I will keep my options open because I cannot function without my Estrogen.
Please remember some important points: You have many options to choose from so don't panic (One of my 2 gyns (from different practices) said that to me). You will eventually find a pogesterone and a dosing schedule that you can tolerate.
Anyway, you need to be proactive in regard to your care, You need to do your own research. Write down your info and bring it to gyn appointments. Have or find a willing gyn (they don't have to be a much "hyped" meno expert. - I've already been disappointed by several of those and spent lots of $), Get someone who is openminded and has been a gyn for a long time. I've been disillusioned with some of the newer gyns. I have found that sometimes experience is better. (However, some of the long time gyns still like to take a "one size fits all approach" or reach for the "old school drug of choice - Premarin or Prempro). Bottom line: Find someone who is willing to work with you. (btw - I would even consider the Prempro if that was the ONLY thing my body would tolerate. However, I have many other options to try.) Get several gyn consults until you find a consensus and or a course of treatment that YOU are comfortable following.
Both my mother and grandmother suffered from Peri onward until the day they died. Things did not "settle down" once they became Menopausal. I guess some of us are more estrogen dependent than others. My own Peri experience to date has been horrid so I am not worried taking hormones, about cancer or other purported side effects. Also, my breast surgeon, who follows my breast calcifications said, "I have had some patients with estrogen dependent breast cancer go back on hrt AFTER having a mastectomy because they can not function without hormones" "Not all surgical oncologists will agree but we, as doctors do not have all the answers."
I've read some interesting sources of information about how we, as women, are more at risk for cancer and other disease states (ie - hbp, cholesterol, heart disease et al by being without our female hormones. One great book is, Sex, Lies and Menopause.) My body is totally disregulated without my ovarian function. I will continue to pursue my hormonal options and help, to the best of my ability, anyone who may want advice (whether or not they pursue hormone therapy.)
Sorry to be so long winded but have a lot of info, wanted to give you some highlights/hope, and can't fully concentrate today. Forgive the rambling and run on sentences. Best regards to all, J.
QUOTE (manyboys @ Mar 5 2009, 04:13 PM)
I am not seeing my doctor for a few weeks and want to ask him about Crinone or Prochieve, but in the meantime I'd like to know if anyone uses Prometrium vaginally.
Thanks for your help ladies...
Thanks for your help ladies...
I've been using Prometrium vaginally for over a year. It works well and has been much more tolerable for side effects than when I tried to use it orally.
QUOTE (NiteOwl @ Mar 7 2009, 02:49 PM)
I've been using Prometrium vaginally for over a year. It works well and has been much more tolerable for side effects than when I tried to use it orally.
Wow...does that mean you can just take the same dose Prometrium pill and insert it vaginally, and it is the same as taking it orally? Why don't the docs suggest this when we complain about the side effects of Prometrium?
Your doc can contact the company that manufactures Prometrium for data from the studies showing it is as effective for endometrial protection as the oral route. The company only put in for the oral route when they went for FDA approval so they aren't allowed to promote this route, however they are permitted to give the data to a physician or pharmacist if they request it.
It made a huge difference for me as I was simply not able to tolerate the side effects taking it orally!
It made a huge difference for me as I was simply not able to tolerate the side effects taking it orally!
This is what I would have done and when I asked my doctor about it she said it would be fine to use this way. I opted for the Prochieve because it was so much cheaper from my insurance.
Wow, guys! Thanks for so much info.
Just got back from a week on the beach in the sun in Mexico. Amazingly, felt so well I couldn't believe it. Was it the sun? The fact that there were no pressures? Maybe because I was not taking my Prometrium?
I need to re read all your posts and digest your ideas. I do know that I will not be going back to taking my P the way I was.
I feel so much better with out it.
Doctor appointment later this week and I hope to get some answers from him also. But, I think you guys have given me more than I would get from him.
Thanks a bunch.
Cathy
Just got back from a week on the beach in the sun in Mexico. Amazingly, felt so well I couldn't believe it. Was it the sun? The fact that there were no pressures? Maybe because I was not taking my Prometrium?
I need to re read all your posts and digest your ideas. I do know that I will not be going back to taking my P the way I was.
I feel so much better with out it.
Doctor appointment later this week and I hope to get some answers from him also. But, I think you guys have given me more than I would get from him.
Thanks a bunch.
Cathy
Nightowl.....Thanks for the info on Prometrium.
You are using it vaginally? Are you using 100 mgs? And, are you cycling it? How much E do you use?
Thanks for your help.
Cathy
You are using it vaginally? Are you using 100 mgs? And, are you cycling it? How much E do you use?
Thanks for your help.
Cathy
Yes, I've been using the Prometrium 100mg capsule since I started BHRT at one year post. I tried oral route but couldn't stand the side effects so I switched to the vaginal route. My dr. approved the change when I told him at the next appointment.
Although it is ordered for continuous use I decided to try cycling it for 12 days every 2-3 months this past year. I don't like dealing with the withdrawal bleed after 3 years post, but I feel so much better during the time I'm not using it at all. Although the side effects are better by vaginal route my body just does not like progesterone!
I use Estrogel 2.25mg daily - a 0.75mg metered dose three times a day. I'm very physically active and can feel it wear off after 9-10 hours if I forget to take it so using a dose every 8 hours keeps me on an even keel.
Although it is ordered for continuous use I decided to try cycling it for 12 days every 2-3 months this past year. I don't like dealing with the withdrawal bleed after 3 years post, but I feel so much better during the time I'm not using it at all. Although the side effects are better by vaginal route my body just does not like progesterone!
I use Estrogel 2.25mg daily - a 0.75mg metered dose three times a day. I'm very physically active and can feel it wear off after 9-10 hours if I forget to take it so using a dose every 8 hours keeps me on an even keel.
QUOTE (NiteOwl @ Mar 17 2009, 10:54 AM)
Yes, I've been using the Prometrium 100mg capsule since I started BHRT at one year post. I tried oral route but couldn't stand the side effects so I switched to the vaginal route. My dr. approved the change when I told him at the next appointment.
Although it is ordered for continuous use I decided to try cycling it for 12 days every 2-3 months this past year. I don't like dealing with the withdrawal bleed after 3 years post, but I feel so much better during the time I'm not using it at all. Although the side effects are better by vaginal route my body just does not like progesterone!
I use Estrogel 2.25mg daily - a 0.75mg metered dose three times a day. I'm very physically active and can feel it wear off after 9-10 hours if I forget to take it so using a dose every 8 hours keeps me on an even keel.
Although it is ordered for continuous use I decided to try cycling it for 12 days every 2-3 months this past year. I don't like dealing with the withdrawal bleed after 3 years post, but I feel so much better during the time I'm not using it at all. Although the side effects are better by vaginal route my body just does not like progesterone!
I use Estrogel 2.25mg daily - a 0.75mg metered dose three times a day. I'm very physically active and can feel it wear off after 9-10 hours if I forget to take it so using a dose every 8 hours keeps me on an even keel.
Hi NightOwl,
Thanks for the direction. I'm going to give it a try with the Prometrium vaginally tonight. Was wondering whether you find you need a pad at night when you use it this way? Do you experience any "leakage"???
I assume it's a good idea to place it as high up as possible?
Also, just to confirm.....you are presently using the P only 12 days during a 2 or 3 month period? Do you always get a period at that time?
Thanks again.
I'm not so happy about giving the P another go, but it is what it is!
Cathy
QUOTE (manyboys @ Mar 18 2009, 04:49 PM)
Hi NightOwl,
Thanks for the direction. I'm going to give it a try with the Prometrium vaginally tonight. Was wondering whether you find you need a pad at night when you use it this way? Do you experience any "leakage"???
I assume it's a good idea to place it as high up as possible?
Also, just to confirm.....you are presently using the P only 12 days during a 2 or 3 month period? Do you always get a period at that time?
Thanks again.
I'm not so happy about giving the P another go, but it is what it is!
Cathy
Thanks for the direction. I'm going to give it a try with the Prometrium vaginally tonight. Was wondering whether you find you need a pad at night when you use it this way? Do you experience any "leakage"???
I assume it's a good idea to place it as high up as possible?
Also, just to confirm.....you are presently using the P only 12 days during a 2 or 3 month period? Do you always get a period at that time?
Thanks again.
I'm not so happy about giving the P another go, but it is what it is!
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Yes, I always have a withdrawal bleed around 2 days after ending the Prometrium but I use a fairly heavy dose of estradiol so I'm sure it builds up over those months. It is lighter if I cycle every 2 months than if I wait 3 months. And yes, place it as close to the cervix as possible. I usually wear a liner on the nights I am using the Prometrium but the amount in a capsule is very small so there really isn't much to drain. Every once in a while I will notice a peachy-pink spot or two on the liner, it is the same color as the Prometrium capsule shell. Good luck and let us know how it goes for you!
Hello ladies,
So, last night was night #4 using the Prometrium 100 mgs. vaginally.
So far, I have not had the nasty side effect of feeling totally wiped out when I wake up which is fantastic! But, I have been having some very weird feelings of dull pain/pressure in my left ovary area which then radiates down my leg. This is very strange because I've only begun to feel it since using the P this way. I also don't have this feeling during the day at all.
I woke up with it last night because it was bothering me so much. I used the washroom and it lessened somewhat. I wonder if it's aggravating my bladder or my ovaries or something???
Has anyone had this type of side effect using Prometrium vaginally? I wonder also if it's just something that will pass?
Cathy
So, last night was night #4 using the Prometrium 100 mgs. vaginally.
So far, I have not had the nasty side effect of feeling totally wiped out when I wake up which is fantastic! But, I have been having some very weird feelings of dull pain/pressure in my left ovary area which then radiates down my leg. This is very strange because I've only begun to feel it since using the P this way. I also don't have this feeling during the day at all.
I woke up with it last night because it was bothering me so much. I used the washroom and it lessened somewhat. I wonder if it's aggravating my bladder or my ovaries or something???
Has anyone had this type of side effect using Prometrium vaginally? I wonder also if it's just something that will pass?
Cathy
Maybe your ovary is having "phantom" ovulation pangs? 
I've never had any kind of pain like that except occasionally during ovulation years ago. Certainly never in relation to the Prometrium, regardless of route used...maybe it will pass in a few days.
I've never had any kind of pain like that except occasionally during ovulation years ago. Certainly never in relation to the Prometrium, regardless of route used...maybe it will pass in a few days.
QUOTE (NiteOwl @ Mar 23 2009, 04:38 PM)
Maybe your ovary is having "phantom" ovulation pangs? I've never had any kind of pain like that except occasionally during ovulation years ago. Certainly never in relation to the Prometrium, regardless of route used...maybe it will pass in a few days.
I've never had any kind of pain like that except occasionally during ovulation years ago. Certainly never in relation to the Prometrium, regardless of route used...maybe it will pass in a few days.Hi there,
Yeah, that's what it feels like. I haven't had those ovulation pains in a very long time and I'd forgotten about that. It could be their last attempt at doing "something".
Today I do feel very premenstrual and again, these are feelings I haven't had in a while. I'm not liking it at all....
I'll see how it goes over the next few nights then I have an appointment to see my doc. I'm also wondering if 100 mgs. is enough seeing as I do notice some of the liquid comes out as oil slick when I pee in the morning!!!!
I'm very happy to not experience the lethargy and other rotten side effects I was feeling by taking it orally so thank you again for your advice on this!
Cathy
Cathy are you peri or already post? I forgot to mention in my earlier response that the Prometrium "restarted" my periods AND I also had several cycles in a row where I RESTARTED OVULATING!!!!! And, yes I did get pregnant and miscarry. I would suggest calling your doctor about the pain you are experiencing. Regards, J
QUOTE (JZZ @ Mar 24 2009, 04:50 PM)
Cathy are you peri or already post? I forgot to mention in my earlier response that the Prometrium "restarted" my periods AND I also had several cycles in a row where I RESTARTED OVULATING!!!!! And, yes I did get pregnant and miscarry. I would suggest calling your doctor about the pain you are experiencing. Regards, J
Wow JZZ!!!
I'm sorry to hear that.
I haven't had a period since May 08, just some brown spotting here and there since starting on BHRT so whatever that means.....:-)
I took the Prometrium orally last night and had no weird ovary pain/sensation so I think 100 mgs. is just too much for me either way I take it.
I see my doc next Wednesday and hopefully we'll figure this whole thing out then.
Were you menopausal when the P restarted your ovulation???
Cathy
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