I've got to choose between vaginal progesterone or prometrium (100). I've tried the Prochieve 4% which is I'm told the same as Cirone and I didn't care for it. But the prometrium doesn't sound any better. I think the two of you have tried both? And wondered which you preferred.

Thanks!

Hey Carol,

I used the prometrium 100mg orally and in the end had terrible side effects from it. I had impaired liver function, huge weight gain as well as fluid retention, a monster appetite I could not control. I used it vaginally for a short while, which didn't cause all the side effects but did bring on a period (ok, withdrawal bleed) which I hadn't had taking it orally.

I am not using a P gel. I have been on it for a week or less so for, but noticed today I am retaining fluid. Not cool. I don't know if it is from the P gel, or the heat. I may end up having to cycle it because I don't seem to be able to tolerate P very well (or so it seems). I am not looking forward to dealing with THAT after a 2 year hiatus!!!



Ummm, that second paragraph should read...I am NOW using a P gel!!! haha

Thanks Floater, when you say P gel, is this applied vaginally? or topically on the arms? I guess I'll try the vaginal Prochieve once more this coming weekend. What I hate the most is the overwhelming tiredness that comes from it. Does it defeat the purpose if you double up on E during the cycle on?

I keep telling myself I'll survive this and not to be such a baby about it but I really hate this stuff. I feel so much better without it. I've had a 2 year hiatus too but am actually considering going back to the birth control pill where I would have a bleed just because it seemed so much easier then. I don't know that I could find a doctor to do that for me but life sure did seem simpler then.

Carol I am using the P gel on my butt! haha!! I apply the Estrogel to my arms, and I was told to apply the P to fatty tissue (which could be anywhere on the body these days!!) but not on the abdomen EVER.

I noticed the fluid retention was gone this morning, so perhaps it was the heat making me all puffy yesterday.

I know what you mean about the stupid P though, I too, feel better on E only....but it isn't safe to use unopposed E, unfortunately.

Now I recently read about a progestin (not a bioidentical mind you) that is supposed to be extremely well tolerated, not cause side effects, but protect the endometrium.....darn I can't remember what it was called now! I am going to have to wrack my brain on this one and see if I can recall it. Because, seriously, at this point if the P gel doesn't work, I may consider using a non bioidentical. I just want to feel and be well!!

Amen! I'm no longer so sold on them myself. I'm ready to go back to Birth control pills myself. I'm giving this one more month then that's it. I'm going to get radical.

Keep me informed as to how you are doing. I feel like you & I share many of the same battles and we've been fighting for about the same amount of time.

Floater,
Is the P that you are referring to in the BC pill called Angeliq?

Carol, If you are still in peri and healthy then a doc should allow you to go back on the bcp. Also, what bcp were you on and did you tolerate it well? Maybe considering taking that type of progestin. I had a horrible reaction the two times I cycled in the Prometrium. At some point, when my periods stop, I will consider taking whatever P works for my own body chemistry (bio or synthetic). Regards, JZZ

Thanks JZZ, I'm 2 years post but I'm still considering asking asking the dr. to put me back on BCPs. I was on a generic Northo Ovum (I believe) at the time and I haven't had a bleed since going off of them. But then my estrogen was running between 13-38 so I wasn't making enough estrogen without the pill. I don't even mind going back to that mess if I can feel normal again. Thanks for the idea on trying that progestin. I hadn't thought of that but it does sound like a better idea.

Carol, If you are post then the docs won't put you back on bcp. Bcp is a much higher level of hormones than in any hrt. The Ortho Novum contains a progestin called norethindrone. See if you can find a separate norethindrone for the progestin portion of your hrt. Or I believe there are combo products that contain it too. Sorry too tired tonight to find it for you. Will try later. But ask your pharmacist what is available for Norethindrone and go back to discuss with your doctor. Best wishes for you, JZZ