I stopped my Prometrium after a year to try the ProGest OTC cream. Has anyone used this? I may switch to a compounded version. I've gained over 30lbs this year and I was wondering if was due to the Prometrium 14 day regimen I was on? I have also been using Estrogel for several months now at .75mg a day. The weird thing is I have taken blood tests a few times while on this dose and my estradiol jumps around quite a bit. The latest level after rubbing on the gel was 12pg/ml. I drew the blood one hour later. I would think there would be a spike in the level, right? I read in some Doctor book that when you test the levels after you rub on the cream/gels there should be a spike and then a slow ebbing down as the day goes on with the estradiol. What gives? That 12 level is very low, right?

It's been as high as 616, then in the 200's, then 79, then 90, now 12.


Part of the weight gain in the last 5 months may be that my thyroid hormone I started is not optimum and is making me more hypo. And, since I've been so down and low energy and because I gained weight even while attending my WW meetings and following as usual, I sort of gave up and wasn't keeping track. So I'm responsible for some of it, but last year in 3 months when I was disciplined, I gained 12lbs after starting the E,P, and T. I can't figure why that happened.

Has anyone used this brand? I worry now about using cream and build up. Does that cause more weight gain? I'm going back today to my meetings and accepting that I gained all the weight back I lost 2 years ago and I'm following to a T. If I keep gaining again, maybe I have to stop all hormones? I get a little relief from rages, and sleep issues, but no energy, and still in a lot of muscle pain every day.

ACtually, it's not Progest, it's Life Flo ProgestaCare. ANyone use this?

Hi Corky,

All I can tell you is that the 2 times I took Prometrium it caused me to gain weight. If level of b/hrt is not optimal (or ratios not correct) for your body that too can cause weight gain. Not being on b/hrt can also cause weight gain. Personally, and based on research, I believe we have a greater likelyhood of not gaining weight with correct hormone supplementation.

Your estradiol level is way too low. a 12 is still in the meno range. Absolutely too low considering you're supplementing with b/hrt. Another reason for the weight gain imo. Regards, JZZ

But even though 12 for estradiol was low my progesterone was 1.1 and the day I took that test I was midcycle b/c I did have a period about 18 days before that draw. Now no period again for going on 2nd month.

I did the ratios of other tests and it seems I'm estrogen dominant even with the low serum level. So I can't figure if low progesterone and high estradiol ratio caused the weight gain. I hear that the progesterone supplement causes weight gain so I was thinking of upping my estradiol dose, but maybe I shouldn't do that. Maybe I need stronger progesterone cream? I was using Prometrium for a long time and yet my progesterone level still low. One time at midcycle it was 7.5 but that was the highest it's ever been and then again low. IT seems that even though i use the Bios the levels just do what they want.

I can't pinpoint which way to go on the bios. Which to go higher?

I'm wondering about this otc Progestacare. If it will work better than the Prometrium. The reviews online say they loved the stuff.