Can Natural Progesterone help?
An alternative treatment for ovarian cysts is natural progesterone. The signaling mechanism that shuts off ovulation in one ovary each cycle is the production of progesterone in the other. If sufficient natural progesterone is supplemented prior to ovulation, LH levels are inhibited and both ovaries think the other one has ovulated, so regular ovulation does not occur. (This is the same effect as contraceptive pills.)
Similarly, the high estriol and progesterone levels throughout pregnancy successfully inhibit ovarian activity for nine months. Therefore, adding natural progesterone from day 10 to day 26 of the cycle suppresses LH and its luteinising effects. Thus the ovarian cysts will not be stimulated and, in the passage of one or two such monthly cycles, will very likely shrink and disappear without further treatment.
Things to remember…
Because ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms, it is especially important for women who have had past cysts to have regular pelvic examinations.
Women who have previously had ovarian cysts are at a greater risk of developing further cysts.
Endometriosis may be worsened by the presence of ovarian cysts and your chance of oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) increases.
In the unusual case of malignant ovarian cysts early treatment offers the best hope for recovery. Women who develop ovarian cysts after menopause are more likely to have malignancies.
Remember, if you experience any fullness, pressure, or discomfort in your pelvic region phone your physician immediately for his/her advice. The earlier ovarian cysts are discovered and treated the better your chance of complete recovery.
Alison | Jan 20, 2005 | Reply
I am in perimenopause and am 42 years old. I have nearly constant bilateral ovarian discomfort–they have been painful for about a year now. The pain is a dull ache that sometimes gets more intense for a few minutes and then subsides. In the past I have had large ovarian cysts that have either ruptured or resolved on their own. I have had recent ultrasounds that have revealed nothing. However, I am somewhat concerned because my paternal grandmother died from ovarian cancer. I have been using progesterone creme for about 6 months now. My current dose is 30 mg for 21 days of the month.
Could this be related to perimenopause or a progesterone deficiency? Is it just something that happens during perimenopause as your ovaries are shutting down?
Catherine Rollins | Jan 28, 2005 | Reply
Dear Alison,
You have every right to be concerned and cautious. If you intuitively feel that something is ‘wrong’ then act on it. Get a second, third opinion. Whatever it takes to discover the ‘why’.
Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease that you need to take seriously, particularly in light of your family history.
You indicate you are under the care of a physician but you don’t convey what treatment you are currently adhering to.
Hypothetically, you can “turn off” your ovaries with high doses of progesterone in the range of -80-100mg per day from, say, Day 5 through to Day 26. This might be worth a try to rest up the ovaries.
Incorporating Vitex might also work for you. I’d certainly suggest you get under the care of a skilled naturopathic practitioner who can work closely with you to help you right any metabolic imbalance.
Any discomfort, Alison, should be thoroughly investigated … by a physician you trust.
In light & love,
Catherine