I have just started my progesterone cream and I?m have breakthrough bleeding.
I have just started my progesterone cream and I?m have breakthrough bleeding. What does that mean?
It is quite common when a woman first starts progesterone to have a breakthrough bleed and the appearance of another period. This is often the result of cell receptor ‘wake up’ and influence on the uterine lining and receptor cells therein, such activity bringing on a bleed.
We tell women not to be concerned about this unless it is heavy (haemorrhaging), constant, and/or causing pain that leaves you feeling concerned. It’s not unusual.
Many, many women report ‘wake up’ bleeding as being one of the first things that may happen when they start progesterone.
It represents positive activity in the body.
The Natural-Progesterone-Advisory-Network.com website refers to this ‘first’ bleed as the ‘pretend’ period, indicating the positive impact and presence of natural progesterone.
However, we do hear from women who report too many irregular breakthrough bleeds. They cannot establish a regular cycle and are still feeling quite estrogen dominant with associated symptoms.
Our experience has led us to believe that often unsuitable creams can do this. We suggest that if there is more than one breakthrough bleed and your period becomes erratic rather than stabilising within a four month period, then you seriously need to reassess your cream base.
Often the cream has come up on analytical reports as quite suitable and has the correct BP micronised progesterone, but some creams appear to target the uterus specifically. We really don?t know why this happens. It’s simply our observation. We refer to this effect as ‘dumping’. These same women, once they move to another cream, see more favourable results.
Progesterone balances the effects of estrogen on the uterus and it is necessary to produce regular periods, so if these periods are not being regulated, we suspect there is something wrong with your progesterone cream. If in doubt, stop the cream for a month before you try another brand (if all you prior tests are negative, showing no signs of fibroids, etc).
Incorporate phytoestrogens into your diet, and ALWAYS make sure your GP investigates thoroughly to rule out anything sinister.
Claire | Jan 26, 2005 | Reply
I may think that I have problems with this. When I am on the cream for a week, then I start my “period”. I use a reputable cream. I usually stop the cream once the bleeding starts. Should I continue the cream instead? I have stopped the cream completely since I don’t know what to do. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Catherine Rollins | Jan 28, 2005 | Reply
Dear Claire,
Providing you have been recently checked out by your GP and no underlying problems exist, then you could reasonably assume the bleed is being triggered by the introduction of progesterone alone.
Women using cream successfully learned to ‘ignore’ the presence of an intital bleed, continuing cream while following their ‘cycle’. Others stayed on cream continuously for 3-4 months to let their body find it’s own rhythm while sufficiently replenishing their body’s reserve of progesterone. Try doubling your dose, see what results you observe. High doses are well tolerated when you body is screaming out for progesterone.
Always journal your progress.
Don’t give up too quickly, Claire. But DO work closely with your treating physician if at all possible.
In light & love,
Catherine
mary jo | Feb 24, 2005 | Reply
I started using the progesterone cream approximately 2 months ago and have seen a significant reduction in my pms symptoms. My symptoms were quite severe, so I am happy. However, I have stopped and and started the cream in confusion over the breakthrough bleeding and now feel like I don’t know when my cycle should start and when I should take a break (for example I thought my period was due, stopped the cream, and now I’m at day 31, no period. At day 8 I had bleeding, increased the dose and the bleeding stopped.). Also I am using a cream made by Zand - any negative reports on this cream?
Catherine Rollins | Mar 10, 2005 | Reply
Dear Mary Jo,
First off, let me repeat what I wrote above for Claire, “Providing you have been recently checked out by your GP and no underlying problems exist, then you could reasonably assume the bleed is being triggered by the introduction of progesterone alone.”
But stopping and starting cream every time you see a break-through bleed isn’t going to help get your body into a pattern. And this pattern should be … following your natural menstrual cycle.
Please refer to my recent article under Cream Dosage & Usage category, ‘Should women break from cream each month?’. This includes suggestions on how to individualize HRT to suit your unique profile.
Link: http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com/guide/000401.php
In light & love,
Catherine Rollins
Director, Making Plans Pty Ltd
www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com
“Advocating & Supporting Women’s Right to a Safer Form of HRT.”