I have lumpy (fibrocystic) breasts. Will progesterone help?
I have lumpy (fibrocystic) breasts. Will progesterone help?
Yes, remarkably so, if it is related to hormone imbalance.
Progesterone balances the effect of estrogen upon the breasts (and uterus) and, therefore, has an influencing role in reducing breast pain and lumpiness. Improvement is usually within a 2-3 months once you commence progesterone therapy.
One very small breasted lady, Susan, a hairdresser, suffered years of chronic fibrocystic breasts that were so painful and so inhibiting to her lifestyle and work that she actually ‘begged’ her doctor to conduct a bilateral mastectomy thinking this would alleviate her pain. Naturally the doctor refused. Within a week of progesterone therapy, her life began to turn around. And within 2 months, all her lumps had disappeared. Such was her pain and discomfort, that Susan was unable to sustain a normal relationship. This all changed once her breast tissue returned to normal. Pain no longer restricted her movements, and with the increased libido and confidence, she could enter a relationship that included physical contact.
Xenoestrogens were clearly having a huge negative impact on Susan’s hormonal wellbeing. So we, of course, pointed out that Susan needed to avoid contact with toxic chemicals through her skin, and to work with more ventilation.
Susan is now aware of her chemical environment and takes appropriate measures to protect herself through the use of phytoestrogens and regular liver cleansing and, of course, on-going use of progesterone in small doses of 16-20mg per day, 2 weeks on out of 4 as a maintenance dose.
Regardless of the nature, ALL lumps must be investigated. And make sure you conduct regular self-breast examinations. Progesterone will not resolve calcified breast lumps (benign) as some women have discovered. But overall their breast tissue has softened.
Women often ask us what’s an ideal way to determine their progesterone dosage and here’s our answer. Breasts are a fantastic barometer to guide you with your hormonal balancing. In fact, many women use their breasts to assess their progesterone dosage. If women are using too much progesterone after they have had a period of balance, they may experience itching, tingling, or soreness of the nipples, breast engorgement, a feeling of fullness, a dull ache, or general breast tenderness all of which may be the first indication to reduce dosage. If symptoms are relieved upon reduction of dosage after 2 days, then you know you’re on the right track. Don’t confuse these symptoms and reduce progesterone if your period is due.
On the flip side, if reducing dosage doesn’t help or perhaps increases discomfort, then it indicates the need to increase your progesterone dosage, and pay particular attention to increasing your intake of phytoestrogens to oppose estrogen dominance and the re-emerging symptoms.
This situation of estrogen dominance often follows an episode of stress which would account for the shortage of progesterone and the increase of estrogen levels. Drop progesterone back to your previous dose once balance has been achieved and breast symptoms have subsided.
For quick assessment whether to increase or decrease dosage, apply progesterone cream directly to the breasts to achieve rapid results.
Clearly, your breasts are extremely responsive to hormone fluctuations, some more than others. If you’re one of these women, allow your breast messages to help you fine-tune your hormones. Learn to listen to your body.
Because your breast tissue is so receptive to progesterone, we recommend (for breast protection) you apply cream directly to the breasts 2-3 times a week (not during your break from cream). Unlike fatty areas of the body such as tummy and buttocks, breast tissue is extremely vascular and, therefore, progesterone absorbs very quickly into the blood stream and surrounding tissue.
