Article Overview
Progesterone is one of these key hormones. After ovulation progesterone production is triggered by Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which stimulates the corpus luteum (the remnant egg sac) in the ovary to produce progesterone. One of the main actions of progesterone with fertility is to help support a developing embryo.
If pregnancy occurs, the production of progesterone from the corpus luteum continues for about 7 weeks (it is then produced by the placenta for the duration of the pregnancy). If pregnancy did not occur, the period begins 14 days after ovulation. When fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum disintegrates, which causes the level of progesterone to fall and the endometrial tissue to break-down and shed as menstruation.
What Does Progesterone Do?
- Progesterone maintains the lining of the uterus which makes it possible for a fertilized egg to attach and survive
- Makes cervical mucous accessible by sperm
- Allows the embryo to survive
- Prevents immune rejection of the developing baby
- Allows for full development of the fetus through pregnancy
- Helps the body use fat for energy during pregnancy
- Prevents secondary sexual development
- Increases libido around ovulation
- Activates osteoblasts to increase new bone formation
- Protects against endometrial, breast, ovarian and prostate cancer
- Normalizes blood clotting
Are You Progesterone Deficient or Estrogen Dominate?
Too much estrogen in the body
One of the main reasons women are progesterone deficient is because they have too much estrogen in the body.Estrogen dominance can happen for many reasons:
- Commercially raised meats and dairy contain large amounts of estrogens, and consuming them can cause hormonal imbalance.
- Pollution and stress mimic estrogen at the estrogen receptor sites.
- Eating a large amount of processed soy products can also mimic estrogen.
- PCOS and endometriosis can also have an estrogen dominate action.
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Symptoms of estrogen dominance:
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Not enough progesterone in the body
There are many signs that may show up in the body if you do not have enough progesterone in your system during the correct times of your cycle.
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Symptoms of progesterone deficiency:
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Click here to learn about Fertilica™ Natural Progesterone
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing can be performed by a medical doctor, naturopathic doctor or by an at-home testing service. Testing options range from charting your menstrual cycle to determine the length of your luteal phase, to basal body temperature tracking during your luteal (consistently low BBT may indicate low progesterone production), to taking saliva or blood tests to find out your progesterone levels. The questionnaire above helps to point out signs of progesterone deficiency while these tests help to confirm it.
BBT Charting
Basil Body Temperature charting can help to determine the availability of progesterone in the luteal phase. There will be a slight, steady rise in temperature after ovulation has occurred and progesterone has increased. An irregular or consistently low BBT may indicate low progesterone and luteal phase defect.
Length of luteal phase
If the date of ovulation is fewer than 11 days before your period, this could suggest luteal phase defects. You can detect ovulation using BBT charting or by using ovulation detector strip tests.
Saliva Hormonal Testing
Dr. John Lee was very adamant that testing for hormones and progesterone should be done through saliva testing, not blood testing (almost all doctors will test the blood).
You can order an “at home” saliva test that you will take at a certain times during your cycle and then send away to a lab for analysis. They will then mail back the results so you can find out if you have any hormonal imbalances. You can order FDA approved home female hormone tests here.
Blood Hormonal Testing
While Dr. Lee was adamant about getting progesterone testing through saliva, it may be more helpful to work with your doctor to get your progesterone tested so they can explain the test results to you, even if it is a blood test. You most likely will also have other hormones tested at the same time which can give you insights to your entire hormonal profile.
When to Get Your Progesterone Levels Tested
The most appropriate time to measure serum progesterone is mid luteal phase (either 7 days after ovulation, or 7 days prior to expected menses). This is when you’re most likely to catch the peak progesterone level. This day will vary according to a woman’s cycle length however (for example, for a 28 day cycle, day 21 progesterone testing is appropriate; but for a 35 day cycle, progesterone would ideally be measured around day 28).
How to Support Progesterone Levels
1. Reduce your exposure to xenohormones
We have become an estrogen dominate society from all of the excess estrogen in our foods and environment.
Reduce your exposure by avoiding these xenohormone producers:
- Solvents and adhesives
- Meat from conventionally raised livestock (non-organic)
- Car exhaust
- Almost all plastics
- Petrochemically derived pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
- Emulsifiers found in soaps and cosmetics
- PCD’s from industrial waste
2. Vitex for hormonal balance
Vitex angus castus. Photo by Sten Porse.
Directions for use
Capsules: 1,000mg a day is the suggested amount to use. Take vitex all month long.
Tincture: 90 drops in water or juice, first thing in the morning. All month long.
Unlike powerful hormone drugs, vitex works slowly to normalize the body. Maximum benefits are often achieved after 6-12 cycles with vitex.
3. Use Natural Progesterone Cream
Natural progesterone cream can help to supplement your body’s own progesterone levels and lead you back to a state of natural balance.
Natural progesterone cream comes from plant fats and oils called diosgenin which is extracted either from Mexican Wild Yams or soybeans. In the laboratory diosgenin is chemically synthesized into a molecular structure that is identical to real human progesterone.
The United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) denotes a recognized standard of purity and strength. It is sometimes referred to as “human-identical” or “bio-identical” progesterone, which differentiates it from synthetic progestins or progestogens.
How to Use Progesterone Cream
Transdermal application (through the skin) has been found to be one of the most effective ways to use natural progesterone. It is absorbed through the skin into the underlying fat which helps to slowly allow progesterone into the blood. This way of application helps the progesterone to be “time released” into the blood stream. To closely mimic the body’s progesterone cycle, it is best to use progesterone cream twice a day.
How to Use Progesterone Cream for Fertility
The best areas for application are places that have capillary blood flow such as:
- Face
- Neck
- Upper Chest
- Breasts
- Inner arms
- Palms of hands and feet
When it comes to dosage, more is not better. Too much progesterone may cause hormonal imbalances, just like too little progesterone can. General suggested dosage is 40mg daily, divided into one 20mg application in the am and one 20mg application in the pm, during the two weeks before your period.
Click here to learn about Fertilica™ Natural Progesterone Cream
Progesterone use should begin directly after ovulation, which is usually day 14 in the cycle (day 1 is the start of your period), and ending usage once menstruation begins. The best way to know exactly when to begin progesterone cream is to track ovulation with fertility charting. There are several ways to detect ovulation, such as OPK test strips, Ovulation Microscope and Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting. Once ovulation is detected, progesterone cream would be started the following day.
What To Do Should You Become Pregnant
Once you become pregnant, stay on the progesterone and contact your healthcare provider. Read below for pregnancy instructions.
Loading Dose
A loading does is useful for women who have had many months or years of anovulatory (no ovulation) cycles, which can create extreme progesterone deficiency. Each cycle that passes without ovulation can increase estrogen dominance as progesterone stores are depleted. Very thin women who have little body fat can become estrogen dominant very easily as there is no fat to store extra progesterone. In either of these situations Dr. John Lee recommends a higher dose of progesterone the first one to two months of progesterone cream use. This helps to replenish the progesterone stored in the fat of the body. After 2-3 months the dose can be lowered to the usual ‘regular’ dosage.
Note: Some progesterone creams come in a squeeze tube, like Emerita Pro-Gest, which uses teaspoons as a measurement for dose. 1/4 teaspoon of Emerita Pro-Gest equals 20mg of progesterone cream. Others, like our Fertilica Natural Progesterone, come with a pump. Each pump measures out exactly 20mg of progesterone cream.
Loading dose: 40mg twice a day, one 40mg application in the morning and one 40mg application at night, for a total of 80mg of natural progesterone a day. Apply for two weeks before your period (about day 14 in the cycle), up until menstruation begins.
Regular dose: 20mg twice a day, one 20mg application in the morning and one 20mg application at night, for a total of 40mg of natural progesterone a day. Apply for two weeks before your period (about day 14 in the cycle), up until menstruation begins.
Inducing ovulation using progesterone
Dr. Lee had a number of patients in his practice that had been unable to conceive because they were not ovulating. For two to four months he had them use natural progesterone from days 5 to 26 in the cycle (stopping on day 26 to bring on menstruation).
Using the progesterone prior to ovulation effectively suppressed ovulation. After a few months of this, he had them stop progesterone use. If you still have follicles left, they seem to respond to a few months of suppression with enthusiasm — the successful maturation and release of an egg.
His patients, some of whom had been trying to conceive for years, had very good results conceiving with this method. To learn more about this type of application, please read Dr. Lee’s book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause.
Preventing Miscarriage & Progesterone
Low progesterone during pregnancy can be one cause of recurrent miscarriages. Progesterone is responsible for creating a healthy environment in the womb by maintaining the uterine lining. It also reduces the chances of blood clots and the immune system responding to the fetus as if it was a foreign substance. Progesterone is one of the main pregnancy hormones.
If you feel this might be your situation, talk with your doctor or healthcare practitioner and get your hormone levels tested before using progesterone as well as intermittently to make sure your levels are high enough. Working with a healthcare practitioner is helpful as they can help to monitor your hormonal levels.
Make sure to have at least two bottles on hand, because running out could cause a big drop in progesterone which may cause the menstrual cycle to begin. Contact your doctor or midwife once you become pregnant so they can monitor your progesterone levels during pregnancy.
Progesterone & PCOS
Progesterone cream can help to oppose the estrogen dominance that occurs with PCOS. By using progesterone cream you are able to mimic a natural cycle and help the body to establish its own cycle, including ovulating, again. Dr. John Lee believed that with progesterone cream and changes to the PCOS specific diet and exercise, PCOS could become obsolete.
Progesterone Cream & PCOS
There are two ways to use progesterone cream for PCOS. The first is the Suppression Cycle. To suppress the cycle one would use progesterone cream on cycle days 7-26. If you do not have a menstrual cycle you would choose a date on your calendar and mark it as day 7. Suppressing the cycle allows the body to rest by stopping the cycle of eggs not being released and estrogen/androgen dominance. Dr. John Lee suggests to use 60-100mg of progesterone cream a day during the suppression cycle and to repeat this for 3-4 months for best results.
Establish a cycle with progesterone cream
To help your body create a cycle including menstruation and ovulation, use progesterone cream on day 14 of your cycle and continue until day 26. By stopping on day 26 your progesterone levels will drop, helping to start your menstrual cycle. If your cycle does not start, just treat your cycle like you are having one and start again on day 14. It is best to use a calendar so you can keep track of everything. After 3 or so months it is suggested to take a break for 1 month so you can see if your cycle has jump started itself.
Progesterone Cream & Endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, Dr. John Lee recommends using progesterone from days 8 to 26 of your cycle, to reduce the effects of estrogen on the body (estrogen stimulates endometrial growth). Take a short week off to refresh your receptor sites. He has had success with controlling symptoms within six months. Once the outbreaks of endometriosis are tolerable reduce the usage to day 14 until your menstrual cycle begins.
Progesterone Use During Pregnancy
Natural progesterone is safe to use during pregnancy with the consent of your doctor or midwife and may likely prevent many first trimester miscarriages that are due to low progesterone, but should be used with caution when nursing as it may stop lactation.
In the first trimester of pregnancy progesterone production is the sole responsibility of the ovaries, but they often fail to produce sufficient levels to maintain the pregnancy. By the second trimester, the placenta itself is responsible for producing progesterone, and it hikes the level of this hormone to 486% higher than the non-pregnant norm.
If you are taking progesterone and get pregnant, you must continue taking progesterone until at least the 16th week. I personally would not stop if I had seriously low levels to begin with, but it is best to work with your health care practitioner if this is the case. They will continuously monitor your levels to make sure they are healthy for pregnancy. Click here to learn more about proper use of natural progesterone cream use in pregnancy…
Summary
Healthy progesterone levels are important during conception and pregnancy. You can find out if your levels are where they should be by getting tested. If you do find your levels are low there are many natural ways to promote healthy progesterone levels such as:
1. Reducing Xenohormones
2. Using Vitex
3. Applying progesterone cream
If you become pregnant, continue to use the cream and consult with your doctor or midwife right away.
Progesterone Q&A
Progesterone Q&A
Related Articles
References:
1. Lee, John, M.D. (2006) Hormone Balance Made Simple. Werner Books: New York, New York.
2. Lee, John, M.D. (1999). What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause. Grand Central Life & Style – Hachette Book Group: New York, New York.
3. Hobbs, Christopher, L.Ac. (2003). Vitex The Women’s Herb. Healthy Living Publications: Summertown, Tennessee.
4. Trickey, Ruth. (2003). Women, Hormones, and the Menstrual Cycle. Giffen Press: South Australia.
5. Weed, Susun. (1986). Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Ash Tree Publishing: Woodstock, New York.
6. Schettler, T., M.D., M.P.H.; Solomon, G., M.D., M.P.H.; Kaplan, J., M.E.S.; Valenti, M. (n.d). “Generations at Risk: How Environmental Toxicants May Affect Reproductive Health in California.” California PSR and CALPIRG. Retrieved online at: http://www.psr-la.org/files/generations_at_risk.pdf
7. Dalton, K. (1968). Ante-natal progesterone and intelligence. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 114(516), 1377-1382. doi: 10.1192/bjp.114.516.1377
I am 68 years, not on estrogen anymore cause i am afraid of breast cancer, so the pharmacist suggest natural estrogen. Side affects my tummy are swollen cause i rub the creme into my tummy. So i read your info that i must rub it to my breast under my feet or inner arms. I am also drizzling in my head. What do you suggest? Thank you Rika
Dear Rika,
Our area of expertise is fertility health for women ages 18-50 who are considered still in their fertile years. Consider exploring what the organizations Woman to Woman and Healthy Healing have to offer in terms of postmenopausal support. Know also that natural progesterone cream application should be rotated between capillary-rich areas of the body. It is not often advised to apply it to the same place every day (e.g. the stomach). Other application sites can be the upper chest, inner upper arm or inner thighs (if not overweight), wrists and inner or outer ankles just to name a few. You may also want to look for Dr. John Lee’s book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause.
My best and take care!
Hello!
I have an estrogen and progesterone hormones problems and I am trying to get normal pregnant, Last year, I had an ectopic pregnancy. Doctor said that, IVF is best choice for your healthy pregnant, Last week I had to transferred with the embryo, My Estrogen is 166, progesterone is 39.2, they are said that, little bit high, but it is okey, no extra progesterone creams, after 7 days, I checked 2 the hormone tests, But the estrogen is 30, the progesterone is3.10, everything is decreased it and unsuccessful with embryo transferred. I donot know that what should i do? How to keep the 2 hormone levels., Next month, I will try it again, I am not sure it happened is again.
Dear Badmaa,
I’m sorry to her of this! Perhaps allowing a bit more time to focus on hormonal balance and supporting uterine health would be best. Our guide 5 Steps to Preparing for a Frozen Embryo Transfer shares practical tips to consider.
I hope you find this guide helpful!
I could really use your help plz! I’ve had PCOS type symptoms for almost 2 years now, I’m about to turn 19. I was taking vitex for 2 months and it regulated my period substantially. It used to come for 6 days but has gradually decreased to 2-3 days. I got Hormone bloodwork done, and my doctor can’t figure out if my Progesterone levels are adequate. I got it done about 5 days before my period( luteal phase which ranges between (23 and 29 days). The results are 65 ng/dl. When i tried converting to pg/ml, i got 650. Is this a healthy level or too high? I very much appreciate you taking the time to address our concerns <3
Dear Lola,
It really would be best to ask your doctor’s thoughts or for help interpreting the result.
In general for women, most resources say tht progesterone tests mid-cycle should fall in the range of 5 to 20 ng/mL or 15.90 to 63.60 nmol/L.
I hope you are able to talk to your doctor, and if you have not see our guide, How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs there may be helpful, easy tips to consider.
I am 29 and petite. I stopped birth control in May 2016 and had a period immediately after stopping but nothing since. I was diagnosed with PCOS in February 2017. I exercise 2-3 times a week and eat mostly plant based although I started eating eggs and organic, hormone free beef recently after meeting with an acupuncturist. I started Progesterone cream last month in hopes the suppression cycle would trigger ovulation. I started the cream on day 5 and started my menses 10 days later. I stopped the cream during menses and restarted on day 5 but started my menses again 10 days later. I’ve been using 20mg two times daily. Should I increase the dose? Should I start on day 7? Meet w/ a naturopath?
Hi Stephanie!
Yes, meet with your naturapath or doctor to determine the best dose of progesterone cream for your needs. 40mg total could be too much, but I can’t know that for certain.
Hello,
Has anyone use Vitex together with progesterone..? Curious if there is a protocol for fertility using both that folks have used with success?
Dear Anthony,
We have had many combine Vitex and natural progesterone cream with success. Many follow general suggested use for both, which is…
Fertilica Vitex – 900-1000mg daily all cycle long
Fertilica Natural Progesterone Cream – 40mg daily (20mg in the a.m. and 20mg in the p.m.) subcutaneously (rotating application sites) for the two weeks before menstruation starts.
I hope others share of their success for you here.
My wife is 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Her progesterone level is 10.2 nanograms per milliliter. Our doctor wants her to be at 12 – 20 ng/ml. The doctor has prescribed PREGESTERONE 200mg cap, applied vaginally. Do you think she should take the prescription? Do you think the natural cream will work fast enough? Should we just let her body try to catch up and produce it naturally?
Dear Ronald,
Congratulations to you and your wife!
It is my honest opinion that if your wife’s doctor feels she needs the suppositories, she should use them. They are often stronger than natural progesterone cream and may be faster acting. If you feel strongly about using natural progesterone cream, please discuss this with her doctor and ask that he/she guide her in a dose appropriate for her needs (which may be more than the general suggested dose).
My best to you both!
Hello, my doctor wants to put me on progesterone to get a cycle, I never get my cycle and when I do its only 2-3 days and very light every 1/2 times a year. I am worried if because he keeps saying if I go on progesterone, it can increase risk of birth defects. Can this be true?
Dear Carolyn,
Do discuss your concerns with your doctor. I have not worked with anyone whose child has birth defects as a result of using natural progesterone cream. Progestins are a synthetic form of progesterone, while progesterone found in progesterone creams is natural and identical to the progesterone in your body. Natural progesterone is much safer to use than progestins which can have serious side effects. During the third trimester of the pregnancy the placenta naturally produces 300-400mg of progesterone daily. If progestins were given to the mother in that same dosage, serious birth defects could occur.
Hello,
Thank you for all the support so far.
Related to the above topic, which day of the cycle should I have a blood test in order to find my estrogen and progesterone levels?
Blessings,
Lianah
You are welcome Lianah!
This is a great discussion to have with your doctor. In general the most accurate progesterone test is done a week after ovulation (some sources say 6-8 days), generally cycle day 21 or after. It is commonly believed that saliva testing is more accurate than a blood test for hormone levels (unless someone is already on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hi,
I have been TTC since 2 yrs but dint get any success. Then I heard about Vitex and decided to start Vitex. But I am little bit confuse when I should take it, means during Follicular phase or Luteal phase or whole month. Please suggest.
Dear Megha,
General suggested use of Vitex in preparation for conception and while trying to conceive is to take it all month long.
I want to conceive and im having issues with hormones can i use family planning pills.
Dear Elizabeth,
We do not feel using family planning pills (birth control) are the best way to address hormonal issues. They do not address the root cause of the hormonal imbalance.
Consider learning why hormonal imbalance happens and what you can do naturally to restore hormonal balance in our guide Restore Hormonal Balance for Improved Fertility.
We also offer this service, Fertility Consultations, that seems like it would be a really good fit for you.
I hope this is helpful!
Hi ,
I am 37 years. got sexually active very late in life. My period is light like 2-3 days, but I do get it every 27-28 days. It is the 3rd month I am taking Clomid 50mg. I did blood work on the 23 day of my period, and my progesterone came back 19.3 ng/ml. Every time i use the ovulation kit to check most fertile days, it never gives me the Happy Face. It is a big turn off for me. It shut me down and make me think that there is not help to have sex while i am not ovulating. Has any body else experience this ? Is it normal?
Dear Najia,
I hope others chime in for you here!
Have you talked to your doctor about whether Clomid is helping and when to test for ovulation. When are you using the ovulation kit each month?
I tried to use the clear blue ovulation kits when trying to conceive my first. I never got a smiley face, but I knew I ovulated and got pregnant with my son. I have a lot better luck with the strip tests with two lines.
I just started using the Fertilica Progesterone Cream. I am worried that I am using too much. 1 full pump is enough cream to lather onto my entire body. I can use it in place of body lotion if I wanted to!… Is this right?
Dear Kristen,
One pump should only dispense between a dime-sized dollop, or 1/4 teaspoon. It would be best to measure with a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon.
What would you recommend to take other than herbs to address low progesterone? In the past, every time I’ve tried herbs, they messed up my cycles. Maca doesn’t work for me, so I can’t take that without a serious reaction. I recently tried Chinese medicine herbal mixtures with stuff like peony and licorice and now it made my periods highly irregular (went from about 28-29 days to over 40 days). I’m not ovulating and/or ovulating extremely late in my cycle, and now getting bleeding mid-cycle. I don’t what I can do to fix this and looking for some help. I’m trying to have a baby with my husband, turned 37 a few months ago, and I don’t know how this will happen though. Any advice? Thanks.
Dear Keli,
I’m not certain how herbs have affected your cycle in the past or what herbs have been used (well those other than the Chinese formula), but some women experience shifts in their menstrual cycle when they begin using herbs that nourish the endocrine system. This is actually a good sign that the body is responding to the herb’s actions. Typically we see shifts work themselves out within 3 months of consistent use (depending on the fertility health issue).
I would encourage you to talk to the practitioner who has you one the Chinese herbs as well to be sure he/she knows what’s happening and can perhaps adjust the program should they wish to.
I actually have many questions – what is your diet like; do you have fertility health issues; what is meant by “messed up?”; what all have you tried, and how much was used for how long?
If progesterone levels are confirmed low natural progesterone cream could be considered.
Beyond that, I think it would be best to learn more about you and all you have tried before offering more advice. We are very happy to work with you to create a natural fertility program for your specific need(s). It this sounds like the right fit, click here to learn more about our one-on-one Fertility Consultations.
I am a 35 yr old mother of 3. I have been nursing for 86 months straight! I have horrible mood swings, cystic acne, hair loss, spotting 3-4 days before my menstruation. my cycle is 26-29 days long. I am 5’5″ and 134 lbs. I am eating a cyclical ketogenic diet the last month. Have eaten organically for 7 yrs, used toxin free products just as long.
I ordered Emerita Pro gest. I am currently cycle day 20. Can I start the cream today or should I wait till next month?
Dear Leah,
I’m sorry to hear of these challenges, and hope you are finding that dietary changes are helping. It is up to you whether you begin progesterone cream now for about a week or wait until after ovulation next cycle. It can be used as long as your cycle was last month and then may need to be stopped for menstruation to start. If menstruation starts on its own, then pause its use. If you are still breastfeeding, be sure baby’s skin doesn’t come into contact with the progesterone cream application site. Have you heard of Evening Primrose Oil? That may be something to learn more about as well.
I hope the changes you are making help!
Hi,
Thank you so much for this article. We recently had a positive preg. test, but my wife has PCOS and has longer cycles which are irregular (~29-40 days). Suspected lower progesterone based on everything I read. We went for an ultrasound (found only the GS) and got a blood test for HCG and progesterone. Right after the appointment, my wife miscarried :(. Today found out that progesterone was low, and HCG was only 18. Hoping to use progesterone cream to establish a shorter cycle. Any risk to using progesterone cream? Her DHEA-S used to be very high but lower now due to things like green tea, L-Theanine (now at 385). Should we continue on working to lower her androgens as well?
Dear Dan,
I am so very sorry for your loss! Our best to you both as you heal and continue to move forward.
To be honest, we know there to be few to no side effects of using natural progesterone cream as instructed when progesterone levels are low and need support. It is also important for women with PCOS to address diet and lifestyle, as well as consider other supportive natural therapies. We share more in our guide How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs.
I hope this is helpful information! My best!
Hi, i went for an ultrasound in November at CD 20 of my 26 day cycle. i started progesterone cream on CD 16 since i thought i ovulated. The scan report said 15mm dominant follicle at right ovary and No adexal masses or free fluid detected at CD 20 scan. I had my period on CD 26 but if i didnt ovulate, how can i have my period?? Do i have estrogen dominance or im i deficient..my eggs are not growing fast..please help which is best for me to grow my eggs..im only 28yrs old…
Dear Jess,
Women can menstruate without ovulating. Testing would be best to help you know your hormonal levels. There are many things that can naturally support egg health. There are also natural therapies known to support ovulation. Here are two guide to consider looking through:
– How To Increase Egg Health in 90 Days – we also have a Free Egg Health Checklist
– Getting Ovulation Back on Track
Thank you for this very informative article!
The article does not address how to take the progesterone and the dosage if you haven’t had a period for a long time. It only says what to do to establish a cycle if you already had one. Can you give instructions on this please?
Also, is it okay to take the vitex while on the progesterone cream?
Thanks.
Dear Gin,
We are glad this article is helpful!
There are a variety of different reasons a woman’s period may cease such as nutritional deficiencies, emotional and mental stress, etc. If you are unsure why your period is missing, we have a great guide to help you learn about the causes of absent periods. This article also includes additional information on ways to promote a healthy menstrual cycle.
Click here to read How To Get Your Period Back…
Knowing why your period has stopped is going to help you determine which herbs/herbal formulas to work with. Herbs work best if other areas of your life are in place first, as well, such as nutrition, exercise and stress management.
It is important to know progesterone levels are low prior to using progesterone cream. Have you had testing to learn this is true for you?
Can you recall and past menstrual cycle and it’s pattern – when you ovulated then?
Good Day ,,, Ive just started progesterone cream,,Im 48 yrs old ,,in recovery from cfs and compromised gut,, my extra challenge is being severly intolerant of salicylates and amines,,, living off 7 foods,,, Im willing to try scrapings of the vittex tablets as i believe my hpaxis is off,,, its tricky cause its a herb ,, but at this point ive got to keep trying, I heard that using progesterone cream can stop you from making your natural progesterone and make things worse in the long run? Can I use vittex and P cream at the same time?,,,maybe just the cream at first to get me stable then try the vittex,,,Thankyou for your consideration.Vanessa
Dear Vanessa,
I am sorry for what you are dealing with! Might it be most helpful to work one on one with a practitioner who can take into account what you have been through and intollerances, someone who can help you explore the best natural therapies for your needs? Perhaps this could be through a Fertility Consultation.
Natural progesterone cream when used as we suggest is not known to stop the body from producing its own progesterone. Fertilica Natural Progesterone Cream can be used with Fertilica Vitex. This is fine!
It must be so hard to only be able to eat 7 foods! The tough part here is that you are likely to be missing out on many important fertility health nutrients, nutrients for overall health and well-being. We know that women with less-than-ideal diet and lifestyle habits will probably not experience the full effects of Vitex. I am by no means trying to talk you out of it, but also don’t want you spending resources on it if it may not be best. Without making changes in addition to using Vitex, results may not be fully experienced.
I hope you will consider a consultation! Do take care!
43 years old, systemic lupus/advanced kidney disease. 3 years of chemo; ovarian reserve low (less than 1% chance of bio preg). Premature ovarian failure–no period in 2 years. Prepping for embryo adoption, need surgery to remove fibroids–uterine lining 7 mm, no ovarian cysts. Low estradiol (<15) and low progesterone (<0.5). Prescribing Medroxyprogesterone 10mg tablets to induce period to do surgery. In 1994, had surgery for endometriosis, given BCP to regulate cycle–BCP was trigger for lupus; full force flare, kidneys 9% function, meningitis, etc., nearly died. Is it safe to take progestin given my history or better to take Vitex and wait for hormones to balance naturally? any other herbs? Sorry, additionally, is it safe to take the Medroxyprogesterone concurrently with Vitex?
Dear Dee,
I am so sorry to hear of all you have been through!
Given all you have been through and are dealing with, the best way to achieve healthy fertility is to going to be to have support from your team – a team that could include your primary healthcare provider and reproductive endocrinologist, a naturopath, a midwife, your therapist/counselor, your partner of course and even your fertility herbalist.
We are not able suggest Vitex with prescription progesterone. It is going to be best to discuss taking Vitex with your medication with your healthcare provider or naturopath, someone who can guide you in combining them.
If you wish to receive the best natural fertility program for your specific fertility health needs, learn more about a Fertility Consultation.
Can you also take Pregnenolone pills to increase progesterone faster? And if so, at what dosage would be appropriate?
Dear Lola,
It may, but Pregnenalone is a steroid hormone best used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, either natural or medical, who is also legally able to suggest the proper dose for your needs. Without the guidance, one is only legally able to suggest general suggested use.
I am 32 yearls old, I have a 4 year old child and for almost 2 years I have being trying to conceive, my cycles were not regular . After several exams (blood test, check on my tubes which are free), 2 different doctors seems I have low progesterone levels. My doctor gave me Progesterone pills 400 mg. I started the treatment last month on day 14th of my cycle for 12 days. I had my normal period on day 27, this month on day 9th of the new cycle I start spotting blood clots, I am so confused and frustrated, is this normal? should I keep taking the 12 pills for 3 more month as doctor suggest?
Dear Viviana,
Please be sure to share with your doctor or his nurse at least what you are experiencing this cycle. I can not tell you to not follow his/her advice. I am not a medical doctor and your doctor best knows your needs. He/she should know of what you are experiencing though in the event that your dose may need to be adjusted.
While I can not be sure of the cause of spotting, it may be that what is happening is that estrogen dominance is temporarily become worse as a result of beginning progesterone. This is often temporary and not cause for concern. We share more in our guide Natural Progesterone Cream Use: 10 Things You Should Know (see #2).
I have PCOS and amenorrhea with both low progesterone and low estrogen. My estrogen is at a 34 while my progesterone is at 0.7. Should I be taking vitex, tribulus or progesterone cream? and can I combine any of those herbs?
Dear Ayaka,
Fertilica Vitex, Tribulus and natural progesterone cream can be combined. I would however encourage you to learn more about How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs because as equally important as taking any herbs, are dietary and lifestyle changes.
The above guide will share information about the biphasic use of herbs to consider learning more about as well. Learn more from our guide Herbs for PCOS: Biphasic Support for the Menstrual Cycle.
I hope this is helpful!
Pls i went for hormonal analysis test last year October my I was told progesterone in my body is too high 92 pls what can I do?
Dear Babalola,
It may be best before taking anything to support hormonal balance to have your progesterone levels tested again. October was already nearly 10 months ago and a lot can change over that many months.
When you do, be sure to ask your doctor why he/she thinks any levels are high or low; ask what could be causing this to happen for you. Knowing any possible causes will be helpful in seeking information and creation of a natural fertility program.
Do reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like continued support after follow-up testing.
I haven’t had a period since JULY 2013. I got pregnant in August 2013. Gave birth May 2014. I am still breastfeeding. Should I start using the cream until I get a period? I would like to have another child if possible. Without a period I can not chart when to start using the cream. Thank you.
Hi Vada,
We do not recommend using natural progesterone cream while breastfeeding. The progesterone could transfer via the skin to your baby. There are many other natural options to try to help you get pregnant while breastfeeding and you can learn about them in this article I wrote: The Best Herbs to Help You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Progesterone cream should only be used by those with confirmed low progesterone levels. It is normal for some women who are breastfeeding to not have a menstrual cycle, due to elevated levels of the hormone prolactin. Your child just turned two, or is about to, right, so is he/she still breastfeeding all the time, even at night? Sometimes night weaning or cutting back on feeding times can help to bring the menstrual cycle back.
Hi I am currently on Progesterone pills 100mg a day. I had a miscarriage May 2015 and this year in March. My Progesterone levels were low and my doctor instructed me to take them for 21 days and off for 7 but she did not tell me when to start taking them. I began taking them the end of my last cycle and throughout my current cycle which I am now on CD 6. Should I continue to take them or what until after ovulation? Will this delay ovulation?
Hi Kim,
Because you are taking prescription progesterone as directed by your doctor, please ask them your questions. I am an herbalist and cannot legally answer questions about prescription medications. It is extremely important to have good, open communication with your doctor regarding questions on any prescription medications you are taking.
Hello Kim,
I am not a doctor, just someone that have had similar problems to get my second child.
Just looking at your questions, the dosage sounds really low to make a difference 200 to 400mg sounds to be more the norm. Normally, They are taken normally 3 days after ovulation for 10 days….another thing pills are not the best form as well. See if you can get suppositories to take vaginally you will have a better absorption and increase your chances.
Best of luck, get in touch with your therapist as a few changes sounds to be necessary and it will give you all the right advise. Also start charting your cycle fertilityfriend.com is fab for that it would help you immensly.
Carole
i have an irregular cycle and for the past 3 months it has been around 50 days. I am considering using progesterone cream. would i start it on day 14 to mimic a natural cycle?
Hi Kristina,
Progesterone cream supplementation is best utilized only when you have confirmed low progesterone through testing. If you don’t know if you have low progesterone, you could ask your doctor to run a progesterone test. I think you will find our article Use of Progesterone Cream with an Irregular Menstrual Cycle Q&A helpful. There are many other natural remedies that can help the body to regulate the menstrual cycle such as herbs and fertility massage. These are a much gentler, supportive approach. Women who don’t know if they have low progesterone or not shouldn’t supplement with progesterone, even if there is information stating you can regulate your cycle with progesterone cream.
I hope that helps you!
I don’t ovulate regularly and I have irregular or no periods. I am trying to conceive with clomid however my ovulation is still unpredictable on when or if I will. This cycle, my progesterone was too low to confirm ovulat-tested day 22. Since I don’t know when/if I ovulate or when my period will be, what day should I start progesterone cream? What happens if I use the progesterone after day 14 but I didn’t ovulate or I might ovulate late in my cycle. What happens if I did ovulate but started using the progesterone cream NOT right after ovulation but days after? Is it better than nothing or does it need to be right after ovulation? Just in case I ovulate late, I don’t want to start too early.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your questions, they are good ones! If you have confirmed very low progesterone, supplementing with progesterone cream will likely take many, many months to increase your progesterone levels. For an average person with low progesterone, it can take anywhere from 4-12 months of consistent progesterone cream supplementation at a regular dose to get levels up to normal. So, it is highly unlikely if your levels are very low, that you will suppress ovulation with progesterone cream supplementation at first, since you will be working to build up to normal levels. It would be best to try to “create a cycle” by using the progesterone cream consistently at the same time each cycle. Make up your own cycle and stick to it. In the mean time be sure to chart ovulation via BBT or OPK, or another reliable method. We don’t recommend using progesterone cream during the same cycle you are using Clomid without guidance from your doctor.
We find a handful of herbs helpful in promoting regular ovulation, sometime they can help get the menstrual cycle on track, which makes it easier to figure out when to apply progesterone cream. None of these herbs can be used in the same cycle as use of Clomid. Keep in mind, Clomid can help you achieve pregnancy, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying health issue that is causing your absent and irregular cycles.
You might find our Use of Progesterone Cream with an Irregular Menstrual Cycle Q&A helpful too!
Hi there,
I have been tracking my cycles for the past 4 months and I have a pretty consistent 8-10 day luteal phase. As I am trying to get pregnant, I understand that this is likely too short to conceive. I have an appointment scheduled with my obgyn for next month. I have started taking Vitex 3x/day this cycle, and will ovulate in about 5-6 days from today. Should I go ahead and also try the progesterone cream? I have the Emerita brand, but wasn’t sure if I should try the Vitex by itself or go ahead and also use the cream. Thanks for your advice!
Dear Lily,
It is best to determine low progesterone levels through testing before using natural progesterone cream. That said it is known that if progesterone levels do not elevate enough after ovulation, or drop too soon before menstruation begins, a short luteal phase can result. Vitex and progesterone cream are two natural remedies used to support a healthy progesterone rise. Diet, antioxidants and vitamin B6 can also be helpful. Consider learning more in our guide Luteal Phase Defect: Natural Treatment Options.
I used Vitex just for one cycle while trying for my second, I got positive pregnancy results on Day 29. Progesterone is very low ranges between 2-4. Dr just asks to repeat HCG tests to see if pregnancy is progressing fine. HCG was 30 on Day 32 and 56 on Day 33. Dr says its not very reassuring that pregnancy is progressing. I started red spotting on on Day 33. Would the progesterone cream still help. Dr is not giving progesterone supplements yet. Can I still use over the counter natural cream to help support pregnancy. or just wait and watch like the Dr says. It feels disappointing to not try and save it and just wait and watch. Please suggest. Thanks!
Dear Dipali,
It would be best to find a midwife to work with, or ask your doctor to guide you in using progesterone cream. This being said, if it were me, I would want to do everything in my power. I would hate for you to regret just waiting to see what happens if you truly do not want to. This being said, if the pregnancy is not viable, progesterone cream is not going to reverse that.
If you choose to try progesterone cream, choose a pure progesterone cream such as Emerita Pro-Gest. Here is a guide to Natural Progesterone Cream Use in Pregnancy to help you decide what is best to do for your needs.
All my best!
I have reason to believe that I have miscarried at 7 weeks. I go in next week to get an ultrasound to know for sure, but my question is, I’m taking emerita progesterone cream, will this act to prevent the body from getting rid of the baby? If it is confirmed that that the baby died, should I stop taking the cream til everything works itself out?
Dear Suzanne,
I am very sorry!
It would be best to confirm miscarriage before stopping progesterone cream because a sudden drop in progesterone could lead to miscarriage. I am glad you are going in next week. Progesterone cream can’t stop a miscarriage already happening. If miscarriage is confirmed, it is best to stop progesterone cream use.
I wish for you the best!
Hi, I am 43 with P.C.O.S. I do not want to conceive, but am tired of the side effects of oral contraceptives. One of my major issues is facial hair. Could I use progesterone cream & get off the pill? Would it be helpful in controlling facial hair?
Dear Kass,
Facial hair growth for women is called Hirsutism. This happens due to an imbalance in estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, and is common for women with PCOS. Progesterone cream and the herb Saw Palmetto may be a natural option for women with Hirsutism due to PCOS.
General suggested use is two 20mg applications of progesterone cream each day, one in the morning and one in the evening, but it may be helpful to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best dose for your needs.
I have endometriosis and started using progesterone cream this cycle on Day 8. Day 22 I had brown spotting. Day 23 I had dark red clots (this is my usual period). Day 24 I had somewhat heavy red bleeding no clots. I have three questions:
1) Do I continue using the cream until Day 26 (typical protocol).
2) Is this my period many days early?
3) Why am I bleeding?
Thank you!
Dear Rona,
While using progesterone cream until cycle day 26 in general suggested use, we know cycle length and ovulation day vary from woman to woman. If what you are experiencing mirrors a usual period for you, and bleeding, progesterone cream should be stopped until cycle day 8 again if you are following a protocol for use that suggests beginning its use on cycle day 8. The cycle may fluctuate some as the body works to relearn balance. The bleeding could be a result of using progesterone cream and it having caused your cycle to shift a bit. We typically see menstrual cycle shifts work themselves out within three cycles of use.
HI! I have been diagnosed with pcos based on my lh and fsh levels. i am 5’6 116 lbs and was on brith control from 17-27 due to never naturally starting my period. I have been off the pill for a year and have had my period every 3 months lasting about 5 1/2 days. being very light periods. I have been taking dim, primrose evening oil. prenatal, fish oil, cinnamon and occasional maca. I have been told to not exercise too much and to do just walks/yoga being i am a skinny person. I do not have the bad skin or hair that most pcos patients have. i just bought the cream and on day 7 of my period (its pretty much gone). What do you recommend for the progesterone usage? or any other additional?
Dear Ashley,
If progesterone levels have been determined to be low through testing, given you have a cycle although irregular, it may be best to consider the suggested use for establishing a cycle – beginning progesterone on cycle day 14 and continuing until day 26, then stopping on cycle day 26 to help start menstruation. If your cycle does not start, just treat your cycle like you are having one and start progesterone again on day 14. Track days of use on a calendar and after 3 or so months, suggested use is to take a break for 1 month to see if the body will have a cycle on it’s own.
I hope for you that this along with these Important Natural Health Tips for Women with Lean PCOS will be effective.
All my best!
I found out I was pregnant in June of 2015 and I lost the baby at 8 weeks. I am 20 years old and it was my first baby. My midwife told me that my progesterone levels were lower than she liked and put me on Happy PMS progesterone cream. I used it for 4 months from day 5-26, not realizing I was supposed to start at day 14. Last month I ran out and I decided not to buy more I guess because I felt defeated. It has been 7 months since my misscarriage and I am desperately wanting to get pregnant. Is there anything I need to do differently? Did I mess myself up by taken it so often?
Dear Emily,
I am sorry for your loss!
As shared in this guide, using progesterone cream prior to ovulation for a few months (and then stopping as you have done) for some women proved to help them ovulate when they weren’t doing so regularly on their own. This suggested use to induce ovulation using progesterone was used by Dr. John Lee.
It is okay to take a break and see where your progesterone levels are at now to determine if progesterone supplementation is still needed. Your doctor or midwife is best able to determine the proper dose for your needs and help you with proper timing of use. General suggested use is to begin application directly after ovulation, usually day 14 in the cycle, and ending use when menstruation begins.
I can not imagine using progesterone cream in this way messed anything up. Try not to think that!
Moving forward, our guide to the 5 Steps To Decreasing the Chance of Recurrent Miscarriages may offer additional helpful tips.
All my best!
I have been suffering from PCOS for over ten years. My husband and I are wanting to start a family, so I stopped birth control pills almost a year ago. After reading about progesterone cream I am considering adding it to my routine. My question though, is the suppression cycle necessary for PCOS? Or can I skip that and just start to establish a regular cycle?
Dear Sarah,
Either way can be used and it truly is up to you! While the use of progesterone cream can be one helpful part of a PCOS natural fertility program, the following areas need to be addressed as well…
– diet to improve digestion and support healthy insulin levels
– lifestyle to decrease exposure to toxins and for healthy stress and weight management
– hormone balance to support the body in achieving balance
It is critical to naturally support the body versus just rely on progesterone cream! This is true to the degree that Dr. John Lee shared and believed (we believe too) that changing one’s diet to the PCOS-specific fertility diet, along with participating in regular moderate exercise and using progesterone cream, PCOS could become obsolete. However, progesterone cream alone does not address all of the complexities of PCOS. It only addresses low progesterone levels.
Best wishes!
I was just prescribed 25 mg progesterone in a natural cream (wild yam) by my naturopath. My saliva results for progesterone were 54 pg/mL when they should be 125-150 (at my age). I am taking the cream at night on days 1-21 of my cycle as prescribed and will continue 3 weeks on, 1 week off regardless of when I get my period. I have lengthy pre-menstrual spotting and am curious to see what the results are. However, after reading about it online I’m wondering why I’m taking it days 1-21, any idea why? My estradiol, DHEA and AMH levels are also low and I am on quite a few supplements now.
Dear Krystal,
This would be best asked of your Naturopath. She is best able to explain why she suggested you use it this way and address your concerns.
I hope you are able to reach out to her to get answers!
Take care!
Last November I was using natural progesterone cream in which I got a bad vaginal yeast infection that was intensly itchy for 2 months along with my thrush/systemic candida got out of control so I D/C it. I am now going to start it again. Why does it change or bring out problems in your body and make them worse?
Dear Buenna,
I am sorry you experienced this!
Through what I have read, it is widely believed that progesterone cream does not cause yeast overgrowth. It is estrogen that can contribute. An overabundance of estrogen, whether the body’s natural estrogen or endogenous estrogens that we are exposed to thru diet, lifestyle products, our environments, etc., is known to reduce the ability of cells of the vagina to inhibit the growth of candida.
The reason why it may seem as though progesterone cream is the culprit is that for some women, when first introducing progesterone back into the body estrogen receptor sites are stimulated or ‘wake up’. This “waking up” action enhances the action of estrogen for a short period of time which can exacerbate estrogen dominance symptoms. While we typically see these symptoms as breast tenderness and swelling, spotting, fluid retention, dizziness, hot flashes, fatigue, headaches and nausea, an issue with yeast may also be exacerbated.
This is actually a sign that the body is responding well to the progesterone, although annoying to say the least, and it should level out and go away over the next couple of cycles, as progesterone levels increase.
It may also help to learn how to support the body in managing yeast infections and candida naturally through diet, home-care practices and herbs.
I hope this is helpful!
I started using Beeyoutiful Balance natural progesterone cream after ovulation and during the two weeks before my period was supposed to start. I believe the progesterone triggered an oral herpes outbreak. I haven’t gotten one in a very long time and after using the progesterone cream, I had an outbreak on my nose along with sore nipples and spotting, yet my period has not fully started. I began taking the progesterone to mitigate spotting before my period. Now, my period is two days late with spotting. Do you think the progesterone caused this to occur? I was doing about 10-20mg a day, which I think is the problem. I think I was using too little.
Dear Danielle,
I am not that familiar with this product and it would be best to reach out to the makers to ask your questions. I have not worked with a client or customer who has had a herpes outbreak from using natural progesterone cream, but have read of herpes being awakened by dietary changes, immune system health changes and even stress.
I can also share that for some women when first introducing progesterone back into the body, estrogen receptor wake up’ (are stimulated) for a short period of time, which can exacerbate symptoms of estrogen dominance like breast/nipple soreness/sensitivity and spotting. This is actually a sign that the body is responding well to the progesterone and should subside over the next two or so cycles of use.
For support in knowing the proper dose for your needs, it would be best to seek testing and guidance from a healthcare provider proficient in using progesterone cream.
All my best!
I have PCOS, irregular periods and no ovulation. I want to get pregnant. How do I use progesterone cream to jump start my period and ovulation. Please tell me.
Dear Lindsey,
Here is a link for you to learn How to use progesterone for PCOS which is in this guide.
While progesterone cream supplementation may help to support the body’s natural progesterone levels, which may help to oppose estrogen dominance and aid the body in regulating hormonal balance and the entire menstrual cycle, it alone is not all that needs to be considered when wishing to naturally support the body in dealing with PCOS. We do not rely upon it alone.
The goal is to support and guide the body to remember how to function properly on its own again. The holistic way to do this is to focus on dietary changes, as well as herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies known to supporting the body in re-learning balance by promoting healthy hormonal balance, a healthy uterine lining, regular ovulation, improved estrogen metabolism, reduced cravings for sweets and improved digestion. You can learn more and how to do the above in the following article How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs.
Here’s to a healthy you!
I was diagnosed with stage III endometriosis Mar. 2015 after fibroid removal surgery. My Dr. suggested I take Lupron for 6mo. to have a pseudo-menopause, but I wanted to go the natural route, which she okay’d. I’ve been taking Wobenzyme-N, DIM, Vitex, Bee Propolis & Bee Pollen, Maca, Ginger, Milk Thistle, Red Rasp. Leaf Tea and Castor Oil Pack & Self-Fertility Massage religiously. (I also took Dong Quai and Horsetail for about 5months but have since stopped) Should I add progesterone cream treatment? It seems to me that it would be about the same end result as Lupron in reducing endometrial growth stimulation, but my Dr. didn’t think testing my prog. level was necessary. Would it hurt?
Dear Shannon,
We feel it is best to allow, at the very least, three month’s time to naturally support the body in maintaining a healthy environment within the uterus by promoting hormonal balance and supporting the body’s natural ability to reduce occurrences of occasional growths. This is what you are doing by taking supplements and should also be supported through dietary changes. Following a Fertility Diet to nourish the endocrine system, as well as to limit and avoid foods known to contribute excess estrogen and anti-nutrients known to promote inflammation, is as KEY as supporting the body with supplements.
Only after implementing such a natural fertility program is natural progesterone cream known to be effective. This being said, it would be best to determine through testing that progesterone levels are low prior to using natural progesterone cream. Using progesterone cream when it isn’t needed, over time, may create a situation in which too much progesterone is in the body. There are many clear signs of progesterone deficiency and testing is relatively easy. There are FDA-approved at-home saliva hormone tests and your doctor can test your levels as well.
I hope you are experiencing positive changes in following your program and keep up the good work!