Ready to start Progesterone but a few questions

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I've been reading the thread on Progesterone but it has become so lengthy that I started this thread in the hopes I can get some answers to my questions without wading through all of the pages.

I'm convinced the Progesterone is the way to go but do  I have to do the saliva test BEFORE starting the cream?  Did any of you start treatment without doing the testing?

 Also, recommendations about brands that are best? 

TIA for your help.

Comments

  • SJW1
    SJW1 Member Posts: 244
    edited October 2009

    After I was diagnosed with DCIS over two years ago, I started using Life-Flow Progesta-Care progesterone cream after reading Dr. John Lee's book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cream. I had a blood test about 6 months after that.

    My alternative medicine prevent doctor also has me taking DIM (diindolmethylane) to make sure that any excess estrogen is processed down non-cancerous pathways.

    Dr. Lee's book is a good reference for how much to progesterone cream to take and when to take it. It is also good to have a doctor supervise. Dr. Uzzi Reiss' book Natural Hormone Balance is also execellent. 

    My D.O. also prescribes prometrium, which is the pill form of bio-identical progesterone and is covered by insurance. You will probably know when you are using the right amount, because you will feel good and any cysts and heavy bleeding you have will improve.

    Hope this helps you begin a part of your preventative program.

    Best wishes,

    Sandie 

  • dibel
    dibel Member Posts: 161
    edited October 2009

    Thank you so much for replying--I was beginning to think it was a dumb question because no one came and answered. 

    I have Dr Lee's other book --What Your Dr may not tell you about Premenopause--although I am past Menopause.  Didn't know he had the other one out and will definitely order it today. 

    BTW, I'm also on DIM as my primary care Dr really believes in it. 

  • hollyann
    hollyann Member Posts: 2,992
    edited October 2009

    Are either of you ladies ER/PR positive?....I thought if you are positive for these your cancer fed on them.....That is what my oncologist told me anyway and said for me to avoid estrogen and estrogen producing foods such as soy.......

  • anondenet
    anondenet Member Posts: 715
    edited October 2009

    The questions you both are asking have been answered many times in the the "Progesterone Cream" thread.

    There is no shortcut to learning about progesterone. You have to plod thru that thread to find myths and evidence. You will see how we learned and observe the decision-making process of the members.

    Best of luck on your journey.

    <

  • SJW1
    SJW1 Member Posts: 244
    edited October 2009

    hollyann,

    Yes I am both ER/PR positive. I also had extremely high estrogen readings when I had my blood tested. That is why I am taking bio-identical progesterone to balance out the high estrogen. It is when your hormones are not balanced that you have problems, including cancer. I would not take any of the synthetic progesterones though either. The progesterone you take needs to have the exact chemical compostion as what your body makes. Bio-identical progesterone is just that.

  • Qatar
    Qatar Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2009

    Hi, 

    I have been trying to find someone who is both ER/PR pos.  who is on the progesterone  My doctors have practically stopping breathing when I mention that I want to do this - I refused to do the Arimidex.  Swalters, how long have you been on the progesterone??

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited October 2009

    I am 100% ER and 100% PR ++, I supplement with bio-identical progesterone.

    Lorraine

  • Dawnbelle
    Dawnbelle Member Posts: 696
    edited October 2009

    I am 90% 80%+ & use BHRT progesterone.

    My DO will test my levels next month, I am premeno, so we are sure I am estrogen strong.

    Dawn

  • KorynH
    KorynH Member Posts: 301
    edited October 2009
    I am ER+/PR+ but had chemo induced menopause in May.  I am 45 years old.  The hot flashes nearly drove me nuts! Finally after tring soy and black cohosh, which helped but never eliminated them, I started progesterone cream. I got it at the health food store. It is by Emerita called progesta or something like that. It has 450 mg natural USP progesterone per bottle. I use 1/4 tsp. in a.m. and again at night. I alternate areas on my body each time.  No more hot flashes whatsoever! None! Gone! Halleluia!  I also read Dr. Lee and Dr. Zava's book.  My oncologist is now reading it! He is fascinated to finally be learning about women's health and admitted they do not teach this stuff to oncologists.  Progesterone cannot be patented. That is why drug companies can't sell it. Dr.'s rely heavily on drug companies studies.  So anyways, no I did not do saliva testing. The What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer Book can be read almost fully on line HERE <----- Just click on the page tab at the top to read the 279 pages. At the back of the book he recommends several reputable over the counter sources for the cream that you can buy on line  or in health food stores.  He also gives good advise on dosing.  By the way, after proving allergic to Tamoxifen my oncologist told me about the ZEBRA study <--whereby it proved women with chemo induced menopause do not need to be taking Tamoxifen OR A.I.'s! Another huge Hallelujah! He admitted this is outside the standard of care but that it is indeed proved and he stands by it. He is a military physician, the head of my oncology department. He is huge into research studies and European studies and protocols. He debunks a lot of things I have read to be definitive. I have added rigourous exercise and healthy eating into my list of ways to reduce recurrence and of course stopped birth control pills immediately.
  • rreynolds1
    rreynolds1 Member Posts: 450
    edited October 2009

    I just finished Dr. Lee's book and I'm sold on starting progesterone.  The book explained all aspects of BC in a way that made sense.  I am ER+ so I believe it is the right choice for me.  I am on Arimidex which was not addressed in the book.  It may not have been available at the time of printing.  However, I feel great about my decision. 

    Roseann

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2009

    KorynH - Zebra study is very interesting - thank you for posting it.  I have a friend that also was allergic to tamox - unfortunately her chemopause was temporary and as a stage 3 er/pr+ she is looking at lupron + an A/I.  I have encouraged her to join bc.org so she can read up on DIM etc.

    I will be getting Dr. Lee's book tomorrow!

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