What are the side effects of progesterone? Should I expect the same from a natural bioidentical progesterone cream?
The side effects associated with progesterone are usually found with the synthetic progesterones known as progestins. Manufacturers take the bioidentical progesterone produced from plant sources and change the structure to achieve various results e.g. give it longer lasting effects. The body recognizes these substances as foreign and so reacts to them in various ways leading to side effects.
The use of synthetic progesterone and congestion symptoms are quite common. The usual side effects are:
- storing of excessive salt in the body leading to fluid retention which causes symptoms of congestion such as painful breasts, generalized bloating and weight gain.
Other symptoms include
- depression and mood swings
- migraine headaches
- inability to sleep properly
- loss of sex drive
- heart problems
- kidney problems
- low blood sugar levels
- acne
- skin rashes
- premenstrual discomfort
- hair loss
- excessive hair growth
On the other hand use of bioidentical natural progesterone has virtually no side effects. At the most, using too much causes drowsiness which is easily reversed by decreasing the dose.
My daughter has suffered with severe, disabling migraones for years. They begsn wiht taking the pill at 17. She endured a horrible pregnancy and is afraid of getting pregnant again. She read about bio-identical progesterone therapy and is taking 50mg. twice a day. I know this is a process and may take time to kick in, but she reports no headache. Could it work that quickly? She also reports a feeling of being bloated–is this temporary? I would appreciate any ideas or shared experieces, anything to give us hope that this could be the answer we have been looking for. Please e-mail me at poet 353(at)aol.com–I guess I just need some reassurance that this is the right plan of action and that she could get her life back. Thank you so much.
Colleen
Hi Colleen. I’m so glad to know that your daughter is feeling better. It’s very difficult to watch your child suffering and not be able to help.
To answer your question, yes, bioidentical progesterone can work quite fast when it comes to migraine headaches. If it’s working for her, she should stick to it. The only major side effect is drowsiness if she uses too much and that is easily remedied by reducing the dose. The bloating should pass as her hormone levels stabilize. Sometimes symptoms seem to get a little worse before they get better. You must be one happy mother! Have a great day.
I am 43yrs old in good shape and eat well. My problem is cystic acne around my chin area usually after my period but sometimes before. My periods are much longer and lighter than usual. My blood hormone levels indicated very low progesterone levels at day 18 of my cycle. My alternative Dr. recommended biodentical progesterone PO. I am afraid it will make my acne worse and cause bloatedness, etc… I also have sugar cravings, trouble sleeping and mood swings. Help.