Important Progesterone Cream Dosage Information

It is important to know that progesterone cream usage is about balancing hormones with the correct dosage suitable for each individual person. A good starting point would be to use the physiological amount the body normally produces which is about 20mg – 30mg per day. Some women may need a little less or more depending on their particular symptoms.

Often you will read that using huge concentrated amounts slathered anywhere on the body is better and even desirable as the ‘more is better’ approach is promoted as the best way of using progesterone. This is far from the truth as Dr John Lee, the main pioneer of progesterone therapy, has always stated in his books, lectures and workshops. It is well documented in basic biochemistry research that if the body is producing too much of one substance, it will normally try and compensate by sending messages from the brain to either down regulate the effectiveness of receptors sites, in the case of hormones, or up regulate other hormones to try and create a more even balance. This means that progesterone can be less effective over a period of time if constantly used at a high dose. On the other hand, if the body increases receptor sites of other hormones in an attempt to match the higher levels of progesterone, it can create hormonal mayhem as this can interfere with other body systems which become dysfunctional causing more problems elsewhere.

However, higher dosages of progesterone can be used effectively for some with more acute conditions such as post-natal depression, severe PMS or very high levels of oestrogen and very low levels of progesterone. In the short term, this would be fine as the body is used to progesterone being produced at very high levels during pregnancy which shows how safe it is, but it must be reduced after a few months or so to normal physiological levels as would be the case after pregnancy.

Women suffering from typical menopausal symptoms can benefit from supplementing with progesterone as their ovaries cease to produce the levels they once did. However, as the oestrogen has also dropped to lower levels during this time, it is important for women not to use too much progesterone which can overwhelm the little oestrogen they now have. Using just the right amount of progesterone can be of great benefit and, if necessary, a little ‘natural’ oestrogen supplementation can also help if it has dropped to very low levels and progesterone alone cannot bring it back up again.

The body has a wonderful mechanism which is constantly trying to create harmony and balance within its systems which is better known as homeostasis in medical terms. It does this with nearly all the vast intricacies of the ebb and flow of bio-chemical reactions. There is a part of the brain which acts like a barometer and can almost instantly tell if one chemical is out of balance with another. Most of the time, when homeostasis is just right in a healthy body, the person can feel very well, energised and happy and more able to cope with life’s stressful events.

It is also important to know that hormones can fluctuate from time to time as circumstances change which means that dosages may need adjusting accordingly. For example, stressful situations cause cortisol to rise which competes for the same receptor sites as progesterone and if this is prolonged and intense, it may be worth increasing the dosage of progesterone until the situation changes

When trying to balance hormones, it is always better to work in partnership with a competent health care professional who is skilled in this area as it can be difficult to treat oneself and keep a track of whatever changes are taking place.

More detailed information and research can be found in Dr John Lee’s book ‘What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause.’

For practical usage information, please see here: Progesterone Usage Instructions.