WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1997: Re: Hysterectomy & Natural Progesterone

Re: Hysterectomy & Natural Progesterone

From: Laurie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 25 May 1997 08:48:21 -0500 (CDT)

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At Sat, 24 May 1997, Debi wrote: >
>Because of severe endometriosis, I had a hysterectomy (including
>ovaries) in December, 1996. I've been taking Premarin since then. As
>far as the pain is concerned, I feel much better, but now I am
>struggling with weight gain, headaches and a very low sex drive. I
>recently have heard about Natural Progesterone and am wondering if
>taking this could help with my side effects. Any advice would be
>helpful.

I think most people would agree that natural progesterone is better than the synthetic progesterones that are available. The problem with natural progesterone is that it's not readily available in an oral form (tablets of micronized progesterone to be taken orally or sublingual progesterone to be placed under the tongue are available for studies but not for general use), so it is currently marketed as a cream. These creams actually contain a precursor to progesterone, diosgenin, and the amounts vary widely from product to product. Also, some authorities feel that there are differences in the way people of different ethnic backgrounds break down this precursor. So I think that in general, while natural progesterone creams are safe, I don't think they're very predictable. I think we're going to have a more regulated form (either oral or patch) available soon, and I'm anxiously awaiting that day. A word of caution about your symptoms--while progesterone can help increase sex drive, it can also stimulate the appetite and can cause exacerbations in those prone to headaches.

--
Laurie Lovely, MD
RE fellow, UNC-Chapel Hill

Next message: Laurie: "Re: Birth Control Pill Options"
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In reply to: Debi: "Hysterectomy & Natural Progesterone"
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