I couldn’t have made it through perimenopause without natural progesterone.
If there was ever such a thing as a single natural remedy for the widest number of conditions, natural progesterone would lead the pack. It is by far the most deficient hormone found in
salivary hormone testing—whether the issue is PMS or postpartum depression—or perimenopause, menopause or beyond.
I have always wondered why progesterone levels seem to be so universally low. As I discovered in
Before the Change, progesterone – not estrogen – is the first hormone to decline during the perimenopausal years (often beginning at 38 years of age and lasting until 50 in some women). Perhaps it is the lack of precursors like zinc in the diet or not enough B-6 or too many antidepressants—all of which take their toll on healthy progesterone levels.
But whatever the reason, the signs of progesterone deficiency can’t be ignored. They include:
- The inability to lose weight
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Depression
- Lack of libido
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Nervousness
- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
Natural plant-based progesterone has the same identical structure as the progesterone a woman makes naturally in her body. The physiological dose of 20 mg per day (that is dispensed with one pump of
ProgestaKey) can help improve libido, enhance the immune system, increase hair on the scalp, elevate the metabolic rate with resulting weight loss, act as a natural diuretic, boost the thyroid, and stimulate the production of bone while relaxing smooth muscles and promoting the strength of the myelin sheath.
Since hormones can be tricky, it is best to take a salivary hormone test and measure—at the very least—the ratio between progesterone and estradiol (one of the most potent forms of estrogen). The ideal ratio is about 300:1 according to my late friend, the brilliant Dr. John Lee who taught me so much about this magical hormone.
ProgestaKey was the formula I developed over twenty years ago derived from wild yam and is considered by many to be the best product on the market. It is preservative-free with a delightful scent from lavender essential oil. Depending upon your age and stage of life, there are different protocols, but in general the topical crème should be applied to the face, hands, chest, inner arms, and thyroid area. Rotate these as much as possible so that one area doesn’t get too saturated.
For Menstruating women – Apply once or twice a day starting on the 12
th day after the first day of menstrual flow through the 26
th day.
For Perimenopausal women – Apply once or twice a day starting on the 7
th day after the first day of menstrual flow through the 27
th day.
For Menopausal/Postmenopausal women – Apply once or twice a day for a maximum of 25 consecutive days. Resume after a five day break.
To evaluate your body’s bio-available Progesterone levels (and 5 other hormones), consider UNI KEY’s
Salivary Hormone Test.
36 Responses
What estradiol you suggest and where can we buy this? Thanks so much !
Hi Jen, there are many reasons I can think of to stay away from estradiol supplementation. I would recommend having a Salivary Hormone Test done to evaluate your levels- any unpleasant hormonal symptoms can usually be attributed to low progesterone relative to estradiol.
If this is suppose to be Dr. Lee’s great work, you have two things wrong. I know this because I follow his suggestions from reading his book – What your doctor might not tell you about Premenopause:
1) I take the cream for 14 days (I’m 47, have a normal cycle for the most part, other then when detoxing/chelating mercury).
2) Dr. Lee specifically said to not use the abdomen and thighs. He changed this and it’s in the book.
His point to rotate the sites is so one area does not get too saturated.
Does one need to stop taking supplements such as progesterone cream, adrenal vitamins, herbs, etc. for a period of time before obtaining the saliva samples? Thank you.
Hi Marina, It is recommended to discontinue use of hormonal cremes for at least 24 hours before obtaining your sample. For oral hormone supplementation, you should refrain for 72 hours or more.
Thank you, Sierra.
I have Factor V Leiden Deficiency (a blood clotting disorder). It is worth noting that 5% of Caucasians have this inherited disorder and it is the most common amongst this race. Why I mention is that I CANNOT take bioidential hormones, creams or otherwise. How I found out about this disorder is that my sister had a pulmonary embolism after taking Birth Control pills. No where on this website or in Dr. Lee’s literature (as far as I know) does not caution people about the risks of using these creams. No one addresses clotting issues. Please be cautious before using any medications or otherwise.
I tried a cream like this once, and didn’t get pre-period migraines! It clearly had an effect on me. Although, I wonder, would increasing zinc and B-6 accomplish the same thing, more safely? I’ve increases zinc lately and have a lot more energy. Very interesting info; thank you!
Hi Cara! If you’re interested in balancing yourself in that manner, I would highly recommend having a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. A hair sample is used to measure the levels of 33 different nutrients, and by evaluating the significant ratios between them, we can come up with a dietary and supplemental plan to help improve your adrenal and thyroid function, as well as helping to balance your hormones. The test is actually on sale through UNI KEY right now for 20% off! Call 800.888.4353 if you’d like to speak with a Wellness Consultant and take advantage of the discount 🙂
Hi this is my first month using Progestakey–I’m in Perimenopause. I’m concerned about what Elizabeth said about not putting it on thighs or abdomen because I have. Does Ann Louise support this? Currently I’m putting it on my neck-inner arms–chest–abdomen–inner thighs. Thank you!!
Hi Gina! I can tell you from personal experience that I have had no ill effects from using it on my thighs and abdomen. I rotate regularly and use any areas of thin skin (neck, inner arms, chest, abdomen, inner thighs).
I am joining Elizabeth and Gina above in the quest of clearly identifying which sites are to be used for application of progesterone cream. Elizabeth, I was unaware that Dr. Lee made changes saying abdomen and thighs are not to be used – thank you, my version of his book lists these sites as ok. My book also says soles of the feet are ok. Are they per Dr. Lee’s revisions? Gina, like you I have been using abdomen and inner thighs. Can we please have a list of preferred sites and clarification of the soles of feet? Thank you all. Good exchange of ideas and information here.
I think the feet would be a fine place so long as the area is not too calloused. Be mindful that as you apply the creme, it is also being absorbed into your palms. Sometimes I will use my inner wrist to rub it in, just to give the receptors in my palms a break.
Any thought of also making an unscented version of Progestakey.
Thank you for the suggestion. We haven’t discussed it yet.
I’ve been using progesterone cream for five years or so and am concerned that it has built up in my fat cells. I have stopped using it for now but is it safe to take for that long or start again?
Also can progesterone cream contribute to blood clots as oral progesterone possibly can? We once thought estrogen was safe and now we know better. Do we know that this is safe long-term? (I did get beneficial results from progesterone and I am somewhat estrogen dominant).
Thank you!
Lisa, I would recommend having a Salivary Hormone Test done. With that information, we can make an informed decision about whether or not to recommend progesterone cream in your case, though it likely would be very well tolerated.
Natural progesterone from wild yam does not increase the risk of blood clots, and because your body does not need to convert it at all, the Progesta-key is very easily assimilated and does not have the risks that oral HRT does.
I have been noticing an increase in symptoms of estrogen dominance so I am here researching the Progestakey product. My question is that a year ago I had my uterus removed but still have my ovaries. My doctor said I will still have my cycle but no evidence of it like before. I have a few menstral cycle symptoms occasionally but I don’t have a schedule of them like before. How will I know when to start using the cream? Do I treat myself like a menopausal women even though I haven’t reached that stage yet?
I would recommend starting the cream about 5 days after you begin to experience those symptoms. If it’s not the exact rhythm, that’s okay because over a few month’s time, the Progesta-Key will sync your body’s rhythm.
I have two children ages 12 and 9 and I am 42. Within the last two years I have been experiencing pretty bad hair loss. I tried low low estrin for a few months and that seemed to help. I had a bad reaction to the pill and stopped it. Now my hair is falling out again. Would the ProgestaKey be for me? I am worried I will go bald before 50!
Laura, The Salivary Hormone Test would be highly recommended for you. This test measures 6 different hormones, so armed with that info we could make more appropriate recommendations for you.
Many women with symptoms similar to what you have described have found ProgestaKey to be a great help, so if you are not able to do the test, you may wish to experiment with the creme.
I am 66, post-menopause with a BMI of 26, trying to lose weight gained over past year. Because my father died of Parkinson’s, the doctor suggested I do the salivary test kit from 123andme. I don’t produce enough saliva at any time during the day to do the test. Hence, I probably wouldn’t be able to take your salivary test either. I take 6 rx drugs (synthroid, gabapentin, prozac, bystolic, diazepam and cyclobenzaprine( which probably contribute to the problem, but I was always thirsty all the time before I started the meds. I’ve been taking all of them except the bystolic for decades.
HOW DO I PRODUCE ENOUGH SPIT TO PERFORM A SALIVARY TEST?
Thanks
We encourage smelling fresh-cut lemons or thinking of your favorite food, but if that fails to work, many laboratories (including ours) will permit the chewing of gum prior to collection.
I’m 45 and have experienced drier skin about 4-5 years ago… so I’m guessing that is the first sign of “aging” or “perimenopause”… my menstrual cycle has been regular thus far… and at this time, for the 1st time I’m experiencing major breast bloating/tenderness and my period is not due for 2 weeks! I’m also starting to experience slight night hot flashes… so for sure It’s menopause on the way… my question is…. will Progestakey help with the breast bloating as well as night hot flashes???
Often times the ProgestaKey alleviates those symptoms very quickly. Other imbalances may play a role, however, so a Salivary Hormone Test would be advised to ensure that you are applying the appropriate HRT. Also recommended would be a diet rich in essential fats to help improve skin moisture and alleviate hormonal symptoms. Magnesium can also be very nourishing for skin by moisturizing from the inside out.
I’ve been using the Progestakey for years and it has worked great! I’m also Type 1 Diabetic. About 1 1/2 ago I had to have a total hysterectomy. I’ve tried using the Progestakey again for hot flashes and night sweats (which it helps with) but it now makes my blood sugar go higher when I use it. What’s going on?!! I took the hormone saliva test about 6 or 8 months ago and it said that I needed progesterone!!
5 mg of Biotin daily may solve the issue for you. Not only does it help to stabilize blood sugar, but it has the potential to improve the conversion of your natural Pregnenolone, which is a hormonal precursor.
1 1/2 years ago.
I had a total hysterectomy 4 years ago due to a 10cm mass on my left ovary. The surgeon removed all of my female parts. I am 43 years old and I’m starting to feel weird lately – blurred vision, off balance when walking, food intolerance, burning tongue, heavy eyes, occasional cough, jaw cracking. The symptoms online refer to me being low in estrogen. What all should I be taking? Thanks!
Hi Wendy, a Salivary Hormone Test would be recommended in order to point you in the right direction.
I am 42 and I know I’m in perimenopause. At my last GYN yearly appt my nurse practitioner wanted me start taking oral progesterone due to my smptoms, but I was hesitant b/c I don’t want to take anything synthetic. I never filled my prescription. I wanted to try natural remedies first. However, this month I was 3 weeks late with my period. Now that I finally got it, I have been bleeding for 3 weeks fluctuating between light and moderate flow. I ordered some Progestakey. Since my cycle is so messed up and I have no clue what day I am on, when should I start applying it? Do I wait until I stop bleeding or should I start using it as soon as it arrives in the mail? Thanks!
Hi Karen, You may begin using it as soon as it arrives. Keep track of your applications and follow the perimenopause instructions on the bottle. Wishing you health!
I am 49, in perimenopause and miserable. Since my symptoms began I have started a multivitamin, a B stress complex, and additional 100 of B6, a probiotic, fish oil, D3 with calcium chew and vitamin C. I also frequently use peppermint and lavender oils. (I ran out of the B vitamins for 5 days and got the shakes with anxiety attacks a half dozen times per day!) My periods are all over the place and my symptoms are much worse during them. Would Progestakey creme help symptoms during my periods if I am to use it in the middle of my cycle? I want to enjoy my family once again and am determined to fight this and find what works for my body. I’m shocked and saddened at how many doctors do not take this seriously. I have had medical work ups (blood work, tests and ultrasounds) in the past 6 months that have all been normal and told to stick it out.
Beverly, it sounds like you are in peri-menopause. ProgestaKey has helped many women with your symptoms. Just follow the directions on the bottle for the days to use it, during your cycle.
Beverly, I just saw your message. I posted my message below! I’m about your age and love P-key!
Mary
I’ve been taking ProgestaKey for over 4 years now (after consulting with my OB/GYN Doctor). I’m peri-menopausal at 49 years old, and it’s helped alleviate PMS symptoms and regulated my period. Granted, it’s still irregular (21-25 days) but much better than before. I haven’t been paid to write this, by the way. I’m just a VERY happy customer. Wish I had found this years ago!