Thanks for the education. I’m post hysterectomy and after your talks insisted on getting progesterone from my resistant doctor . My blood pressure lowered and became more regulated , my electrolytes normalized , my kidney function improved , I sleep better and feel overall much better. I’m going to go to cycling after this specific talk. Thank you !!!
I am over the moon to have found your channel! I only wish I had discovered you years ago. I had my one and only child at 36. To the surprise of my doctor and myself, I was post-menopausal by my next annual OBGYN visit, a year later. I tried traditional HRT then, but the debilitating migraine it caused scared me away from trying again, to my utter regret, as I was unprepared for the rapid deterioration of my bones, youth, body and femininity. (Goodbye libido). ☹️ Your videos have given me answers to questions I didn’t even know to ask. Thank you so much!
We never even met and I feel like u r rooting for me. I love your brilliant brain! I feel like my mind is so sluggish compared to your energy, quick thinking and memory. Thank you!! ❤
I was blessed to work with Dr. Gersh for several years and this method worked well for me. My brain and body felt great. When I switched to another clinic because I moved I stopped the cyclic method and developed too many side effects to continue my therapy. I'm going back to this approach and hope to be able to work with Dr. Gersh again!
Hi, i have a question.... Dr . Gresh, mention to take the progesterone for 14 days, then stop. How many day s are you off before you start back? My doctor put me on 200 mg every night. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I agree with everything you say, other than trying to emulate a natural menstrual cycle. Surely, if you take progesterone continuously and in the right amounts to counteract the amount of oestrogen in the HRT, you could achieve better hormone balance than the ups and downs of our premenopausal years? And really who wants to have a menstrual cycle in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond?
@@lifewithmargot Not having to have a menstrual cycle anymore was a day of deliverance and freedom. It was one of the only things good to come from menopause. I am so thankful I have a wonderful female gynecologist in NC who specializes in all things peri-menopause and menopause.
I am about to turn 70 and I have been on the Wiley protocol since I was 55 cycling and getting my period do take progesterone but it’s not a static dose of 200 mg. It slowly increases after starting on the 14th day. I have always exercised and eaten well, I feel like 1 million bucks. I am so grateful for you because you are one of the few doctors that understand cycling and the importance of hormone replacement therapy. Have you heard of the Wiley protocol and what do you think about it? Would love to know I have an identical, twin sister who’s done this exact same thing and we would, never go off these warm even at age 70 I get a four-day bleed😊
The WP gave me hair loss. Since stopping it, my hair has grown back. I also gained 20lbs with a suppressed thyroid function. I couldn't absorb 20% progesterone cream because the molecules were too large. 5% cream works. I wish it worked for me but it didn't.
Thank you doc! 🙏🏼 I truly hope that everyone, especially women now realize just how Progesterone is as important as Estradiol. I find that it typically overlooked.
Thank you. The first doctor gave me this cyclic thing. and then i changed insurance went to see another doctor and she wanted to give me the progesterone every day (half the dose) and it did not seem right to me ... but obviously being doctors or nurses they did not want to hear it, when I drilled down.. so basically i take 2 progesterones (2x100) 12 days a month... ah... so glad I came across this video... !!! Thank you!... crazy that I pay so much money for healthcare and I have to DIY and I don't know anything ... Thank you for RU-vid. Thank you for your video...
Gah. Thanks for the insomnia comments. I am on 300 mg Progesterone, and finally sleeping. Sometimes, I still wake up for a few hours, then go back to sleep for a couple of hours. I have severe insomnia after a job years ago, when menopause hit I stopped sleeping and my Trazodone no longer helped. My insomnia is that without Trazodone I would not sleep a wink. I am not post-menopause. After finally getting up to 300 mg progesterone I sleep again. I'm worried if I cycle I won't sleep. I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who is cycling and has insomnia.
I would say do what you need to do to feel ok. Insomnia is terrible and has all sorts of negative effects on your health. I sleep much better now that I take 100mg progesterone continuously. I would never consider cycling the progesterone! For one thing, if you are still in perimenopause, your uterine lining can get too thick in those two weeks without progesterone, and you could end up with very heavy periods.
A million thank yous! I have been told by my functional doc that I make sufficient T4 but very little T3 but lots of RT3. Can you talk about why we make RT3?
Love your informative videos! Please do address the possibility of sleep issues for the 14 days you are off 200mg oral Progesterone. I would like to try the cyclical routine so I can tell if I am actually on enough Estradiol by having a small period. 0ne of my biggest issues I had before going on HRT was sleep disturbances (waking and not being able to go back to sleep for 1.5-2 hours....ugh!) I'm 57 been on HRT about 2 years with a lot of adjusting (basically due to my own research to get things under control) and now I seem regulated on .05 patch estradiol, 2mg testosterone bioidentical cream and I have been taking micronized 100mg Progesterone vaginally each night (was having an issue with frequent spotting but may have been that my estradiol was too high even though I was taking 200mg orally nightly). All seems good except I'm still having sleep issues. Dr. Gersh, what are your thoughts on using Progesterone off-label vaginally? Does that route help with sleep? I'm thinking it does not. Thank you so much!
How do you know what your optimal amounts are? I've been battling with the NHS for over 2 years for help. They just give me different HRT without ever doing a blood test. I feel like and experiment. I'm so tired of this journey. Its all just really confusing. I'm sorry, i know all of this info is great education into our bodies, but unless the health professionals will change and do things as you speak, millions of women are just being offered trial and error and not being given tests.
I'm really sorry this is happening to you. Blood &/or saliva analysis is essential. What do they say when you ask for bloodwork? If whoever you are going to is utterly refusing to help you, it's way past time for another Dr. The problem with women's health & hormones is 'regular' Drs & HMO hacks cannot help you. Need a functional medical practitioner. The other issue is you may need to pay out of pocket for some things because depending on insurance they may not cover some appts, labs or therapies. Dr. Gersh is my Dr. she is amazing. Good Luck...
@@samanthareilly6968 yes yes, just keep trying to find the a doctor. New science and new information for women is showing up via the internet. Dr. Gersh, Dr. Anna Cabecca, Dr. Sara Gottfried, all can lead you to someone with knowledge in women’s health.
I didn’t want to start having a monthly bleed again after being two years post menopause when I started HRT in January however it makes so much sense to take progesterone cyclically which is what I decided to do and I definitely feel better since trying this method! Iv got a consultation with my doctor tomorrow with regards to adding testosterone to my hormone therapy because I feel it will help with my energy levels and getting things done that’s what I miss the most Iv become so lazy and procrastinate so much more than I used to I just can’t deal with tasks that require that umph!! Thank you Dr 🙏😊
I love Dr Gersh’s videos…..wish she could be my dr. However my dr has me on compounded testosterone & progesterone……& a progesterone pill 200 mg at bedtime. Do I continue using both progesterones or use just one…..I take pill at night & cream in morning. Now I’m out of the cream, & on Estradiol patch & take progesterone pill, I began bleeding a little when I wipe, but in a video by Dr.Gersh she said to celebrate cuz that means I have a proliferation of uterine lining which means my hormones are working as protection. Any advise I need to know?
Very important info, thank you! Louise Newson gives progesterone vaginal if oral is not tolerated. She said it is even possible to use the oral capsule off-label vaginally.
New sub. I finally got on hrt after 10 years. I now have severe osteoporosis at 60. I'm on estrogel 0.06 Pms progesterone 100mg and vagifem. Can I take 200mg of progesterone for 15 days on and 15 days off. I've only been on hrt for a month. I'll bring up testosterone next visit see how that goes 🤔 I find what you're saying makes absolute sense.
I started cyclic progesterone 4 months ago. I just had my labs done and my TSH is almost too low- I talk with my doctor soon, but I suspect she may be lowering my dose of thyroid medication in the coming months. I do take micronized progesterone pills, but I take them vaginally, which is an off label use, I know. I would love to know if the Doctor has any thoughts on this way of taking progesterone.
I've read when using vaginally the dosage is less as well as frequency to three times a week, but that's NOT when cycling micronized progesterone. Great question.
Progesterone is a miracle for the thyroid. Progesterone speeds up the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of thyroid hormone. Adequate progesterone levels are essential for optimal thyroid function and can help counterbalance the potential negative impact of estrogen on thyroid hormone levels.
I read in a sleep disturbances article, that included perimenopausal women, that only if taken orally at night does it significantly help improve VMS and sleep.
Dr. Gersh, please talk about HRT with fibroids, what are options to minimize heavy bleeding? I have tried IUD with 200 mg of Prometrium , .05 climara patch and I am still bleeding. I don’t want to give up my HRT , it has help me a lot with my menopausal symptoms especially my brain fog. Please discuss fibroids I think most women gave up bc of the heavy bleeding and missed on the benefits of the treatment. Thank you
I love your videos!! After being in menopause for over 5 years..I just started BHRT as my Dr.'s and also I thought it would not be the best choice since I had family history of breast cancer both maternal grandma and aunt. I just started on estraiol patch 0.05 and 200mg progesterone and I already feel pretty good. My question is...should I buy cycling the Progesterone so soon? Thank you !!
Hi! Wonderful episode! My OB/gyn prescribed progesterone for me at 100 mg to take every day and since I’ve done that I haven’t had a period at all. It’s been about a year now. I would like to start taking it cyclically but I’m not sure if I should just start and pick 14 random days in a row and then 14 days off? Just not sure. Since I’m not getting a period anymore, I’m not sure where I am in my cycle at any given time. I am also 47 years old so there’s a possibility I could be in full menopause.
I take progesterone from day 1 to day 14 each month, I then stop from day 15 to day 30. Then I start progesterone again. Estradiol patch I use nonstop all month. Hope this helps.
@@Katepwe There are many benefits of doing the Progesterone cycling. There is one episode from doctor Gersh talking about this topic. You should watch it and then decide what’s best for you.
If progesterone makes the lining secretory, then how does it work to stop the lining from growing when you take it every day? How does the o keep it from thickening then?
I’m 73 & love your videos……I am on Estradiol .1mg……testosterone & 200mg progesterone each night. Should I take my progesterone for 14 days then break???
Agree! There is another RU-vid OBGYN saying there is absolutely no scientific proof that cycling progesterone is helpful, but if there are studies, I would like to see them!
This is very confusing……I appreciate all the information but perhaps it could be explained simpler or over a few videos. I’ve had a total hysterectomy, no ovaries or uterus and take 100mg progesterone nightly. I was without it for several years and sleep was horrible. I sleep much, much better now and will continue taking it nightly.
Do what is working for you 🫶🏼, our body does not continue to go through a reproduction cycle once we go through peri menopause and menopause, and that is why most women then go onto a continuous dose , to mimic what the hormones would be doing at this stage . It’s still the same amount of progesterone over the month , it’s just spread out over the month , as apposed to just two weeks out of the month . Every Dr has their own preferences, and she states it’s her own personal preference. From all the evidence based research I have read , We would have no reason to try mimic what our bodies would have been doing in our 20’s , hormonally . We are mimicking the stage at what we are currently at , from what the evidence based research suggests . Lifestyle on the other hand is where we can choose all the optimal things to keep are bodies healthy , fitter , stronger , younger for our so called chronological years , without trying to alter the rhythms of our hormones . Hrt is so beneficial in many ways , I personally have taken it for 4 years , but it was only the missing piece of a jigsaw. Healthy lifestyle choices make up 99% of this jigsaw and hrt can only be beneficial when lifestyle changes for the better are made 🙌🏼
Do you have any input on why some of us can't tolerate progesterone? I have attempted to use prometrium and it gives me anxiety and shortness of breathe. I am very sensitive to medications so I even squeezed out some of the medication and attempted it vaginally and then attempted rubbing one drop transdermally with the same result. Doesn't make sense especially if it's supposed to be body identical. I am 43 and in perimenopause with hypothyroidism for some background. Can't start estrogen without the progesterone because I have a uterus and this problem as holding me back from ever getting relief with estrogen
I have an estradiol 0.075 weekly patch and take the 200 mg micronized progesterone capsule. I have been on a continuous regimen but can clearly see what you've explained about the benefits of a cyclical regimen. So, I would take the combination for two weeks, then continue with the patch only, for the rest of the month, correct? Then, begin with the estradiol and progesterone capsule on the first of every month? Thank you!
Following the question. Also, I’m confused, since some doctors recommend day one of your period and others they 14 after the period? Which one is the correct?
Thank you. Please provide more info on HRT after hysterectomy! I have been prescribed the ClimaraPro patch: Is that recommended for post menopaused women without a uterus?
I love that. Optimal balance of cyclical hormones. Actually I was optimal at the beginning of my bhrt 47 to 55 she dropped Estrogen then later she dropped progesterone. Then at 60 she cut my estradiol in half. Immediately my hair started falling out as became wirey. I've had problems ever since. I knew that since im 68 and she is legally to keep my estradiol to be be as low and my progesterone has been doubled. I've now started looking pregnant . I want to be like I was before. I am having hypothyroid issues which has just started to be normal again . My progesterone has Testosterone with it but my estradiol is separated. Does too much progesterone as to the level of estradiol cause belly fat like impregnate and does progesterone cause weight gain. Doesn't progesterone cause fluid retention..
Hello Dr. Gersh, first of all thank you so much for what you doing! I'll right jump in. I was put on Depo Vera injection 2019 as a form of birth control at age 44. My period got completely out of control! I was bleeding heavily between injections. Was sent to ultra sound a couple times, never checked my hormonal level,tge doctors keep saying it's no need. Did a private test,turned out I have next to nothing testosterone. Very anaemic! Recently been an MRI scan,they saying I have a breast tissue changes. Wanting to further investigate with mammogram. They refusing to provide a female consultant. Been raped,coming from a very abusive marriage. There is no way I'll let a male doctors touching me. I have no lumps,redness my breast is not sore. Perfectly fine. My period is still not fully settled, my doctor denying birth control, hormonal treatment of any form. I'm age 50 I'm in peri menopause. Very,very desperate to find answers. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks
Can I ask a question? I been on hrt for 2 years.. i started at 40. Ill be 42 next month. Not sure its just aging. But my vision is crazy right now. I heard if u up progesterone and estrogen it can mess with your vision. Help please
I would like to know what kind of vision issues you are having . The studies show on pub med that HRT protect the eyes and is Nero protective . I have developed glaucoma after cycling for many years. My identical twins eyes are fine and she has been cycling as well for the same amount of time..
Great info and thank you Dr Gersh. I am taking 100mg vaginally for 14 days and get a bleed for about 3 days. When I take 100mg orally for 14 days, I don't bleed....is 100mg vaginally with a bleed protective for my bones and other organ systems?? or should I take 200mg vaginally for 14 days?
Dr. Gersh, I'm 53, post-menopausal. Progesterone (micronized oral) helps me with sleep. If I only take P 1st 14 days of the month this disrupts my sleep. Also, how does this affect uterus protection in the absence of P? Will I stop bleeding upon taking P again on the 1st of the month? I have imbalanced Cortisol and Hpothyroidism too 🤪 I will be adding Testosterone cream and LDN soon. What are your thoughts?
She didn't answer. I will. I take 100 mg of progesterone nightly. And 2 mg oral estradiol in the morning. I take it continuously. That's why I only take 100 mg of progesterone. Then it's routine. My thoughts on testosterone is, you are still making it in menopause. Not a ton. But there are many bad side effects of testosterone. Having the best amount of estradiol is mostly important
@@marlarangeloff5163 I'm post menopausal, 58. Partial hysterectomy, removal of uterus 14 yrs ago. Does taking 2mg of estradiol affect your weight? And have you ever called the Progesterone?
Dear Doctor Gersh thank you for all the information. I had a partial hysterectomy very young at 45, and they also removed the fallopian tubes. I have been taking estradiol and progesterone every day. Could you clarify the recommended cycle for progesterone please 🙏 You recommended fourteen days and then stop to allowing bleeding, but when should I start taking the progesterone again ? After few days? Thank you 🙏
I am 76 years old and I’ve been in menopause for 20 years. I Dr gave me progesterone pills. I don’t understand taking the pills for 14 days then I would have a period is that correct?
Yep, and who would want to do that? I certainly wouldn’t! If you take a sufficient amount of progesterone continuously to counterbalance the oestrogen your uterine lining won’t have a chance to thicken, so there’s no need for shedding. A much better solution in my opinion, though I’m not a doctor, obviously. The key is to take enough progesterone to keep the uterine lining thin at all times.
Thanks for replying. My prescription is for 100ml gram pill progesterone. Should I take it continuous? I tried it once and it so helped with sleep that I am very curious. Thanks,
@@franweintraub9306 I’m on 100 mg body-identical micronised progesterone capsule (brand name utrogestan in the UK) and I take it continuously. It does help with sleep!
Ok thanks to all for responding. I will experiment with taking progesterone for 14 days and stop for 14 days. The information shared is wonderful. Thanks
For cyclical progesterone. What do you do when there is 31 days in the month. Take progesterone day 1 to 15. No progesterone 16 to 30. Take or not on 31?
It does not if it is taken daily. I have been taking it daily for about six months and have never had bleeding. The doctor appears to be saying that it does if it is taken cyclically as she recommends.
So, 209mg of oral Progesterone is equal to 20mg cream. I'll try 50mg P cream twice a day for 14 days. If I don't get a period on thst dose, i will assume i have too low estrogen levels? I need more estrogen or more progesterone?
I love that. Optimal balance of cyclical hormones. Actually I was optimal at the beginning of my bhrt 47 to 55 she dropped Estrogen then later she dropped progesterone. Then at 60 she cut my estradiol in half. Immediately my hair started falling out as became wirey. I've had problems ever since. I knew that since im 68 and she is legally to keep my estradiol to be be as low and my progesterone has been doubled. I've now started looking pregnant . I want to be like I was before. I am having hypothyroid issues which has just started to be normal again . My progesterone has Testosterone with it but my estradiol is separated. Does too much progesterone as to the level of estradiol cause belly fat like impregnate and does progesterone cause weight gain.,?
Thank you , for this video, i just started nirthindone birth control small dose i read 15mg at the most its 35mg , im also perimenapause periods and system r eractric , i had no idea progestin is well needed especially going through this , thank u so much for these videos, its almost been aweek i keep track of how im doing with this bc , i have been low low on progesterone too it does make sense though i hope no periods just spotting is better , also low iron,
Hello, I am 4 weeks late to this video so I am hoping someone can answer.... To clarify "cycling progesterone", are you saying that should still be done in menopause? Because I really dont want to have more periods. Hopefully someone can clarify that. Thanks!
At 60 ~ I think we are ready to forgo our periods! The combination of micronized progesterone and estradiol taken on a continuous regime ~ keeping hormones levels balanced through the month is not better for physical and emotional health? Please advise. Thank You
I think it is better to take it continuously post menopause - I don’t see the point in trying to emulate a menstrual cycle when you obviously don’t ovulate any more. Progesterone is needed for all sorts of other functions, like thyroid hormone production, so it’s better to take a low dose continuously rather than a larger dose in a cycle - then again I’m not a doctor, just using common sense. I choose to take it continuously and you’re right, it’s better for hormone balance unless women enjoy PMS symptoms from their pre-menopausal years! No thanks! 😂
What I get from watching Dr. Gersh’s videos is that having a period is the only way to know that your body has optimal estrogen levels. And I believe in other videos she says that progesterone can inhibit some of the benefits of estrogen if taken continuously. And it also inhibits benefits of testosterone so having a menstrual cycle is one of the inconvenient side effects of knowing your hormones are working together and not opposing one another.
Please Dr. Gersh, information about the mirena coil Asap. I have been in a cyclical HRT 1rst oral micronized and then the same but vaginal pessaries due to increase on migraines. Dr. Recomended for the second time changing to the coil. I just don't think it is right for me
In my country its only accesible HRT that include transdermal estradiol. Estradiol patch +progesteron in pills or cream is not accesible. I am sorry this kind of progesteron is not bio identical so it has higher chance of causing cancer.
Hello mam ❤ actually, The doctor told me to take Femostone 1/10, I am taking it but I accidentally followed the wrong cycle, I took gray pill instead of white in first 14 days, doctor told me to take white pill first 14 days, and then 14 days gray pill Take it Can I adopt the right method after completing this cycle? That I will have to wait for a few more days and then start the cycle?, please can you suggest me what should i do ?
Thank you for the information! Question when talking about dosing. I'm taking 200 mg but not in pill form. I'm taking it as a compounded cream. Is the pill form also from a compounding pharmacy? Or from a normal pharmacy so insurance covers its?
@@joannsmith3589 the best prevention benefits are within 10 years but you can benefit after 10 years also so long as screened for arteriosclerosis - see estrogen matters book
Will my sleep suffer when not taking the progesterone? Been 2 months on estradiol patch and 100mg progesterone and feeling good and sleeping again after 5 years of insomnia 🫣 I’m post menopausal
I just started cyclical a week ago without progesterone at night. It isn't too bad because I definitely have the same fears. I am sleeping, but I'm not dead to the world like I was on the progesterone lol. It's a little bit of an adjustment, but from what I hear as estradiol helps with sleep cycles as well but in a different way. One of the ways that helps me start to fall asleep is I use a magnesium lotion on my shoulders at night because I get tight shoulders, but also it helps systemically with relaxation and sleep cycles. Hope that helps. In addition, I plan on asking if I can go back to my perimenopausal progesterone cream to give myself a little bit of progesterone when I'm not taking it in that 14 days.
@@seablue140 My pharmicist said you can take a small amount of progesterone days 1-14 and still be on cyclic hormones and get a bleed. He told me to use a small amount of the cream or take a 50 mg progesterone pill.He said some women need it.He is a big proponent of Cycling and getting a bleed so I was happy to hear this.
I tried cycling for 1 month and it was really hard to get through 2 weeks without Progesterone because my sleep was very broken. Then, after the long break I couldn't tolerate 200 mg. I felt so fatigued for half the following day. 100 mg seems to work best for me. I'm wondering whether stopping the Progesterone for let's say 4 days would be enough of a pause in order to activate the estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone receptors?
@@odilemeister8133 was wondering too if I could shorten the length of time off the progesterone 🤔 Otherwise I think I will just continue every day for now. So happy to sleep again but also want all the benefits from the estradiol. My Dr never said anything about cycling, been post menopausal 5 years
My understanding is if the ablation was a success, you will know by whether you bleed or not. Meaning the estradiol that you were taking without the progesterone will cause proliferation *if* there is any tissue left behind that could activate from the progesterone. So if you take the progesterone after you did just estradiol and you don't bleed, then your ablation was a success. That is my understanding. I hope that makes sense. So that brings up another question in my mind is it necessary to take so much progesterone if what we're doing is just trying to rid the lining that proliferated ? That would be a good question to ask maybe you only need like 50 mg or something.
@@seablue140 after my ablation they didn't give me estrogen. I just recently started on estrogen, progesterone, & testosterone. If you had ablation did they start you on replacement?
Every time I use my progesterone cream, it causes me to start my period early. I understand what’s taking place and why, but if I keep using progesterone I’ll have a period every two weeks. What do I do?
I am post menopause and my doctor told me I was estrogen dominant. He ordered me medroxyprogesterone. It's 10 mg oral tablet daily. He wants me to do this for 3 to 4 months. I do have simple cysts in my left ovary and I did have a benign cervical polyp removed. He said my hormone imbalance is causing me these issues. When I got my progesterone prescription, the warning on the paper scared me. I don't know what to do? Is this progesterone going to make my uterus thicker or cause bleeding when I stop taking it? What other risks are there? I have not had a period in a year and a half because I am almost 52 and post meno. Also there are bioidentical progesterone you can use that are supposed to be safer than pharma progesterone. Not sure what to do?
Dr. Just suggested 200mg of prometrium, my cortisol is very very low, go to sleep well but wake up at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="180">3:00</a> am. Cortisol is low in morning higher at night. Is this a good way to or a good source of progesterone?
@@Lena-zo2tl I did watch the video and it doesn’t make sense to me. Also I started HRT after menopause and all the sudden I was getting cramps in my uterus , my stomach got big, vaginal discharge and terrible mood swings, like I had before menopause.Why would I want to go back to this. I stopped HRT and Thank God my uterus went back to normal. I think this new hipe about HRT is just another money maker for those Doctors. You might need it during the transition to menopause but not once you are in it.
I have a serious question about progesterone production. Before menopause, I was taught that women make progesterone month-long . But the quantity changes during the month. If we gave higher baseline of progesterone production month long pre menopause and progesterone production baseline lowers in late perimenopause. Can you address this?
