Sorry I don't Hurdity, it was Jan Toledano that told me on Monday as she was checking I'd never used it because she said oral converts to oestrogen. I didn't ask her to elaborate as said I'd never tried it but thought should mention in case anyone tries to use it for my kind of issues. I have read before though that progesterone can convert to lots of different hormones (like pregnanalone) where it goes to where needed and acts a lot like this in men. However, it definitely protects the womb so that's why I made that clear.
Progesterone does, however, mop up excess oestrogen and the balance of both is very important. I asked how much I should be aiming for and she said as much to stop the high oestrogen symptoms as everyone is different. She said she deals with a lot of women with surging oestrogen (and the migraines it often triggers). High oestrogen can be very dangerous, and natural levels can go much higher than when using HRT when prog must be taken, and I already have liver growths from it.
I'm also feeling better than I have in years but had to go through (and still get when upping dose) the awful nausea and anxiety but it's worth it to feel normal after so many years of feeling imbalanced.
It was also in the press this week about how weight loss is harder in perimenopause because of diminishing progesterone allowing oestrogen to go too high, which causes fat accumulation.
Jan said things will be easier for me when my oestrogen finally starts coming down. Maybe some women start out with more and so the surges are more debilitating.
Just found this on the womeninbalance.org site: 'Pregnenalone is the precursor (building-block) for all other steroid hormones. It is converted directly into DHEA and/or progesterone. DHEA converts to testosterone and estrogens. Additionally, progesterone converts to estrogens, cortisol, and aldosterone.'
