Is it okay to start Bioidentical Progesterone during withdrawal?

[[Le...]]

Hi. I have suffered menopausal symptoms for several years and avoided taking anything at first.  A few months ago, however, I was seeing doctors, trying to find something that would help, though wasn't given any "safe" solution.  Now that I am dealing with withdrawal, the hot flashes have become so intense -- which makes the paresthesia/skin burning sensation even more difficult during the hot flash.  I asked my new holistic doctor if I could take a hormone. He suggested bioidentical progesterone.  I started last night, but just learned progesterone affects gaba.  Since it is a natural occurring hormone in the body, is there a problem with taking it during withdrawal?  Does anyone else take it or has anyone else started it during withdrawal.  (I wish I would have started before this and have been asking doctors for a safe solution for awhile. This is the first time I was given this option.)  I just don't want to cause any new problems in the process, but the hot flashes make the withdrawal so much more difficult!  Any ideas on the pros and cons?  Does anyone take them and have a positive experience?

[[Ri...]]

Hello,

 

I started Progesterone in a liquid form during w/d due to the fact that I am also very low and in menopause.  I was not sure if I should or should not and worried about if it would delay my healing. In the end I decided not to take it anymore because of the fear of the gaba connection you mentioned. Another benzo buddy posted a older link on this site about progesterone and how it affects gaba. I sent it to my natural path to read and she will let me know what she thinks next week. I had some really bad sweating episodes in the night and I am not sure if that was w/d or menopause. If I can find the link I will repost it for you.

 

Take Care!

 

[[Le...]]

Thanks.  I decided not to take it again -- at least for now.  Just not sure if it is wise or not, but sure would like some help with the hot flashes.  Thanks again for your reply.

[[me...]]

I actually started bio-identical progesterone immediately after I tapered off of temazepam, and it was a life-saver for me at the time. I took a very small dose of OTC cream (about 1/4  of recommended amount) and it almost completely took away the hot flashes, made me much less irritable and anxious, and helped me sleep better. For about two years, it was very helpful, then after I was done with menopause it seemed to inhibit rather than help sleep, so I quit. Subsequent attempts to try progesterone and estrogen have not been helpful, so I guess my body is ready to move on.

 

I think a lot of the problems that perimenopausal women have are due to the loss of the hormones affecting GABA. That is why so many of us get hooked on benzodiazephines in the first place. But I wouldn't be too afraid of giving it a try, as it can be extremely helpful for many, and may make the difference in keeping you off a benzo.

[[Le...]]

Thanks so much for your reply.  I was worried about the cream.  Not sure if it would rub off on my clothing.  Where did you put it?  I asked if I could take a pill instead, but not sure if that was the right choice, but I have the prescription -- just took 2 pills and then stopped until I could get more info.  I read it could cause depression.  Did you have any trouble with that at all?  Do you think it interfered with your withdrawal timing? Thanks again! 

[[me...]]

Ledgekay--the amount of cream is so small, you can rub it in quite well before dressing. I believe I always used it either on my stomach area or thighs. I had no problems with depression, in fact it made me feel a whole lot better! I did not start progesterone until I had jumped, but I do think it helped with withdrawal symptoms (primarily very poor sleep at that point).

 

I highly suggest using bio-identical hormones, in whatever form you use, and start with a very small amount. Use the smallest amount that is effective. It is very easy to overdose on hormones.

[[Le...]]

Thanks meowie for your reply.  I asked my doctor for a VERY low dose and it is dispensing 5mg per click (which would be 10mg per day).  I think the normal dose is 20mg per day.  I noticed you said you only used 1/4 the normal amount.  I tried to divide up the 5 mg dose, but not sure how even I made it.  I may start there, but the directions say you may not even get much of a benefit for a couple of months.  I may just use that amount and make sure I don't get a bad side effect and then go to the 5mgx2/day amount that the doctor prescribed, if I can handle the half.  We'll see how it goes.  Starting today.

 

Again, thanks!

 

Ledgekay

[[Gr...]]

My acupuncturist has told me many times, that my withdrawal mimics menopause symptoms and maybe I am also having those.  He says that the women who are given medication/hormones for menopause, have even WORSE symptoms when they finally decide to stop the hormones.  I would not worry about taking one once in while for a good night sleep or end some hot flash, but I would stay away from taking it every month.

 

I'm pretty sure that hormone replacement therapy has been linked to cancer also. 

[[Su...]]

Hi. I have suffered menopausal symptoms for several years and avoided taking anything at first.  A few months ago, however, I was seeing doctors, trying to find something that would help, though wasn't given any "safe" solution.  Now that I am dealing with withdrawal, the hot flashes have become so intense -- which makes the paresthesia/skin burning sensation even more difficult during the hot flash.  I asked my new holistic doctor if I could take a hormone. He suggested bioidentical progesterone.  I started last night, but just learned progesterone affects gaba.  Since it is a natural occurring hormone in the body, is there a problem with taking it during withdrawal?  Does anyone else take it or has anyone else started it during withdrawal.  (I wish I would have started before this and have been asking doctors for a safe solution for awhile. This is the first time I was given this option.)  I just don't want to cause any new problems in the process, but the hot flashes make the withdrawal so much more difficult!  Any ideas on the pros and cons?  Does anyone take them and have a positive experience?

 

I am perimenopausal. BUT... The Klonopin gives ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF FULL BLOWN MENOPAUSE. It's documented. I never had a hot flash until Klonopin and I haven't had one since getting off and through withdrawal. Read up on it.

 

My big issue is PACs and PVC's. I went to the doctor's for that and that's how I landed here. He said I just had anxiety. Sure wish a could rewind THAT day and NEVER walk into that Dr's office. BTW my heart is fine according to my cardio... Just PACs and PVC's (which to me- is not fine but....).

Anyone have any info on heart palps through menopause? I have read its VERY common...