Do Your Symptoms Need Oestrogen As Well As Progesterone?
Women need both these essential female hormones throughout their lives, but sometimes you need just progesterone and sometimes a combination of the two may be more helpful for your symptoms.
At menopause it is common to have oestrogen dominance, particularly if there has been HRT use or you are over your normal weight.
However, there are some times when a little extra oestrogen is needed and this is best in a combination cream, such as 20-1, where it is balanced by progesterone.
If you are not sure if you do need oestrogen there are some common signs to look for.
Signs Of Oestrogen Deficiency
* Depression and anxiety
* Dull, dry, skin and eyes
* Loss of firmness, fullness and elasticity in the breasts
* Pain or discomfort on intercourse
* Reduced stamina
* Vaginal dryness
You do need to be aware of your own symptoms when choosing a hormone cream as, although there is plenty of information on their use, it is you alone who really know what your symptoms are and how severe. If you are not sure about oestrogen dominance, these are some of the common signs.
Signs Of Oestrogen Dominance
* Breast tenderness
* Breasts swollen, increased in size
* Impatient, irritable behaviour
* Water retention particularly of the belly, wrists, fingers, ankles
* Weight gain when nothing has changed in your diet or exercise
Helpful information
Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream
The natural alternative to HRT. Trusted by women and their doctors for over 25 years.
Learn MoreCombined progesterone and oestrogen creams can be very helpful for women who need a little oestrogen for help with depression, anxiety and more severe flushes and sweats not helped by progesterone alone.
Dr Jeffrey Dach of the USA recommends it not just for depression but also after a hysterectomy to replace both lost hormones naturally and without HRT.
How to Tell the Difference
Working out whether you need oestrogen as well as progesterone can be confusing, but your symptoms are your best guide. If you are using a progesterone-only cream such as Serenity and finding good relief from most symptoms but still struggling with vaginal dryness, very severe hot flushes, or persistent low mood, then your body may need a small amount of oestrogen too.
It is important to understand that most women at menopause actually have plenty of oestrogen — it is progesterone that has declined most sharply. This is why a progesterone-only cream is the right starting point for the majority of women. Only when progesterone alone is not enough should a combined cream be considered.
When a Combined Cream May Help
A combined cream like 20-1, which contains both progesterone and a small amount of natural oestrogen, may be particularly helpful in these situations:
- Severe vaginal dryness that is not improving with progesterone alone
- Persistent hot flushes and night sweats after several months on progesterone
- Low mood or depression that has not lifted with progesterone
- After a hysterectomy where both hormones need replacing
- Very thin or underweight women who may have naturally lower oestrogen levels
What You Can Do
The best approach is to start with progesterone first. Give it at least two to three months, as it can take time for your body to adjust and for the full benefits to be felt. If after this time you are still experiencing the oestrogen deficiency symptoms listed above, then a combined cream may be worth trying.
Every woman is different, and what works for one may not be right for another. Listen to your body and pay attention to how your symptoms change. If you are unsure about which approach is right for you, speak to a healthcare provider who understands bioidentical hormones.
