Just wanted to say that I am going to try this after O this month, because I am quite convinced that I have low progesterone.  After researching on the forum and on the internet, I definitely think that this could be at the root of my problems.

I know I ought to get a blood test, just to be sure, but I can't get an appointment with my gynaecologist until I'm actually pregnant..!

 I have followed a lot of the advice given on the site, but I would like to recpitulate, so that I'm not getting it wrong.  I should use the cream from around 2dpo, for at least 2 weeks, and longer if I'm pregnant, then taper it off later in the pregnancy.  If I get af I can stop the cream. 

Is this right?  Are there any dietary supplements that I can take instead of the cream which have the same effect.  I've noticed that people mention vitex and B6, but I can't find these supplements in France.   I do have a prenatal vitamin that contains B6, which I took during my last 3 cycles, but the concentration is very low.

Have any of you used progesterone and found that it worked, or that it didn't work?  Are there any side effects?

I would appreciate any input, 

Alice 

if you have a true progesterone deficiency then you need something stronger than natural progesterone cream

I've definitely got a hormonal problem, but have given up trying to convince the doctors that I might know what I'm talking about.  I have IBS - but I only have attacks twice a month (o'day and AF), when I was on the pill it was constant.  I have acne..which I have never had, even as a teenager.  I have boobies which got so sore at one point that they did a mammogram.  I am constantly tired and have gained weight on my hips, stomach and thighs (not elsewhere).  I had a confirmed miscarriage 2 months ago and this month I got a BFP and still got AF (my cycle was only 25 days).

The doctors over here all think this is quite normal.  When I rang up the pharmacy about progesterone cream today they thought I was mad, and despite checking with the wholesalers they couldn't get hold of anything even remotely similar.

I swear I'm living in the middle ages!!!!

I'm going to try B6 this month (had to buy it on the internet)..and will try and weedle myself an appointment with the gynecologist who treated me after my horrible miscarriage experience.  She seemed quite nice, but is seriously overbooked..

That's enough ranting for one day, lol!!

alice17:

have given up trying to convince the doctors that I might know what I'm talking about.

I'm here living in the US and things aren't much better on my part!  I have suffered FIVE miscarriages (all between my boys) but they don't take me seriously because "you have 4 healthy boys" so I'm not considered infertile - they don't believe I have a problem!   They put me through a bunch of tests after m/c no. 3 only because I begged them to, but they didn't find anything.

I believe I have a hormone problem too.  A friend of mine bought me the cream when I had the "blues" after baby no. 4.  I used it with my last pregnancy from the positive test result and at least it gave me some reassurance.  I ended up getting a bad tooth infection which the dentist said could have caused my miscarriage.  So I really don't know if it helped/worked.

Just my input....

Alice - You are right about when to start using the cream and you need to use it all they way up until week 12 and then taper off.  

I have used the creams from Walmart and from another store online www.OasisAdvancedWellness.com.  I like the online stuff because there is more natural progesterone per ounce than the stuff from Walmart.  Way to pricey but worth it in my opinion.  I am not sure if they will send it to France but it is worth a shot.  I use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of the stuff 2 times per day.  You rub it in just like lotion but in areas where you can see veins or have thinner skin.

Redcin is right if you have a true progesterone problem then this will not work.  However I have found that it lengthens my LP long enough for me to hopefully stay pregnant and to get my levels checked out by the doc as soon as I get a BFP.  Well if I ever get a BFP!  

Do you temp at all or do you know when you O?  If your Luteal Phase is less than 10 days this MAY be able to lengthen it or it may not.   

Temping doesn't work because the IBS mucks around with my temps.

I'm going to stick with B6 this month (because it is the only option available), then I'm going to get my mum to buy me some instead cups and some progesterone cream and ship it over from the UK..assuming that the B6 doesn't work!

Thanks for the advice..all of you wonderful girls (ladies?) are a godsend. I think I'd really be going potty right now if it wasn't for the support of everyone on here. 

Feel like a stranger in a strange land sometimes and this place feels a little bit like home!!