Progesterone inserts

[Lorraine527]

I have been prescribed progesterone inserts, but they give me horrible mood swings and terrible bloating.

Can anyone recommend something else that will be effective.

I will be starting another IUI cycle soon and I am dreading the progesterone inserts.

Help!!!!

[YogaChick]

I know they aren't the most wonderful things-- you could always try the progesterone-in-oil shots in the bum and see if you handle those better... they release into the body more slowly so you may get a more even reaction.  

The up-side is that you only take them for the first trimester which in the big picture is just a teeny, tiny amount of time.  I found a good 10-12+ cups of water and a big bowl of blueberries each day helped with the bloating.  I also found that my side effects were almost non-existent with this last cycle while they were nearly impossible to handle the first time around... and I was on 200mg 3x/day this time versus 50mg 2x/day the first time... so, who knows, it may be easy going this time, especially if you start early with the fiber and fluids.

Good luck!

[Lorraine527]

Thank you for your input.

I am going for acupuncture, too.  In this way, she can work on increasing my progesterone levels and decreasing my FSH.

I am 45 years old and if only I could turn back the clock.  :o(

[Heather5]

So are your natural levels low? And are you on any other meds for your IUI? If you need help increasing your natural levels, then progesterone supplements is really your only option. Of the prescription supplements, I would think the vaginal ones are least likely to cause side effects, since the dose is delivered right where it's needed, as opposed to oral ones, which usually requires a much higher dose, or injectable ones, which goes through your blood stream first. There are also some natural creams that can be purchased over-the-counter, but I wouldn't trust them, as they're not regulated by the FDA and can contain a great variation of progesterone. So unfortunately, I think you're stuck if you do need a supplement. Best of luck with your next IUI!

[bny807]

That sounds about right for the progesterone.. it always caused me to cramp a little, bloat a lot and get more "hormonal"   Not sure if there is anything else that can be substituted for it though.. I do know that with each cycle that i did it the symptoms seemed a little less.. the first m onth i was on them was the worst.. so hopefully that helps!! GOOD LUCK!!!!