I started taking progesterone because I have had two fibroid tumors, one in my breast and one in my uterus. I have also had irregular periods for the past 4 years. These issues are caused by estrogen dominance. Progesterone is supposed to counter these effects. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome so my ovaries don’t produce enough progesterone on their own.

I have never had a problem sleeping and I think the progesterone just deepens my already fabulous sleep. However, during the day I have been feeling somewhat edgey, sad, irritable and lethargic. I am not sure if this is from the progesterone or just coincidence??? I think I have a good life, great job, for a teenager my daughter is pretty good, my boyfriend is alright (not perfect but is any man?). But I feel that something is just not right inside me… something is a just a little out of whack.

So I did some research… Did you know that progesterone acts as an MAOI in the brain? It blocks seratonin receptors. (MAOI’s are perscribed for conditions such as Bi-Polar to control manic behavior). So, if you are already low on seratonin and taking an SSRI (like prozac) to raise your serotonin, progesterone is going to counter that. If you have a tendancy toward depression and you are not taking an SSRI, progesterone can block your seratonin receptors making you feel more depressed. Yikes!! Progesterone, because of it’s brain calming effects, is being tested as an alternative therapy for epilepsy.

I hope that the depression and it’s friends go away. I am going to stay on the progesterone for a few more months and see what happens. Maybe it is just my body readjusting. Oh, please, please, please! I shouln’t have to choose between being healthy and being happy!!!!!

Good luck to all of you; and whatever you choose to do… hang in there and don’t give up.

Peace!