I've been continuing to research possible causes of my symptoms and decided to try this next. Apparently low progesterone can cause hypothyroid symptoms, depression, heavy periods, and various other symptoms I've encountered. I read something Sunflower said here about how many mercury-toxic women are estrogen dominant. I've got a natural progesterone cream on order but it's going to take a while to come, so I was able to get some wild yam cream (7%) from Holland and Barratt to tide me over -- thought I'd see if it helped at all.

I used some yesterday afternoon and felt very slightly drunk for a little while, no other apparent effects. Used some more at about 7 p.m. last night and it intensified my evening drowsiness -- I couldn't keep awake. Had some mild heart pounding. Woke up at 1:30 a.m. and woke up off and on the rest of the night, definite sleep problems. I'm OK this morning though. Maybe I need to go easy on the cream; and if I use it at night, make sure it's immediately before bed.

I've read stories from some women who tried progesterone and felt awful. Some of them were taking a synthetic version from their doctor I think; maybe others didn't actually need it in the first place. Others have sung its praises. As far as I'm concerned, I've always been on my own with this and experimentation is the name of the game, so why not try. I asked at my GP's for my female hormones to be tested a couple of years ago and was told they don't do it unless they suspect cancer. (???) I ordered a saliva test kit from a mail-order Uk company but it's been a week and there's no sign of the kit. Doesn't exactly inspire me with confidence to actually pay them to carry out the tests. Then there's Dr. Peatfield, who I've been waiting weeks to see, and will probably only be able to have a one-off consultation with. It's frustrating to just have to figure most of it out for myself -- it shouldn't have to be that way.

Anyway, back to the subject. If anyone would like to share their experiences with progesterone cream I'd be interested to hear.