Question: I have had low progesterone levels. Three years ago, I got a blood clot in my lung from using NuvaRing, and now I can’t take hormones. Do you think bioidentical progesterone is safe for someone who has had a blood clot?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
Low progesterone levels are associated with PMS symptoms. I have successfully treated many women with PMS symptoms with bioidentical, natural progesterone.
NuvaRing is a contraceptive vaginal ring that contains estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a very dangerous drug that needs to be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, most birth control pills and conventional hormone replacement therapy contain progestins such as Provera.
Studies have consistently shown progestin use is associated with significantly increased rates of cancer, heart disease, and blood clots.
There is no reason to use progestins for any condition when there are bioidentical, natural versions of progesterone widely available.
I feel all progestins should be pulled from the market, NuvaRing included. Unlike progestins, research on bioidentical hormones has been clear: Natural progesterone has never been shown to increase the risk of blood clots (or heart disease and cancer).
I have never seen a patient develop a blood clot from the use of natural progesterone.
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