Does topical progesterone reach the brain

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I am curious if anyone knows if topical progesterone such as progestene reaches the brain? I know that progesterone in the brain converts to allopregnanolone and may also be a calcium channel blocker, both of which reduce neural excitation. I know this occurs rapidly with oral progesterone, but levels are supratherapeutic and also uneven, which is not very physiologic.

I have optimized all that I can (diet, thyroid etc), but as a perimenopausal 48 year old women, have progesterone that is not optimal. I also have anxiety and insomnia. These are all much better with oral progesterone like prometrium (Progest-E for some reason doesn't quite do it for me, perhaps the dose). I am considering trying topical progestene to see if I can can stable brain levels and curious what people think.
 

golder

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Does anyone think topically application to the side (temples) of the head would slightly increase the likelihood of this happening? Just a thought.
 

conrad0602

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Does anyone think topically application to the side (temples) of the head would slightly increase the likelihood of this happening? Just a thought.
I've heard people mention this with pregnenolone so it could be worth a try with progesterone. Interesting idea.
 
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Yes, of couse. But make sure to eat lots of carbs before bed because progesterone lowers a lot cortisol otherwise your sleep will be affected negatively. To enter into a coma state you must combine carbs + progesterone.
 

Korven

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I'm pretty sure it does, when I apply progesterone in my navel/wrists/neck I get a noticeable 'brain progesterone high' about 3 minutes later.
 
OP
T
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I'm pretty sure it does, when I apply progesterone in my navel/wrists/neck I get a noticeable 'brain progesterone high' about 3 minutes later.
I'm so glad to hear it, this is encouraging. I am going to keep trying!
 
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T
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Yes, of couse. But make sure to eat lots of carbs before bed because progesterone lowers a lot cortisol otherwise your sleep will be affected negatively. To enter into a coma state you must combine carbs + progesterone.
Yikes. Well, my cortisol is always low normal. I guess maybe I have to just keep eating carbs.
 
OP
T
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Does anyone think topically application to the side (temples) of the head would slightly increase the likelihood of this happening? Just a thought.
I think the nasal delivery system is the most direct entry into the brain. I wonder if applying the the nose would work?
 

Makrosky

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You can snort it. I have done it with pregnenolone and many other substances. It reaches the brain.
 

Ildikó

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I am curious if anyone knows if topical progesterone such as progestene reaches the brain? I know that progesterone in the brain converts to allopregnanolone and may also be a calcium channel blocker, both of which reduce neural excitation. I know this occurs rapidly with oral progesterone, but levels are supratherapeutic and also uneven, which is not very physiologic.

I have optimized all that I can (diet, thyroid etc), but as a perimenopausal 48 year old women, have progesterone that is not optimal. I also have anxiety and insomnia. These are all much better with oral progesterone like prometrium (Progest-E for some reason doesn't quite do it for me, perhaps the dose). I am considering trying topical progestene to see if I can can stable brain levels and curious what people think.
I know that it is quite a while since your post but i just came across it. I wonder what is the reason behind it, but Progest-e did not have any beneficial effect on my insomnia, but oral micronized progesterone @300 mg did help me sleep much better. I am 62, postmenopausal for over just over 10 years, had total hysterectomy 4 years ago. I am going through a second menopausa with night sweats and insomnia no matter how much sugar and salt i take. Not overweight, eating plenty of carrot salad and try to follow dr Peats dietary advices. I have tryed several doses, even high doses of Progest-e and it never helped for my insomnia unfortunately. I am also on low dose t4,t3.
 
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I know that it is quite a while since your post but i just came across it. I wonder what is the reason behind it, but Progest-e did not have any beneficial effect on my insomnia, but oral micronized progesterone @300 mg did help me sleep much better. I am 62, postmenopausal for over just over 10 years, had total hysterectomy 4 years ago. I am going through a second menopausa with night sweats and insomnia no matter how much sugar and salt i take. Not overweight, eating plenty of carrot salad and try to follow dr Peats dietary advices. I have tryed several doses, even high doses of Progest-e and it never helped for my insomnia unfortunately. I am also on low dose t4,t3.
I am applying a very tiny drop of Progest-E between my eyes, and spreading it up onto my forehead. the last three days and it has been the best application for my sleep thus far. I use a lot less of it too, compared to the top of my hands. It must be going straight to my brain. I am going to keep this up as long as it keeps being beneficial.
 

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