[lovedebbii]

I'm sure this has been covered somewhere else but I've got a few questions.
I've always had luteal swelling but since starting my program I think it has started happening earlier than usual.

1. Is Luteal Swelling a sign of estrogen dominance?
2. Is progesterone cream a must for every program that includes herbs?
3. If 2 is a yes then when and for how long should progesterone cream be used during a cycle?
4. What would you recommend as the best brand of PC?

[Dynseli]

Luteal swelling is due to high levels of progesterone, a different category than estrogen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Steroid_hormones The swelling could be a chance for growth.

[lovedebbii]

Luteal swelling is due to high levels of progesterone, a different category than estrogen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Steroid_hormones The swelling could be a chance for growth.

I guess I've been reading too many false articles . Thanks for the Link!

[Dynseli]

yw. It's not necessarily estrogen dominance, since it could also be to progesterone. wikipedia can be biased but it gives a general idea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estrogen_dominance. Maybe what you're reading is right. the chart on this page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luteal_phase gives an example of hormone levels; the page also suggests a shorter luteal phase could be associated with lower progesterone.

[Dynseli]

You may be on to something about high estrogen levels. Luteal swelling could be caused by either three of either prolactin, progesterone, or estrogen which either can be naturally high during the luteal phase. Estrogen might be responsible for ending the luteal phase. Prolactin reduces estrogen, and it allows the luteal phase to stay longer. The egg releases progesterone, which prolactin allows it to stay longer. Prolactin is compatible with progesterone. Estrogen is usually present, but doesn't have to be high for this stage. Estrogen is instead needed to signal the start of the luteal phase.

[lovedebbii]

So if I wanted to reduce my estrogen levels would you recommend more prolactin or more progesterone or both? I have swollen tender breast now but it's not as bad as it used to be when I wasn't on herbs and I'm just trying to figure if I'm doing something wrong or doing something right.

[Dynseli]

A herb that increases prolactin. Prolactin reduce estrogen, and its associated with raising progesterone. To extend the luteal phase, prolactin. progesterone is compatible with prolactin, so an herb that increases both can be taken together.

But estrogen is needed to start the luteal phase, again.

[Dynseli]

both reduce estrogen. but prolactin signals progesterone (and reduces estrogen either directly, or indirectly because it signaled progesterone). Progesterone prolongs the luteal phase. The egg sends out progesterone to lower the hormones that cause the body to remove it.

[lovedebbii]

If I take a herb that produces prolactin like fenugreek then using PC would be unnecessary right?

[Dynseli]

I'm sorry, both progesterone and prolactin are important together. They might be more effective together, or give each other a boost? Progesterone cream could still be used. you could try to see if it helps with effectiveness.