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Last Updated:
Jun 16th, 2008 - 12:55:53
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Question
I am 54 years old. Have had light spotting and prolonged periods for several years. Just had hysteroscopy and a D&C. The doctor found no polyps but said there was "white fluffy stuff". The lab said there was endometrial hyperplasia.
The doctor wants me to take Provera 15 days each month. I am concerned about increased risk of birth defects due to Provera in the unlikely event that I should conceive.
I have practiced NFP for many years but the last year due to erratic temperatures and puzzling mucous have not taken any precautions or used NFP.
Will the Provera make charting even more unreliable?
Anne
Answer
Dear Anne,
Provera, which is an artificial progesterone like chemical, will probably make your charting more consistent and reliable. The endometrial hyperplasia is an indication that you still are producing some estrogen. A continuous buildup of endometrium (lining of the uterus) is associated with uterine cancer. Your doctor wants to have you take some progesterone like substance in order to reduce your risk of such cancer. When you stop the progesterone each month, you will have a period although it should be fairly light. This would help to stop the spotting and bleeding. Your mucus may become more regular and predictable. The temperature readings will probably also go back to what you have experienced as progesterone is a thermogenic (temperature producing substance).
You can ask your doctor if they would prescribe Prometrium which is human equivalent progesterone. Some women have a compounding pharmacist make progesterone for them. Human bioequivalent progesterone is not associated with birth defects. In fact, many physicians following the research by T. Hilgers, MD, use progesterone throughout pregnancy for those women who are subject to miscarriages.
I would definitely use the progesterone under your doctor’s guidance in order to reduce the chances of uterine cancer. Just ask for the human equivalent progesterone.
I hope that this is of help to you!
Gretchen V. Marsh, D.O.
Dr. Marsh is a family practioner in Yuba City, CA where she lives with her husband and 5 boys.
She is a Creighton model certified Medical Consultant and a certified Fertility Care Practioner.
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