Hormones (Progesterone?) and TBI
 

Hi All,

This is my first post but I've been reading and you have helped me so much advice -- both with commiseration, validating what I'm going through, and advice. THANK YOU.

My backstory - I hit my head on a pipe in a parking garage about 2 months ago (8/28). I'm quite sure how it happened, but I walked into it (although hit on top left) and kept walking. It hurt a lot and I quickly started to feel shaky and foggy. I called my husband to pick me up and on the way home felt nausea. I slept that day. Over the weekend, things got a bit worse - headache, extreme fatigue, nausea, shakiness/dizziness, sensitivity to noise/light, inability to focus AND much increased blood from my period, which had started right before). I have sloooowly gotten better, with some new symptoms (tingling and numbness in right arm, pins and needles down back, shortness of breathe) and a backslide this week.

During these 2 months, I have had an average of 2 weeks menstrual cycles (5 periods). I spoke with my GYN who said that she absolutely though the TBI could affect my cycle, but told me to wait another month.

I have seen a few mentions of progesterone related to TBI and I've wondering if anyone can point me to studies and more information. I am wondering if taking progesterone would help?

bmwbzz,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. The studies on progesterone suggest that having elevated progesterone levels creates a neuro-protective effect. Unfortunately, the primary researcher is trying to protect the data and patent the process so the drug manufacturer can make money.

Google "Progesterone" and "TBI." You will get a good start with the results.

It sounds like you also have a neck injury. These are common with concussions.

Unfortunately, hormone testing is not cheap and the cycling you are going through will be hard/expensive to chart by hormone levels. A specialist in bio-identical hormones may have a better understanding of your condition. You can get a referral to a bio-identical hormone specialist at https://www.womensinternational.com/..._referral.html.

My best to you.

progesterone
 

Hi there

I was on progesterone when I had my accident and am still on it. I can't say if it helped me in recovery as I am also taking other supplements.

I am curious too about progesterone, and have had a good recovery so far.

Check into your neck too like Mark recommeded.

Take care

pm

Thanks Mark & poetrymom!

I have found some of the studies and am going to look into it. I could probably get my GYN to prescribe a progesterone pill to try it more quickly. I am waiting for my psych eval tomorrow before adding more things on, but I will see if there are any specialists near me.
Thanks again!

I suggest you ask for a bio-identical cream. The pills are are usually similar to the human hormone but not the same.

Did you find any research about using progesterone this long after the concussion ? What I have read referred to using it immediately after the injury while the brain is still struggling to save or protect the injured brain cells. It protects from damage but does not cause healing from what I read.

I highly encourage you to seek out a specialist in bio-identical hormones. I speak from experience as I have watched my wife's success when she found a good specialist.

My cycles have been royally messed up since the concussion I sustained in an auto accident too.

After almost 3 years, I finally went to an experienced expert who diagnosed me with hormonal imbalances that were due to the concussion. (3 other endocrinologists turned me away...)

Iw as suffering from many additional symptoms of neuroendocrine dysfunction other than just the cycle problems - actually the cycle problems were the least of my problems...

You can Google "neuroendocrine dysfunction" with "Concussion" and/or "traumatic brain injury" and discover quite a bit of recent research on the subject.

Most neuroendocrine dysfunction that is caused by a concussion resolves itself within 1 year.

Some experts speculate that neuroendocrine dysfunction is what causes PCS altogether!

I have been on replacement hormones for several weeks and I have been slowly getting better FINALLY.

I recommend you ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

If you have trouble finding one with experience in your area you can try to look one up on the Pituitary Network Association website. And you are welcome to PM me at any point for anything. (That goes for anyone!)

Unfortunately, a lot of neuroendocrine dysfunction can progress to affect more than one hormone, so it may be more than just a progesterone imbalance that you're dealing with. Keep an eye on what's going on with you and create/keep a log of any and all symptoms, if possible.

Much luck!