Progesterone & Testosterone Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that includes pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons; tender spots on the body which are painful when pressed; and fatigue. It is much more common in women than men, and it is often the result of physical or emotional trauma or a hormonal imbalance. Fibromyalgia is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy; however, there are other treatments that might be considered if medication and psychotherapy haven't been successful.

Progesterone Therapy

• Progesterone is a hormone highly involved in the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy and which is responsible for the regulation of ovulation. Progesterone is also present in the male body in smaller amounts. In certain cases, progesterone therapy may be administered to individuals who are experiencing illnesses or symptoms related to low levels of progesterone in the body. This could be a woman who is not having monthly menstruation, even though she is not menopausal, or for depression related to a hormone imbalance. Because fibromyalgia has been linked to a hormonal imbalance and depression, progesterone therapy may be helpful in treating the symptoms and the underlying cause of the disease.

  Progesterone therapy is most commonly administered in a cream form with strengths varying from 1 percent to 10 percent. It can also be administered as a sublingual oil or tablet, injection, suppository, or an orally administered capsule. According to progesteronetherapy.com, progesterone therapy has been used safely for over 50 years with no adverse side effects. The site also reports that creams are the most effective for long-term use because they are slow release, cost-effective and easy to use.

  Consult your doctor if you feel that progesterone therapy might be the right treatment option for you.

Testosterone Therapy

• Testosterone is a hormone secreted in the testicles of males and the ovaries of women. Testosterone is much more prevalent in the male body and is responsible for the physical development of the male genitalia and secondary sex characteristics, including facial hair and voice changes. It is also present in the female body and is responsible for sex drive and hormonal and mood stability. As a woman ages, testosterone levels in her body begin to fall, which often leads to hormonal imbalances. Because fibromyalgia is linked to increased age and hormonal imbalances, there is some evidence to show that treatment with testosterone therapy can have beneficial effects for people suffering from the disease.

  Testosterone therapy is administered very much like progesterone therapy--in cream or gel form, injections, patches or oral tablets. It is important to consult a doctor before embarking on a testosterone treatment program as it is necessary to measure existing levels of the hormone in your body prior to supplementation. Too much testosterone in the body can have harmful side effects, including changes in mood and loss of sex drive.