Re progesterone cream (WDDTY vol 14 no 3), I prescribe it with good effect. What is being looked for is hormonal balance. When there is too much oestrogen, the body closes down oestrogen receptors. When progesterone is then applied, the receptors suddenly open up, and the body reacts as if there were too much oestrogen – sore breasts, bloating, mood swings, etc. This can persist until the body comes into balance again. But women often give up at this point. It is important to know this may happen and to persist. – Dr Shauki N. Mahomed, Surrey