I began skipping periods at the age of 28. Gained 10 pounds fast, was grouchy and hot all the time. Went to an alternative med clinic; doc tested my hormones. My progesterone production was almost nil -- so low I wasn't ovulating some months. By taking a natural progesterone cream, I was able to ovulate again. It's made from a wild yam, and it took very little to regulate my cycles. Courteney Cox took progesterone as a tx for postpartum depression. It helps with mood swings, weight loss and bone loss, too.