John R. Lee, M.D., is an international expert on the use of natural progesterone. As an authority on this subject, Dr. Lee publicized the use of natural, plant-derived hormones versus the synthetic hormone replacement therapy of the past. Dr. Lee notes that plant-derived hormones, such as natural progesterone, are more similar to the body and have little to no side effects when used as directed. Progesterone cream appears to pass into the circulation without being significantly degraded by the liver, so Dr. Lee promotes its use over pills.
What Is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation has occurred. Progesterone is also made in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. According to Dr. Lee, progesterone is a precursor to the production of other notable hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone and cortisol.
Effects
An excerpt from Dr. Lee's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer" notes the effects of progesterone in the body. Some of these effects include the maintenance of the endometrium, or lining of the uterus during pregnancy. Progesterone also helps utilize fat for energy, reduce water weight, normalize sleep patterns, facilitate thyroid hormone function and normalize blood sugar levels.
Source
Another term for natural progesterone is bioidentical progesterone. The April 2006 issue of "Townsend Letter" published a women's health update by Tori Hudson, N.D. It comments that bioidentical progesterone is usually found in the form diosgenin. It is extracted in the laboratory from the Mexican wild yam root. It can also be extracted from soybeans in the form of fats and oils. Hudson notes that diosgenin is biochemically identical to the progesterone produced by the body. Dr. Lee additionally notes that taking wild yam herb as an oral supplement has not been shown to convert into the bioidentical hormone diosgenin in the body.
Premenopause
Dr. Lee coined the term "estrogen dominance." This condition exists when estrogen levels appear high, but instead are due to low levels of progesterone. If ovulation does not occur or chronic stress diverts progesterone to the production of cortisol, progesterone levels are low or nonexistent and estrogen appears dominant. Dr. Lee lists symptoms of estrogen dominance as fibrocystic breasts, increased body fat and weight gain, depression, anxiety, headaches and an increased risk for endometrial and breast cancers. He suggests that progesterone cream can balance estrogen dominance and can therefore be used for any of these conditions.
Postmenopause
According to Dr. Lee, estrogen levels drop by 40 to 60 percent during menopause. Progesterone levels also drop, but because they are the precursors to so many other hormones, the levels can drop close to zero. Estrogen levels appear more pronounced and symptoms of a relative estrogen dominance can ensue. Moreover, the decreased estrogen of menopause can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats; vaginal dryness and atropy; issues with memory, sleep and mood disorders; and menopausal bone loss. A study reported in the 1999 journal of "Obstetrics & Gynecology" concluded that ¼ teaspoon of progesterone cream applied daily for one year improved symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, although no changes in bone density were found.
Application
Dr. Lee notes that because progesterone is a cholesterol-based substance, it is fat-soluble and thus easily absorbed through the skin. He suggests the application of the cream on the face, neck, chest, breast, inner arms and palms of hands. Lee suggests creams that are 1.6 to 3 percent diosgenin, offering approximately 20 mg of progesterone per 1/4 teaspoon per day.
