Common sources of bioidentical hormones used in natural progesterone cream include soy and Mexican wild yam. Natural progesterone creams contain varying amounts of progesterone, a hormone produced in the body to regulate the menstrual cycle. According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, health claims for progesterone cream include preventing breast cancer, fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, premenstrual syndrome and osteoporosis though limited research supports these claims. Considered a cosmetic, natural progesterone cream is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness.
Progesterone Replacement
Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle with progesterone increasing after ovulation to prepare the uterus for fertilization. According to a study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management in 2009, synthetic progesterone, injectable or as vaginal gel, may prevent preterm birth. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2005, natural progesterone cream applied to the skin produces a similar blood level of the hormone as compared with oral progesterone therapy. Consult with a physician for the most appropriate treatment options.
Hot Flashes
Research shows mixed results for using natural progesterone cream for menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. A study published in "Obstetrics and Gynecology" in 1999, followed 46 women using either progesterone cream or placebo with 83-percent of the women using progesterone cream reporting relief from hot flashes during twelve months. However, a twelve-week study of 80 post-menopausal women published in Menopause in 2003 reports no significant decrease in menopausal symptoms though serum progesterone levels increased.
Uterine Hyperplasia
Progesterone counteracts estrogen replacement therapy following menopause to prevent overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus that can lead to uterine cancer. According to a study reported in "Obstetrics and Gynecology" in 2001, the use of topical and vaginal progesterone creams reduced growth of endometrial tissue.
References
- Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: Over-the-Counter Progesterone Cream Produces Significant Drug Exposure; Anne C. Hermann, MD et al; June 2005
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Transdermal progesterone cream for vasomotor symptoms; HB Leonetti et al; August 1999
- Menopause: Transdermal Progesterone and Its Effect on Vasomotor Symptoms; BG Wren et al; Jan-Feb 2003
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Topical Progesterone cream has antiproliferative effect; JN Anasti et al; April 2001
- Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management: Progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth; H How and B Sibai; March 26, 2009
