Natural progesterone cream is made from the root of wild yams. Wild yams contain a plant-based phytoestrogen called diosgenin, thought to convert into progesterone in the body once applied to skin; however, this assertion has never been proven scientifically. Used to treat a variety of health conditions, natural progesterone is available as a cream, pill or liquid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that works alongside estrogen to prepare the uterus for fertilization and pregnancy and the breasts for lactation. It also plays a role in the menstrual cycle, according to the Merck Manual.
Wild Yam
Natural progesterone cream is made from an extract of the wild yam called diosgenin. Diosgenin is a phytoestrogen, but it does not act like estrogen in the human body. It is used to naturally treat adverse symptoms of menopause, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol; however, scientific research has not shown the benefits of using natural progesterone cream for symptoms of menopause or to prevent osteoporosis; in fact, the cream has not been shown to influence progesterone levels in the blood. Some wild yam creams do contain progesterone; however, it is in its synthetic form. In terms of diosgenin's effect on lowering cholesterol, scientific results are variable; therefore, more research is required, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Health Benefits
Natural progesterone cream is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, to prevent osteoporosis and to reduce cholesterol levels. Wild yam extract is also used as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal; to help menstrual cramps, morning sickness, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, vomiting, intestinal pain, joint pain and to prevent cancer. The effects of wild yam on the above conditions has limited scientific support to prove its effectiveness, notes the Langone Medical Center.
How Does It Work?
Natural progesterone cream is applied to the skin. It is thought that the phytoestrogen, diosgenin, chemically converts to progesterone once in the bloodstream. There is scientific evidence that diosgenin converts to progesterone in mice, but it does not covert to progesterone in humans, and it does not increase progesterone levels in the body. Wild yam extract cream will only influence progesterone levels if it contains synthetic progesterone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and MedlinePlus.
Application
Natural progesterone creams typically contain a 12 percent wild yam extract concentration. Each company's product has specified dosages; therefore, follow as directed, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warnings
Be aware that companies may label their product as a natural progesterone cream; however, it may contain synthetic progesterone---read the label carefully. Do not take natural progesterone cream with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; diosgenin interferes with estradiol, a component of those medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
