Progesterone is a female hormone that gets the uterus ready for pregnancy. Progestin is any of a group of steroid hormones that imitate progesterone. Progesterone cream may help correct hormone-related imbalances in women, according to Medline Plus. Weight gain is a possible side effect of natural progesterone and progestin cream. Ask your health care provider if natural progesterone cream is right for you.
Function
Natural progesterone and progestin can have varying effects depending on the dosage prescribed, according to the Mayo Clinic. While low doses can guard against pregnancy, high doses help see a pregnancy through fruition. Progesterone cream can also help treat menstrual irregularities and diminish menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances and headaches. Women who have undergone hysterectomies generally don't require progesterone therapy, reports the Cleveland Clinic.
Weight Changes
Progestins can make you hungrier than usual which could lead to weight gain. Progestins are sometimes given to people with cancer or AIDS to improve appetite and promote weight gain, reports the Mayo Clinic. Progestins stimulate production of specific proteins that increase the desire for food. Fluid retention and constipation are possible side effects of progesterone, both of may lead to weight gain. Progesterone may diminish hunger in some people, according to Drugs.com.
Adverse Reactions
Drowsiness, diarrhea, muscle aches, moodiness, dry mouth, slight fever, breast pain or tenderness, vaginal discharge and fluid retention are possible side effects of progesterone cream. Serious adverse reactions may include breast lumps, problems swallowing or breathing, accelerated heart rate and chest pain, reports the National Institutes of Health. Keep in mind that other unreported side effects of progesterone are possible.
Expert Insight
Few scientific studies have been conducted to confirm the proposed benefits of progesterone cream, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ingredients contained in over-the-counter progesterone creams can vary significantly, as can the recommended dosage.
Precautions
Progesterone cream should not be used by women who have had breast cancer, liver disorders or irregular vaginal bleeding. Tumors have developed in laboratory animals who were given progesterone, reports the NIH. It's uncertain whether progesterone would have the same effect on humans. Consult with your health care provider about the possible benefits and risks of natural progesterone cream before use.
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