Progesterone is a female sex hormone that plays an important role in reproduction. As your reproductive capacity ends, progesterone levels decrease, along with estrogen. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and trouble sleeping. Menopausal women commonly seek hormone replacement therapy to relieve these symptoms. Because traditional HRT risks exists, bioidentical hormones are often marketed as a safe alternative.
Traditional HRT
Menopause is the transition period when your ovaries stop producing eggs. In the years before, during and after menopause, your reproductive hormone levels decrease. HRT replaces the progesterone and or estrogen that your body no longer makes, with a synthetic form. However, HRT increases your risk for breast cancer, stroke and heart disease, according to MedlinePlus. HRT is recommended for short-term treatment due to this risk. Doctors prescribe the lowest dosage needed to relieve symptoms to minimize the risk.
Bioidentical Progesterone
Bioidentical progesterone is available in liquid, pill and cream form. Bioidentical hormones are called natural hormones because they are derived from plant or animal sources and your body cannot distinguish them from your own hormones. The U.S Federal Drug Administration has approved some bioidentical progesterone products. However, others remain unregulated as dietary supplements. Unregulated bioidentical progesterone drops are often marketed as a safe alternative to synthetic progesterone. However, clinical data to support this claim are lacking.
Side Effects
Though bioidentical progesterone is marketed as safer than traditional HRT, it has the capacity to cause the same side effects as synthetic progesterone, according to a review published in the July 2007 issue of the "Journal of General Internal Medicine." Traditional HRT side effects include bloating, headaches, breast soreness, mood swings and nausea, according to MedlinePlus.
Precautions
Bioidentical progesterone drops may help relieve symptoms associated with decreased levels, but you should expect the same side effects as synthetic progesterone. Because your body must maintain a delicate hormonal balance, it is important to take bioidentical progesterone only under your doctor's supervision. Bioidentical progesterone may carry the same risk of stroke, heart disease and breast cancer.
