Progesterone is a female hormone that regulates ovulation and menstruation along with estrogen. Natural progesterone creams, also known as bio-identical hormones, are available as over-the-counter remedies for the relief of perimenopausal symptoms and premenstural syndrome, which is also called PMS. Speak with your doctor before using progesterone cream for PMS.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels are lower during the first half of your menstrual cycle, but they rise after you ovulate. Progesterone stimulates the uterus to prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If you get pregnant, your progesterone levels continue to climb; if not, those levels drop and the uterine lining is shed during your menstrual period. If progesterone levels do not rise and fall at the appropriate times you may not have menstrual periods.
Premenstural Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. They may start 1 to 2 weeks before your menstrual period, about the time your progesterone levels should rise. The cause of PMS is not clear, but the hormonal changes may be a factor along with changes in brain chemicals, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and consumption of excessive amounts of sodium, alcohol, or caffeine. Symptoms include swollen and tender breasts, fatigue, digestive complaints, headaches, back or muscle pain, anxiety, depression and irritability.
Progesterone Cream
Natural progesterone creams are made from substances extracted from yams and soybeans. According to Drugs.com, 1.7% topical cream can be rubbed into the skin of the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or any area where the skin is soft. The typical dosage for perimenopause or menopausal symptoms is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful of cream once or twice per day. The dosage for women who have PMS typically varies throughout the menstrual cycle.
Effectiveness
Natural progesterone cream may or may not be effective for reducing the symptoms of PMS. According to an article published in 2006 by The Cochrane Collaboration, an organization focused on examining medical research evidence, there is a small amount of evidence that progesterone cream will help PMS, and any adverse effects were mild, but that further research needs to be done. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recognize or regulate bio-identical hormones.
References
- The Cochrane Collaboration; Progesterone for Premenstrual Syndrome; O. Ford; March 2008
- Harvard Medical Publications; What are Bioidentical Hormones?; August 2006
- Drugs.com: Progesterone
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Bio-Identicals; Sorting Myths From Facts; April 2008
- WomensHealth.gov: Premenstrual Syndrome Fact Sheet; May 2010
