Natural Progesterone FAQ

Where can natural progesterone cream be applied?
Natural progesterone cream can be applied to the face, hands, chest, breasts, abdomen, inner arms, and inner thighs. The progesterone in the cream absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. During absorption, the cream bypasses the liver and goes to specific receptor sites in the body where progesterone is needed. When the action is completed, any excess is then excreted from the body. Absorption rate varies from person to person as does the need for progesterone.
Everyone has different needs, therefore some women require more progesterone cream to help alleviate symptoms, while others may use less. Your daily dosage will be recommended for you and then adjusted accordingly.

How do I know if I should use progesterone?

If you have PMS: this is any single or group of unpleasant symptoms which occur during the 7 to 14 day premenstrual phase before a period begins. PMS symptoms typically improve during or after a period.
If you have estrogen-progesterone imbalance or pre-menopausal symptoms: water retention, breast swelling, breast tenderness, hot flashes, reduced sex drive, mood swings, depression, cravings for sweets, and weight gain, fat deposits at hips and thighs.
If you have menopausal symptoms:  Hot flashes, night sweats and vaginally dryness are the most prominent symptoms of menopause.
Osteoporosis: means significantly worse than average bone density compared to similar age individuals. This significant loss of bone mass can result in increased fractures, loss of height, pain in the hips and back and spinal curvature. Affects can be crippling and debilitating if preventive measures are not taken early in a woman’s life. Good nutrition, exercise and avoiding risk factors are important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hormonal therapy can also be very beneficial.

How do I use natural progesterone cream?

For PMS–If you are still menstruating, use one-quarter tsp. of cream at night or twice a day, starting 2 weeks prior to your period. Stop when your period is supposed to begin.  You do not usually need added progesterone while menstruating; however, a small amount can be used if cramps or migraines are a problem during periods.
Pre-menopause — Symptoms of Estrogen-progesterone imbalance If you have menopausal symptoms and are still menstruating, use one-quarter tsp. cream twice per day beginning with the 8th day of the cycle until the next menstruation begins. This would be day 8 through day 26 of the usual cycle. Stop using the cream when the period is supposed to begin.

Menopause — No periods for 6-12 months or more –If you have menopausal symptoms and are not menstruating; use the progesterone based on the calendar month. Use one-quarter tsp. twice daily beginning on the 1st day of each calendar month and continue for 25 days – twice daily – stop 5 or 6 days and then restart at the new month beginning.

What about vaginal dryness?
This condition can occur in women of all ages for various reasons, but it is most common in women after menopause. Using natural hormone cream has been successful in treating vaginal dryness and vulvar atrophy, but estrogen is the most effective.

Can estrogen be used without natural progesterone? 
Estrogen without progesterone can cause endometrial (uterine) cancer. In unusual situations, estrogen can be used without progesterone, but only under medical supervision.

Do I need a prescription for natural progesterone cream?
It depends on the strength and the source. Slightly milder formulas are available without a prescription, while true USP human-identical progesterone is commonly prescribed in a stronger formulation.

I’m post menopausal, will I start menstruating again if I use natural hormones?
Occasionally, upon initial use you may experience breakthrough bleeding, or a “period”. This is a perfectly normal response and is not a cause for alarm. The progesterone is simply causing the body to rid itself of excess stored estrogen which sometimes stimulates a uterine shedding–thus the bleeding. If this continues for longer than a few months, consult your health care practitioner.

I have facial hair, especially above my upper lip :what causes this? 
This condition is called “hirsutism” (excessive growth of facial and body hair). It’s an indication that there is a hormonal imbalance between estrogen, testosterone (the dominant male hormone) and progesterone. Progesterone acts as a regulator for the entire endocrine system.

Is progesterone useful for women who have had a hysterectomy or the ovaries removed?
YES. Many women experience hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms following surgery that includes removal of the ovaries. In younger women, this can cause a more sudden menopausal change. Progesterone and/or other hormonal therapy can help.

Is progesterone beneficial for osteoporosis? 
Osteoporosis is not only preventable, but it is also reversible in many cases!

Can I use progesterone if there is a family history of breast or uterine cancer? 
Absolutely — and it may even be strongly recommended.  Some experts feel that progesterone can have a beneficial effect on certain cancer risks, including cancer of the ovary, breast and definitely uterus.
Progesterone therapy has been documented in numerous studies to decrease the incidence of uterine cancer.

What are the other benefits of progesterone use? 
Improved brain function, diminished muscular aches and pains, improvement of skin problems including acne, seborrhea, rosacea, psoriasis and kaurosis, improved sleep pattern and improved libido have all been suggested in research on hormonal therapy.

When should men consider progesterone therapy? 
When they have decreased libido, increased body fat, enlarged prostate or to help prevent enlarged prostate, to counter-balance the toxic effects of estrogen, and when they have low energy or fatigue.