Natural Progesterone Cream

Natural Progesterone Cream

Natural progesterone is derived from naturally occurring plant sterols. It has traditionally been produced from diosgenin, a phytoestrogen found in wild yam and soy.

Whether or not to use natural progesterone when a woman is premenopausal is a decision best made by each individual woman working with a health care professional familiar with female hormones and the use of natural progesterone, and based on the signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance that follows.

Signs and Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance in a Premenopausal Woman

• Water retention, edema (swelling, bloating)
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Breast swelling, fibrocystic breasts
• Premenstrual mood swings, depression
• Loss of sex drive
• Heavy or irregular menses
• Uterine fibroids
• Craving for sweets
• Weight gain, fat deposition at hips and thighs
• Symptoms of low thyroid such as cold hands and feet

To use natural progesterone cream, massage it into your skin until it is noticeably absorbed. It is best to apply the cream to thinner, softer skin, such as the chest, breasts, lower abdomen, inner thighs, wrists, inner arms, and neck.

Dr John Lee in his book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause states "Since every woman's biochemistry and ability to absorb and use the cream are different, the actual dose will vary. Since natural progesterone is notable for its freedom from side effects, such latitude in dosing carries no risk."

AIM's Renewed Balance^™ contains 1120 mg natural progesterone per jar

PMS

Natural progesterone usage is based on a woman's monthly menstrual cycle. Although the period of time from ovulation to menstruation varies from woman to woman, it is generally 12-14 days. This is the period of time you should use natural progesterone.

Consider the first day of the menstrual flow as day 1. Do not use any natural progesterone cream from day 1 until ovulation, usually about 12-14 days. For days 14 until the onset of menstruation (or two day before), use 15-20mg per day. When the menstrual flow starts, stop using the cream.
 
 

Perimenopause (menopausal symptoms, menstruating)

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, but are still menstruating, vary the PMS usage guidelines as follows: Consider the first day of the menstrual flow as day 1. Do not use any natural progesterone cream from day 1 until halfway to ovulation, usually about 7 days. For days 7  until the onset of menstruation, use 10-20mg per day (increasing from 10mg at day 7 to 20mg about day 20), when the menstrual flow starts, stop using the cream.

Menopause

For relief from menopausal symptoms, follow a calendar schedule to determine usage. Do not use natural progesterone cream the first 7 days of the month. Use 10-15mg for days 8 through 21. Use 15-20mg  for days 22 through 31. The following chart illustrates this:

Osteoporosis

If possible you should test bone density before using natural progesterone cream. This way you can establish a baseline and make adjustments accordingly. Follow a calendar schedule, Do not use the natural progesterone cream the first 7 days of the month, Use 15-20mg for the remainder of the month. The following chart illustrates this:

For severe osteoporosis, follow the above schedule but use 15-20mg of the cream, twice a day. You should also make lifestyle changes. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, cut back on red meat, and exercise.
 

Considerations

There have been no reports of significant side effects or health problems associated with natural progesterone. You are encouraged to find a health practitioner to work with as you use the product.

Some PMS and menopausal symptoms may indicate other conditions. Consult a health practitioner if you experience persistent headaches or other progressive symptoms.

Natural progesterone cream can potentially increase thyroid activity. If you are taking thyroid supplements or medication, consult your health practitioner.

Natural progesterone is a natural skin moisturizer and has been used in skin creams for years. However, before using it on your face, determine your facial sensitivity by applying a small amount.

Q and A

Can I use too much natural progesterone?
The body produces up to 400 mg of progesterone during pregnancy with no ill effects, well above the suggested application. Because progesterone is a natural precursor any excess progesterone is converted to other hormones. However too much progesterone for more than 4 months can result in the progesterone receptors down-regulating. This would result in the body not using the available progesterone and estrogen dominance. So long term it is important to use no more than 20-24mg per day on the days used.

Can natural progesterone help with osteoporosis?
Studies by John Lee, MD., indicate that natural progesterone may help osteoblast function, which is integral in bone rebuilding.

What do I do if 1 am currently on ERT or HRT?
Because different women use different amounts of estrogen and progestin in ERT or HRT. you should consult your health practitioner

Aren't all progesterones the same?
There is much confusion about progesterone Natural progesterone is produced by extracting the phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) diosgenin from a natural source and converting it to natural progesterone This is the same as the progesterone produced by the body. In Wild yam products the diosgenin is extracted, but it is not converted to progesterone. Wild yam products on the market are not the same as natural progesterone products. A synthetic progestin is often derived from progesterone or testosterone and converted to natural progesterone. but then it is further altered by introducing a new atom. This inhibits progesterone metabolism and prolongs its activity. It is no longer natural progesterone. There is a long list of contraindications and side effects that accompany these synthetic progestins.

How quickly will I notice results?
Some people notice results immediately, and others may not notice results for two to three months. This is because if you have a progesterone deficiency, the natural progesterone will initially be absorbed by fat When the progesterone level in the body is satisfactory, the natural progesterone will diffuse into the blood.