Benefits of Progesterone Cream For Menopause Health.
As we move into the Luteal Phase of the moon cycle on March 22nd, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the powerful role hormones play in our lives, particularly during menopause.
For many women, the transition through menopause can be filled with discomfort, from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and vaginal dryness.
However, progesterone cream is a natural solution that can help restore balance and ease these symptoms.
I’ve experienced remarkable benefits since incorporating bioidentical progesterone cream into my routine alongside lifestyle changes to improve my hormonal health.
Using Biovea’s natural progesterone cream has almost eliminated my hot flashes, significantly reduced night sweats, and helped stabilise my emotions, leaving me with fewer rage moments and greater overall balance.
In this post, I’ll explore the benefits of progesterone during menopause, particularly how natural progesterone cream can help address the root causes of estrogen dominance, and why it’s such a safe, effective, and holistic choice for women navigating this phase of life.
Understanding Estrogen Dominance:
Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone in the body.
While this condition is most commonly discussed in the context of fluctuating estrogen in perimenopause and menopause, estrogen dominance can also be an issue when estrogen levels are low.
The issue arises because progesterone levels drop more significantly than estrogen, creating a relative estrogen dominance.
Progesterone is the hormone that helps balance the effects of estrogen.
It works in harmony with estrogen to regulate many processes in the body, from mood to metabolic function. However, when there’s insufficient progesterone to counteract estrogen’s effects, even low levels of estrogen can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms.
In perimenopause, as ovulation becomes less regular and progesterone production slows down, women may experience the symptoms of estrogen dominance, including:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability
- Heavy and prolonged periods
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Weight gain and changes in metabolism
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Estrogen dominance can also cause more serious long-term health concerns, such as an increased risk of bone loss, heart disease, and endometrial hyperplasia.
Addressing estrogen dominance with a proper balance of bioidentical progesterone can help alleviate these symptoms, restore hormonal harmony, and protect against these risks.
The key takeaway is that, even if your estrogen levels are technically low, estrogen dominance can still occur when progesterone levels are significantly lower, leading to a cascade of unwanted symptoms. You can read more about Estrogen vs Progesterone in this blog post.
Restoring balance through the use of natural progesterone cream alongside lifestyle tweaks is one of the most effective ways to tackle these issues and help you feel like yourself again.
Benefits of Natural Progesterone Cream
Natural progesterone cream offers a wide range of benefits, especially for women navigating the hormonal shifts of menopause.
Unlike synthetic progesterone, which is often used in hormone therapy, bioidentical progesterone is molecularly identical to the progesterone naturally produced by the body.
This makes it an effective, safe, and holistic solution to address the root causes of hormonal imbalances and ease common menopause symptoms.
Here are some of the key benefits you may experience with natural progesterone cream:
1. Restores Hormonal Harmony:
One of the primary benefits of natural progesterone cream is its ability to restore balance between estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen dominance occurs, progesterone levels are often too low to counteract estrogen’s effects. By using progesterone cream, you can help replenish progesterone levels, leading to improved hormonal harmony.
2. Reduces Hot Flushes and Night Sweats:
Many women struggle with hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Natural progesterone cream helps regulate the body’s temperature control system and can dramatically reduce these uncomfortable symptoms. In my own experience, I’ve seen nearly a complete elimination of hot flushes and night sweats since incorporating the cream into my routine.
3. Improves Mood and Reduces Mood Swings:
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. For many women, fluctuating hormone levels during menopause can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or even rage. By balancing progesterone, natural progesterone cream can improve emotional stability and mental well-being, which can make a huge difference in day-to-day life.
4. Supports Vaginal Health:
Low progesterone levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, which often results in watery, less hydrating vaginal fluid. By supporting hormonal balance with natural progesterone cream, you can restore moisture and hydration to the vaginal tissues, improving both lubrication and the consistency of vaginal fluids. This can make intimate moments more comfortable and help prevent irritation or discomfort caused by dryness.
5. Promotes Better Sleep:
Progesterone has a natural sedative effect, helping to calm the nervous system and support restful sleep. Many women experience sleep disturbances during menopause, often due to hormonal fluctuations. By using bioidentical progesterone cream, you can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, allowing you to feel more rested and refreshed.
6. Supports Bone Health:
Progesterone plays a critical role in maintaining bone density. During menopause, the decline in progesterone can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. Estrogen may slow the loss of bone mass but it is progesterone that is responsible for the production of new bone. Natural progesterone cream can help protect your bones by supporting the production of new bone tissue, making it an important tool for long-term health.
7. Protects Against Endometrial Hyperplasia:
Unopposed estrogen (without progesterone) can lead to a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia, which increases the risk of endometrial cancer. By using progesterone therapy, you help maintain a healthy balance of hormones, which in turn can protect the uterine lining and reduce this risk.
Natural progesterone cream isn’t just a tool to manage menopause symptoms, it’s a natural, holistic approach to restoring balance and improving overall well-being.
Whether it’s supporting adrenal glands, promoting emotional stability, or helping regulate hormone levels, it offers a gentle and effective way to navigate the challenges of menopause and feel like yourself again.
How to Use Progesterone Cream:
Using natural progesterone cream is simple, but it’s important to apply it correctly for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most benefit from your cream:
1. Choose the Right Application Area:
For the best absorption, apply the cream to areas of the body with a higher fat content, as progesterone is absorbed through the skin. Common application areas include:
- Breasts and upper chest area (where progesterone receptors are located)
- Inner thighs (a popular area for better absorption)
- Stomach (avoiding the belly button area)
Avoid applying the cream to areas with thick skin (like elbows or knees) as it may not absorb as effectively.
2. Apply the Recommended Amount:
Start with the recommended amount of cream as specified in the product instructions or by your healthcare provider. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cream is applied once or twice a day. The amount of progesterone in each application can vary by product, so make sure you follow the dosage guidelines carefully.
3. Use Consistently for Best Results:
Consistency is key! Apply the cream at the same time each day, ideally in the morning or evening, depending on your preference and routine. This will help maintain stable hormone levels throughout the month.
If you’re using the cream in the context of a luteal phase regimen (like in your own experience), it’s often recommended to apply the cream during the second half of the menstrual cycle (for those who are still menstruating) or throughout the month if you’re postmenopausal.
4. Massage the Cream In:
Push the cream into the skin from the centre of your chest outwards until it is fully absorbed. This helps ensure that the progesterone is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream.
5. Monitor Your Response:
As with any natural remedy, pay attention to how your body responds to the cream. Many women experience benefits within a few days to a week, such as reduced hot flushes, better sleep, and a more stable mood. If you don’t notice any changes after a few weeks, you may need to adjust the amount or application method.
By following these simple steps, you can easily incorporate progesterone cream into your daily routine and enjoy the benefits of improved hormonal balance and reduced menopause symptoms.
Always remember to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new hormone therapy to ensure it’s the right choice for your unique needs.
Safety and Considerations:
While natural progesterone cream is generally considered safe for most women, it’s important to use it properly and be mindful of certain considerations to ensure its effectiveness and avoid potential issues.
1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider:
Before beginning any new hormone therapy, including progesterone cream, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if it’s the right choice for you based on your specific symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health. This is particularly important if you have existing medical conditions or are on other medications.
2. Understand Potential Side Effects:
While rare, some women may experience side effects when using progesterone cream, such as dizziness, headaches, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects are typically temporary and go away as your body adjusts to the cream. If you experience anything more severe, such as breast tenderness, changes in mood, or any other concerning symptoms, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. Remember using more products won’t relieve your symptoms more quickly, trust the process.
3. Progesterone vs. Synthetic Progestins:
It’s also essential to distinguish between natural progesterone (bioidentical) and synthetic progestins (the types found in traditional hormone therapy). Synthetic progestins are chemically altered and do not mimic the natural hormone in the body as closely as bioidentical progesterone. This can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects or complications. Natural progesterone, such as that found in bioidentical progesterone cream, matches the body’s requirements.
5. Safety Concerning Cancer:
One common concern with hormone use is the potential for cancer risks, especially with estrogen dominance. However, progesterone has been shown to have protective effects on the uterine lining, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. Unlike estrogen, which can promote cancerous growth in estrogen-sensitive tissues, progesterone does not carry the same risks, making it a safer option for many women.
It’s important to highlight that 80% of female cancers are estrogen-positive, meaning they are fueled by excess estrogen in the body. Even when a cancer diagnosis includes progesterone positivity, it is always alongside estrogen positivity—there are no cancers that are solely progesterone-positive. This reinforces progesterone’s regulatory role in hormonal balance rather than being a hormone that drives unchecked growth.
Additionally, progesterone is not linked to an increased risk of breast cancer the way estrogen is. Progesterone helps counterbalance estrogen’s effects, contributing to endometrial protection, hormonal stability, and overall well-being.
6. Avoid Estrogenic Ingredients:
It’s important to be cautious when using creams or products that contain extracts of wild yams or other estrogenic ingredients. Despite some claims, wild yam cream is not a source of progesterone. While it does contain diosgenin, which can be converted into a hormone in laboratory settings, this is not the same as bioidentical progesterone and can still exert estrogenic effects on the body. This means that wild yam products could contribute to estrogen dominance, potentially exacerbating your symptoms.
For safe and effective use, always opt for USP progesterone cream, which contains bioidentical progesterone sourced from natural plant extracts and has been shown to mimic the progesterone your body naturally produces. Unlike wild yam or other estrogenic ingredients, USP progesterone cream supports the body’s natural hormonal balance without introducing additional estrogen-like effects.
7. No Risk of Blood Clots:
Another important benefit of progesterone is its lack of association with blood clots, which can sometimes occur with certain forms of hormone therapy. While synthetic estrogen in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, natural progesterone cream doesn’t carry that same risk. This makes it a safer option for women who are concerned about cardiovascular health and clotting risks.
8. Long-Term Use:
Progesterone cream is safe for long-term use, but like any therapy, it’s important to monitor your body’s response.
By following the correct usage guidelines and consulting with a holistic healthcare provider, natural progesterone cream can be a safe and effective solution for managing menopause symptoms and restoring hormonal balance.
Always be sure to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed, and remember that progesterone therapy along with appropriate shifts in your lifestyle can have long-term health benefits without the risks associated with synthetic hormones or hormone replacement therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between natural progesterone cream and synthetic progestins?
Natural progesterone cream contains bioidentical progesterone, which is chemically identical to the progesterone your body naturally produces. Synthetic progestins, on the other hand, are man-made hormones that do not mimic the natural form as closely and may cause more side effects or complications. Natural progesterone is more easily recognised and metabolised by the body, making it a safer and more effective option for most women.
2. Can I use progesterone cream if I’ve had breast cancer?
If you have had breast cancer, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using any form of hormone therapy, including progesterone cream. While progesterone is not linked to breast cancer, your healthcare provider will consider your unique health history when determining the best course of action.
3. How quickly will I feel the effects of progesterone cream?
The effects of natural progesterone cream can vary from person to person, but many women begin to notice benefits within a few days to a week, including relief from hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. Full effects can take a few weeks, so consistency in use is key for optimal results.
4. How do I know if progesterone cream is right for me?
If you are experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or irregular, painful or prolonged periods, progesterone cream may be a good option to help restore balance. It’s important to consult with your holistic healthcare provider to ensure that progesterone therapy is suitable for your unique situation.
5. Can I use progesterone cream if I’m postmenopausal?
Yes, postmenopausal women can benefit from progesterone cream if they are experiencing symptoms like mood swings, vaginal dryness, or insomnia. Progesterone can help restore balance to your hormone levels and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
6. Are there any side effects with progesterone cream?
Most women tolerate progesterone cream well with minimal side effects. However, some may experience mild issues like headaches, dizziness, or bloating as their body adjusts. If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, such as breast tenderness or depression, discontinue use and consult your holistic healthcare provider.
7. Is progesterone cream safe for long-term use?
Yes, progesterone cream is generally safe for long-term use, especially when used correctly.
8. Will progesterone cream help with weight gain during menopause?
Progesterone may help alleviate some of the weight gain associated with estrogen dominance by balancing your hormones. While it won’t directly cause weight loss, it can help regulate the metabolism and alleviate other symptoms that can contribute to weight fluctuations, such as mood swings and insulin resistance.
Who is this for?
Progesterone cream is ideal for women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances due to menopausal symptoms or estrogen dominance. This includes:
- Perimenopausal women experiencing hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Postmenopausal women looking to manage ongoing symptoms of hormone imbalance and protect their future health.
- Women who have estrogen dominance, (even if their estrogen levels are low) or suffer from estrogen-dominant issues such as PCOS and Endometriosis.
- Women seeking to restore hormonal balance without relying on synthetic hormone therapies.
- Those looking for a natural solution to balance their progesterone levels without the risks associated with synthetic progestins or HRT.
- Women who want to support their overall well-being and immune system while reducing the risk of endometrial cancer and other estrogen-dominant conditions.
If you’re ready to reclaim your quality of life and restore hormonal balance without relying on synthetic hormones or expensive prescriptions, natural progesterone cream could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Always consult with your holistic healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Important Clarification: Wild Yam vs. Bioidentical Progesterone Cream
It’s essential to distinguish between wild yam creams and bioidentical progesterone creams.
Many over-the-counter wild yam creams contain wild yam extract, but this extract does not automatically convert into progesterone in the body.
These creams may contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen but are not the same as progesterone.
In contrast, bioidentical progesterone creams like the one offered by Biovea (no affiliate) are derived from wild yam but undergo a special laboratory process to convert the diosgenin found in the yam into bioidentical progesterone.
This bioidentical progesterone is structurally identical to the progesterone the human body produces, allowing it to be absorbed and utilised more effectively.
When discussing progesterone, it’s essential to understand the difference between natural bioidentical progesterone (USP progesterone) and synthetic progestins. Unlike synthetic progestins, which are commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), USP progesterone is identical to the progesterone your body naturally produces.
However, USP progesterone is not available on prescription in many countries because it cannot be patented. Since it is derived from nature—typically from wild yam or soy—pharmaceutical companies cannot profit from exclusive rights to sell it. This is why synthetic progestins—which can be patented and marketed—are the standard prescription option, even though they do not provide the same biological benefits as real progesterone.
Therefore, because there is no financial incentive for Big Pharma to promote USP progesterone, it is not widely advertised or recommended by mainstream healthcare providers.
This lack of awareness has led many women to believe that their only option for hormone support is synthetic progestins or estrogen therapy—when, in reality, natural progesterone plays a crucial role in balancing hormones safely and effectively.
To summarise, while wild yam creams may provide phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen, they do not offer the same hormone-balancing effects as bioidentical progesterone creams that have undergone the conversion process.
When choosing a progesterone cream, it’s important to ensure that it contains bioidentical progesterone, as this is the form that best supports hormone balance.
Conclusion:
Natural progesterone cream can be a powerful tool for women seeking to restore hormonal balance during menopause, perimenopause, and beyond.
Whether you’re struggling with hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, or vaginal dryness, this simple, natural solution offers a way to regain control and improve your quality of life.
By supporting your body’s natural rhythms and addressing estrogen dominance, progesterone cream provides a safe and effective alternative to synthetic hormones and hormone replacement therapy.
When used consistently and correctly and in alignment with holistic lifestyle adjustments, natural progesterone helps restore balance, reduce symptoms, and protect your overall health without the risks associated with synthetic options.
It’s an option that empowers you to take charge of your hormonal health, all while supporting your immune system, vaginal health, mental well-being and overall long-term health.
Remember, you don’t have to go through your menopause experience alone.
With the right support and natural solutions, you can thrive through menopause and beyond.
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