Are there different ‘grades’ of progesterone cream?
Hi Catherine,
We were trying progesterone from a compounding pharacy and then switched to one that was over the counter but the same dose. The over the counter does not seem to work as well and we were wondering if there are different grades. I noticed that on some sites, they advertise USP grades and others do not. If both were 2% progesterone cream and one was USP and one was not, should we expect a difference?
Thank you,
George
Dear George,
In the United States progesterone in a cream base is classified as a cosmetic as long as the manufacturing company makes no therapeutic claims for their products. This is why most commercially produced creams are called body creams or lotions. Any claims about effects on menopausal symptoms tend to be very generalised and “grey” so as not to incur the wrath of FDA . Third party claims via websites or advertising material is at arms length from manufacturers and therefore claims often represent progesterone as being the “magic bullet” for all types of ailments.
Because of the cosmetic status of commercially produced creams adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is not regulated in the same way and the pharmaceutical industry and to a lesser extent the “compounding pharmacy” industry.
Labelling requirements on cosmetics is also variable and the amount of progesterone actually in a preparation does not need to be stated.
It is my experience that labelling on some preparations available in the USA can often border on deception.
USP or BP grade progesterone means that the progesterone used is of United States Pharmacopeia or British Pharmacopeia standards which is extremely high quality.
In general, a good quality compounding pharmacy will only use USP or BP standard active ingredients.
Without being able to assay the two preparations your member used it is likely that the compounded product actually has 2% progesterone USP in it whereas the over the counter may not.
Dr John Lee highlighted the variation of products on the US market in his original book (page 269-272) ‘What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause‘. He expanded on the original list in subsequent editions and books.
IN general, if a company cannot give written confirmation of the amount of progesterone in their preparation then I would have serious doubts about the quality of the product.
Another important issue in progesterone cream production is the base in which the progesterone is dispersed.
Different bases will “release” at different rates and the skin is a natural barrier to permeation of drugs. Different compounded products may vary in effectiveness depending upon the type of base used in the manufacture.
If purchasing a cream from a compounding pharmacy it is best to enquire with the pharmacist as to the type of base being utilised.
An oil-in-water base will provide a far more effective delivery system than an aqueous moisturing base in terms of achieving a systemic effect.
Best wishes
Michael Buckley
Progesterone & Pregnancy
A Guide to Using Bioidentical Progesterone to Facilitate Fertility and Support Pregnancy
Of all female hormones, progesterone is the one most essential for conception and to the survival of the fertilized egg and the fetus throughout gestation.
This self-help user guide is based on tried and tested suggestions reported by women who’ve successfully incorporated supplemental bioidentical progesterone to enhance their fertility and protect mother & child against complications during pregnancy. [More details]
This is an Electronic item to be downloaded, not an actual
physical product. There are not shipping or handling charges.
Cost: $9.95
Progesterone & Polycystic Ovaries
A 60 Day User Guide
PCOS affects an estimated 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer).
This self-help user guide explains some of the signs & tests for polycystic ovaries, how to use progesterone to prevent future complications, and then steps you through cream dosage & usage techniques. [More details]
This is an Electronic item to be downloaded, not an actual
physical product. There are not shipping or handling charges.
Cost: $9.95
Progesterone & Migraine Headaches
A 60 Day User Guide
Over half of women with migraine report having them right before, during, or after their period. Others get them for the first time when taking birth control pills. And some women start getting them when they enter menopause.
This self-help user guide explains what causes migraine headaches, how to use progesterone to find long term relief, and then steps you through cream dosage & usage techniques. [More details]
This is an Electronic item to be downloaded, not an actual physical product. There are not shipping or handling charges.
Cost: $9.95
10 Things EVERY Woman Should Know About Natural Progesterone
This publication is a MUST HAVE consumer guide to purchasing and using bioidentical progesterone.
Chapters include: Delivery method – cream, oil or pill?, When & how to apply cream, How much cream to use, Discovering your optimal level, What to do if you don’t get results, Being active in your choices, and much more.
This self-help user guide really should be titled, ‘Progesterone Therapy from A-Z'. [More details]
This is an Electronic item to be downloaded, not an actual
physical product. There are not shipping or handling charges.
Cost: $9.95
A Woman's Guide to Using Natural Progesterone
If you are fed up feeling miserable and unwell, suspect hormone imbalance, and want to know more about how natural progesterone cream might help, doesn't it make sense to trust THE WOMEN who've actually used natural progesterone for over a decade ... and reported remarkable results?
This 210 paged self-help user guide walks you through what progesterone is, why our bodies needs it, how to determine if you are deficient in this hormone, and provides proven common-sense health solutions. [More details]
This is an Electronic item to be downloaded, not an actual physical product. There are not shipping or handling charges.
Cost: $24.95
A Secure Shopping Experience
Full money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the benefits you receive after accessing our ebook, let us know within 60 days and you will receive a full refund. No questions asked.
-
PayPal 
protects your financial information with industry-leading security and fraud prevention systems. When you use PayPal, your financial information is not shared with us (the merchant). Once your payment is complete, you will be emailed a receipt for this transaction. The information practices of PayPal, Inc. have been reviewed and meet the standards of the Better Business Bureau’s BBBOnline Privacy Programme.
We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and confidentiality online.
“Thank you so much for helping me. I have started to read your self-help ebook and I love what I have read so far. This info is really going to help me on using and understanding NPC. I can't thank you enough for thinking about us women when we need the help at these most crucial times. Thanks you again, and thank you for your time.”
-- Lisa, USA
“Look over the guidelines in Catherine’s excellent new ebook. It really should be titled, ‘Progesterone Therapy from A-Z’. A superb resource!”
– Dr Robert W Patterson, Sanford, NC
