There are so many progesterone cremes on the market, what should I look for in a quality product?
Hi Catherine,
There are so many progesterone cremes on the market. I’m confused on which one to buy. What should I look for in a quality product?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Shirley
Dear Shirley,
Depending on which country you purchase your cream from, check that it contains pure progesterone (micronised BP) or, alternatively, your cream’s ingredients might refer to USP (United States Pharmacopeia) grade progesterone. If the word ‘progesterone’ is not listed on your cream’s ingredient, then it probably doesn’t contain progesterone.
Wild Yam Extract (diosgenin), when included as an ingredient in a natural progesterone cream, can potentially have beneficial estrogenic effects in the body. Be wary, however, of creams touted as being a ‘Wild Yam Extract’ cream that contain NO natural progesterone. These creams are NOT recommended for women who are progesterone deficient and are looking to supplement this hormone.
Natural progesterone creams containing plant derived estrogens are not recommended in those women with a history of breast or uterine cancer, obesity, diabetes, or a history of clotting or vascular disorders. Certain herbs stimulate estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells to grow, and/or compete against any natural progesterone taken and should be avoided.
Make sure you know how much natural progesterone is contained in your jar or tube or cream, and how much is delivered per application. Are you are getting the correct dosage into your body?
The percentage of progesterone contained in your cream determines how much is administered each application:
- 1.6% ~ 16mg per 1 gram application
- 2% ~ 20mg per 1 gram application
- 3.2% ~ 32mg per 1 gram application
- 4% ~ 40mg per 1 gram application
- 6% ~ 60mg per 1 gram application
- 8% ~ 80mg per 1 gram application
- 10% ~ 100mg per 1 gram application
Hormones taken orally enter the bloodstream from the small intestine, and go directly to the liver. Because the liver is not accustomed to receiving large amounts of hormones, it begins to break them down, leaving only a small percentage of the ingested hormone available to cells. Medications like bioidentical progesterone delivered transdermally (rubbed directly onto the skin) circumvent the digestive system, avoid liver metabolism and subsequently can be administered in substantially lower doses.
Check correct cream base for maximum absorbability. Creams containing mineral oils (paraffin) will NOT deliver progesterone to the body because the progesterone is more soluble in the mineral oil and will not permeate the skin.
Creams should contain NO animal products or byproducts, nor any petrochemical based ingredients.
Best work in grams or ounces for accuracy of dosing. A “teaspoon dose” can vary from kitchen to kitchen. Most cream distributors provide their own measuring dispenser which will eliminate the guesswork on your part.
Tightly close your jar or tube of natural progesterone after opening - oxygen breaks down progesterone. And always store in a cool, dry, dark place (70-75 ?F; 20.1-23.8 ?C).
Don’t give up on progesterone supplementation simply because you are experiencing a ‘reaction’ to your cream (itching). We recommended you swap brands, perhaps opting for a cream that is free from additional hormones, herbs and alcohols.
A Guide to Using Bioidentical Progesterone to Facilitate Fertility and Support Pregnancy
A 60 Day User Guide
A 60 Day User Guide
This publication is a MUST HAVE consumer guide to purchasing and using bioidentical progesterone.
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