Bioidentical Progesterone Cream

Submitted on March 24, 2006 12:42pm

Bioidentical micronized progesterone has often been called the feel-good hormone because it elevates mood and has a calming effect. Women, who have experienced mood swings and migraine headaches on one of the hormone replacement drugs called Provera, often noticed complete resolution of these symptoms when switched to bio-identical progesterone. In addition, bio-identical progesterone was found to have the best effect on HDL cholesterol. Bioidentical progesterone can also act as a natural diuretic, in contrast to Provera, which often causes fluid retention and bloating.

Progesterone levels vary during the menstrual cycle and sometimes can be related to fertility problems. During menopause the levels also change, and the levels are usually measured to help determine the best HRT for each individual patient. Progesterone is naturally secreted by the ovary in the second two weeks of the menstrual cycle in ovulating women. Progesterone or progesterone-like substances called progestogens or progestins are taken by women in birth control pills, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or just sometimes to induce a menstrual period or regulate abnormal bleeding problems or if bleeding is irregular or prolonged. Progesterone has been used also as therapy for PMS syndrome and for women with infertility or frequent pregnancy loss.

The female body uses natural progesterone to make natural estrogen. A properly formulated natural progesterone cream is the natural safe choice for menstruating women and for post-menopausal women who wish to establish the correct balance of their two primary female hormones.

Benefits from natural progesterone include:

- Helps Use Fat for Energy
- Facilitates Thyroid Hormone Action
- Natural Anti-depressant
- Natural Diuretic
- Normalizes Blood Sugar Levels
- Restores Proper Cell Oxygen Levels
- Restores Libido
- Normalizes Menstrual Cycles
- Normalizes Zinc & Copper Levels
- Normalizes Blood Clotting
- Protects Against Breast Fibro cysts
- Helps Protect Epithelial cells against Breast Cancer
- Helps Prevent Endometrial Cancer
- Helps prevent Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer
- Precursor for Cortisone Production (Arthritis)
- Stimulates Osteoblast Cells (Osteoporosis Reversal)

What You Need to Know to Understand Estrogen and Progesterone

Estrogen is commonly known as the dominant 'female hormone' because its role in the female body is to prepare it for unique female functions such as pregnancy, and aids in the growth stages of puberty. Estrogen is vital for the development of breasts and hips. In addition, the vagina, uterus, and other female organs depend on the existence of estrogen in the body to mature.

Progesterone is another female hormone that works in conjunction with estrogen. Together the two hormones regulate the changes that occur with each monthly period and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Prior to menopause, more than 90% of the estrogen in a woman's body is made by the ovaries. Other organs, (including the adrenal glands, liver, and kidneys), also make small amounts of estrogen. This is why when a woman enters menopause, she experiences symptoms, due to a decrease in the production levels of estrogen. Fat cells also make small amounts of estrogen, and because of this, women who are overweight when during menopause may have fewer problems with hot flashes and osteoporosis (both of which are related to lack of estrogen).

Some of the other important benefits of estrogen become apparent when estrogen levels decline after menopause. For instance, estrogen stimulates skeletal growth and helps maintain healthy bones. It also helps protect the heart and veins by increasing 'good cholesterol' (HDL or high-density lipoprotein) and lowering 'bad cholesterol' (LDL or low-density lipoprotein). Estrogen may also affect a woman’s sexual desire.

Progesterone is the second most important female hormone. Similar to estrogen, most of progesterone is made by the ovaries, with a smaller amount made by the adrenal glands. Progesterone holds the jobs of:

- Stimulating the growth of a cushiony lining in the uterus where the fertilized egg can grow and develop into a baby

- Help the breast make milk

- Generally maintain pregnancy

Progesterone Cream Provides Menopausal Relief

A recent study has proven that the use of progesterone cream can provide relief of menopausal symptoms without any short-term health risks. It’s a different way for women to use bioidentical hormones to help with relief of menopause naturally. It has most commonly been used for the relief of hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and depression.

Women who are looking for a safe and natural alternative for synthetic hormones have found comfort in the use of this type of cream. The estimated 50 million Americans that are in the age bracket for menopause and peri-menopause are all looking for a more natural relief of the uncomfortable symptoms that occur during this time. Many women are relieved to find that there are now such options, such as progesterone creams, that are simple and easy to use, and do not carry the threatening side effects.

Women, who have higher levels of cortisol, are proven to be at a much higher risk for heart attacks, cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The use of progesterone cream can lower the levels of cortisol, therefore lowering the risk of such diseases and risks.

Bioidentical hormones, like this progesterone cream, are look-alikes that work the same way a naturally produced hormone would. When a woman’s ovaries stop making sufficient hormones, or she has them removed through surgery, the bioidentical hormone compounds mimic the exact hormones that the body used to provide. By using these bioidentical alternatives, the body is able to reach a state of homeostasis again, relieving many of the discomforts of menopause.

Many progesterone creams are available over the counter, but there are some that are prescribed by your doctor. Some of the prescribed progesterone creams can then be modified by a compounding pharmacy to fit the exact levels of hormones that your body needs. This eliminates the one-size-fits-all mentality and makes it much easier for women to find balance rather than taking too much or too little. Since no one’s body is the same, why would the dosage of medication be the same for everyone? It wouldn’t, and it’s a great relief to now have the option of individualized therapy through compounding pharmacies in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations.

Another benefit of receiving progesterone cream through a compounding pharmacy is that it can be combined with other hormones that your body is lacking. A common combination is estrogen and progesterone, since your body functions best when both are in balance.