Can the use of natural progesterone creams really ease menopausal symptoms?
Despite the long-standing belief that a decrease in levels of the hormone estrogen is the root cause of menopause symptoms, medical experts now realize that hormonal imbalance plays a greater role than estrogen decline alone. This is yet to be scientifically proven, but many doctors are suggesting that women take progesterone to correct this hormonal imbalance.
Most women are currently encouraged to take a combination of estrogen and progesterone; estrogen to limit the symptoms of menopause, and progesterone to protect the lining of the uterus and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Why use progesterone as a cream rather than other remedies?
Progesterone, or pro gest, is not very effective when taken orally because it has to pass through the liver where it is broken down and greatly reduced in strength. To achieve the same results with an oral dose of pro gest as with a cream would require an oral dose around six times greater. Pro gests in patches and gels on the other hand, have proven to cause skin irritation and peel off during heavy perspiration.
Is at all right to use synthetic pro gest?
Using synthetic pro gest is not recommended its chemical structure differs from the progesterone that occurs naturally in the body. This can cause more problems because the body will either try to reject the hormones or respond unpredictably. Side effects of synthetic pro gest include water retention, depression, heart disease, and increased risk of cancer.
Natural and synthetic progesterone: How do they differ?
Natural pro gest matches the exact chemical formulation of the body's own progesterone and thus causes no side effects. Manufacturers of synthetic pro gest alter the chemical makeup of progesterone in order to create progestins. Progestins, in their altered molecular structure, may cause many side effects such as migraine, asthma, epilepsy, birth defects or abortion, fluid retention, kidney dysfunction and depression. However, natural progesterone is chemically identical to the hormone produced in the ovaries of menstruating women, the placenta of pregnant women and the adrenal glands of post menopausal women and have NEVER been associated with an negative side-effects when taken as recommended (Note: there can be side-effects if doses are excessive but none of these side-effects [deepening of the voice, increased facial hair, etc.] are a danger to your long-term health).
Are there other uses of natural pro gest cream?
Menstruating women may be prescribed natural pro gest cream to treat severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is caused by an imbalance of hormones prior to menstruation, and pro gest cream addresses this imbalance, treating the cause - not only the symptoms! Women taking pro gest cream to treat PMS may find that it slightly alters or disrupts their cycles.
Can natural pro gest cream be bought over the counter?
Currently natural pro gest cream can only be obtained on prescription, and it is important that you consult your doctor beginning any treatment for menopause symptoms, anyway. Steer clear of most over-the-counter creams which contain diosgenin, a plant steroid extracted from yams grown in Mexico. Diosgenin, though chemically similar to pro gest, does not act like progesterone. Humans cannot convert diosgenin into pro gest. In general, over the counter products are not recommended.
A range of other possible benefits have been linked with progesterone cream, including improving the quality of sleep, reducing migraines, limiting fluid retention, reducing risk of certain cancers, stabilizing blood sugar and preventing depression. Not all of these are proven, so consult your doctor before beginning any pro gest treatment.
Click here to read about the symptoms of PMS