Are you looking at natural progesterone cream as an option to rebalance your hormones? Wondering how it compared to synthetic medications such as progesterone tablets?
Natural progesterone cream has become much more accessible in recent years. However, it is still a supplement that can have potentially problematic side effects.
Natural progesterone cream vs bio-identical medication
Progesterone cream is a natural hormonal supplement. It is made either from wild yam or soy. The dosages vary – some are 5mg per pump and some are 30mg per pump.
When using natural progesterone cream, you want to opt for the USP micronised options. This form is well-absorbed by the body and is supported by clinical evidence.
It’s also best to opt for a cream with the least amount of excipients. After all, if you’re working on hormone balance, you don’t want to add a bunch of chemicals in!
There are some forms that aren’t micronised. Despite the anecdotal evidence, there isn’t much clinical research to back them up. It isn’t clear if the body is actually using it and increasing progesterone levels directly. It might be that non-micronised creams support cholesterol levels and precursors. So this could mean it helps indirectly rather than directly.
Although both natural and synthetic options contain progesterone, there is a huge difference. The natural cream is far less likely to affect your liver and gallbladder.
When you take tablets such as Prometrium, you’re getting up to 200mg of progesterone. This needs to be absorbed by the gut, then process through the liver using glucuronidation and sulfation. From there, it produces metabolites that are cleared through the gallbladder.
This puts a lot of pressure on 3 different organs of the body, particularly the gallbladder. Many women have noted they develop gallbladder issues after using hormone-based medications.
What do I recommend as a health practitioner?
When it comes to progesterone cream vs tablet, I will always opt for the cream. The reasons include:
- You can easily adjust the dose up or down as needed
- The dose is absorbed through the skin, not the gut
- It puts far less pressure on the liver and gallbladder
- You can apply it directly to the mucus membranes of the vulva and vagina so it acts rapidly and locally
However, it’s important to remember that my advice in a blog does not override that of your healthcare team! If you’re concerned about using medication they have prescribed for you and are wanting to switch to a natural progesterone cream, make sure you speak to your healthcare provider first.
If you are going to use synthetic progesterone medication, I recommend having:
- Liver and gallbladder function tested first to ensure there is a low risk of problems
- A Dutch hormone test to assess the state of your hormones first (learn more about the Dutch test here)
Struggling with low progesterone levels?
While creams and bio-identical hormones may be needed in some cases, the best step is to start with the basics. For example, did you know the foods you eat can support a healthy hormone balance?
That’s why I’ve created a meal plan that can:
- Balance blood sugars
- Support progesterone production
- Prevent bloating
- Improve your mood
Sound like what you need? Grab my Hormone Support Meal Plan here.
