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Natural progesterone, a cholesterol derivative, is made from wild Mexican yams or soybeans whose active ingredients are an exact molecular match of the body's own progesterone. Progesterone is also produced by the ovaries and compliments estrogen. Natural progesterone has far fewer side-effects than the synthetic varieties, called progestines - such as methylprogesterone (Provera).
It is interesting to note that in parts of Asia and South America where women eat either the wild yams or soybeans, the term "hot flash" doesn't even exist in their languages. They also rarely suffer from the host of female problems presently plaguing Western women. Note, however, that the use of wild yam does not increase progesterone levels, and does not act as a precursor to progesterone in humans. Soy products contain phytoestrogens that act by altering tissue responses to estrogen.
Dr. John Lee, a medical practitioner, independent researcher and author, has for 15 years conducted independent research into a natural, plant-derived form of progesterone. His non-pharmaceutically-funded research presents a much broader understanding of a woman's hormonal options and offers a totally safe, effective alternative that is free of all side-effects. He has found that this natural hormone - used in conjunction with a good diet and lifestyle changes - is capable of eliminating much of the suffering associated both with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
Millions of women in the Western world now use natural progesterone - generally in the form of a cream which is rubbed into the body. They claim that they not only have relief from female symptoms but experience increased vitality, better skin and renewed emotional balance. Natural progesterone seems to have been totally overlooked by medical science while the erroneous focus has been on estrogen or synthetic progestins. Considering that it is non-patentable and inexpensive, it is not surprising that this is so. It is well worth having a much greater understanding and appreciation for this remarkable hormone.
Synthetic Progesterone
It is important to make the distinction between natural progesterone that is produced by the body and the synthetic progesterone analogues classified as progestins, such as Provera, Duphaston and Primulut. There is a big difference between the two in their effect on the body, although doctors most often use their names interchangeably.
Since natural progesterone is not a patentable product, the pharmaceutical companies have altered it to produce synthetic progestins commonly used in contraceptives and HRT. Synthetic progestins, because they are not exact replicas of the body's natural progesterone, unfortunately create a long list of side-effects, some of which are quite severe. A partial list includes headaches, depression, fluid retention, increased risk of birth defects and early abortion, liver dysfunction, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, acne, hirsutism (hair growth), insomnia, edema, weight changes, pulmonary embolism and premenstrual-like syndrome. [Lee, John R., M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone, BLL Publishing, California, USA, 1994, p.12.]
Most importantly, progestins lack the intrinsic physiological benefits of progesterone, thus they cannot function in the major biosynthetic pathways as progesterone does and they disrupt many fundamental processes in the body. Progesterone is an essential hormone that also plays a part in the development of healthy nerve cells and brain and thyroid function. Progestins tend to block the body's ability to produce and utilize natural progesterone to maintain these life-promoting functions.
Without adequate knowledge, education and access to natural products, women have been easy prey to the powerful campaigns of the multinational drug companies that have convinced doctors as well as governments of their claims. It is becoming more evident that women's interests are not always best met through such a biased approach. It is also not unusual for profits to take precedence over health and well being. The last thing a woman needs is to have her natural bodily functions denigrated to deficiency diseases - thus necessitating ongoing medical attention.
The greatest weapon against compliance and ignorance is knowledge. It's time to ask poignant questions of your health provider, to demand answers and to be willing to investigate safe, alternative approaches. It is apparent that women will need to participate in educating their doctors about the other choices that exist as well as the ones that they prefer. Certainly, women have it well within their own power not only to find safe, natural and effective ways to heal themselves but to live long, full lives, preserving their vitality, youthfulness and health.
Source
The natural progesterone available in cream form at health food stores typically contains 20 to 25mg progesterone per dose. Progesterone is also available for oral use, but must be specially prepared and is more expensive than creams.
Micronized progesterone, Prometrium®, works as well but is more costly. Prometrium® is available in a 100 and 200mg capsule.
Reasons For Use
Natural progesterone increases libido, prevents cancer of the womb, protects against fibrocystic breast disease, helps protect against breast cancer, maintains the uterus lining, hydrates and oxygenates the skin, reverses facial hair growth and hair thinning, acts as a natural diuretic, helps eliminate depression and increase a sense of well being, encourages fat burning and the use of stored energy, normalizes blood clotting, and is a precursor to other important stress and sex hormones. Sometimes, even the two most prevalent menopausal symptoms - hot flashes and vaginal dryness - may disappear with applications of natural progesterone, though it may take many months.
Natural Progesterone has been used for the treatment of arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and varicose veins. Some of the progesterone will be absorbed systemically, but the highest concentration is sustained in the local area, helping to correct the problem. Intravaginal application of progesterone cream provides higher doses where needed in cases of endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Directions
Hormone levels may need to be tested prior to hormone cream use. Your doctor should know whether testing is necessary or not. Progesterone levels are best taken approximately seven days before menstruation. Salivary testing of hormone levels may not be accurate once hormone creams are used.
Progesterone is a prescription drug and 100mg a day, every day, rather than cycling is recommended in women. Your doctor may prescribe doses of up to 100mg or more. A reputable researcher, Ray Peat, Ph.D. claims that progesterone dissolved in Vitamin E is far better absorbed than other types/forms.
Progesterone used vaginally targets the uterus and is absorbed systemically as well. For the topical treatment of sun-damaged skin, acne wrinkles, etc., progesterone in oil and especially with vitamin E can be applied directly to the affected area.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Natural progesterone is not known to have any toxic levels to date.
Some women who take progesterone experience unpleasant PMS-like symptoms. Individuals who have had significant premenstrual symptoms while they were premenopausal are more likely to be affected. Changing the type of progesterone, the dose, the route of administration and the length of treatment can lessen this effect.
CAUTION: If you are using progesterone cream and think you may be pregnant, suddenly stopping could cause a miscarriage.
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Natural Progesterone can help with the following: | | | | | Circulation |  Varicose Veins |
Hormones |
 Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance | Estrogens and progesterone tend to be antagonistic hormones, each balancing the other. When progesterone levels are low, it can seem as though estrogen levels are too high, which may or may not be the case. Supplementation with natural progesterone corrects the real problem: progesterone deficiency. |
Hypothyroidism| | Within weeks of using adequate natural progesterone cream, symptoms of hypothyroidism may disappear. This is because natural progesterone increases sensitivity of estrogen receptors, and can therefore redirect estrogen activity and inhibit many of unopposed estrogen's undesirable side-effects, which include interference with thyroid hormone activity. |
Not recommended for:
 Progesterone Excess |
Infections |
Cystitis, Bacterial bladder Infection |
Inflammation |
 Bursitis
Tendonitis |
Musculo-Skeletal |
Osteoporosis - Osteopenia| | Estrogen and progesterone are known to provide benefit. The natural forms are best to use for many reasons. When appropriate, they should be used in combination. Estrogens decrease bone resorption, but also decrease bone formation, with an overall effect of reducing loss without substantially increasing bone mass. In contrast, natural progesterone stimulates new bone tissue growth. A three year study of 63 post-menopausal women using progesterone cream for osteoporosis found an average of 7-8% bone mass density increase the first year, 4-5% the second year and 3-4% the third year. |
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Organ Health |
Enlarged Prostate| | Males also produce progesterone, although only about half as much as females do. Progesterone prevents the body from converting testosterone to di-hydro testosterone. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Progesterone inhibits 5-alpha reductase more effectively than Proscar and saw palmetto which are the more standard agents employed in traditional and natural treatments for BPH. The dose of natural progesterone for men is 10-12mg per day (5-6mg bid) applied topically. Men do NOT need to cycle like premenopausal women and can safely take the progesterone daily. |
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Tumors, Benign |
Fibroids| | Though systemic progesterone use is often indicated, intravaginal application of progesterone cream may provide higher doses to the area needing it, and counter an estrogen dominance at the site. |
Ovarian Cysts |
Tumors, Malignant |
Prostate Cancer| | Dr. John Lee, M.D., the author of several books including What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, has found that progesterone for men is one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer. He has a series of patients who had metastatic prostate cancer who went into complete remission with natural progesterone. 5-6mg twice per day is applied to the back of the hands in cream form. Progesterone appears to turn on the anti-cancer gene p53. |
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Uro-Genital |
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS A (Anxiety)
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)| | If progesterone levels are low or estrogen levels too high, avoid unnecessary estrogen use. The presence of hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness indicate levels of estrogen may be too low. Progesterone use at higher than normal doses for a few weeks may help resolve the excessive bleeding. |
Endometrial Hyperplasia| | The addition of progesterone or resumption of ovulation (which produces progesterone) can eliminate the hyperplasia. |
Fibrocystic Breast Disease| | Natural progesterone can be effective in treating fibrocystic breast disease. |
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving)
Endometriosis
Menopausal Issues
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)| | Many women with PCOS have had success using progesterone cream to help produce regular periods. |
Susceptibility To Miscarriages| | Progesterone is responsible for maintaining the uterus lining which is necessary for the survival of the embryo as well as the developing fetus throughout gestation. Progesterone can be taken in different ways, but a more directed topical action can be achieved by the use of vaginal progesterone cream or suppositories. Progesterone is prescribed daily for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The average dosage is 50mg of progesterone twice per day, but some women will be given a stronger prescription of 100mg 2-3 times daily. |
Female Infertility| | Progesterone is an important hormone in preventing miscarriage. Without adequate progesterone, the lining of the uterus will remain rigid making pregnancy difficult to achieve. The lack of normal progesterone production by the ovaries in the second half of the menstrual cycle is called luteal phase defect. Women who have this defect are either unable to have their fertilized eggs implant in their uterine lining or, if the egg is implanted, it is so weak that miscarriage is a certain outcome.
To lessen the possibility of miscarriage, women who have a luteal phase defect use progesterone supplements after ovulation to help maximize the chance of carrying a pregnancy to full term. Progesterone supplements are also prescribed to women who are undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Progesterone supplements are given to women following an egg transfer in certain types of fertilization methods. Treatment for all women using progesterone supplements continues for at least fourteen days following ovulation. If pregnancy occurs in a woman who is taking progesterone supplements, her doctor may decide to continue the treatment for another 8 to 10 weeks until placental production of progesterone can carry the pregnancy successfully. |
Not recommended for:
 Pregnancy-Related Issues| | There are essentially no reasons during pregnancy why any woman would be advised to take hormones. |
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS D (Depression)| | In patients with PMS Type D, progesterone levels may be elevated. You should have your hormone levels checked prior to any hormone therapy: using progesterone cream may only make symptoms worse. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | Reasonably likely to cause problems | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH)
The benign buildup in the prostate of "warts" or epithelial neoplasias that can block or interrupt urination, and which are usually concurrent with moderate prostate enlargement. They cause a dull ache on urination, ejaculation, and/or defecation. The diagnosis is medical, since the same subjective conditions can result fromcancer of the prostate. BPH is common in men over fifty and can be the result either of diminished production of complete testosterone or poor pelvic circulation. Alcohol, coffee, speed, and antihistamines can all aggravate the problem.
BID
Twice per day.
Bursitis
The bursa is a fluid-filled pad that allows your muscles to easily slide over other muscles and bones. Bursitis occurs when this pad becomes inflamed. It usually occurs when you overuse or injure a specific joint, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain and inflammation around joints such as the elbow, hip, shoulder, big toe, ankle or knee.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.
Embolism
Obstruction of a vessel by an abnormal body, usually a detached blood clot.
Endometriosis
A condition whereby endometrial tissue builds up in parts of the uterus where it does not belong or areas outside of the uterus, forming 'ectopic implants'. Unlike the normal tissue lining the uterus, ectopic tissue has no place to shed in response to a decline in estrogen and progesterone. This results in debris and blood accumulating at the site of the implant leading to inflammation, scarring and adhesions that ultimately cause symptoms and complications. Symptoms typically occur in a cyclic fashion with menstrual periods, the most common being pelvic pain and cramping before and during periods; pain during intercourse; inability to conceive; fatigue; painful urination during periods; gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Leiomyomas (Fibroids, Fibromyoma, Leiomyoma, Myofibroma)
Benign tumors of the involuntary muscle. An encapsulated tumor made up of disorganized and irregular connective tissue. The most common of these is the "fibroid" tumor that develops in many women. It is really a leiomyoma of the uterus.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Male Pattern Baldness
The most common type of hair loss in men. It usually follows a typical "horseshoe" pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the top of the head, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition.
Menopause (Menopausal)
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Metastasize (Metastases, Metastasized, Metastasizes, Metastasizing, Metastatic)
Usually in reference to cancer: to spread, especially destructively.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Miscarriage (Miscarriages, Spontaneous Abortion)
The expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive outside of the womb.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Ovarian Cysts (Ovarian Cyst)
These occur in two forms, namely "functional" and "organic". Symptoms may not be present but can include pressure or pain in the abdomen, problems with urine flow or pain during sexual intercourse. Rarely, a very large cyst can become twisted and stop its own blood supply, possibly causing nausea, fever or severe abdominal pain. Functional ovarian cysts form part of the normal functioning of the ovary and are always benign. They may be either "follicular cysts", produced by all menstruating women every month and reaching up to 2-3cm in diameter before they rupture at ovulation, or "corpus luteum cysts", which appear after ovulation and may grow to produce "hemorrhagic cysts" if ovulation does not occur or is delayed. Rupture of such a cyst can sometimes cause painful ovulation or bleeding, which is often moderate and resolves by itself. Organic ovarian cysts may be benign or malignant and are not linked to the functioning of the ovary. They occur as either "dermoid cysts", which are benign tumors that may nevertheless recur on either ovary and contain elements derived from the skin (hairs, sebum, teeth), or other organic cysts.
Ovary (Ovaries)
Ovaries are about the size of an almond and lie on either side of the lower abdomen beside the uterus. They usually produce one egg each month and whether the egg is fertilized or not, the reproductive process follows a monthly cycle, with constant changes in various hormone levels, preparing another opportunity for conception. The ovary is responsible for most of the estrogen production in women. At menopause (sometime after middle-age), egg production ceases and hormone levels drop significantly.
pH
A measure of an environment's acidity or alkalinity. The more acidic the solution, the lower the pH. For example, a pH of 1 is very acidic; a pH of 7 is neutral; a pH of 14 is very alkaline.
Phytoestrogen (Phytoestrogens)
A plant substance with activity similar to human estrogen, but with important differences. Like real estrogen, plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in cells, thereby preventing real estrogen from binding to these cells. Unlike real estrogen, however, plant estrogens do not stimulate cell growth, therefore, plant estrogens are believed to inhibit the growth of tumors that would normally be stimulated to grow by real estrogen.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Premenopause (Premenopausal)
The period when women of childbearing age experience relatively normal reproductive function (including regular periods).
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS consists of various physical and/or emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about midcycle, are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation and include: acne; backache; bloating; fatigue; headache; sore breasts; changes in sexual desire; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty handling stress; irritability; tearfulness.
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Saliva (Salivary)
The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food and moistens the oral walls.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons (structures that attach muscles to bones).
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Uterus (Uterine)
The part of the female reproductive system specialized to allow the implantation, growth and nourishment of a fetus during pregnancy.
Varicose Veins
Twisted, widened veins with incompetent valves.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Last updated: Apr 27, 2008
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