Risks and Benefits of Using Progesterone Cream
Caroline Hedges
Caroline Hedges is a critically acclaimed researcher, writer and serial entrepreneur.
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Like most women, you’re probably wondering if progesterone cream is right for you. Now, you don’t have to wonder any longer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the risks and benefits of using progesterone cream, how it works, and its effects on your body.
Progesterone is the hormone your ovaries produce to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and aid pregnancies. But when women go through menopause, they experience a sudden drop in progesterone levels. This immediate change in hormones gives way to many physical and emotional symptoms, such as bone loss and the loss of elasticity in your skin. Luckily enough, women can address these symptoms with the help of progesterone cream!
What is Progesterone Cream?
Progesterone cream is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is a helpful treatment for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, signs of skin aging, and bone density loss. Progesterone cream is naturally plant-based and contains compounds extracted from soybeans and wild yams, making this product easily accessible and commonly sold over the counter.
How Progesterone Cream Works
Maintaining balanced levels of progesterone for female reproductive health is important since progesterone is the hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. When progesterone drops, progesterone cream helps bring hormone levels back into balance and alleviate common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, and fatigue.
Progesterone Cream Pros and Cons
Studies have shown that although progesterone cream can be a useful aid in alleviating menopausal symptoms, it has not been proven to be completely effective. To this day, research in progesterone cream has had mixed and inconclusive results. So, before using progesterone cream, it is always advisable to seek advice from a medical professional.
What is Progesterone Cream Good For?
Luckily, the research surrounding progesterone cream for skincare has yielded more positive results. It has been reported that effective usage and dosage of progesterone cream have led to firmer and more elastic skin. Also, there have been positive results in the overall appearance of women who have used a 2% progesterone cream. By the end of the study, the women appeared to have fewer wrinkles, less visible “laugh line” wrinkles, less visible eye wrinkles, and firmer skin.
In addition to healthier skin, progesterone cream can also aid in preventing bone density. Although more research is required to compare the effects of progesterone cream vs. progesterone pills on bone loss, there are still noticeable results from using the cream in preventing or slowing the loss of bone density. In preventing bone loss in pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal women, progesterone did play a significant role in the process. However, it was shown to be more effective paired with estrogen than on its own.
Progesterone Cream and Menopause
Progesterone levels are known to drop drastically during menopause. Progesterone cream can help improve these symptoms by reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness, helping achieve skin elasticity and relieving skin dryness, preventing osteopenia, and reducing weight gain, to name a few.
Progesterone Cream Side Effects
Since progesterone is a hormone, there is a slight risk of side effects when using this cream, such as fatigue, an upset stomach, tender breasts, and headaches. More serious but less common side effects include migraine headaches, dizziness, sharp chest pain, vaginal bleeding, and loss of vision.
It’s common to experience skin irritation if you regularly use progesterone cream on the same area. To avoid this side effect, apply the cream to different areas every time you use it.
For soy allergy patients, consult your doctor before using the cream as progesterone creams contain soy. Although the soy in these products is already broken down to a point where it is no longer allergenic, it is advisable to see what other options of progesterone cream are available that suit you.
How Much Progesterone Cream is Enough?
It is advisable to be cautious about the amount of progesterone cream you use. Healthcare providers may recommend that 25 mg per day is enough to manage hot flashes. In contrast, some healthcare providers will suggest applying the cream once a day for six days and skipping the seventh day if your main concern is avoiding hot flashes due to menopause. You can apply the cream to your inner thigh, forearm, neck, lower abdomen, or vaginal area.
Start Your Treatment at MedHealth 360!
If you are experiencing hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause and would like to explore treatment options, MedHealth 360 can help. We offer a variety of medical treatments, including hormone replacement therapy for men. Dr. Chang will work with you to find the best treatment for your needs!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. You can also read our blog for more information about healthy aging and wellness. We are here to help you feel your best!
