Natural Progesterone
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 not surprising that this is so. It is well worth having a much greater understanding and appreciation for this remarkable hormone.

Some women who take progesterone experience unpleasant PMS-like symptoms. Individuals who 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. These symptoms, a result of temporary estrogen recepter stimulation - allowing your body to be more sensitive to naturally occuring estrogens, usually disappear after two cycles or so. You can reduce the dosage of progesterone in the meantime.

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.

The natural progesterone available in cream form at health food stores typically contains 20 to 25mg progesterone per dose. Your doctor may prescribe doses of up to 100mg or more, but 30mg per day is helpful for most women in need of supplemental progesterone. Progesterone is also available for oral use, but must be specially prepared and is more expensive than creams. A reputable researcher, Ray Peat, Ph.D. claims that progesterone dissolved in Vitamin E is far better absorbed than other types/forms.

Men also produce progesterone, but about half the amount of females. Progesterone is made in men by the adrenal glands and testes. Progesterone is the primary precursor of the adrenal cortical hormones and testosterone. Unlike in women, replacement in men should be based only upon laboratory testing or when used in a prescribed manner for specific conditions. Men can use progesterone cream continuously, not needing to cycle progesterone use like premenopausal women.

In premenopausal women, progesterone is usually used from ovulation until just prior to the commencment of menstruation. In postmenopausal women it is used continually, with some doctors recommending taking a break from estrogen and progesterone use for several days to a week each month.

Recent data on the oral administration of micronized progesterone contradicts data previously published suggesting that super-physiologic serum levels of progesterone are present after oral administration of micronized progesterone. It has been established that the earlier studies were in error, as they utilized a standard RIA assay that was inappropriate for use with an oral formulation of progesterone because the assay did not have the specificity to distinguish between progesterone metabolites and the parent compound. This is particularly misleading when a compound such as progesterone is administered orally because 95% is converted into inactive metabolites on its first pass through the liver. This methodological flaw also explains the paradox noted by several investigators that despite the apparent super-physiologic levels observed after oral administration a synchronous secretory transformation of the endometrium does not occur. In addition, the high level of metabolites seen after oral administration have been associated with pronounced sedative and hypnotic side effects. [Am J Obstet Gynecol 1988; 159: pp.1203-9]

A second area of confusion revolves around the mistaken belief that micronizing progesterone somehow makes it bioavailable. Micronization permits absorption but does not alter the extensive first-pass biotransformation of progesterone as demonstrated in the studies cited above.

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. It 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.

CAUTION: If you are using progesterone cream and think you may be pregnant, suddenly stopping could cause a miscarriage.