I want to offer some clarity about progesterone
Why do you take progesterone in hormone therapy ?
When taking hormone therapy if you have a uterus, Progestogens are administered with estrogen to protect the uterus. Estrogen alone (unopposed estrogen) has been clearly shown over decades to lead to uterine cancer or pre cancer through uterine lining overgrowth. This risk drops significantly and is the same risk value as untreated women with the correct dose of progesterone. So, I you have a uterus and are taking estrogen, you should also be taking progesterone or a similarly acting agent (please speak to your health care provider about options). It is important to know and understand the required coupling of the therapies. (Menopause Society)
What about compounded hormones and cream progesterone:
I often see people on compounded topical (usually cream) progesterone). This is at times with estrogen.
Why do I raise this point?
Well, sadly the topical progesterone won’t do what progesterone needs to do. Even in the few short and small trials conducted, it was revealed that the uterus did not have adequate protection with the tropical (usually compounded cream) progesterone.
If you are looking for a hormone similar to that which you have been making, know there are prescribed methods that meet that criteria. Micronized progesterone (prometrium) is structurally identical to the progesterone produced by your reproductive system. This medication is oral and does have additional benefits like sleep support in some women. Please speak to a health care provider about your unique prescription needs.
Also compounded hormone formulations can include a variety of hormones, and use untested, unproven combinations and/or additional ingredients. Please use caution with these products and consider evidence based methods instead.
BioIdentical Hormones
When talking about the desire to have hormones like the ones you have been making often leads to the confusion about what a bio- identical product is. There are government approved “bio Identical Hormones”. There are also compounded hormones claiming to be bio identical when they are in fact, not. I encourage you to speak to your health care team about your values of treatment and if you are starting or taking hormones ensure they are in line with your desires as well as best evidence.