If you are approaching, dealing with, or have completed menopause, you may be curious about progesterone cream as a way to deal with hormone imbalances.
Similarly, you may also be trying to decide between using a naturally-based or a bio-identical cream.
There are benefits to using this treatment, but there are also potential side effects that you should be made aware of.
As a woman ages, her body begins to slow down its progesterone production as she stops ovulating.
Since progesterone is required to balance out estrogen, this reduction of its presence in the body can lead to estrogen dominance - a medical condition that can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and the risk of osteoporosis, as well as heart disease.
But even if you do not have estrogen dominance, progesterone cream can be beneficial.
When given a choice, always pick all natural progesterone cream, preferably certified by the United States Pharmacopoeiac.
Using it regularly can help lead to an overall reduction in rapid mood swings, anxiety, hot flashes, and cramping, though there is the possible side-effect of interference with testosterone and cortisol.
There are also bio-identical creams available, usually derived from wild yams.
However, some of these do not actually indulge progesterone but rather diosgenin, a chemical that our bodies cannot handle.
Using creams that include diosgenin can lead to side effects including depression, asthma and heart conditions.
There have even been reports of cancer in result of using these creams, so it is best to avoid them completely.
Natural progesterone cream is safe though, but there are a few precautions to take when applying it.
Usage can cause mild irritation if applied in excess, so it is best to spread out the application.
Choose sites where there is a good deal of blood flow just under the skin, such as on your face, neck, palms, and breasts.
Remember to always talk to your doctor though before beginning any type of hormone therapy, including use of a progesterone cream.