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Progesterone cream
Also called: USP progesterone, bioidentical progesterone cream
An over-the-counter skin cream that contains real progesterone, a hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation. It is a hormone, not an herb, and strength varies widely between products.
Commonly used for
- Perimenopause symptoms, such as sleep changes and heavy or irregular cycles (mixed research)
- PMS (limited research)
- Hot flashes (some studies, mixed results)
Found naturally in
- Made by the ovaries after ovulation, and by the placenta in pregnancy
- Not found in foods. Wild yam and soy contain a plant compound used in labs to make progesterone, but the body can't convert it.
Label red flags
- 'Natural progesterone' or wild yam products that don't list USP progesterone as an ingredient
- No stated amount of progesterone per pump or per measured dose
- Claims that it balances estrogen or replaces prescription hormone therapy
Check with a provider
- Using estrogen in any form. Progesterone cream may not protect the uterine lining, so this needs a prescriber.
- History of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, or other hormone-sensitive conditions
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease
- Use it with a prescriber who tracks symptoms and levels. Saliva and blood tests can give very different readings after skin creams.
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameOver-the-counter menopause and PMS creamsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameCompounded prescription creamsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameOver-the-counter menopause and PMS creamsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameCompounded prescription creamsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameOver-the-counter menopause and PMS creamsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameCompounded prescription creamsComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.