Natural Progesterone Cream: How to Make It, What It Does

Natural progesterone cream has gained popularity as a bioidentical hormone therapy option for women experiencing hormonal imbalances. Unlike synthetic progestins, natural progesterone has the same molecular structure as the hormone produced by the human body, potentially offering benefits with fewer side effects.

What Natural Progesterone Does

Progesterone plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system and overall health. This hormone helps regulate menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and works in balance with estrogen to maintain bone density and cardiovascular health. As women age, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, progesterone levels naturally decline, often more rapidly than estrogen levels.

Natural progesterone cream may help address symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, including irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some women also use it to support fertility or ease menopausal transitions. The cream is typically applied to thin-skinned areas like the wrists, inner arms, or chest, where it can be absorbed through the skin.

Research suggests that transdermal progesterone application may offer advantages over oral forms, as it bypasses liver metabolism and may reduce certain side effects. However, absorption rates can vary significantly between individuals, making proper dosing challenging.

Basic Progesterone Cream Recipe

Important Safety Note: This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare provider before making or using homemade hormone preparations.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 1000-3000mg USP progesterone powder (bioidentical)
• Optional: 10-15 drops essential oils (lavender or geranium)

Equipment:

• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Small glass jars for storage
• Digital scale for accurate measuring

Instructions:

1. Melt the base ingredients: Using a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax until completely liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
2. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes, but don’t allow it to solidify.
3. Add progesterone: Carefully measure the progesterone powder using a digital scale. Gradually whisk it into the oil mixture, ensuring complete dissolution with no clumps.
4. Add essential oils: If desired, add essential oils for fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits.
5. Whip the cream: As the mixture begins to cool and thicken, whip it with a hand mixer or whisk until it reaches a creamy consistency.
6. Store properly: Transfer to sterilized glass jars and store in a cool, dry place. The cream should maintain potency for 6-12 months.

Important Considerations

Creating homemade progesterone cream presents several challenges and risks. Achieving consistent potency and proper absorption is difficult without professional equipment and testing. The FDA does not regulate homemade hormone preparations, and dosing accuracy can be problematic.

Progesterone can interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for women with specific health conditions, including breast cancer, liver disease, or blood clotting disorders. Symptoms like breast tenderness, drowsiness, or mood changes may indicate dosage adjustments are needed.

Professional Alternatives

Many healthcare providers recommend pharmaceutical-grade progesterone creams or other bioidentical hormone preparations that undergo rigorous testing for purity and potency. Compounding pharmacies can create customized formulations based on individual needs and hormone testing results.

Before considering any progesterone supplementation, comprehensive hormone testing and medical evaluation are essential. A qualified healthcare provider can determine whether progesterone therapy is appropriate and help establish proper dosing protocols.

While natural progesterone cream may offer benefits for hormonal balance, the complexity of hormone therapy requires careful consideration and professional guidance to ensure both safety and effectiveness.