Suggested dosing of Progesterone, natural
20 mg (1/4 tsp) cream/day applied topically to thighs or upper arms, for 20 days out of each month
Suggested uses of Progesterone, natural
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause, osteoporosis, PMs
Efficacy
Positive studies for menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Results mixed or negative for osteoporosis, PMs
Progesterone, natural adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Vaginal spotting
Rash
Edema
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy, hypersensitivity
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid use
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Progesterone, natural
Mechanism of action
Diosgenin from Mexican yams (Dioscorea spp.) chemically altered to be identical to human progesterone
Unaltered "yam extract" has little or no progesterone activity
