Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. In nonpregnant women, the main sites of progesterone synthesis are the ovaries and the adrenal cortices. Because of the poor oral absorption of progesterone and its susceptibility to rapid first-pass metabolism in the liver, a variety of oral, injectable and implantable synthetic analogs, called "progestins," have been developed. Progestational agents have many important clinical functions, including regulation of the menstrual cycle, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia, treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and contraception. See also information on DHEA hormone.

Natural progesterone source
Because of the reported side effects of synthetic analogs called "progestins," there has been interest in replicating the natural hormone for clinical use. Natural progesterone is obtained primarily from plant sources and is currently available in injectable, intravaginal and oral formulations. An oral micronized progesterone preparation has improved bioavailability and fewer reported side effects compared with synthetic progestins. Adolescents and perimenopausal women may require progestational agents for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding resulting from anovulatory cycles. These agents may also be used in women at risk for endometrial hyperplasia because of chronic unopposed estrogen stimulation. Progestin-only contraceptives can be used in women with contraindications to estrogen; however, efficacy requires rigorous compliance. New progestins for use in combination oral contraceptive pills were specifically developed to reduce androgenic symptoms. It is unclear whether these progestins increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. For information on natural supplements.

Progesterone plays an important role in postovulatory regulation of the menstrual cycle. Under the influence of luteinizing hormone, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which stimulates the endometrium to develop secretory glands. The corpus luteum produces progesterone for approximately 10 to 12 days of the cycle. If a fertilized ovum is not implanted, progesterone and estrogen levels decline sharply, resulting in menstrual bleeding. If fertilization occurs, progesterone supports implantation of the ovum and maintains the pregnancy.

How's is Progesterone made?
The human body uses a natural hormone called pregnenolone to convert into progesterone. While progesterone is only available by prescription, pregnenolone is sold over the counter. The biological actions of pregnenolone somewhat overlap with that of pregnenolone.

Pregrogesterone and memory
Progesterone, or rather its neuroactive metabolite allopregnanolone, influences amygdala activity and thereby influences cognition and memory.

Progesterone and anxiety
Allopregnanolone, the metabolite of progesterone, is a potent positive modulator of the GABA(A) receptor and produces sedative and anxiety reducing effects.

Progesterone questions
Q.  I read this on the internet, and can you tell me if the following is an accurate description of the benefit of progesterone?
   "Many think that Progesterone is a female hormone, but it is not feminizing in men at all. Estrogen is the feminizing hormone in men. It is progesterone that is the natural antagonist to it. In men over 50 it is excess estrogen that causes breast growth and other problems. Progesterone can help inhibit this. Please do not confuse real natural progesterone with the progestin analogs like Provera that have serious side effects. Natural progesterone is completely different. Nature has given progesterone to men and women to balance and offset the strong effects of estrogen. Men have much lower levels of progesterone than women so they need less. Progesterone is very poorly absorbed orally and broken down into unwanted metabolites. Fortunately, it is readily absorbed by the skin into the blood so transdermal creams are very practical and effective. Get a good cream that contains 800 - 1000mg of real natural USP progesterone per two ounce jar (400-500mg per ounce) and states so clearly on the label. Apply a mere
1/8th teaspoon directly to your scrotum (testical sac) daily. This allows it to get into the prostate receptors. Progesterone has been shown to be non-toxic and very safe especially in these very low amounts. You will by applying about 7mg daily of which about 5mg will actually get into your system. Let's discuss the research to prove progesterone antagonizes estrogen, is a powerful 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (stops DHT formation) and that the
prostate has specific progesterone receptors that no other hormone can attach to. We will not list the journals, volumes and dates but the following studies were published in the most prestigeous medical journals in the world such as Endokrinologie, Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, Gynecological Investigation, International Encyclopedia of Pharmacological Therapy, Acta Endocrinology, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, Oncology, Annals Endocrinology, Acta Physiologica
Latinoamerica, Prostate, Urology Research, Endocrinology and Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
   A. We have not seen much evidence that progesterone use in men is beneficial for prostate health or hair growth. If one were to use progesterone, natural progesterone is probably preferable to synthetic Provera. We have not seen any long term clinical trials regarding progesterone use in males to determine whether progesterone pills or cream are useful, beneficial or appropriate. There should be a good reason to use hormones since misuse can cause short term and long term side effects.

Q. I have been using a natural progesterone cream for about 2 months. It has herbs in the cream also. I have been using it as directed as far as number of days per month. It said to rub it in 2 times a day and I have been using it twice a day. Each application dispenses 20 mg of USP progesterone. It says to apply it to the chest, inner thighs, and inner arms or wrists. I alternate where I put it. My problem is I have started getting small round red raised moles at the spots I have been rubbing the cream on. What is causing this problem? Does this mean I can't use this product? Is it one of the herbs in the cream or the progesterone that is causing the problem? It can't be from sun exposure as I have not been out in the sun since I started using it.
   A. We can't say for sure since we don't know what the product is and what the herbs are or how they are mixed or what other ingredients are added to the progesterone cream. You may wish to ask the manufacturer directly. You may also with to try a different progesterone cream product which only has progesterone and no herbs to see if the same thing happens. If it does, it may be due to the progesterone itself as opposed to another ingredient within the cream.

Q. I am on no prescription medication at all. The one thing I do is use progesterone cream for 3 weeks per month. Have you heard of any difficulties taking Pycnogenol supplement with the progesterone cream?
   A. Much of supplement interactions depend on dosages and the person who is taking them. In low dosages, most supplements and hormones do not interact greatly, but each person is unique and the whole body and mind have to be considered rather than the limited information provided.

Q. I was wondering if you have any information on Progensa Progesterone Cream. On their website the claims are that Progensa Progesterone Cream is a remedy for: Uterine Fibroids Menopause Endometriosis PMDD-Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder  PCOS-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Estrogen Dominance Irregular Bleeding Anovulation (Lack of Ovulation) Luteal Phase Defect/Infertility
Premenstrual & Chronic Headaches Depression, Anxiety & Sadness Vaginal Dryness Urinary Incontinence Skin Conditions  Weight Gain Breast Pain Sleep Difficulties Low Sex Drive and Hot Flashes>
   A. We are not familiar with this progesterone product. But, we are suspicious about these claims since many medical conditions besides hormone issues can cause these problems and progesterone may not be a solution for them. Furthermore, the company selling this product on their website is violating FDA rules by making claims that their product can treat or cure a medical condition.

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