Progesterone Cream - Time of Ovulation, Beneficial Effects, How to Use, Dosage

Overview:

The ovary produces progesterone, approximately 20 to 30 mg daily. The adrenal gland also produces some amount of progesterone. It is mainly produced during the last phase of the menstrual cycle. During each year, the amount of progesterone production is falling, and by the fifth or sixth decade of life, it gets totally diminished. This mechanism is known as menopause. Menopause is due to the fall in the level of progesterone in 90% of women. This is the reason for the end of the menstrual cycle in women during their fifth or sixth decade.

Topical Progesterone:

Progesterone deficiency causes a lack of ovulation, and women become estrogen dominant when there is a reduction of progesterone stores in the body. These women are usually thin and have little fatty tissue in the body, and they are more prone to:

• Miscarriages.

• Irregular periods.

• Sex drive.

Progesterone cream helps to relieve symptoms of menopause, reduce signs of aging, and prevents osteoporosis. It makes the uterus healthy where the fertilized egg attaches and survives, makes the vagina and cervix more accessible for entering of sperm into the uterus, prevents rejection of fertilized egg, promotes the development of the fetus, increases sexual desire, etc., which ultimately enhances the chances of conception.

Drug Group:

Progesterone belongs to the class of drugs called progestins (female hormones). It is mainly used for enhancing the process of fertility and works to replace the hormone by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus.

Composition:

Progesterone cream is an over-the-counter drug and is highly used as an alternative for women who need to avoid synthetic progesterone, progesterone pills, transdermal patches, and vaginal gels. Progesterone cream is derived from natural plant-based progesterone Dioscorea villosa found in,

• Soybeans (or).

• Wild yam.

How Can Progesterone Levels Affect the Body?

Ovulation:

When an ovum is released from any one of the ovaries, it comes inside the uterus to become fertilized with sperm. This phase is known as the luteal phase. At this time, the uterine lining becomes thick with lots of blood vessels to provide protection and nutrition to the fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, this uterine lining starts to shed off, and menstruation or the period may start. For conceiving a baby, ovulation is the necessary process that is well regulated by progesterone and estrogen hormone. There are many signs and symptoms associated with the ovulation process, such as a slight increase in the temperature of the body, white mucus secretion from the cervix or vagina, and also some pain in the lower abdominal region. Many women feel that they have a high peak of sexual desire during these days. Some research shows that women may become more conscious about their look and facial attractiveness during this time.

Time of Ovulation:

There are many methods available for calculating the time of ovulation. The most reliable and easy method is that ovulation starts on the 14th day from the menstruation date.

Role Of Progesterone:

• Progesterone is mainly used for enhancing the process of fertility. The most important function of this hormone is developing the uterus for pregnancy. In case you have problems conceiving, get a medical second opinion online.

• This hormone increases the basal temperature of the body, and so, it is also referred to as a warm temperature hormone.

• When pregnancy presents, secretion of the progesterone occurs for 8 weeks. When pregnancy does not occur, secretion will become low and cause menstruation.

• The possibility of breast cancer is also minimized with the help of progesterone hormone because it helps to balance the larger quantity of the estrogen hormone. A high concentration of estrogen in the body is the main cause of breast cancer.

• It also acts as a mediator in our body for producing other hormones such as adrenal, estrogen, and testosterone.

• This hormone is mainly used for manufacturing creams to increase the fertility process. It is used in those patients who have low levels of progesterone.

What Are the Beneficial Effects of Progesterone?

There are many beneficial effects of progesterone for fertility. It is a cheap non-surgical method for conceiving.

1. It reduces and protects the risk of breast cancer and tumor – as mentioned above.

2. It prevents cramps during the premenstrual period.

3. It prevents the accumulation of fat tissue in the hip area.

4. It increases the formation of endometrial tissue within the uterus.

5. It enhances the action of the thyroid hormone.

6. Abnormal blood coagulation or blood clotting is best prevented with progesterone cream.

7. It helps to increase sexual desire.

8. It also helps to balance the level of sugar in the blood.

9. It also enhances the oxygenation of each and every tissue of the body and helps to provide energy.

10. It also works as a preventive hormone for the reduction of the risk of endometrial organ cancer.

11. Bone strength is also increased by progesterone cream.

What Are the Ways to Naturally Improve Progesterone?

In addition to using progesterone treatments, we can improve the body's natural progesterone by,

1. Maintaining a healthy body weight.

2. Reducing stress by following,

• Meditation.

• Journaling.

• Reading.

• Listening to music.

• Enjoying other activities.

1. Avoid excessive exercise.

2. Foods do not contain progesterone, and some foods may stimulate the production of progesterone in the body. These include:

• Beans.

• Potatoes.

• Broccoli.

• Chickpeas.

• Cabbage.

• Bananas.

• Cauliflower.

• Red meat.

• Nuts.

• Kidney beans.

• Pumpkin.

• Shellfish.

• Spinach.

• Whole grains.

• Almonds.

By following this, a woman can develop natural progesterone in the body, which,

• Protects the lining wall of the uterus.

• Prevents uterine cancer.

• Maintains good cholesterol levels.

• Reduces PMS symptoms.

What Is Progesterone Cream Used For?

There are many indications for using progesterone cream for pregnancy, such as,

1. Multiple and recurrent miscarriages.

2. Absence of menstruation.

3. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) - multiple cysts in the ovary.

4. Loss of sexual desire.

5. Obesity, which restricts fertility.

6. Vaginal and cervix dryness.

7. Severe deficiency of progesterone hormone.

How to Use Progesterone Cream?

• If a person wants to get the maximum effect of this cream, then choose the route that directly delivers this hormone to the ovary.

• The cream has an appropriate quantity of hormones with negligible side effects. Progesterone is available in the form of the base with gel or cream. Both are equally beneficial.

• Transdermal application over the skin is very beneficial. In this way, the gastrointestinal complication is bypassed. It can be applied once or twice a day.

• When applied over the skin, it gets absorbed by the fat tissues beneath the skin. It is a fat-soluble protein. Then the fat tissue will release the hormone into pelvic vessels. Through blood vessels, it will reach the heart and get supplied to different parts of the body.

• A woman may apply this cream on the abdomen, face, inner thigh, upper neck, chest, breast, palms, and feet. For better function, the inner thigh or lower abdomen is the best location for the application of the cream. This is the area where fat tissues are more, and another advantage is that the uterus and ovary are near to it. It may also be applied over the surface of the vagina so that the hormone directly enters into pelvic vessels, and from there, it circulates in the body through the heart, same as above stated natural circulation.

Dosage:

• For premenopausal women - 15 to 24 mg per day for 14 days before the expected period is beneficial and should be stopped the day before periods. It means that women should start the cream from the 12th day of the period and stop on the 26th day. Withdrawal of the cream will cause a decrease in the level of progesterone, and it will become a stimulus for menses. That time menstrual cramps on the lower abdominal area may reduce.

• For menopausal women - 15 mg per day for the first 25 days of the month, then stop for 5 or 6 days and then restart on the first of the next month.

• In case of an estrogen-dominant person, a higher dose will be recommended, approximately 40 mg twice a day for two months, to start ovulation. After that, the dose will decrease and will become normal.

Some research shows that if women divide the dosage and apply it two times a day, then it would be more beneficial rather than applying the entire dose once a day. When women start to apply hormone cream, its effect will last for 6 hours after application. Splitting of dosage may help a lot because splitting will allow 12 hours of efficacy.

Natural Versus Artificial Progesterone Cream:

Artificial progesterone, which is made in the laboratory, has many complications. Complications associated with synthetic progesterone are brain stroke, abnormal menstrual flow, cancer, nausea, retention of fluid in tissues of peripheral extremities, depression, and increased possibilities for heart attack. That is why the natural progesterone cream has become more popular nowadays.

Natural progesterone is best obtained from plants like wild yams and soybeans. The complications associated with synthetic progesterone can be minimized with the intake of natural progesterone. Instant relief is achieved by topical progesterone cream for painful abdominal cramps. It is also used for the prevention of threatened abortion or miscarriage.

Why Is Oral Preparation Not Recommended?

The normal mechanism for this hormone is that it is synthesized and secreted by the ovary itself into the vessels of the pelvis, which in turn supply different parts of the body through the pumping action of the heart.

If a person takes this orally, it will cause severe acid formation in the stomach. As a result, the effect of progesterone will get damaged by more acid secretion. This hormone further enters into the liver, will get metabolized and damaged. These hormones are screened by the liver, and some of the damaged ones will get eliminated through urine. So, through oral preparation, only 15% to 20% of the total quantity will reach the target area. If a patient wants to take it orally, she has to take more than 500% of the actual amount, but this amount increases acid secretion in the stomach. Furthermore, the liver may produce different varieties of metabolites. Progesterone combines with these metabolites and causes allergic reactions. Many complications may appear due to this reaction. That is why progesterone cream is more widely used than oral intake.

What Are the Drug Warnings?

1. The safety of progesterone cream is not known in pregnant or breastfeeding women. So, unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid using this product.

2. Also, avoid it if you have an allergy or sensitivity to progesterone.

3. Do not take the drug when you have liver problems, so when consulting a doctor, make sure you tell all your medical history.

4. This medication should not be used in children.

5. When you have a history of cancer of the breast or genitals, avoid using the drug.

6. When you suffer from bleeding issues or clotting problems, kindly do not take this drug as it can lead to prolonged bleeding.

7. On vaginal bleeding, take the drug with caution.

What Precautions Should You Take While Using Progesterone Cream?

1. Tell your doctor the medical history and all the pre-existing medical conditions.

2. Place the medication away from the reach of children.

3. Mention your doctor if you are allergic to previous use of progesterone or any medication or ingredient.

4. It has not been tested in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so kindly inform the status of pregnancy or lactation to the physician.

5. Inform your doctor if you have a history of any of the following as this product should be used with caution when they have,

• Heart problems

• Kidney problems

• Seizures

• Migraine headaches

• Asthma

• Depression

What Are the Side Effects of Progesterone Cream?

The side effects of progesterone cream differ according to the product used, and they are,

1. Moderate weight gain.

2. Drowsiness.

3. Nausea.

4. Headaches.

5. Breast pain.

Side Effects on Long-Term Usage of Cream:

When progesterone cream is used for several months, you may experience,

1. PMS-like symptoms.

• Joint pain.

• Muscle weakness.

• Fatigue.

• Bloating.

• Acne flare-ups.

• Alcohol intolerance.

• Constipation or diarrhea.

1. Oily skin.

2. Increase in acne.

3. Excessive growth of body hair (hirsutism).

4. Depression.

5. Anxiety.

6. Abnormal blood clotting.

7. Skin irritation - When progesterone cream is repeatedly applied on the same area.

So before starting with progesterone cream, talk to your doctor and have a plan to use progesterone cream.

One should not apply too much over the target area as it will cause hormonal imbalance in the body. Effect of cream does start within a few seconds of application. When women start to apply hormone cream, its effect lasts for a few hours after application. Later on, problems may start. Splitting of dosage may decrease this problem. Two times estrogen-dominant day is a better option.

When a person is applying this cream over the skin, the skin will absorb the cream as well as a hormone in fat tissue. Fat tissue stores this hormone. Initially, the cream provides beneficial effects because the storage of hormones is very low, but as time goes on, peak saturation of fat tissue may be achieved. Progesterone is highly a fat-soluble hormone. After many applications, the fat tissue will become saturated with the hormone, and it does not provide any beneficial effects. Sometimes, over-saturation may produce harmful effects. This condition is referred to as dermal fatigue. After reaching the saturation point, progesterone may hamper the adrenal hormone, cortisol, and testosterone. So, progesterone cream has to be used with caution.

Natural progesterone cream disturbs the normal cycle of menstruation. A person should start this cream after the ovulation process. If by mistake, the patient does start to use the cream before the ovulation period, it will give the opposite effect. It restricts the fertility process rather than enhancing it. Because progesterone is a stimulator of menstruation, and it may lead to miscarriage. The high level of progesterone in the body is responsible for the initiation of menstruation. So, if it is early, it is used to induce menstruation rather than improving fertility.

What Are the Interactions of Progesterone Cream?

1. Ask your doctor before using the drug when on any hormone medicines or are being treated for cancer.

2. Progesterone adds drowsiness by the herbs, which makes driving and handling heavy machinery unsafe.

3. Progesterone pills can interact with other medicines and supplements.

4. When on other medications, tell the doctor about the supplements so that he will check on any side effects or interactions with the medications.

5. The FDA does not review and has not regulated these supplements on safety or efficacy.