NOW Foods Natural Progesterone Liposomal Cream is a Natural Progesterone Cream from Wild Yam and balancing herbs designed for women seeking a way to gently support natural hormone levels. Now Foods Natural Progesterone is scent and paraben free. Now Foods Natural Progesterone has no artificial colors or fragrances. Now Foods Natural Progesterone contains 20 mg of natural progesterone per pump.

• Scent Free
• 20 mg of Natural Progesterone per Pump
• No Artificial Colors or Fragrances
• Paraben Free

What is Progesterone:

Progesterone is a hormone from a corpus luteum, formed by the cyclical rupture of an ovarian follicle. Progesterone is necessary for proper uterine and breast development and function.

Where is it found?

Progesterone is produced in the female body in the ovaries. Progesterone production is high during the luteal phase (second portion) of the menstrual cycle and low during the follicular phase (first portion), as well as being low before puberty and after menopause.

Supplemental sources of progesterone are available in oral and cream forms, as well as lozenges, suppositories, and injectable forms. “Natural” progesterone refers to the molecule that is identical in chemical structure to the progesterone produced in the body, even if the molecule is synthesized in a laboratory.

Progestins are found in oral contraceptive pills and are used in conventional hormone replacement therapy.

Wild yam contains precursors to progesterone (such as diosgenin) that can be converted through a chemical process in the laboratory into progesterone—the exact same molecule made in the human body. However, contrary to popular claims, the diosgenin in wild yams cannot be converted into progesterone in the body. Women who require progesterone should consult their physician and not rely on wild yam or other herbs.

Pregnenolone, another hormone produced by the body, is converted by the body into progesterone. However, it is not clear what effect supplementing with pregnenolone will have on progesterone production in the body.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Postmenopausal women have reduced production of progesterone. While this “deficiency” is normal, progesterone, including the natural forms of progesterone, has been found to relieve menopausal symptoms when used in combination with estrogen replacement therapy.

How much is usually taken?

The proper amount of progesterone for a woman should be determined in consultation with a doctor. Some research with the natural, oral form of progesterone has used 200 mg per day. Progesterone is used in much lower amounts—such as 20–70 mg per day—by most doctors who prescribe topical natural progesterone. However, the ability of skin-applied progesterone to achieve effective levels in the body is the source of considerable debate.5 Although progesterone is a natural substance, oral progesterone supplements are available by prescription only. High-dose topical progesterone cream is also treated like a drug and requires a prescription. A few creams containing lower amounts of progesterone are sold without prescription.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Progesterone is a hormone and, as such, concerns about its inappropriate use have been raised. A physician should be consulted before using this hormone as a supplement. Few side effects have been associated with topical progesterone creams but can include skin reactions. Effects of natural progesterone on breast cancer risk remain unclear. Research has suggested both increased and reduced risk.

Synthetic progestins have many well-known side effects, including the increase of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and the decrease of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Other side effects reported with synthetic progestins include bloating, breast soreness, depression, and mood swings. Natural progesterone has been shown to have no adverse effect on HDL cholesterol levels. Overall, natural progesterone is considerably safer than progestins and is therefore preferred by many doctors in situations where either would be effective.