Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsRisksDosageAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Risks
Dosage
Alternatives
Progesteronecream is a type ofhormone replacement therapy(HRT). It is sometimes used to treatmenopausesymptoms, signs of skin aging, and bone loss that can lead toosteoporosis, but these uses are controversial. To date, there hasn’t been much research into the use of progesterone cream and the evidence for its effectiveness is limited.
This article provides a list of purported progesterone cream benefits and discusses the side effects that can come with using it. It also includes dosage information along with what to look for in a progesterone cream product.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
5 Signs You Are Entering Menopause
Progesterone Cream Benefits
Progesteroneis a type of hormone that your ovaries produce. Its primary role is to help regulate themenstrual cycleand pregnancy.
Progesterone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is prescribed to help prevent certain medical conditions and treat the symptoms of menopause. In oral HRT therapies, progesterone’s primary role is to counter the negative effects of estrogen, such as an abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, which increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Progesterone cream is a topical medication containing progesterone. It is sometimes used to treat the symptoms of menopause, including:
Despite the health claims, research into progesterone cream has produced mixed and conflicting results.
Some over-the-counter plant-based creams such as wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) cream are marketed for “menopause support” and are sometimes labeled with the word “progesterone.” Wild yam contains a compound called diosgenin that can be converted to progesterone in a lab. However, the body cannot change diosgenin into progesterone.
Menopause Symptoms
Progesterone cream has been poorly studied for its effectiveness in treating the symptoms of menopause. Many of the existing studies were done more than 10 years ago or involved small study groups. What’s more, the existing studies have found mixed results, with some reporting significant improvement in symptoms and others reporting only slight or non-significant improvement.
Some studies have found that progesterone alone can help treat hot flashes, however, the data supporting the use of progesterone cream for this purpose is limited.
Other hormone replacement options include progesterone pills, suppositories, vaginal gels, and medicated patches that you place on your skin.
Skin Health
An older study published in theBritish Journal of Dermatologyreported that progesterone cream led to firmer and more elastic skin.The study looked at 40 women who wereperimenopausal(transitioning into menopause) orpostmenopausal(after menopause). The women used either a 2% progesterone cream or a non-progesterone cream.
After four months, the women who used the progesterone cream had:
Bone Density
A few studies have found that progesterone may help prevent and treat osteoporosis, however, most of these have only looked at oral progesterone therapy for this benefit. More research is needed to compare the effects of progesterone cream and progesterone pills on bone loss.
One review of studies found that a combination of estrogen-progesterone therapy was more effective at increasing spinal bone density than estrogen therapy alone. Again, however, most research has studied progesterone as an oral medication and not as a cream.
Risks of Using Progesterone Cream
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and tests medicinal drugs to make sure they are safe and effective. However, the same doesn’t apply to progesterone cream and supplements.
The FDA considers progesterone cream a cosmetic product, but that doesn’t mean it should be used without consideration. Progesterone cream may have the same effect on your body as progesterone pills, so it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Progesterone cream usually has mild side effects. When taken orally, however, progesterone can trigger side effects such as:
These side effects are also possible with progesterone cream.
You may experience skin irritation if you regularly apply progesterone cream to the same area.To prevent this, rub the cream into different areas every time you use it.
The safety of progesterone cream for pregnant or breastfeeding women hasn’t been studied.Progesterone cream should never be used on children. If you are planning to use progesterone cream, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Contraindications
Progesterone cream may interfere or interact with other medications you are taking. When discussing progesterone cream with your healthcare provider, inform them about any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, or vitamins that you are taking.
In addition, progesterone cream may not be recommended for people with:
Dosage and What to Look For
Progesterone cream is not the same thing as “natural progesteronecreams,” which are made from wild yam or soy. True progesterone cream is only available with a prescription from a compounding pharmacy.
Progesterone cream is sold in various strengths, ranging from 20 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) to 250 mg/mL. Healthcare providers may suggest that 20 mg/mL daily is enough to manage hot flashes.A progesterone cream dose of 75 mg/mL may lead to the same progesterone levels as taking a 150 mg or 200 mg oral dose.
Some healthcare providers will suggest applying the cream once a day for six days and skipping every seventh day if you’re using it to prevent hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Where Do You Apply Progesterone Cream?You can apply the cream to your neck, inner thigh, forearm, lower abdomen, or vaginal area.If you are using another hormone on your skin, liketestosterone, don’t apply the progesterone cream to the same part of the body.
Where Do You Apply Progesterone Cream?
You can apply the cream to your neck, inner thigh, forearm, lower abdomen, or vaginal area.If you are using another hormone on your skin, liketestosterone, don’t apply the progesterone cream to the same part of the body.
Alternatives to Progesterone Cream
The hormone progesterone is naturally made in your body. While there are no foods that contain progesterone, several nutrients can support your body in making more, including:
Summary
Progesterone cream is an alternative hormone replacement therapy. It is usually used along with estrogen replacement therapy to help prevent certain cancers. On its own, it may help reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes and prevent bone loss, however, these benefits have not been well studied.
Progesterone cream is not the same thing as natural creams made from wild yam or soy. These products do not contain progesterone and cannot be converted to progesterone in the body. Talk to your healthcare provider before using any of these products to help treat the symptoms of menopause.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.McConnell DS, Crawford SL, Gee NA, et al.Lowered progesterone metabolite excretion and a variable LH excretion pattern are associated with vasomotor symptoms but not negative mood in the early perimenopausal transition: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.Maturitas. 2021;147:26-33. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.003National Library of Medicine.Progesterone.Kaunitz AM, Manson JE.Management of menopausal symptoms.Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126(4):859–876. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001058Regidor PA.Progesterone in peri- and postmenopause: a review.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2014;74(11):995-1002. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1383297Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, Martin KA, McDermott M, Pinkerton JV.Compounded bioidentical hormones in endocrinology practice: An endocrine society scientific statement.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1318-43. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1271Prior JC.Progesterone for treatment of symptomatic menopausal women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):358-365. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1472567Schmidt M.Progesterone administration in postmenopausal and hysterectomized patients.Apothagram. 2017.Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB, Schmidt B.Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study.Br J Dermatol. 2005;153(3):626-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06685.xPrior JC.Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):366-374. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467400.Prior JC, Seifert-Klauss VR, Giustini D, Adachi JD, Kalyan S, Goshtasebi A.Estrogen-progestin therapy causes a greater increase in spinal bone mineral density than estrogen therapy - a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with direct randomization.J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2017;17(3):146-154Pinkerton JV, Pickar JH.Update on medical and regulatory issues pertaining to compounded and FDA-approved drugs, including hormone therapy.Menopause. 2016;23(2):215–223. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000523Gasser S, Heidemeyer K, von Wolff M, Stute P.Impact of progesterone on skin and hair in menopause - a comprehensive review.Climacteric. 2021;24(3):229-235. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1838476Anita MV, Jain S, Goel N.Use of progestogens in clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology. JP Medical Ltd; 2018.Stevenson J, Rozenberg S, Maffei S, Egarter C, Stute P, Römer T.Progestogens as a component of menopausal hormone therapy: The right molecule makes the difference.Drugs Context. 2020 Dec;9(1):1-12. doi:10.7573/dic.2020-10-1Yuen MV, Gianturco SL, Pavlech LL, Storm KD, Yoon S, Mattingly AN.Progesterone: Summary report.Rzepecki AK, Murase JE, Juran R, Fabi SG, McLellan BN.Estrogen-deficient skin: the role of topical therapy.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001Aboud W.Vitamin C supplementation in relation to subfertility and ovarian function.Karbala J Med. 2014 Jun;7(1):1-8.Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz F.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021 May;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Park H, Qin R, Smith T, et al.NCCTG N10C2 (Alliance) - A double blind, placebo-controlled study of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes.Menopause. 2015 Jun;22(6):627-632. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000374Tefagh G, Payab M, Qorbani M, et al.Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sci Rep. 2022 Apr;12(1):1-16. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why cholesterol matters for women.Additional ReadingDalal PK, Agarwal M.Postmenopausal syndrome.Indian J Psychiatry. 2015;57(Suppl 2):S222–S232. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.161483
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.McConnell DS, Crawford SL, Gee NA, et al.Lowered progesterone metabolite excretion and a variable LH excretion pattern are associated with vasomotor symptoms but not negative mood in the early perimenopausal transition: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.Maturitas. 2021;147:26-33. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.003National Library of Medicine.Progesterone.Kaunitz AM, Manson JE.Management of menopausal symptoms.Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126(4):859–876. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001058Regidor PA.Progesterone in peri- and postmenopause: a review.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2014;74(11):995-1002. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1383297Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, Martin KA, McDermott M, Pinkerton JV.Compounded bioidentical hormones in endocrinology practice: An endocrine society scientific statement.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1318-43. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1271Prior JC.Progesterone for treatment of symptomatic menopausal women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):358-365. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1472567Schmidt M.Progesterone administration in postmenopausal and hysterectomized patients.Apothagram. 2017.Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB, Schmidt B.Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study.Br J Dermatol. 2005;153(3):626-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06685.xPrior JC.Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):366-374. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467400.Prior JC, Seifert-Klauss VR, Giustini D, Adachi JD, Kalyan S, Goshtasebi A.Estrogen-progestin therapy causes a greater increase in spinal bone mineral density than estrogen therapy - a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with direct randomization.J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2017;17(3):146-154Pinkerton JV, Pickar JH.Update on medical and regulatory issues pertaining to compounded and FDA-approved drugs, including hormone therapy.Menopause. 2016;23(2):215–223. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000523Gasser S, Heidemeyer K, von Wolff M, Stute P.Impact of progesterone on skin and hair in menopause - a comprehensive review.Climacteric. 2021;24(3):229-235. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1838476Anita MV, Jain S, Goel N.Use of progestogens in clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology. JP Medical Ltd; 2018.Stevenson J, Rozenberg S, Maffei S, Egarter C, Stute P, Römer T.Progestogens as a component of menopausal hormone therapy: The right molecule makes the difference.Drugs Context. 2020 Dec;9(1):1-12. doi:10.7573/dic.2020-10-1Yuen MV, Gianturco SL, Pavlech LL, Storm KD, Yoon S, Mattingly AN.Progesterone: Summary report.Rzepecki AK, Murase JE, Juran R, Fabi SG, McLellan BN.Estrogen-deficient skin: the role of topical therapy.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001Aboud W.Vitamin C supplementation in relation to subfertility and ovarian function.Karbala J Med. 2014 Jun;7(1):1-8.Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz F.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021 May;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Park H, Qin R, Smith T, et al.NCCTG N10C2 (Alliance) - A double blind, placebo-controlled study of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes.Menopause. 2015 Jun;22(6):627-632. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000374Tefagh G, Payab M, Qorbani M, et al.Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sci Rep. 2022 Apr;12(1):1-16. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why cholesterol matters for women.Additional ReadingDalal PK, Agarwal M.Postmenopausal syndrome.Indian J Psychiatry. 2015;57(Suppl 2):S222–S232. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.161483
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.McConnell DS, Crawford SL, Gee NA, et al.Lowered progesterone metabolite excretion and a variable LH excretion pattern are associated with vasomotor symptoms but not negative mood in the early perimenopausal transition: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.Maturitas. 2021;147:26-33. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.003National Library of Medicine.Progesterone.Kaunitz AM, Manson JE.Management of menopausal symptoms.Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126(4):859–876. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001058Regidor PA.Progesterone in peri- and postmenopause: a review.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2014;74(11):995-1002. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1383297Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, Martin KA, McDermott M, Pinkerton JV.Compounded bioidentical hormones in endocrinology practice: An endocrine society scientific statement.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1318-43. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1271Prior JC.Progesterone for treatment of symptomatic menopausal women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):358-365. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1472567Schmidt M.Progesterone administration in postmenopausal and hysterectomized patients.Apothagram. 2017.Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB, Schmidt B.Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study.Br J Dermatol. 2005;153(3):626-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06685.xPrior JC.Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):366-374. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467400.Prior JC, Seifert-Klauss VR, Giustini D, Adachi JD, Kalyan S, Goshtasebi A.Estrogen-progestin therapy causes a greater increase in spinal bone mineral density than estrogen therapy - a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with direct randomization.J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2017;17(3):146-154Pinkerton JV, Pickar JH.Update on medical and regulatory issues pertaining to compounded and FDA-approved drugs, including hormone therapy.Menopause. 2016;23(2):215–223. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000523Gasser S, Heidemeyer K, von Wolff M, Stute P.Impact of progesterone on skin and hair in menopause - a comprehensive review.Climacteric. 2021;24(3):229-235. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1838476Anita MV, Jain S, Goel N.Use of progestogens in clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology. JP Medical Ltd; 2018.Stevenson J, Rozenberg S, Maffei S, Egarter C, Stute P, Römer T.Progestogens as a component of menopausal hormone therapy: The right molecule makes the difference.Drugs Context. 2020 Dec;9(1):1-12. doi:10.7573/dic.2020-10-1Yuen MV, Gianturco SL, Pavlech LL, Storm KD, Yoon S, Mattingly AN.Progesterone: Summary report.Rzepecki AK, Murase JE, Juran R, Fabi SG, McLellan BN.Estrogen-deficient skin: the role of topical therapy.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001Aboud W.Vitamin C supplementation in relation to subfertility and ovarian function.Karbala J Med. 2014 Jun;7(1):1-8.Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz F.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021 May;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023Park H, Qin R, Smith T, et al.NCCTG N10C2 (Alliance) - A double blind, placebo-controlled study of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes.Menopause. 2015 Jun;22(6):627-632. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000374Tefagh G, Payab M, Qorbani M, et al.Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sci Rep. 2022 Apr;12(1):1-16. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why cholesterol matters for women.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.
McConnell DS, Crawford SL, Gee NA, et al.Lowered progesterone metabolite excretion and a variable LH excretion pattern are associated with vasomotor symptoms but not negative mood in the early perimenopausal transition: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.Maturitas. 2021;147:26-33. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.003
National Library of Medicine.Progesterone.
Kaunitz AM, Manson JE.Management of menopausal symptoms.Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126(4):859–876. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001058
Regidor PA.Progesterone in peri- and postmenopause: a review.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2014;74(11):995-1002. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1383297
Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, Martin KA, McDermott M, Pinkerton JV.Compounded bioidentical hormones in endocrinology practice: An endocrine society scientific statement.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1318-43. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1271
Prior JC.Progesterone for treatment of symptomatic menopausal women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):358-365. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1472567
Schmidt M.Progesterone administration in postmenopausal and hysterectomized patients.Apothagram. 2017.
Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB, Schmidt B.Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study.Br J Dermatol. 2005;153(3):626-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06685.x
Prior JC.Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women.Climacteric. 2018;21(4):366-374. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1467400.
Prior JC, Seifert-Klauss VR, Giustini D, Adachi JD, Kalyan S, Goshtasebi A.Estrogen-progestin therapy causes a greater increase in spinal bone mineral density than estrogen therapy - a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with direct randomization.J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2017;17(3):146-154
Pinkerton JV, Pickar JH.Update on medical and regulatory issues pertaining to compounded and FDA-approved drugs, including hormone therapy.Menopause. 2016;23(2):215–223. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000523
Gasser S, Heidemeyer K, von Wolff M, Stute P.Impact of progesterone on skin and hair in menopause - a comprehensive review.Climacteric. 2021;24(3):229-235. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1838476
Anita MV, Jain S, Goel N.Use of progestogens in clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology. JP Medical Ltd; 2018.
Stevenson J, Rozenberg S, Maffei S, Egarter C, Stute P, Römer T.Progestogens as a component of menopausal hormone therapy: The right molecule makes the difference.Drugs Context. 2020 Dec;9(1):1-12. doi:10.7573/dic.2020-10-1
Yuen MV, Gianturco SL, Pavlech LL, Storm KD, Yoon S, Mattingly AN.Progesterone: Summary report.
Rzepecki AK, Murase JE, Juran R, Fabi SG, McLellan BN.Estrogen-deficient skin: the role of topical therapy.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001
Aboud W.Vitamin C supplementation in relation to subfertility and ovarian function.Karbala J Med. 2014 Jun;7(1):1-8.
Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz F.Role of zinc in female reproduction.Biol Reprod. 2021 May;104(5):976-994. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023
Park H, Qin R, Smith T, et al.NCCTG N10C2 (Alliance) - A double blind, placebo-controlled study of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes.Menopause. 2015 Jun;22(6):627-632. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000374
Tefagh G, Payab M, Qorbani M, et al.Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sci Rep. 2022 Apr;12(1):1-16. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why cholesterol matters for women.
Dalal PK, Agarwal M.Postmenopausal syndrome.Indian J Psychiatry. 2015;57(Suppl 2):S222–S232. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.161483
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