Are progesterone pills bioidentical?

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones. Some prescription forms of bioidentical hormones are premade by drug companies.

Is taking bioidentical progesterone safe?

No, they aren’t. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several medical specialty groups, the hormones marketed as “bioidentical” and “natural” aren’t safer than hormones used in traditional hormone therapy.

What are the side effects of bioidentical progesterone?

The most commonly reported side effects with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy were weight gain (37.2%), breast tenderness (19.2%) and bloating (23.1%). Weight gain (56.2%), breast tenderness (54.5%), bloating (40%) and mood swings (36.4%) were most commonly seen with commercially available products.

What is the difference between progesterone and bioidentical progesterone?

The main difference between the two is that progesterone is naturally occurring and, in the case of bioidentical hormones, has a DNA structure that is identical to what the body is used to receiving, while progestin is similar but not identical.

What are the benefits of bioidentical progesterone?

Patients receiving bioidentical progesterone experience a reduced risk of some the common diseases and chronic conditions associated with aging. Women will have increased protection from breast and uterine cancer as well as osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, and fibrocystic disease.

Is there a natural progesterone pill?

Natural progesterone pills are also available. However, the liver breaks down progesterone quickly, so less becomes available to the bloodstream. A person would have to take much more oral progesterone than they would if they chose to apply the progesterone cream.

How long does it take for bioidentical progesterone to work?

You will see improvement within the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy, but it will take up to 8 weeks to feel the full effect.

What is the safest form of progesterone?

Evidence suggests that there are important differences in breast cancer risks with different progestogens used in combined [oestrogen + progestogen] hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens; micronised natural/bio-identical progesterone appears to be a far safer choice than synthetic progestins.

When should I take bioidentical progesterone?

Progesterone is also classified as a neuro-steroid which means that it stimulates normal brain processes and helps the nervous system to function properly. We recommend taking your bioidentical Progesterone before bed since it has a sedative effect and can help resume normal sleep cycles.

Will taking progesterone cause weight gain?

While progesterone doesn’t directly cause weight gain, it does increase your hunger levels which may make you feel like you’re eating more and therefore gaining weight. But progesterone is just a small player in hormone balance and weight management.