Why use Natural Progesterone Treatment instead of Synthetic Progestins?
When naturally occurring hormones  like progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol are incorporated into a cream they are absorbed transdermally through the skin. This means that they avoid being metabolized first by the liver. When drugs are ingested they are absorbed through the stomach and intestine and travel to the liver. There they are broken down before reaching their desired purpose.By the end of the process only a small amount of the active drug/hormone makes it to the rest of the body and can be used efficiently. This is called First Pass Metabolism. Hormone skin creams avoid this procedure so are generally more effective.
Progestins are synthetic forms of progesterone that can be ingested. These include progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone, levonorgestrel, drosperinone and desogestrel. Progestins are metabolized rapidly when they go through the ï¬Ârst pass effect, resulting in the patient receiving a signiï¬Âcantly reduced dosage. Medroxyprogesterone acetate, sold as Provera® as well as under many generic brand names is commonly used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and in hormone replacement therapy. The use of a natural progesterone cream could be more effective and have fewer side effects.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) may cause birth defects so should not be taken during pregnancy whereas natural progesterone can be taken during pregnancy and as the  hormone is needed by the body anyway in order to successfully see the pregnancy full term. MPA passes into breast milk and damages the infant, so it is not suitable as a treatment for post-natal depression. MPA increases the risk of blood clots and it can even cause severe depression. If medroxyprogesterone acetate is used long-term, it increases the risk of stroke and heart attack and it can increase chances of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. Other side effects of synthetic MPA can also include insomnia, weight gain, itchy skin, rashes, hair loss and acne. One might also experience more female related issues like bloating, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge and tender breasts.
In general, progestins do not interact with the progesterone receptor in the same way natural progesterone does. Therefore, the oestrogen-dominant symptoms do not respond to a progestin in the same way as they do to natural progesterone. In summary: progestins and natural progesterone are worlds apart in their effect and can never be compared for overall effect in treating oestrogen dominance.
More information about natural progesterone
Progesterone Deï¬Âciency & Oestrogen Dominance
Natural Progesterone Treatment Options
Progesterone treatment options & side effects
The Progesterone Deï¬Âciency Assessment Questionnaire
The information in this article has been taken with permission from the official Lawley booklet on Understanding Progesterone
