How to Compare Brands of Progesterone Creams

Progesterone cream is a way for both men and women to supplement their progesterone levels. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, most women are progesterone deficient and can benefit from a small amount of supplementation. Progesterone cream can ease symptoms of menopause, aid in conception, help maintain a pregnancy, ease vaginal dryness, normalize blood sugar, normalize blood clotting and ease PMS symptoms. Mercola also recommends progesterone for men. Progesterone can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and help raise and normalize testosterone and DHEA levels.

Things You'll Need

• Progesterone cream containers
• Reading glasses or magnifying glass

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the label for the plant-based source of the progesterone. The best source is wild yams. The second most commonly used plant source of progesterone is soybeans, although soybeans have more estrogen than progesterone.

• 2

  Verify that the natural progesterone has a USP rating. This means that it is U.S. Pharmaceutical-grade natural progesterone. If it doesn't have a USP rating, you don't know what you have. Look for a rating of approximately 200 USP per ounce.

• 3

  Verify how much progesterone is in a single dose. Dr. Mercola recommends premenopausal women get 15 to 20 mg per day during days 12 to 26 of the menstrual cycle. Perimenopausal or postmenopausal women need 15 mg per day for three weeks and off for one week. Men need 10 to 12 mg per day and do not need to cycle off as women do.

• 4

  Look at how the dosage is measured. A metered pump provides a more exact dosage than getting a dose out of a pot. However, if you don't have a pump, women need one-eighth to a quarter tsp. twice a day. Men need approximately one-sixteenth of a tsp. twice per day.

• 5

  Look at the instructions for suggested use. You want to see recommendations for use twice a day. According to Mercola, the half-life of the progesterone is five minutes once it enters the blood stream. Using the cream twice per day allows a more effective use and better physical benefits.

• 6

  Read the warning label and understand the concerns printed there. There are some possible side effects to progesterone. You want honesty from the company about these risks.

• 7

  Compare cost per dose. Balance the cost per ounce against the other factors presented here and get the best value for your money. It is possible to keep your monthly progesterone supplement cost to under $8 per month and still get a great-quality product.