What Are the Dangers of Bioidentical Progesterone?

Bio-identical progesterone is a very safe form of hormone therapy with very few side effects as compared to synthetic progestins. With proper monitoring, it is the safest known form of hormone therapy.

Cream

• A cream is the preferred delivery method for bio-identical progesterone as it absorbs more efficiently through the skin and doesn't affect the liver.

Side Effects

• The only known side effect of short-term progesterone use is that it can make you drowsy. Do not operate machinery or drive until you know how your body will react to the cream.

Too Little

• It's preferred to take a lower dose of progesterone cream for a physiological response rather than a pharmacological response. However, getting too little will result in continued symptoms.

Too Much

• The only known danger of bio-identical progesterone is that it can build up in the body, disrupting the adrenals. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, M.D., "When one first uses the cream, there is no problem here as the fat stores are very low. But as time goes on, the cream accumulates and contributes to disruptions in the adrenal hormones such as DHEA, cortisol, and testosterone."

Saliva Testing

• Saliva testing every six months will ensure hormonal levels stay in the normal range and prevent progesterone build-up.