The Best Places to Rub Progesterone Cream on the Body

Natural progesterone cream is popular among menopausal women and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It's also a popular treatment for women with PMS or irregular, painful menstrual cycles. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University, natural progesterone cream is a bio-identical hormone that can replace low levels of progesterone and encourage the body to produce more of its own. This over-the-counter cream is most effective when it's applied to certain areas of the body.

Where to Apply

• According to Northwest Health Sciences University, natural progesterone cream should be applied to "soft tissues such as the back of the hands and chest." This is because natural progesterone cream is fat soluble, and therefore, is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream and available for use by the body if it's not applied over areas with larger fat stores.

How Much to Apply

• According to the University of Michigan, prescription progesterone creams usually contain doses of between 20 and 70 milligrams per day. These prescriptions creams are much more potent than over-the-counter versions are allowed to be, and therefore, natural progesterone creams are either applied in smaller doses or in larger amounts. The University of Michigan goes on to say, "The ability of skin-applied progesterone to achieve effective levels in the body is the source of considerable debate."

When to Apply

• According to Soul Cysters, those using natural progesterone cream for management of polycysic ovarian syndrome or irregular menstrual cycles usually apply the cream from day 14 through day 28 of their cycles, then stop. This is so progesterone withdraw can bring on menstruation and so increased progesterone in the body can help restore ovulation. Women using natural progesterone cream for menopause generally apply it daily while symptoms persist.