Progesterone Creams - Dr. Lee Reconsidered

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Source: http://www.westonaprice.org/women/natural_protection.html

Progesterone Creams Reconsidered

By Krispin Sullivan

Currently many women in the US are using topical progesterone creams,

often called wild yam cream, or others such as Progonol, Progest and

the like. These have been heavily promoted by Dr. Lee and other

alternative healthcare practitioners.

The general use of progesterone creams is alleged to be a safer

alternative than estrogen therapy to prevent bone loss. This claim is

based on anecdotal evidence from Dr. Lee. However, a recent clinical

study showed no difference in bone mass between those using

progesterone cream or a placebo. The cream did, however, reduce hot

flashes. (Obstetrics and Gynecology August 1999, Vol 94, No 2, Pages

225-8)

In working with laboratories using saliva testing, we have found

levels of progesterone in excess of many thousands of units above

normal. The idea that this is natural and that there are no

side-effects from use of these creams is incorrect. Some of the

symptoms of progesterone overdose include headache, weight gain,

fatigue, water retention and depression. One clinician described the

symptoms of progesterone overdose to be similar to those of pregnancy.

Levels of progesterone begin to rise to abnormally high values after

just 15 days of application of the creams. Symptoms begin gradually,

often going unrecognized for months. When the cream is stopped it may

take as long as three to six months for progesterone levels to return

to normal. During this time symptoms may become worse before returning

to the pre-cream baseline.