How much USP Natural Progesterone is in Eve’s Natural Progesterone Cream?

There is 600 milligrams of USP Natural Progesterone per ounce, so there is 1200 milligrams in each tube of the Eve’s Cream.

There is 25 milligrams of USP Natural Progesterone per 1/4 tsp (= to a 1 inch strip from the pump).

What exactly is natural progesterone and how does it differ from synthetic progesterone?

Natural progesterone, a cholesterol derivative, comes from Mexican wild yams. It matches exactly the chemical formulation of the body’s own progesterone and thus causes no side effects. Manufacturers of synthetic progesterone alter the chemical makeup of progesterone in order to create progestins.

Progestins in their altered molecular structure may cause many side effects, such as birth defects or abortion, fluid retention, epilepsy, migraine, asthma, cardiac or kidney dysfunction and depression.

HOW TO USE:

Where should I apply natural progesterone cream?

Natural Progesterone (derived from the Mexican wild yam root) in a moisturizing cream can be applied to the face, hands, chest, breasts, inner arms or soles of the feet. The cream is readily absorbed & leaves no trace after a few minutes. During absorption the cream bypasses the liver & goes to specific receptor sites where progesterone is needed. A one-inch strip from the pump is equal to ¼ tsp.

When do I use natural progesterone cream?

– If you are still menstruating

Use ¼ tsp of cream twice a day after ovulation (which is generally 12-14 days from the first day of menstrual flow) until day 26. You do not use natural progesterone while menstruating, however, if you experience menstrual cramps try rubbing a small amount of cream on the lower abdomen. For migraines, rub cream on the back of your neck.

– If you have endometriosis or uterine fibroids:

Use ¼ – ½ tsp of cream twice per day beginning on the 8th day from day one of menstruation until day 26. (after 6 months, start using cream 12 days from day 1 of menstruation until day 26.)

– If you have menopausal symptoms & are not menstruating, have osteoporosis or for prevention of osteoporosis

Use based on calendar month. Use 1/8 tsp twice per day beginning on the 8th day of each calendar month and continue for the remainder of the month.

PLEASE NOTE: Everyone is different. Some women require more progesterone cream to alleviate symptoms while others can use less. For the first 3 months, use 1/4 tsp. twice per day for your determined number of days. After 3 months, reduce the amount of cream: In most cases, more is not better. If you do not get the desired results, seek consultation.

If there is a possibility you are pregnant, do not stop using the cream until you take a pregnancy blood test at day 26. If negative,then stop using cream and resume days 12 thru 26 schedule.

Can I use natural progesterone if I am taking birth control pills or patches? 

– Yes. This is a common question that appears in my e-mails on a regular basis. Dr. John R. Lee, the author of “What Your Doctor May NOT tell you about Menopause”, was instrumental in his findings with using natural progesterone to help women in his practice. Dr. Lee’s response to this question was always, “Probably, but we need more information to be sure.” Dr. Lee passed away in 2003 with no studies to prove his opinion or disprove it. I have attached an updated article written by Dr. David Zava, a former colleague of Dr. Lee’s. Dr. Zava is the CEO of ZRT Labs, and the co-author of “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer.” The article contains some great info regarding birth control pills etc. In the last paragraph he finally answers the question! Per Dr. Zava, “The progestin in the birth control pills goes to the brain and shuts down ovulation. No ovulation, no pregnancy. Meanwhile, the progesterone cream can help counter some of the side effects of the synthetic hormones. I’ve seen many women who are having side effects from birth control use progesterone cream and feel much better.” Read the full article here.

Can natural progesterone be used during pregnancy?

Yes.  The cream is not only safe for use during pregnancy but is recommended to help maintain pregnancy. From conception use ½ to ¾ tsp. twice a day. Discontinue about two weeks before scheduled delivery time. Apply primarily to abdomen, breast, lower back and upper thighs (where it will tend to prevent the skin from stretching). Resume cream no sooner than one month after delivery if postpartum depression occurs. Use 1/8 tsp. twice per day for three weeks each month as women not menstruating use. Otherwise, you may not need the cream until after you begin to cycle again; use ¼ tsp. of cream days 12 thru 26 as women menstruating.

Does natural progesterone help vaginal dryness?

– Yes.

Can young girls use natural progesterone cream?

– Yes.  Low estrogen levels can adversely affect the general health of girls between the ages of 9 and 13. For a year or more before the onset of menstruation, blood calcium levels are so low that young girls often develop symptoms associated with menarche, which are usually accepted as normal behavior: emotional outbursts, irritable and temperamental behavior, and compulsive consumption of sweets. During puberty, the maturing ovaries require calcium to produce estrogen, thus diverting calcium from metabolic requirements. Introducing natural progesterone at this time will alleviate most of the symptoms mentioned above. Continued use of natural progesterone through the teenage years will maintain a high level of wellness with few or no PMS complaints.

Are there any other benefits of natural progesterone use?

Additional benefits for women include: improved brain function, diminished muscular aches and pains, improvement of skin problems including acne, seborrhea, rosacea, psoriasis and keratoses, and improved sleep pattern.

Can I use natural progesterone if my family has a history of breast or uterine cancer?

Yes, breast cancer and endometrial cancer occur in tissues sensitive to gonadal hormones. Unopposed estrogen is the only known cause of endometrial cancer; though other factors may be involved. Estrogen, or at least one or more of the various estrogens, may contribute to breast cancer; Progesterone balances the estrogen level in the body; thus lessening the risk.

RECOMMENDED READING:

John R. Lee, M.D. with Virginia Hopkins What Your Doctor May Not Tell you About Menopause. New York: Warner Books

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause. New York: Warner Books

John R. Lee, MD, David Zava, PHD and Virginia Hopkins; What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer, How Hormone Balance Can Save Your Life.