Progesterone Cream

Questions

About Progesterone Cream

If your question isn't here, your physician is one message away after you start your intake.

• What is progesterone cream?

  Progesterone cream is a compounded, physician-prescribed topical form of bioidentical progesterone. It's applied to the skin and absorbed transdermally, offering a needle-free, pill-free option some patients prefer. This is a compounded product that is not FDA-approved and is intended for physician-supervised use.

• What is progesterone used for?

  Progesterone is a natural hormone made mainly by the ovaries after ovulation. In hormone therapy it's most often used to protect the uterine lining in women taking systemic estrogen, and to help with perimenopausal symptoms like sleep disruption, mood changes, and cycle irregularities. Some patients also use progesterone in fertility or luteal-phase support under a specific care plan.

• How does progesterone cream work?

  Applied to the skin, progesterone absorbs into the bloodstream and binds to progesterone receptors throughout the body. Its natural brain metabolite (allopregnanolone) interacts with GABA receptors, which is why many patients find progesterone calming and sleep-supporting. In the uterus, progesterone opposes estrogen's growth-promoting effect on the endometrial lining.

• Why choose cream over an oral capsule?

  Some patients prefer cream because it avoids swallowing a pill, may have less daytime drowsiness carryover, and lets your physician dial in and adjust doses easily. Oral micronized progesterone is generally the best-studied option for reliable endometrial protection when you're on systemic estrogen — your physician will recommend the form (or combination) that fits your goals and risks.

• Am I a good candidate?

  You may be a candidate if you're in perimenopause with sleep or mood symptoms, if your physician identifies a role for topical progesterone in your specific hormone plan, or if you prefer a needle-free, pill-free option. Candidacy depends on your symptoms, cycle history, uterus status, breast and cancer history, clotting risk, and current medications.

• Who should not use progesterone cream?

  Progesterone may not be appropriate if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancer, active or recent blood clots, significant liver disease, or a known allergy to progesterone or an ingredient in the compounded base. It's generally avoided in pregnancy unless specifically prescribed for that purpose.

• Can progesterone cream protect my uterus if I'm on estrogen?

  This depends on the dose, formulation, and your specific plan. Transdermal absorption of progesterone is more variable than oral dosing, so oral micronized progesterone is typically preferred when reliable endometrial protection is the primary goal for women taking systemic estrogen. Your physician will decide what's appropriate for your situation and may monitor with periodic evaluation.

• How is the cream applied?

  You apply a measured dose to clean, dry skin — commonly the inner thigh, inner arm, upper chest, or lower abdomen — rotating sites as directed. Let it dry fully before dressing, and wash your hands after application. Don't apply extra to 'catch up' on a missed dose. Your physician sets the exact strength, dose, site, and schedule.

• Can it transfer to my partner, children, or pets?

  Yes — topical progesterone can transfer through skin-to-skin contact before it fully absorbs. Wash your hands after applying, let the site dry completely, and cover the area with clothing when there's any chance of contact with children, pregnant women, or a partner.

• Do I need labs before starting?

  Not always. Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are often diagnosed from age, history, and symptoms. Labs are helpful when the picture is unclear, when periods are still occurring, when early menopause is suspected, when multiple hormones are being used, or when there are overlapping concerns like thyroid, low libido, fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss.

• How long does it take to work?

  Sleep and mood effects can be noticeable within the first few weeks for some patients, though full benefit often takes longer. Cycle regulation and bleeding pattern changes usually settle over 2 to 3 cycles. If you don't see benefit after a fair trial, your physician can adjust dose, timing, site, or route.

• What are common side effects?

  Common effects can include drowsiness after application, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, and skin irritation at the application site. Rotating sites and letting skin fully dry before dressing can help with irritation. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided leg swelling, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, vision changes, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

• Can progesterone cause breast cancer or blood clots?

  Risk depends on the type of progestogen, the estrogen it's paired with, dose, duration, age, and personal and family history. Micronized bioidentical progesterone has a different risk profile than the older synthetic progestins used in some legacy hormone regimens. Tell your physician about past clots, clotting disorders, smoking, migraines with aura, breast or gynecologic cancer history, or a strong family cancer history. A responsible clinic will never claim any hormone has zero risk.

• Will progesterone cream make me gain weight?

  Progesterone itself is not a weight-gain drug, but some patients notice temporary bloating or breast fullness that can feel like weight change, especially at the start. True weight change during menopause has many drivers — sleep disruption, muscle loss, insulin resistance, stress, and life stage — and is best addressed through overall care, not by adjusting progesterone in isolation.

• Can I adjust my dose myself?

  No. Don't change the dose, timing, site, or schedule without medical guidance. Too little may not deliver the effect you're after; too much can worsen drowsiness, mood effects, or bleeding. Dose changes should be based on symptoms, side effects, bleeding pattern, and your overall hormone plan.

• How long do most patients stay on progesterone?

  There is no single right duration. Many patients use progesterone for as long as they take estrogen, or through the perimenopause transition. Treatment should be reviewed regularly — symptoms, side effects, bleeding, breast health, and personal preferences all factor in.

• Can progesterone cream be combined with estrogen or testosterone?

  Yes, in some plans. Progesterone is commonly paired with systemic estrogen for symptom support and — when the dose and form allow — endometrial protection. It may also be part of a broader plan that includes low-dose testosterone for women when appropriate. Combining hormones always requires physician oversight.

• When should I contact my physician?

  Contact us for unexpected bleeding, breast changes, severe headaches, mood changes that feel out of character, pelvic pain, leg swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent skin reactions at the application site, or any symptom that feels concerning. Also reach out if symptoms haven't improved after a fair trial.

• How is it shipped?

  Discreetly, in plain packaging, from a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy. Most orders ship in 24 to 48 hours after physician approval.

• What if I'm not approved for treatment?

  If a physician reviews your intake and does not approve you for treatment, the cost of your medication is fully refunded. Initial evaluation fees are non-refundable.