
This article throws light on various aspects of progesterone cream and pills. Read on to know more.
Progesterone is a steroid hormone required by the female body. It is formed naturally in the body in the corpus luteum of the ovaries. It is required to have a normal menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen are the two major steroid hormones in the female body. It is necessary to maintain a healthy balance between the two. Imbalance in the levels can lead to several side effects. However, hormonal imbalance can be caused in people due to several reasons. If the level of progesterone is found to be too low, the doctor may advise the woman to go for progesterone supplements in the form of pills or cream.
Progesterone Pills or Progesterone Cream?
As mentioned above, both these products are used to treat hormonal imbalance in women. These pills and cream are mostly used for treating symptoms of menopause. In the menopausal phase, the level of progesterone falls. But as the level of estrogen remains constant, there is a hormonal imbalance which results in several side effects. In that case, progesterone products are used to regain the level of progesterone. Let us now take a look at the similarities and differences that are observed when comparing progesterone pills and cream.
One of the major benefits of cream over pills is that the cream is easily absorbed in the body. It is fat soluble and reaches the tissues effectively. It is also evenly distributed and hence, is more efficient than the pill. On the other hand, the progesterone pill is not as easily absorbed as the cream, as most of it is filtered in the liver.
Progesterone cream is obtained over-the-counter and hence, there is easy availability. On the contrary, you need a doctor’s prescription for buying progesterone pills. As the cream is easily available, its price is much lower than the pill.
Both, the progesterone cream and pills are effective in treating hormonal imbalance and symptoms of menopause. However, progesterone pills are more helpful for treating other symptoms and conditions like insomnia, that are caused due to hormonal imbalance. Therefore, as compared to the cream, the pills are more popular and widely used.
When talking about progesterone cream side effects, we find that as the cream is fat soluble, it dissolves very quickly and there are high chances of it staying in the fat. This can abrupt the functioning of other hormones like testosterone and cortisol. Secondly, progesterone pills side effects occur when the liver is overloaded with this hormone. As mentioned above, much of the progesterone, when taken in pill form, gets absorbed by the liver, which can lead to side effects.
For best results, you should look for genuine cream which contains good amounts of progesterone, which is mixed well. The cream is usually applied on the face, neck, arms, breasts, etc. However, you should consult the doctor to know more on the usage of progesterone products for progesterone deficiency. Similarly, it is also advisable to consult the doctor before going for progesterone pills. As these are hormonal supplements, they should be used in only the recommended amounts; as an overdose can lead to side effects.
Through this comparison of progesterone cream against progesterone pills, you must have obtained all the required information on the similarities and the differences between the two. Lastly, note that this write-up should only be used for information purposes. It is wise to consult the doctor before using any hormone containing products or supplements. Take care!