Natural Progesterone Vs. Progestin
Progesterone is typically part of hormone replacement therapy in which doses of estrogen are given with progesterone, either combined or as a separate prescription. Women who are suffering from the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and problems sleeping, have turned to hormone replacement therapy for relief. Many women are also concerned about the role of progesterone and how it differs from progestin in the context of this therapy.
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Progesterone's Role
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Progesterone is created in the ovaries of women still menstruating and also during pregnancy. After a woman's reproductive organs ovulate and there is no pregnancy, progesterone levels naturally drop and the uterus sheds the lining. Women who take hormone replacement therapy typically no longer menstruate but still have their ovaries and need this shedding process to protect them from endometriosis, which can happen if only estrogen is taken. Progesterone is also produced in much smaller quantities by male testes and adrenal glands but it is not considered to be a male hormone.
Progesterone
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When used in the setting of hormone replacement therapy, the name progesterone refers to how the drug is made and what is used to create it. It is often referred to a "natural" or "bio-identical" and is made with wild Mexican yams or soy. Diosgenin is extracted from wild Mexican yams and then synthesized into progesterone. For soy, sigmasterol is extracted and used to produce progesterone. Neither wild yams nor soy contain progesterone on their own.
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Progestin
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Progestin is also referred to as "synthetic" and comes in the generic form as medroxyprogesterone. This drug is created in the laboratory and is designed to be as close as possible to the molecular makeup of progesterone produced naturally in a woman's body. Progestin is also prescribed as part of contraceptive treatment and there are progestin-only pills available. As a contraceptive, progestin changes the cervical mucus by causing it to become thicker and harder for sperm to penetrate. Progestin affects sperm, making fertilization more difficult as well harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Other Uses for Progestin
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Progestin is also prescribed for uses other than hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women. Women who suffer with endometriosis or heavy periods may receive progestin therapy. If a pregnant woman's body is not producing enough progesterone, progestin is often prescribed. Infertility treatments or donation of eggs often require additional progestin therapy if the body doesn't create on its own.
Associated Risks
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Both progesterone and progestin can have side effects and the use of either should be carefully monitored. Some women can have an allergic reaction to progesterone, such as chest tightness and pain or problems breathing. Side effects include diarrhea or constipation and edema. Progestin side effects include minor ones, such as tender breasts, dizzy sensations, vomiting or fatigue. More serious symptoms, which are classified as allergic reactions, are hives, breathing problems, chest pain and severe headache. Whether taking progesterone or progestin, monitor symptoms and side effects carefully and always let your doctor know if any of these are present. Read the warning label that comes with any prescription for a full list of side effects or possible reactions.
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