The word natural can be tricky to interpret when we’re talking about HRT.  Progesterone receptor cells in our bodies will recognize synthetic progestins, but natural progesterone and synthetic progestins act differently in the body and produce different effects on progesterone receptor sites. Natural progesterone molecules fit exactly into progesterone receptor cells.

The distinction between “natural” and “synthetic” is very important. First, I want to point out that we’re not saying here that “natural” is good and “synthetic” is bad. Not at all. But it’s important to understand that natural and synthetic hormones have very specific effects on the body, and that these effects are different. There are appropriate uses for both natural and synthetic hormones, but they should not be considered interchangeable. For instance, some women have trouble tolerating synthetic progestins, whether they take them as part of an HRT regimen or in an oral contraceptive, finding that they produce unwelcome side effects. Some women say they feel weepy, irritable, and bloated when taking a medication containing a synthetic progestin. For these women, natural progesterone is an option to consider.

Second, once women are clear about the differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins, lots of them want to know about “natural” estrogen. Many women are surprised to learn that some commercially prepared estrogens match the effects of the estrogens produced by the body and so are considered natural. They are chemically identical to estrogens produced by the body and will affect estrogen receptor cells in the same way. Meanwhile Premarin, which contains certain types of estrogen that are unique to horses, is not considered a natural form of estrogen. Remember, it is the chemical structure of a hormone, not its source that determines if it is natural or synthetic. A natural hormone may be developed in the laboratory using pharmaceutical-grade products.

Third, the word natural is sometimes used pretty loosely. Some herbal preparations claim to be natural remedies for symptoms of perimenopause or premenstrual syndrome. They may be marketed as phytoestrogens or wild yam cream and be plant- or herb-based. If you choose to try one of these preparations, find out all you can about what it contains. It’s wise to let your health care provider know what you’re using and how much.

Related posts:

1. The Basics of Perimenopause – language barriers during hormone replacement therapy

2. Differences between Progesterone and Progestin

3. The Basics of Experiencing Anxious Moments From Drugs and Hormones

4. What Do Female Sex Hormones Do For The Female Body?

5. The Basics of Perimenopause – Managing HRT Side Effects

6. The Basics of Perimenopause – New Hormone Test Options

7. The Basics of Testosterone for Women for Treatment During Perimenopause

8. Natural Remedies for Aging Problems

9. The Basics of Sex Drive Hormones During Perimenopause

10. The Basics of HRT alternative perimenopause treatment – black cohosh