A high-fat, low-fiber diet promotes the growth of bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria break down estrogen into forms that are reabsorbed into the bloodstream instead of being eliminated. Highfiber diets, on the other hand, promote estrogen’s elimination. A healthy liver converts estrogen to less active, noncarcinogenic forms. However, consuming too much alcohol, sugar, fat and caffeine causes the more active forms of estrogen to re-circulate through the body

John R. Lee, M.D., says that taking natural progesterone lowers the risk of osteoporosis, PMS, fibrocystic breast conditions, ovarian cysts, miscarriage, menopausal symptoms, and breast and endometrial cancer.

The Evidence

Evidence that natural progesterone relieves PMS conditions and menopausal symptoms is based on the clinical findings of Lee and other physicians. Evidence that it prevents osteoporosis and cancer is based on the common scientific understanding that estrogen and progesterone must be in balance to prevent bone loss and certain cancers.

Where it Comes From

Most natural progesterone is made from diosgenin, a plant sterol abundant in the Mexican yam (Dioscorea villosa). Manufacturers convert diosgenin to the identical progesterone molecule that the body produces.

Side Effects

Some side effects of synthetic progestin include bloating, headache, fatigue, weight gain, and depression, and it can actually increase the symptoms of PMS. According to Lee, natural progesterone causes no side effects in the dosages he recommends.

Dosage and How to Use

Lee recommends a cream (available in health food stores) that contains 475 mg of progesterone per ounce. (Plain Mexican yam creams contain only diosgenin, not progesterone; the body on its own cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone.) Lee suggests that women apply a small amount of the progesterone cream daily, from days 12 through 26 of their menstrual cycle, to their breasts and buttocks. Alternate the side of the body every four days. Use about one ounce of cream during the fifteen-day period. Some women need more to relieve symptoms, and others less. The amount needed may decrease over time, and you may discontinue its use after a year or two to see how you do without it.

Case History

“Progesterone cream is wonderful.”

Menopause was pretty much hell for Joan Beckmeyer, fifty-two of Somerville, New Jersey. “During the day, I had the most incredible hot flashes you could imagine,” Beckmeyer says. “And at night, I had these sweats that left me absolutely drenched. I’d wake up and have to clean up my soggy body.” Beckmeyer was otherwise in good health and steadfastly avoided drugs prescribed by her physician. But she was also practically at wit’s end and was considering succumbing to synthetic estrogen and progestin. Then, a friend recommended that she read Dr. John Lee’s book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. It made sense to her, and she began using a natural progesterone cream. “For the first month or two, I didn’t notice any change,” Beckmeyer recalls. “Then, during the third month, I realized that I hadn’t gotten up that night with a terrible sweat. And then I stopped having hot flashes during the day.” “Not only that – I feel a lot better, too,” she adds. “I have a lot more energy. The progesterone cream is just wonderful, and I’m no longer embarrassed to sleep over at friends’ houses.”