Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and other body processes. Some proponents claim that applying progesterone cream topically can help with weight loss. The proposed mechanism is that progesterone helps regulate other weight-influencing hormones and promotes fat burning.
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence on whether applying progesterone cream aids weight loss. We’ll cover what progesterone is, why someone might use progesterone cream, whether it causes weight loss, how it might promote fat burning, its other benefits and risks, where to apply progesterone cream for weight loss, and more.
Our goal is to objectively present the research so readers can make informed decisions aligning with their health goals.
What is progesterone cream and why would I use it?
Before revealing where to apply progesterone cream for weight loss, let’s understand what it is and what potential benefits it might offer.
Progesterone cream contains the hormone progesterone suspended in a moisturizing base. It’s applied topically to supply extra progesterone due to declining or low levels. Reasons someone might use progesterone cream include promoting fertility, countering menopause symptoms like hot flashes, improving sleep, and potentially aiding weight loss.
Do Progesterone Creams Cause Weight Loss?
Some research indicates applying progesterone cream may promote weight loss, but more studies are needed. One theory is that progesterone helps regulate other hormones, like estrogen and cortisol, preventing spikes that can increase hunger and fat storage.
Small studies find that people using progesterone cream experience modest weight loss and reductions in body fat. However, the evidence is currently limited.
How Can Progesterone Creams Help with Weight Loss?
Proponents claim progesterone cream may encourage weight loss in a few key ways:
- Regulates hormones: Progesterone helps balance hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. Keeping these hormones in check may reduce fat storage and appetite.
- Promotes fat burning: Some research finds progesterone encourages fat burning by increasing metabolism and energy expenditure. This may make it easier to lose weight.
- Reduces water retention: Progesterone is thought to act as a diuretic, helping flush extra water from the body. This can decrease temporary water weight.
However, larger studies are still needed to confirm these effects. Any impacts likely depend on the individual’s hormone levels and how much progesterone gets absorbed from the cream. Those with significant progesterone deficiency may experience more benefits.
Benefits of Progesterone Cream
Some additional benefits of progesterone cream include:
- Treats estrogen dominance: By opposing estrogen, progesterone may help reduce symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and mood changes in those with high estrogen.
- Improves sleep: Progesterone has a mild, calming effect on the brain that can promote deeper sleep. This is key to healthy metabolism and weight.
- Supports bone health: Progesterone plays a role in bone formation and density. Topical cream may help slow osteoporosis.
- Relieves menopause symptoms: Progesterone counteracts dropping levels, reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy.
Risks of Progesterone Cream
Before worriting about where to apply progesterone cream for weight loss, be aware it does carry some risks like:
- Hormone imbalance: Excess progesterone could upset the hormonal balance, causing symptoms like spotting, depression, and anxiety.
- Allergic reaction: Some people develop skin irritation or rashes from topical progesterone. It could worsen asthma and autoimmune issues.
- Impact on cancers: There are concerns progesterone might affect risk, growth, or treatment of hormone-influenced cancers like breast and ovarian.
Progesterone Alternatives
Those looking to balance hormones, relieve menopause symptoms, improve sleep, or lose weight may find these progesterone alternatives helpful:
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments like eating whole foods, managing stress, and getting enough sleep
- Taking supplements like DHEA, vitamin E, and omega-3s
- For menopausal women, low-dose prescription bioidentical hormones
- Medications that influence the endocrine system, like metformin or spironolactone
Always discuss supplements and medication options with your healthcare provider first.
Where To Apply Progesterone Cream For Weight Loss?
Typically, it is recommended to apply progesterone cream to areas that have “pulse points” where blood vessels run close to the skin. This allows for better absorption. Common sites include:
- Inner wrists
- Inside of forearms
- Behind the knees
- Thighs
- Stomach or abdomen
- Chest
Rotate the cream between sites to avoid irritating one area of the skin. Regardless of location, make sure to use progesterone cream as directed by your physician or the product instructions.
Conclusion
More clinical studies in humans are still needed to determine whether using progesterone cream can play a helpful role in supporting weight loss. Early findings and anecdotal reports seem promising. However, the science is complex, effects can vary dramatically between individuals, and we still have more to learn about long-term use.
As with any hormone-based therapy, progesterone cream is not without risks like disrupting delicate balances in the endocrine system. Work closely with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner if considering this option, especially those with hormone-influenced conditions. Get tested to determine your baseline progesterone levels first. From there, use the minimal effective dose and cycle time needed to relieve your symptoms.
While focusing on a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious whole foods, and exercising smart should be the foundation for weight loss and wellness, some find additional support through progesterone cream. As always, aim to make informed decisions aligning with your health goals and comfort level around supplements.
We attempted to explore the key areas around using progesterone for weight loss here, including application sites like the thighs, stomach, and arms. What are your thoughts or remaining questions on this complex health topic?
