Whats the difference between synthetic progestins and natural progesterone?
“Natural” progesterone (also termed USP Progesterone) refers to a single molecular structure that is “bio-identical” to the progesterone molecule that the body makes. Synthetic “progestins” or “progestogens,” do not exactly duplicate the body’s own progesterone molecule. They mimic the body’s progesterone closely enough to bind to progesterone receptor sites and have some progesterone-like effects, but they do not deliver the full range of “messages” that a natural progesterone molecule would. As such, synthetic progestins are not recommended for use during pregnancy; pregnancy requires progesterone. Synthetic progestins will not increase the serum or salivary levels of progesterone. In fact, synthetic progestins may cause a decrease in the body’s levels of natural progesterone by blocking the process of progesterone production. In contrast, research studies show that topical (skin) applications of natural progesterone may increase salivary and serum levels of progesterone. Natural pro
