Whats the difference between wild yam and progesterone?
Wild yam, Dioscorea barbasco, is a herb that has been used historically in herbal medicine for women’s health. Some of the actions of wild yam include smooth muscle relaxation and a mild diuretic effect. Contrary to some information provided by companies producing wild yam products, wild yam does not convert into progesterone in the body. This conversion can only occur in a laboratory setting. The body may absorb wild yam extract through the skin, which may in turn have some effect on menopausal symptoms, yet research on both oral and topical applications of wild yam extract demonstrate no change in progesterone levels in the body.
Wild yam, Dioscorea barbasco, is an herb that has been used historically in herbal medicine for women’s health. Some of the actions of wild yam include smooth muscle relaxation and a mild diuretic effect. Contrary to some information provided by companies producing wild yam products, wild yam does not convert into progesterone in the body. This conversion can only occur in a laboratory setting. The body may absorb wild yam extract through the skin, which may in turn have some effect on menopausal symptoms, yet research on both oral and topical applications of wild yam extract demonstrate no change in progesterone levels in the body.
