Often called the “silent epidemic,” osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in Britain alone. Claire Severgnini of the National Osteoporosis Society explained in an interview with The Express that osteoporosis affects every aspect of an individual’s life. The skyrocketing statistics become even grimmer when examining the unique effect this disease has on women. International research reveals that approximately 200 million women suffer from osteoporosis with 1 out of 3 experiencing subsequent bone fractures. The fact that osteoporosis has a greater propensity for affecting women is corroborated by its direct link with menopause.

Women experiencing perimenopause and menopause are subject to drastic hormone fluctuations. As their bodies become depleted of oestrogen and progesterone, bone density begins to decrease. The longer these hormone levels are insufficient, the greater the bone density deficit becomes. Lack of proper bone density is one of the leading factors behind osteoporosis development. Although the link between menopause and osteoporosis is disheartening, potential assistance is available in the form of hormone replacement therapies such as progesterone cream. Dr. John Lee, a pioneer in the use of progesterone creams, reported an increase of 15-50% bone density for his patients which used topical progesterone creams. His claims that progesterone cream preserves and rebuilds lost bone density offer hope for women struggling with bone density issues.

How Does Osteoporosis Affect the Body?

The name “osteoporosis” translates literally as “porous bone,” referring to the holes which grow in affected bones. These holes form as bone tissue loses critical levels of calcium and vitamin D. Without these vital ingredients, osteoporosis leaves bones fragile, brittle, and extremely susceptible to fractures, particularly in vertebrae, hips, and wrists. Over time, osteoporosis progresses to severe levels where fracturing can occur from actions as small sneezing.

Because osteoporosis is relatively symptom-free, many don’t realize they are suffering from the disease until they receive catastrophic fractures. Organizations such as the National Osteoporosis Society work toward increasing awareness of this disease and encouraging people, particularly women, to seek potentially life-saving preventative tools. Because women are at such elevated risk levels, some are seeking early prevention measures such as a DEXA scan which measures bone mineral density. For women in the perimenopause stage, some health care professionals recommend early bone density scanning if they show additional significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Some of these risk factors include:

• Early onset of perimenopause and consequent menopause (before age 45)
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Thin or slender build or physical appearance
• Past eating disorders or digestive complaints
• Routinely taking certain medications with possible osteoporosis connections

The Benefit of Progesterone Cream

For women entering perimenopause, implementing preventative tools against future osteoporosis greatly decreases their chances of suffering osteoporosis-related fractures and extreme bone degeneration. One of the best ways to guard against osteoporosis is the proper management of hormonal levels. As oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, hormonal treatments such as progesterone creams allow the body to restore a proper balance and prevent damage to the bones.

Natural progesterone creams are primarily derived from plant-based hormones such as those present in soy and yams. The molecular structure of these hormones closely imitates natural progesterone produced within the body.

Progesterone cream is easily absorbed through the skin and it quickly enters the bloodstream. Body regions high in surface-dwelling capillaries are best for application since they allow faster absorption. After application, the progesterone absorbs into the bloodstream and bypasses the liver, unlike supplemental progesterone pills. By bypassing the common digestive processes, the cream does not lose its original dosage power; it quickly replaces depleted or low hormonal levels. Although expert opinions vary, some prime application sites for progesterone cream include:

• Neck
• Upper thighs
• The backs of upper arms
• Forearms (if certain you will not be performing any activity to rub it off)
• Top of the feet
• Back of the knees

Beginning Use of Progesterone Cream

Dosages for progesterone cream largely depend on a woman’s current stage of life. For women in perimenopause, a lower dosage is often recommended. Dosage is also closely balanced and timed in conjunction with the menstrual cycle if it is still present. For women experiencing menopause, progesterone cream dosage may be significantly higher to compensate for their extremely depleted hormone levels.

Although natural progesterone cream is available from a variety of vendors, best results occur when it is taken under the recommendation and supervision of a bioidentical hormone replacement therapist. In addition to their main practice, these doctors specialize in natural hormone replacement therapies and offer valuable assistance when undergoing treatment methods such as progesterone creams. For more information on progesterone’s role in protection against osteoporosis, or to request treatment information, please contact us.