Application of Transdermal Progesterone Cream

Dr. John Lee recommends application of low dose progesterone cream. ‘Over the counter’ creams can be purchased without a prescription and contain approximately 20 mg. of progesterone per gram of cream. A prescription from a physician usually contains 30 mg. of progesterone per gram of cream (3%). Higher dose creams can also be prescribed depending on symptoms (e.g. vaginal bleeding, uterine fibroids, endometriosis etc.)

Premenopausal Females

Premenopausal females should use 15-20 mg. of progesterone cream during the luteal phase (day 14-28) of the menstrual cycle and stop using the cream when their period begins (day 1). 15-20 mg. would be approximately one gram (1/4 tsp.) of an ‘over the counter’ cream or ½ gram of a 3% (30 mg. /gram) prescription cream. Some patients may need to use ½ gram twice daily depending on their symptoms and the rate of absorption, metabolism, and excretion of the progesterone cream. Other patients require a lower dose.

Some premenopausal females need a smaller dose of progesterone throughout the entire month to control symptoms of estrogen dominance. I usually recommend ½ gr. ( ½ cc or 1/8 tsp.) for day 6-13, and ½ gr. twice daily for day 14-28. Remember, every patient is an individual.

Postmenopausal Females

For postmenopausal females, Dr. John Lee recommends using 15 mg. of progesterone cream daily, 24-25 days per month.
To balance estrogen as part of hormone replacement, 20-30 mg of progesterone cream applied once or twice daily is recommended.

Males

Dr Lee suggests that men use 8-10 mg of progesterone per day for prostate protection. For further information on progesterone and the prostate check out Dr. Lam’s website

Progesterone cream can be applied to the face, neck, ears, chest, upper inner arms, wrists, upper inner thighs, and palms of the hands. Rotating sites is suggested.
In women, the cream can be applied to the mucous membranes of the labia and vagina. This allows for consistent absorption and works well for uterine cramping associated with the menstrual cycle. Mucous membrane and vaginal application is useful when treating abnormal uterine bleeding (bleeding between menstrual cycles, excessive bleeding). The dose of progesterone may need to be increased until the bleeding is controlled (10% cream). Any abnormal bleeding should be reported to your health care practitioner.

An excellent summary on the application of progesterone cream is available on Dr. Lam’s website