Are progesterone creams good for hormone balancing?

There are so many people out there pushing the progesterone creams all because one person, Dr. Lee, claims it is safe. Yet I have never seen him talk about the problem of progesterone dominance.

I have also explained so many times that progesterone creams, and other "bio-identical hormones" are not natural. They are synthesized in a lab from plant sterols, from sources such as wild yam and soy. So not only are these hormones synthetic, there is also no way to prove they are "bio-identical". Just because a compound has the same number of specific atoms, this does not make it the same compound. Slight deviations in atomic arrangement can make a totally different compound, or a compound that can have different effects on the body. For instance glucose, fructose, and galactose are all C6H1206, yet they are different compounds and react differently within the body. Even reversing the molecule, known as a stereo isomer, can change effects of the molecule. Therefore, in my opinion the term "bio-identical" is extremely misleading.

If women really want to balance their hormones the first thing I suggest is to cleanse their liver with digestive bitters. The liver helps regulate hormone levels by breaking down excess levels of hormones. This is also why this works so well for clearing up acne. Estrogen is a precursor for the androgen testosterone, which elevated levels can promote acne. Bitters work by stimulating the bitter receptors on the tongue. This in turn stimulates the vagus nerve, which in turn stimulates the liver to "flush". Plenty of water should be consumed throughout the day when using bitters to hyperdilute the toxins being released, and to aid in their elimination. Any bitter tasting herb will work, or you can obtain digestive bitters from any health food store. Recommended dose is 1/2 dropper full 2 to 3 times daily. Don't forget the water. This also helps with weight loss.

Fiber is also a good idea since fibers feed the intestinal flora. The flora in turn helps to break down estrogen metabolites.

Diet can help with hormone balance as well. Avoid farm raised meats and dairy, which contain estrogens. The diet should include more phytoestrogens, which are very weak estrogenic compounds. They lock up estrogen receptors blocking the dangerous effects of stronger estrogens such as endogenous estrogens and xenoestrogens, such as dioxin and DDT. Good food phytoestrogen sources include soy, sage, parsley, yams, peas, seaweeds, and kudzu. Bioflavonoids have the same effect as phytoestrogens, and can be found in various fruits and vegetables, especially berries.

If women want to elevate their progesterone levels I recommend the herb vitex (chaste tree berry). Vitex stimulates the pituitary, which leads to normalization of progesterone levels rather than creating an excessive level as with progesterone creams. Vitex is best taken 3 times daily on an empty stomach, and it does take a few months to kick in. Taking it with the phytoestrogen sources alfalfa or parsley will work in conjunction with the vitex by nourishing the pituitary.