Doctors around the world are reporting symptoms relieved and quality of life restored for patients who have been prescribed natural progesterone cream.
In particular, specialists in hormonal disorders such as menopausal conditions and PMS and doctors active in the field of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increasingly using natural progesterone as their treatment of choice.
For many years, conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the standard approach to treating menopausal symptoms. However, the medical landscape has shifted considerably. The 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study raised significant concerns about the long-term safety of synthetic hormone treatments, prompting both doctors and patients to look for alternatives.
This shift has led a growing number of medical professionals to explore bioidentical hormones — hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body. Unlike the synthetic progestins used in most conventional HRT, natural progesterone is recognised and processed by the body in the same way as its own hormones.
The late Dr John Lee, one of the most influential figures in the natural hormone movement, spent decades researching and documenting the benefits of natural progesterone. His books, including Natural Progesterone: The Multiple Roles of a Remarkable Hormone and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, helped lay the groundwork for the medical acceptance we see today.
The distinction between bioidentical and synthetic hormones is crucial. Synthetic progestins — the type used in most conventional HRT — have a different molecular structure to the progesterone the body produces naturally. This means they can behave quite differently in the body and may be responsible for many of the side effects commonly associated with HRT.
Bioidentical progesterone, by contrast, has been prescribed since the 1930s with no reported side effects. It is derived from plant sources — typically wild yam or soya — and is then converted to match the exact molecular structure of human progesterone. You can learn more about this process in our article on yam extract and natural progesterone.
As awareness of these differences grows, more doctors are making the switch. Many now recommend natural progesterone delivered as a transdermal cream, which allows the hormone to be absorbed through the skin, bypassing the liver's first-pass metabolism.
Here are three respected medical professionals who have extensive experience prescribing natural progesterone and who support the Wellsprings approach to bioidentical hormone health.
In particular, specialists in hormonal disorders such as menopausal conditions and PMS and doctors active in the field of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increasingly using natural progesterone as their treatment of choice.
The Growing Medical Acceptance of Natural Progesterone
For many years, conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the standard approach to treating menopausal symptoms. However, the medical landscape has shifted considerably. The 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study raised significant concerns about the long-term safety of synthetic hormone treatments, prompting both doctors and patients to look for alternatives.
This shift has led a growing number of medical professionals to explore bioidentical hormones — hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body. Unlike the synthetic progestins used in most conventional HRT, natural progesterone is recognised and processed by the body in the same way as its own hormones.
The late Dr John Lee, one of the most influential figures in the natural hormone movement, spent decades researching and documenting the benefits of natural progesterone. His books, including Natural Progesterone: The Multiple Roles of a Remarkable Hormone and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, helped lay the groundwork for the medical acceptance we see today.
Why More Doctors Are Choosing Bioidentical Hormones
The distinction between bioidentical and synthetic hormones is crucial. Synthetic progestins — the type used in most conventional HRT — have a different molecular structure to the progesterone the body produces naturally. This means they can behave quite differently in the body and may be responsible for many of the side effects commonly associated with HRT.
Bioidentical progesterone, by contrast, has been prescribed since the 1930s with no reported side effects. It is derived from plant sources — typically wild yam or soya — and is then converted to match the exact molecular structure of human progesterone. You can learn more about this process in our article on yam extract and natural progesterone.
As awareness of these differences grows, more doctors are making the switch. Many now recommend natural progesterone delivered as a transdermal cream, which allows the hormone to be absorbed through the skin, bypassing the liver's first-pass metabolism.
Here are three respected medical professionals who have extensive experience prescribing natural progesterone and who support the Wellsprings approach to bioidentical hormone health.
Dame Dr Shirley Bond
Dr Bond is one of the UK's foremost private general practitioners specializing in women's hormone health and is the medical advisor to the Natural Menopause Advisory Service.
She is also the co-author, with Anna Rushton, of Natural Progesterone — a comprehensive Q&A guide that has helped thousands of women understand their hormone health options.
DCmdrSOStj MB BS LRCP MRCS FFARCS
She is also the co-author, with Anna Rushton, of Natural Progesterone — a comprehensive Q&A guide that has helped thousands of women understand their hormone health options.
"As a Doctor who has for many years specialised in women's hormonal problems I was fascinated when I came across natural progesterone in the form of a transdermal cream some seven to eight years ago.
When I started to look into its use I realised that it made sense to use it in the ways now described on this website. I had never been keen to give my patients traditional HRT and now I had a safe product to use to help them deal with their problems and balance their hormones from puberty to the post-menopause. Also I had a method of preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis that did not involve the risks associated with oestrogens.
It is good that products containing natural progesterone are available and that women are being given the information which will enable them to make informed choices about the use or not of HRT."
When I started to look into its use I realised that it made sense to use it in the ways now described on this website. I had never been keen to give my patients traditional HRT and now I had a safe product to use to help them deal with their problems and balance their hormones from puberty to the post-menopause. Also I had a method of preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis that did not involve the risks associated with oestrogens.
It is good that products containing natural progesterone are available and that women are being given the information which will enable them to make informed choices about the use or not of HRT."
Dr Tony Coope
Dr Coope has many years of experience in general practice. He now specialises in female hormone health, from puberty to post menopause, with a particular focus and experience in dealing with the many aspects of menopause.
His work has helped many women understand the concept of oestrogen dominance — where the balance between oestrogen and progesterone is disrupted during perimenopause and menopause. Dr Coope advocates restoring this balance using bioidentical hormones rather than adding further synthetic hormones.
DObstRCOG MB ChB
His work has helped many women understand the concept of oestrogen dominance — where the balance between oestrogen and progesterone is disrupted during perimenopause and menopause. Dr Coope advocates restoring this balance using bioidentical hormones rather than adding further synthetic hormones.
"I see there is still so much confusion and misunderstanding and now, I have to say, wilful distortion of the truth about the vital place of bioidentical hormones in women's health.
Wellsprings have the required knowledge, integrity and quality products to improve the health and hormonal balance of women along their whole 'continuum of vulnerability' from puberty to post-menopause, backed up by experienced e-mail guidance and support."
Wellsprings have the required knowledge, integrity and quality products to improve the health and hormonal balance of women along their whole 'continuum of vulnerability' from puberty to post-menopause, backed up by experienced e-mail guidance and support."
Dr B Peatfield
Dr Peatfield is well known for his work on the relationship between thyroid function and hormonal balance. His clinical experience has shown that many women with menopausal symptoms also have underlying thyroid issues, and that addressing hormonal imbalance alongside thyroid health can produce better outcomes.
"I have been using natural progesterone cream for some years now in my South London Practice. Both my patients and I have, without exception, been delighted with its efficacy in treating menstrual symptoms, especially PMS, and the menopause itself."
DCmdrSOStj MB BS LRCP MRCS
The Shift Away from Synthetic HRT
The experiences of Dr Bond, Dr Coope and Dr Peatfield reflect a broader trend in medicine. As research into bioidentical hormones has grown, so too has medical confidence in prescribing them. There are several key reasons why this shift is happening:
- Molecular identity: Bioidentical progesterone is structurally identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries, metabolised through the same natural pathways.
- Safety profile: Natural progesterone has been used since the 1930s with no reported side effects, in contrast to synthetic progestins which have been associated with bloating, mood changes and other issues.
- Transdermal delivery: Transdermal cream delivers progesterone directly through the skin, bypassing the liver and allowing more effective absorption.
- Patient demand: Women are increasingly researching their health options and asking about natural alternatives to conventional HRT.
- Broader applications: Beyond menopausal symptoms, doctors find natural progesterone helpful for osteoporosis, weight management, and gut health.
How to Discuss Natural Progesterone with Your Doctor
If you are considering natural progesterone, it is always advisable to speak with your healthcare professional. Here are some practical suggestions for making the most of that conversation:
- Do your research: Familiarise yourself with the basics of natural progesterone and bioidentical hormones before your appointment. The more informed you are, the more productive the conversation will be.
- Be specific about your symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms — whether that is hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood changes or weight gain. Specific details help your doctor understand your situation.
- Ask about bioidentical options: Not all doctors will raise bioidentical hormones as an option unprompted. It is perfectly reasonable to ask whether natural progesterone cream might be suitable for your symptoms.
- Bring information: Consider bringing printed materials or referencing published works such as Dr John Lee's books or the Natural Progesterone book by Anna Rushton and Dr Shirley Bond. Many doctors are receptive when patients present well-researched information.
- Consider a specialist: If your GP is not familiar with bioidentical hormones, you may wish to seek out a practitioner who specialises in hormone health. The healthcare professionals section of this site may be a helpful starting point.
Remember that every woman's hormonal situation is unique, and any changes to your hormone treatment should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Wellsprings Bioidentical Progesterone Products
Wellsprings has been providing natural bioidentical progesterone creams for over 25 years. Our range includes products formulated for different hormonal needs:
- Wellsprings Serenity — Our flagship natural progesterone cream, trusted by women and recommended by doctors since 1997.
- Wellsprings 20-1 — A combined cream containing both natural progesterone and natural oestrogens, for women who need both hormones supplemented.
- Wellsprings Lifelong Care — A premium formulation with progesterone, oestrogen and essential minerals for comprehensive hormone support.
- Wellsprings Menopause Capsules — A natural supplement to complement your hormone cream routine.
To learn more about how our creams work and how to use them, visit our usage guide. You can also compare our bioidentical hormone creams to find the right product for your needs, or read what other women have experienced on our customer reviews page.
References
- Lee, J.R. (1993). Natural Progesterone: The Multiple Roles of a Remarkable Hormone. BLL Publishing.
- Lee, J.R. (1996). What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. Warner Books.
- Rushton, A. & Bond, Dr S. Natural Progesterone. Wellsprings Health.
- Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative (2002). Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women. JAMA, 288(3), 321–333.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing care. Every woman is unique and individual results may vary.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing care. Every woman is unique and individual results may vary.
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