Dear Linda:

For a number of years now, wild yam (Dioscorea) has been promoted as a source of natural progesterone for the relief of PMS, perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms ranging from menstrual cramps to hot flashes to monthly mood swings. These claims are based on the fact that progesterone has been shown to help with these symptoms and wild yam contains a progesterone precursor called diosgenin.

Unfortunately, even in the "most potent" extract of wild yam, diosgenin does not convert into progesterone in your body, and the cream only contains progesterone if it has been added. If you don't see progesterone USP listed as one of the ingredients on the label, all you have purchased is a high priced skin cream. If progesterone USP is listed as one of the ingredients, check to see how much has been included in the formula. Over the counter creams can be formulated with up to 0.016 percent progesterone USP.

Your best bet may be to not worry about about wild yam and look for a progesterone cream from a trusted source. Our Natural Progesterone Cream is formulated with the maximum percentage of progesterone USP allowed.

You may also want to consider using a prescription progesterone cream formulated just for you. These creams may be less expensive than a wild yam cream, and your insurance may cover the cost.

Your health care provider can help you decide which of these options is right for you. If you have additional questions, please call us at 800.558.7046.

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