Bio-Identical progesterone is a progesterone molecule that is identical to the hormone produced by the human body.
Progesterone is secreted primarily by the ovaries in females and the testes in men. Smaller amounts of progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the brain in both sexes.
Essentials of the process
Progesterone is made in your body from cholesterol.
First, your body turns the cholesterol into pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone used by the body to make progesterone.
Your body then makes a cascade of other hormones that it needs from the progesterone (these include the estrogen and testosterone amongst others)
Synthetic Progestins and Progestogens
The synthetic progestins and progestogens have an altered molecular structure. They are synthetic substances that are not the same as the progesterone molecule produced by the body.
The synthetic version cannot make the other needed hormones.
The only similarity between progestins and the natural hormone is their ability to maintain the lining of the uterus.
The bio-identical progesterone has no toxic side effects. However, the progestins and progestogens are potentially highly toxic because of their altered molecular structure.
Progestins behave in the body in radically different ways to progesterone itself.
The lesson here is obvious. If such small differences in molecular structures have such big real effects beware of man made alterations.
Progestins can be patented and sold for very high prices.
Yam Extracts and Creams
Yam extracts and yam creams do not contain progesterone.
They do contain the plant steroid diosgenin. The body cannot convert diosgenin into bio-identical progesterone.
The yam creams can have a beneficial effect on the body. They cannot correct hormonal imbalances such as excessive levels of oestrogen.
You can learn more about natural bio-identical progesterone and synthetic progesterone at progesterone therapy.