They have been shown to be absorbed through increases in salivary progesterone levels. Not all the creams contain progesterone. Read the label and talk to the manufacturer. I'm not sure what the physiology would be behind an increase in appetite. This isn't a common symptom I hear of.
Most women say they eat the same amount but start gaining weight due to the change in metabolism.
Your body puts on excess fatty tissue as that is where it can produce estrogen when ovarian estrogen declines. Fluctuations in appetite can be due to change in blood sugar levels. I don't feel women should use more than 20-30 mg per day. DHEA is a precursor to estrogen, testosterone but doesn't address progesterone needs. There is no Yam in Pro-Gest.