Eight hundred women ages 45 to 64 participated in the study first announced on the front page of The New York Times in November 1994. But there is a catch. According to Ahlgrimm, the benefit of natural progesterone is that it is chemically identical to what women's bodies produce every month from ovulation to menstruation. However, synthetic progestins, in contrast, are similar to, but not identical to natural progesterone or what women's bodies produce. The benefits of natural progesterone appear obvious, but educating women and health professionals on the realities of natural progesterone may not be as easy as it sounds.
Natural hormones are available in health food stores.
Most women on hormone replacement therapy use natural hormones. The most commonly prescribed synthetic are oral contraceptives and medroxyprogesterone. Both are prescribed for women with irregular or heavy periods or for post-menopausal women. By using natural hormone replacement therapy, women may avoid many of the premenstrual-like side effects, including weight gain, feeling bloated, angry, irritable or depressed. Natural hormones are available from any local pharmacy or drug store chain.