The very potent synthetic progestins prevent ovulation in a very low dose and, therefore, accomplish their function of birth control. Conversely, natural progesterone has been use for many years in pregnancy, luteal phase defect and postpartum depression. When a woman is pregnant, her progesterone levels are 30 to 50 times higher than normal. A nursing mother should not be concerned that taking natural progesterone for postpartum depression will affect the baby. After all, the baby has been exposed to tremendous levels of progesterone during its development.
Significant differences exist between synthetic and natural progesterone.
Natural progesterone duplicates the body's progesterone exactly, causes fewer side effects and can be more consistently utilized by the body. In the case of natural progesterone versus synthetic progestins in hormone replacement, natural does appear to be better. Pete Hueseman is a pharmacist with College Pharmacy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Email the Website Editor .