One of estrogen's many benefits is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Synthetic progestogens tend to reduce this benefit. Natural micronized progesterone does not appear to reduce estrogens positive effect on cholesterol. Therefore this is one case where the natural form of progesterone may be better for you. Micronized, natural progesterone creams such as Progest-Power are highly effective and affordable.
Some women use creams made of yams.
Many PMS and menopausal remedies also contain wild yam or Mexican yam extract. Often claims are made that this product is in fact progesterone. It is not. Yam may have beneficial effects and it may be useful for some conditions, but it is not the same as progesterone. Use in pregnancy requires careful physician surveillance.