What is the Origin of Topical Progesterone?

This method of delivery evolved from the clinical desire to achieve therapeutic systemic hormone levels while mitigating the metabolic effects and specific side effects associated with the high first-pass metabolism of orally administered progesterone. It represents a significant development in the field of personalized and bioidentical hormone therapy.

What is the Mechanism of Topical Progesterone?

Progesterone is a highly lipophilic molecule, which enables it to readily penetrate the outer skin layer and enter the subcutaneous capillaries for absorption into the bloodstream. The topical route delivers the hormone directly, often resulting in a more favorable ratio of the active hormone to its various metabolites compared to oral administration. Clinically, it is used to provide essential endometrial protection when estrogen is co-administered, and to alleviate systemic symptoms of progesterone deficiency.

Topical Progesterone

Meaning

Topical progesterone refers to a pharmaceutical preparation of bioidentical progesterone, a vital female sex hormone, formulated for transdermal delivery via a cream, gel, or lotion applied directly to the skin. This specific route of administration is clinically employed in hormone replacement therapy to address symptoms of progesterone deficiency, such as those associated with perimenopause and menopause. The transdermal application allows the hormone to enter the systemic circulation directly, thereby bypassing the initial and extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism.