Progesterone - The More I Learn About Bioidentical Hormones, the More I’m in Awe
By Maureen McSwiggin, APRN – Vitality Collective Hormone Health
The deeper I explore bioidentical hormone therapy, the more amazed I become—not just by what it can do, but by how underutilized it still is. Despite being safe, natural, and remarkably effective, bioidentical progesterone is often overlooked in favor of quick fixes: synthetic hormones, IUDs, ablations, or even full hysterectomies.
And while every woman’s story is different—and in some cases, surgery may be necessary—too many are steered toward invasive options before exploring what their bodies might truly need: hormonal balance.
What If We Tried Progesterone First?
During perimenopause, the natural rhythms of ovulation begin to change. Many women experience anovulatory cycles—cycles where no egg is released. This matters because no ovulation means no progesterone is produced by the body that month.
Meanwhile, estrogen remains in play—stimulating the uterine lining, thickening it, and often leading to heavy, prolonged, or erratic bleeding. The medical term for this is “estrogen dominance,” and it’s incredibly common in perimenopause.
The fix isn’t to shut down the entire system—it’s to bring back what’s missing. And in many cases, that means introducing bioidentical progesterone.
When to Consider Vaginal Bioidentical Progesterone
Vaginal progesterone is a targeted, well-tolerated option for women who are:
Struggling with heavy or irregular bleeding
Experiencing PMS, mood changes, or poor sleep
Having cycles without ovulation (common in perimenopause)
Dealing with estrogen dominance symptoms like breast tenderness, anxiety, bloating, or headaches
Wanting to avoid synthetic hormones, IUDs, or unnecessary surgery
Not found to have fibroids, polyps, or endometrial abnormalities on imaging
A 3–6 month trial of vaginal progesterone can often reduce or eliminate heavy bleeding, ease symptoms, and restore hormonal stability—without suppressing your entire cycle.
How Bioidentical Progesterone Works
Bioidentical progesterone is molecularly identical to what your body produces naturally. When taken vaginally (in suppository or cream form), it delivers hormone directly to the uterine tissue with minimal systemic exposure—meaning it works where it’s needed without causing widespread side effects.
It plays several key roles:
Regulates the uterine lining, preventing excessive buildup and shedding
Opposes estrogen, creating hormonal balance
Supports mood and sleep, calming the nervous system through its GABA-like effect
Supports bone health, cardiovascular stability, and cognitive function
Why Not Just Use an IUD or Birth Control?
You might be thinking, “Isn’t this what a Mirena IUD or birth control pill does?” And yes, synthetic progestins (found in those options) are often prescribed for the same symptoms—but they’re not the same thing.
Here’s the deeper comparison:
Bioidentical Progesterone:
Chemically identical to the hormone your body naturally makes
Supports your own cycle rather than shutting it down
Minimal side effects, especially with vaginal delivery
Enhances sleep, mood, and mental clarity
Promotes bone and cardiovascular health
Gentle, restorative, and aligned with your body’s rhythms
Progestin IUD or Synthetic Birth Control:
Contains synthetic progestins (like levonorgestrel or norethindrone), not true progesterone
Often suppresses ovulation and hormonal feedback
Can cause side effects: mood swings, acne, weight gain, low libido
Does not provide the same brain, bone, or nervous system support
Designed to override your natural cycle rather than work with it
Synthetic progestins can help reduce bleeding—but at what cost? For many women, the trade-offs are not worth it.
Progesterone Before Procedures
We need to ask:
Why are so many women being told they need ablations or hysterectomies without first being offered a bioidentical hormone trial?
Unless there’s evidence of:
Endometrial hyperplasia (pre-cancer)
Uterine cancer
Large fibroids or polyps
Severe anemia from blood loss
…we believe a 3–6 month trial of vaginal bioidentical progesterone should be a first-line intervention—not an afterthought.
You Deserve Options. You Deserve Answers.
Hormone therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about supporting what your body already knows how to do.
If you’re navigating heavy periods, mood swings, insomnia, or simply feeling like your body has changed in ways no one prepared you for—let’s talk.
We offer personalized hormone assessments, compassionate support, and customized care plans designed around YOU.
Get Started with a Discovery Call
Your story matters. And your options should reflect your individuality—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Book a free Discovery Call today with our team at Vitality Collective Hormone Health. We’ll walk through your symptoms, labs (if available), and explore whether bioidentical progesterone could help restore your rhythm—naturally.
You don’t have to suffer. You don’t have to settle. You can feel like yourself again.
Schedule Your Discovery Call
With love and science,
Maureen McSwiggin, APRN
Vitality Collective Hormone Health
References:
Briden, Lara. “Progesterone vs Progestin.” LaraBriden.com
White Lotus Clinic. “Progesterone Therapy for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.” whitelotusclinic.ca
NIH/National Library of Medicine. “Progesterone.” NCBI Bookshelf
Cleveland Clinic. “Low Progesterone.”my.clevelandclinic.org
