What Is Natural Estrogen Cream?

Natural estrogen cream is a cream containing estrogen made from natural materials, primarily soy and yam. Many of these creams contain bioidentical estrogen, which means that the hormone is identical to naturally-produced estrogen on a molecular level. This cream is typically used to counteract the effects of menopause, reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or increase low estrogen levels. These creams can be applied vaginally as well as on the wrists, inner thighs, stomach, chest, neck and other areas. While it is possible to purchase natural estrogen creams without a prescription, users should carefully follow all dosage instructions and be aware of the dangers associated with using these creams.

When an estrogen cream is said to be natural, the manufacturer typically means that the estrogen was derived from natural materials. Natural estrogen is not necessarily kept in its naturally-found form. In many cases, natural estrogens are manufactured from soy and yams. Some creams also contain estrogen extracted from the urine of pregnant mares.

In addition to being natural, many creams also contain bioidentical estrogen. Three types of estrogen can be manufactured on a bioidentical level: estriol, estradiol and estrone. These estrogens are structurally identical to the human hormone. When a bioidentical estrogen is introduced into the body, the body treats it as if it was naturally produced. The body cannot tell the difference between foreign bioidentical estrogen and naturally-produced estrogen.

Estrogen cream is primarily used as an estrogen replacement therapy for women dealing with certain menopausal symptoms. Estrogen vaginal cream can be used to restore the health of the vaginal tissue and reduce dryness. Other estrogen creams can be used to reduce hot flashes, mood swings, bladder irritation, sleeplessness, night sweats and heart palpitations. Some creams are designed to be used only as a vaginal cream, while others can be used on the vaginal tissue and/or other areas of the body.

Women can also use natural estrogen cream to alleviate PMS symptoms or increase estrogen levels. Estrogen creams might also be used to treat bladder prolapse, urethral prolapse and vaginal prolapse. To treat these conditions, the cream will typically be applied vaginally. While estrogen cream is not always enough to cure these conditions, mild cases might benefit from the use of these creams.

Estrogen cream should not be used as a regular moisturizing lotion. When applied to the skin, the estrogen will penetrate into the bloodstream and may can cause certain unwanted side effects. In women who have not yet gone through menopause, estrogen cream might lengthen the menstrual cycle or cause breakthrough bleeding. These creams might also cause breast tenderness, vaginitis, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, bloating and dizziness. In excessive doses, estrogen cream has also been linked to certain types of cancer.

To keep a woman’s hormone levels balanced, natural estrogen cream will sometimes be paired with progesterone cream or other products. Women who want to begin using estrogen cream might want to talk to their physician about effective products, dosage, and whether additional hormone creams should be used. A physician will also be able to warn the patient of possible drug interactions and determine whether a natural estrogen cream will be safe to use.