All topical gels are formulated using a trans-organo gel base. This base utilizes lecithin and a penetrating oil to provide better absorption. Although these gels may be applied to various sites, they are most often applied to the inside of the forearm (usually at bedtime).

There is a trade-off in using in the trans-organo gel base instead of a cosmetic type cream like Dermabase. The cosmetic creams are nice to apply, but all contain mineral oil that can reduce absorption. The gel tends to be sticky if doses are greater than ¼ tsp.; most women have no problem with this dosage size.

All gels are compounded so that ¼ tsp = 1 Gram

Oral capsules of micronized progesterone in oil (MP/OIL) are the most optimally absorbed alternative to medroxyprogesterone (Provera, Cycrin). The use of MP/OIL results in peak concentrations of over three times that of plain progesterone and twice that of micronized progesterone powder alone. Doses to prevent endometrial hyperplasia are 100 mg daily or 200 mg cyclically of MP/OIL.

The introduction of Prometrium (Solvay Labs brand of MP/OIL) has made this product available to a much larger patient population. However, many patients continue to prefer our compounded product since it costs less than Prometrium and can be compounded in the same capsule with any dose of estrogen. This often results in a lower price for all patients because even those who have insurance can get it combined with estrogen in a single capsule and pay only 1 copay.

MP/OIL capsules when used vaginally produce comparable blood levels to those of progesterone suppositories. Many physicians now use the MP/OIL capsules vaginally for luteal phase defect--with a dosage of 200 mg, 2-4 times daily.

When used with oral estrogen therapy, the non-prescription progesterone creams do not contain enough progesterone to prevent endometrial hyperplasia.

A standardized micronized topical progesterone gel containing 100 mg/gm is available on prescription at a lower price than OTC products.