Many women don’t realize there’s a big difference between synthetic progestins and natural bioidentical progesterone when it comes to hormone support. In this short episode, Tara breaks down the key distinctions between these two types of progesterone, explaining why bioidentical forms are the safest and most effective option for women in midlife.
Tara highlights the potential harms of synthetic progestins—which are commonly found in birth control pills, certain IUDs, and some hormone replacement therapies—including increased risks of breast cancer, negative cardiovascular impacts, mood disturbances, and more. In contrast, natural bioidentical progesterone supports sleep, mood, brain health, and overall well-being, without the risks associated with its synthetic counterparts.
If you’re on hormone therapy or using birth control, Tara encourages you to check what type of progesterone you’re taking and consider making a switch if necessary. This episode is full of clear, empowering information to help you make the best choices for your long-term health as you navigate perimenopause and beyond.
Here are 3 key takeaways every woman should know:
- Bioidentical vs. Synthetic: Bioidentical (body-identical) progesterone matches the structure of what your body naturally produces, while synthetic progestins (often found in birth control pills, some IUDs, and older HRT) are chemically different—and can behave very differently in your body.
- Health Risks Are Not Equal: Progestins have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular issues, and mood disturbances. In contrast, bioidentical progesterone is shown to support breast, brain, bone, and cardiovascular health, and has a far better safety profile.
- You Have Options: If you’re currently on a progestin-based therapy or birth control, you can talk to your provider about switching. There are bioidentical options that offer real benefits without the same potential for harm.
Commonly Used Progestins (synthetic forms):
• Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) – used in Prempro, Provera
• Norethisterone (Norethindrone) – found in some birth control and HRT pills
• Levonorgestrel – used in IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta), birth control pills
• Norgestrel – in some oral contraceptives
• Drospirenone – in pills like Yaz, Yasmin
• Desogestrel, Etonogestrel, Dienogest – in various contraceptive options
You may also enjoy these episodes:
Episode 96: What is “estrogen kickback” when you start on progesterone HRT?
Episode 99: Everything you need to know about progesterone & replacing it, with Carol Petersen
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Mentioned in this episode:
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Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast – a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.
Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years – plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.
I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.
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