Progesterone Cream for Men

Overview

Primarily thought of as a hormone for women, men produce progesterone in the testicles and adrenal glands, only in much smaller amounts than women. In men, progesterone is important for balancing the effects of estrogen and for promoting estrogen metabolism (which prevents estrogen dominance). 1, 2, 3

Progesterone has been found to influence spermiogenesis, sperm capacitation/acrosome reaction and testosterone biosynthesis in the Leydig cells in men.4 The prostate is an estrogen target tissue and estrogens directly and indirectly affect growth and differentiation of prostate.5, 6 Since progesterone helps balance the proliferative effects of estrogen,1, 2, 3  and since progesterone has been shown to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, 7 some clinicians believe progesterone may help hormone balance in men, though more research is needed.

Indications

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How Supplied

Commercially-Available Progesterone Options

Progesterone was first approved for human use in the U.S. in 1939. Today, progesterone is available commercially as oral capsules, an intravaginal gel, intravaginal insert, and intramuscular injection.8-12

Compounded Progesterone Options

Since progesterone is commercially available in various forms, compounded progesterone cream is reserved for patients that would benefit from the transdermal application as determined by a prescriber and in a strength more appropriate for men. Progesterone is commonly compounded into a 10 mg/mL cream, though other strengths and formulations may be prepared upon request. It is typically dispensed into a Topi-Click device for ease and flexibility in transdermal administration and usage.

Storage

Store this medication at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and away from heat, moisture and light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the beyond use date. Do not flush unused medications or pour down a sink or drain.

Reference

  1. Taraborrelli, S., “Physiology, production and action of progesterone”, ACTA Obstetricia et Gynecologica, vol.94, pp. 8-16, 2015. Available: https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aogs.12771
  2. Graham, J. D., Clarke, C.L., “Physiological Action of Progesterone in Target Tissues” Endocrine Reviews, vol.18, pp. 502-519, 1997. Available: https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/18/4/502/2530774
  3. “Progesterone”, National Center for Biotechnology information, 2020. Available: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Progesterone
  4. Oettel M, Mukhopadhyay AK. Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men? Aging Male. 2004 Sep;7(3):236-57.
  5. Nicholson TM, Ricke WA. Androgens and estrogens in benign prostatic hyperplasia: past, present and future. Differentiation. 2011 Nov-Dec; 82(4-5): 184-199.
  6. Araujo Da Silva MH, Benchimol De Souza, D. Current evidence for the involvement of sex steroid receptors and sex hormones in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Res Rep Urol. 2019; 11: 1-8.
  7. Cassidenti, D. L., R. J. Paulson, et al. Effects of sex steroids on skin 5 alpha-reductase activity in vitro. Obstet Gynecol. 1991;78(1): 103-7.
  8. Progesterone capsule package insert. High Point, NC: Banner Pharmacaps Inc; 2013 Nov.
  9. Crinone® (progesterone) vaginal gel package insert. Parsippany, NJ: Watson Pharma, Inc.; 2011 Dec.
  10. Prochieve® (progesterone) vaginal gel package insert. Livingston, NJ: Columbia Laboratories, Inc.; 2009 Nov.
  11. Endometrin® (progesterone) intravaginal insert package insert. Hunt Valley, MD: Pharmaceutics International, Inc.; 2007 Jun.
  12. Progesterone injection package insert. Corona, CA: Watson Laboratories, Inc.; 2007 Jan.

Compounding Pharmacy Statement

Progesterone cream is compounded with drug components whose suppliers are registered with the FDA. While Galleria Medical Pharmacy adheres to USP <795> guidelines and applicable state and federal regulations to meet the required quality standards, the statements made regarding compounded progesterone cream have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or clinical effectiveness. As such, this preparation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For inquiries concerning this preparation, please contact (504) 267-9876.