Low libido, or decreased sexual desire, is a common concern that prompts many people to seek solutions, including hormone creams. Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a significant part in the female reproductive system. The question of whether applying progesterone topically can increase sexual desire is complex, requiring an understanding of the hormone’s natural functions and the evidence related to its transdermal application.
Understanding Progesterone’s Role in the Body
Progesterone is a sex hormone primarily produced in the ovaries by the corpus luteum, the structure that forms after an egg is released during ovulation. Its main function is to prepare the uterus for a potential fertilized egg. Progesterone achieves this by causing the uterine lining, or endometrium, to thicken and become enriched with blood vessels and nutrients.
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, causing progesterone levels to fall steeply. This drop triggers the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation. Progesterone also works with estrogen, balancing its proliferative effects on the endometrium, which governs fertility and menstrual health.
Progesterone Cream and Libido: The Scientific Evidence
The direct scientific evidence supporting the use of transdermal progesterone cream specifically to increase libido is weak and often conflicting. Although progesterone is a precursor to testosterone, a hormone more directly associated with sexual desire, applying the cream does not reliably translate into a libido boost. Studies examining the relationship between naturally high progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle and sexual desire often show a negative correlation.
Many women report a dip in sexual interest during the luteal phase when natural progesterone production is at its peak. This suggests that elevated progesterone levels may actually dampen desire, which is a logical mechanism to reduce sexual activity after ovulation. Furthermore, research on progesterone cream and menopausal symptoms, including low libido, has failed to show a statistically significant advantage over a placebo.
A significant issue with over-the-counter progesterone creams is the lack of regulation and standardization, making it difficult to determine the actual dose a person is absorbing through the skin. While some proponents suggest that improving overall well-being or reducing menopausal symptoms like anxiety or sleep disturbance may indirectly improve desire, a direct pharmacological effect of transdermal progesterone on Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is not established. Clinical trials have not consistently demonstrated that transdermal progesterone cream is an effective treatment for reduced sexual desire.
Established Therapeutic Uses of Progesterone Cream
Despite the lack of evidence for its use as a primary libido enhancer, progesterone cream has several established therapeutic applications. In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women who still have their uterus, progesterone is prescribed alongside estrogen to protect the endometrium. Estrogen alone can cause excessive growth of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Progesterone counteracts this by regulating the shedding of the lining.
Progesterone is also used to manage certain symptoms associated with the menopausal transition, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Its calming effect can help improve the quality of sleep, which may indirectly contribute to a better sense of well-being. Furthermore, progesterone supplementation, typically in the form of suppositories or oral capsules, is a standard treatment in fertility protocols to support the luteal phase and aid in maintaining early pregnancy.
Alternative Approaches for Low Libido
Low libido is a complex issue that rarely has a single hormonal cause, requiring a multi-faceted approach addressing medical, psychological, and relational factors. For postmenopausal women, hormonal alternatives like estrogen therapy can be highly effective in treating vaginal dryness and discomfort, which often inhibit desire and arousal. Testosterone therapy, though not FDA-approved for female sexual dysfunction, is sometimes prescribed off-label as it has shown promise in increasing sexual desire in women with low testosterone levels.
Non-hormonal strategies are often the first and most effective line of treatment for many people experiencing decreased desire. Addressing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, can significantly improve sexual function. A thorough review of current medications is also important, as certain drugs, particularly some antidepressants and hormonal birth control, are known to suppress libido.
Psychological and relational factors are often overlooked causes of low desire. Consulting with a sex therapist or engaging in couples counseling can help address issues like relationship stress, communication barriers, and body image concerns. Lifestyle adjustments, including regular exercise, stress management, and maintaining a healthy diet, can also play a significant role in boosting overall energy and sexual interest. Two FDA-approved medications, Flibanserin (Addyi) and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), are available by prescription to treat Hypoactive Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal women.