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Is progestin the same as progesterone? It’s a common question — and an important one. Even though they sound similar, progesterone is your body’s natural hormone, while progestin is a lab-made version used in many medications.
Understanding progestin vs. progesterone can help you know how they work in your body. And, even more importantly, which one might be right for you! Here’s a quick, clear look at what sets them apart and why it matters for your body.
Key Takeaways
- Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone in your body.
- Progestin is a synthetic progesterone created in a lab.
- The main difference between progestin vs. progesterone is their structure. These differences can change how they work in your body.
- Progesterone is often used in fertility treatment and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Progestins are the main ingredient in birth control to prevent pregnancy. They’re also used in some hormone replacement therapies.
- Some research suggests that there might be a difference in the risk of breast cancer and other side effects.
- Many women can support their natural progesterone levels by eating foods rich in zinc, magnesium, and B and C vitamins.
What Are Progesterone and Progestin? And How Are They Different From Each Other?
Let’s start with the basics.
You can think of progesterone as the original, naturally occurring hormone that your ovaries produce. The main job of progesterone is to help build and stabilize your uterine lining and prep your body for a potential pregnancy.
Progestin is a lab-made version of progesterone. Scientists created it to act like progesterone in your body. But the key difference? It has a different structure from the progesterone that’s naturally in your body.
Here’s a quick look at the main differences between progestin vs. progesterone.
Note: You may also have come across something called “bioidentical progesterone” or “natural progesterone”. These are medications that are structurally identical to the hormone your body makes. It’s usually made from plant sources like yam roots or soybeans!
Progesterone | Progestin | |
Origin | Hormone naturally produced by your ovaries, chiefly after ovulation | Synthetic hormone created in a lab |
Source of medication | It is bio-identical when used medically, derived from plants like yam roots or soybeans | Lab-made |
Chemical structure | Bioidentical progesterone is structurally identical to natural progesterone | Different structure but acts similarly to progesterone |
Uses | Hormone therapy, pregnancy support, fertility treatments | Hormone replacement therapy, contraception (main ingredient in birth control pills) |
What Do Progesterone and Progestin Do in the Body?
Both progesterone and progestin are types of sex hormones. They’re crucial for many body functions, especially those related to reproduction.
The role of natural progesterone
In the menstrual cycle, progesterone plays a huge role in the second half, after an egg has been released. If a pregnancy happens, progesterone’s job is to:
- Thicken the uterine lining: This preps the uterus for a fertilized egg to attach.
- Prevent ovulation: It keeps you from getting pregnant again during the current pregnancy.
- Prevent uterine contractions: It keeps the uterus calm so the baby can grow safely.
- Stimulate breast tissue development: It helps get your breasts ready for milk production and breastfeeding.
People with low progesterone levels often have a hard time getting pregnant and staying pregnant.
Know more: Progesterone 101: Role in Ovulation, Fertility & Pregnancy
How progestin works
Progestin works similarly to progesterone in our bodies. But each type of synthetic progestin has its own unique effects.
For example, some progestins are better at preventing pregnancy. Others are better at controlling bleeding.
Progestin medications come in different forms, depending on what they’re being used for. You might see them as pills, creams, injections, patches, and suppositories.
When Do You Use Progesterone and Progestins?
Generally speaking, progesterone is used when you need a body-identical progesterone to mimic the body’s natural hormones. This is usually during fertility treatment or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Progestins are often used when a specific clinical effect is needed, like in birth control (when a longer-lasting effect is needed).
Let’s look at some different scenarios and when to use progestin vs. progesterone.
1. Pregnancy support
Both progesterone and progestins are used to support a pregnancy.
A doctor might prescribe progesterone for fertility treatment if you have low progesterone levels. This helps prevent recurrent miscarriage, threatened abortion, or preterm labor.
2. Preventing pregnancy
Progestins are the main ingredient in most birth control pills. Other forms of hormonal birth control, like shots, IUDs, or implants, also use it.
They work in a few different ways to prevent pregnancy:
- They stop your body from releasing an egg by inhibiting the peaks of LH and FSH hormones.
- They cause the production of a thick cervical mucus, which acts like a barrier to stop sperm from getting into the uterus.
- They change the uterine lining to make it an unsuitable place for an embryo to attach.
- They may also slow down the movement of the fallopian tube, which helps to prevent sperm and egg from meeting.
3. Treatment of menopause symptoms
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often used to treat common menopause symptoms. This includes some combination of estrogen and progesterone.
4. Treatment of menstrual disorders
Both can be used to treat irregular menstrual periods, abnormal bleeding, and conditions like PCOS.
Progestins are especially useful for controlling bleeding. They can also be given in low doses to help regulate your cycle.
5. Gender-affirming therapy
Progestins also have a role in gender affirming therapy for female-to-male transitions.
These women are treated with androgens to suppress their hormones. But if the suppression isn’t enough, doctors might use a progestin to prevent uterine bleeding.
6. Cancer treatment
Both progestone and progestin may be used for hormone-sensitive cancers like endometrial, breast, and prostate cancer.
7. Management of androgen-dependent conditions
Newer progestins have some antiandrogenic properties. That makes them a great tool to use in conditions like acne, hirsutism, oily skin, and scalp hair loss.
What Are the Side Effects of Progesterone and Progestins?
Both hormones can have side effects.
The side effects of progesterone are more natural. Progestins may have more “synthetic” hormone-related effects. They may also have stronger risks associated with some forms.
The most common side effects of these include:
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Vaginal bleeding
Side effects of progestins are generally more severe when combined with estrogen, and can include a greater risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease.
Can You Naturally Increase Your Progesterone Levels?
Yes! While no foods naturally contain progesterone, there are some vitamins and minerals that can help increase your body’s natural progesterone production!
These vitamins and minerals include:
Vitamin B6
This helps balance your estrogen-progesterone ratio.
For vitamin B6, eat:
- Salmon
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Spinach
- Bananas
Vitamin C
Studies show that higher vitamin C levels can be linked to higher progesterone levels.
For vitamin C, eat:
- Kiwis
- Oranges
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
Zinc
Zinc helps regulate your menstrual cycle and promote ovulation. It can also increase progesterone levels!
For zinc, eat:
- Shellfish
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Lentils
- Oats
- Pumpkin seeds
- Mushrooms
Magnesium
Magnesium helps support your pituitary gland and balance your estrogen-progesterone ratio.
For magnesium, eat:
- Dark chocolate
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Black beans
Learn more: How To Increase Progesterone To Get Pregnant?
FAQs
Neither is necessarily “better” than the other. They are used for different reasons.
Progesterone is often best when a body-identical hormone is needed. This could be for fertility treatment or in different hormone replacement therapies.
Progestins are typically best for birth control. Their unique chemical structure makes them more effective at preventing pregnancy. They also have a longer-lasting effect.
Some disadvantages of progestins are that they have a higher potential for side effects when combined with estrogen. These side effects include:
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
Some synthetic progestin formulations have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease as well.
No, progestin is not just progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. And progestin is a synthetic, lab-made hormone that mimics the effects of progesterone.
They both act on the same receptors in the body. But they have different structures.
The safest form of progesterone depends on your unique health and what you’re using it for.
Many studies and doctors believe that oral micronized progesterone has a lower risk of certain side effects. This is when you compare this body-identical progesterone to some synthetic progestins.
However, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine which form is safest and most effective for you.
Generally, no. It’s not common to be on both at the same time.
Doctors usually prescribe one or the other, depending on what your body needs and what you’re treating.
For example, if you’re looking for birth control, you’ll probably be prescribed a progestin. If you’re looking for fertility treatment, you’ll probably be prescribed progesterone.
Taking both at the same time could cause a hormonal imbalance or other unexpected side effects.
Not always!
Both can cause some similar side effects, but they can also have different ones.
Common side effects include mood swings, headaches, or breast tenderness.
But because progestin has a different chemical structure from progesterone, it can sometimes have additional side effects. These include a higher risk of blood clots or even cardiovascular disease for some.
Weight gain can be a side effect of some types of progestin. But not for everyone!
Researchers believe this might be because of a few things, like fluid retention or a change in appetite.
However, your individual response to the hormone can vary a lot. Every body is different.
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