Oral vs Topical Progesterone
Oral micronized progesterone produces reliable systemic levels and is the established standard for endometrial protection in women with a uterus on estrogen therapy. Topical progesterone delivers inconsistent serum levels and is not considered adequate for endometrial protection in conventional clinical use.
Oral micronized progesterone is the provider-reviewed default for women with a uterus on estrogen, for the sleep-supportive bedtime profile, and as the standard BHRT progestogen.
Explore pathwayTopical progesterone is reviewed in narrow contexts only. It is not a substitute for oral micronized progesterone when endometrial protection is required.
Explore pathwayEducational. Final pathway selection is provider-reviewed via synchronous video consultation against your biomarkers, history, and goals.
Frequently asked
Can topical progesterone replace oral for endometrial protection?
No. Serum levels achieved with topical delivery are not considered adequate for endometrial protection in conventional clinical use.
Why is bedtime dosing common?
Oral micronized progesterone is metabolized into allopregnanolone, which has a GABAergic sedative effect — useful when timed to sleep.
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