Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the follicle after ovulation. It keeps the inner lining of uterus ready to receive a fertilized ovum, and later provides the nurturing for the development of the embryo. If the egg was not fertilized, progesterone encourages the uterus to shed the lining, and the result is menstruation flow.

If the body lacks oestrogen, it uses progesterone to produce more oestrogen. On the other hand, progesterone counteracts the effect of oestrogen. The key is the balance of these two hormones. Too much of either one can cause health problems.

Most women experience lack of progesterone, not oestrogen. In addition to oestrogen made by the body, we receive doses of oestrogen with meats and dairy (farm animals are given this hormone to gain more weight). Symptoms of oestrogen dominance are irregular menstrual flow, hot flashes, cramping, mood swings, migraines - to name a few. Excess oestrogen is also associated with endometrial problems, including endometrial cancer. Sufficient levels of progesterone can prevent these problems. Interesting enough, in one study patients who were given natural progesterone showed an increase in bone density, which means that progesterone prevents and even reverses osteoporosis.

Natural progesterone supplements are used to balance oestrogen. Natural progesterone has a structure similar to that of human progesterone and is made form plant fats; one of such fats is diosgenin. Wild Yam is rich in diosgenin, so it became the most popular source of natural progesterone.

However, it is a common mistake to think that Wild Yam constituents are converted into progesterone by a human body. It does not happen. Progesterone can be derived from a Wild Yam plant, but only in a lab.

So why do people still find Wild Yam creams helpful?

Diosgenin found in Wild Yam is a phytoestrogen, and it closely resembles human progesterone. Due to this similarity, body reacts to it as if it were progesterone.

Because they are not the same as human hormones, phytoestrogens are far less potent which results in slower effect but safer use. Phytoestrogens do not cause any side effects. Unlike oestrogen which, when in excess, is associated with endometrial cancer, phytoestrogens do not evoke cell growth.

Many people question the effectiveness of topical application.

Our skin has the ability to absorb elements that come in contact with it. These elements travel with the blood flow or accumulate in tissues. Nicotine patches, essential oil blends work this way. The benefits of it are obvious: nutrients and vitamins do not travel through the digestive system and liver, where they can be broken down and lose their effect. Diosgenin becomes nearly useless after it goes through the liver.

On the other hand, when it is applied to such areas as breasts, inner thighs, belly, it easily penetrates the skin. When it is accumulated in breast tissues, it makes fat cells a little bigger, which adds fullness and roundness to the breasts. It does not increase the number of cells, therefore there is a limit to size increase, and the increase itself depends on the amount of fat cells already present.

After phytoestrogens get into the blood flow, they cause mild estrogenic effect. In other words, they "draw attention" of cell receptors and lock on them preventing real oestrogen from producing significant and often undesirable effect. That is why women who suffer from PMS, cramping, menopausal discomfort will benefit from Wild Yam cream. Before the breast enlargement effect was discovered, Wild Yam had been used to treat these complaints for hundreds of years.

Whether you want to balance your hormones, or to add fullness to the breasts, Wild Yam cream can be a part of the solution. The results will depend on your actual hormone levels. Sometimes additional food supplements will be necessary for hormone balancing and faster results.

Note: Information in this article is not to be taken as a medical advise. Always consult your doctor if you need professional help.