Natural Progesterone is derived from natural sources, such as plants. Many health food stores and Internet sites sell Natural Progesterone compounds, or plants they are derived from such as wild yams, soy and fenugreek, with various claims to reduce menopausal symptoms. However, Progesterone from these plants is actually in a precursor form called diosgenin. It needs to be metabolized into active Progesterone before it exerts any of its hormonal effects. Human beings are unable to convert diosgenin into active progesterone. However, this conversion can take place in the laboratory, and the resulting active compound is still marketed as natural progesterone.

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