---
title: What are the clinical differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins for treating PMS?
description: Natural progesterone and synthetic progestins are different and should not be used interchangeably for PMS treatment. However, the abstract does not specify w
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/differentiating-between-natural-progesterone-and-synthetic-progestins-clinical-1998/
---

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- What are the clinical differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins for treating PMS?

Review, 1998

# What are the clinical differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins for treating PMS?

Natural progesterone and synthetic progestins are different and should not be used interchangeably for PMS treatment. However, the abstract does not specify what those differences are or how they affect treatment.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with premenstrual syndrome (review article)

## What they did

This is a review article comparing natural progesterone and synthetic progestins.

## What they found

Critical differences exist between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins, and these medications should not be used interchangeably for PMS or perimenopause management.

## What it means for you

For PMS treatment with progesterone-type medications, it matters whether a doctor prescribes natural or synthetic versions. The main limit is that this abstract does not explain what the specific differences are.

## About the study

Original title Differentiating between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins: clinical implications for premenstrual syndrome and perimenopause management Authors Martorano JT, Ahlgrimm M, Colbert T Journal Comprehensive therapy Year 1998 Study design Review What was tested Natural progesterone compared to synthetic progestins Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9669099/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9669099/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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