The Truth About Wild Yam Cream
Wild yam cream has been widely marketed as a natural progesterone cream, claiming to support perimenopause, menopause, fertility, and even adrenal health. Many women turn to it, hoping for relief from symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and hot flashes. Wild yam cream is often promoted as a hormone miracle, but the evidence tells a different story.
The short answer? No. Wild yam cream is not what it claims to be. It does not do what it claims.
Let's separate fact from fiction so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Why Wild Yam Cream Doesn't Work the Way You Think
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) contains a plant compound called diosgenin, which can be chemically converted into progesterone in a lab. This fact has fuelled the myth that wild yam cream, when applied to the skin, can increase progesterone levels in the body. Your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone on its own. That means rubbing wild yam cream on your skin won't boost your progesterone levels or balance your hormones.
SCIENCE BACKING THIS UP
Diosgenin must be processed in a lab to be turned into progesterone. Your body simply doesn't have the enzymes to make this conversion (Pepping, 1999).
Clinical studies have found no evidence that wild yam cream can raise progesterone levels, relieve menopause symptoms, or improve hormone balance in a meaningful way (Komesaroff et al., 2001; Edwards & Moore, 2002).
If wild yam cream did contain active progesterone, it would be classified as a drug and regulated accordingly. Yet, it continues to be sold as a supplement with little oversight, especially in the USA. (Fitzpatrick, 2003).
So, if you've been using wild yam cream for hormonal support, it's likely not doing what you think or hope.
The Hidden Truth: Some Wild Yam Creams Contain Hormones
While most wild yam creams don't affect hormone levels, some do seem to work, but not because of the wild yam itself.
Testing has revealed that many so-called natural wild yam creams contain pharmaceutical progesterone, without disclosing this on the labelling or providing appropriate medical supervision. This can lead to unexpected hormone exposure and side effects like:
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Menstrual cycle changes
If a wild yam cream "works," it's often because it contains hidden hormones, not because of any herbal action from wild yam itself (Morton & Mehta, 1999).
The Right Way To Use It
While wild yam cream may not be effective, wild yam taken orally as an herbal extract is a different story. It has a long history in herbal medicine, especially for women's health. Wild yam is a well-regarded traditional herb for perimenopause and menopause when taken orally and prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
WHAT NATUROPATHS USE WILD YAM FOR
Uterine support – Helps relieve cramping, dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain (Pepping, 1999).
Bladder health – Eases discomfort from UTIs and interstitial cystitis (Komesaroff et al., 2001).
Pregnancy support – Used for nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis gravidarum (Edwards & Moore, 2002).
Labour support – Assists with dysfunctional uterine contractions and afterbirth pains (Fitzpatrick, 2003).
Hormonal balance – Thought to have mild oestrogenic effects, making it a helpful herb for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms (Morton & Mehta, 1999).
Unlike the creams, oral wild yam extract contains plant compounds that may influence hormone-related pathways in a natural, balanced way.
Should You Use Wild Yam?
Wild yam cream will not raise your progesterone levels. Your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone naturally.
Some wild yam creams are secretly laced with pharmaceutical hormones. If a wild yam cream works, it's likely because it contains hidden hormones.
Oral wild yam herbal extracts are traditional, well-researched herbal medicine for women's health. The wild yam is a respected herb for perimenopause and menopause when taken orally and prescribed properly by a qualified practitioner.
There are far better, evidence-based ways to support hormone health. If you've been using wild yam cream and not getting results, you're not alone. A qualified health practitioner can guide you toward evidence-based solutions for your hormone health.
If you're struggling with perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances, there are safe and evidence-based options available. Our practitioners would be glad to work with you on a personalised plan.
Our practitioners offer evidence-based care for women's health conditions. With a holistic and nurturing approach, we support women in understanding their bodies and empowering them to take steps towards better long-term health.
REFERENCES
Pepping, J. (1999). "Wild yam: An overview of its chemistry, effects, and clinical applications." American Journal of Natural Medicine.
Komesaroff, P. A., Black, C. V., Cable, V., & Sudhir, K. (2001). "Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women." Climacteric, 4(2), 144-150.
Edwards, D., & Moore, H. (2002). "Phytotherapy for menopausal symptoms: A review of the literature." Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinics of North America, 29(2), 223-239.
Fitzpatrick, L. A. (2003). "Alternative therapies for management of menopause-related symptoms in women with breast cancer." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 78(5), 791-800.
Morton, M. S., & Mehta, R. (1999). "Phytoestrogens and their role in hormone replacement therapy." Baillière's Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 13(1), 169-192.
