Hi Sheryl,  In general when people say natural hormones they are referring to the bioidentical form or those hormones that are made to exactly mimic your own body's hormones.  Both bioidentical and the more traditional, but less authentic, synthetic hormones require a prescription.  There are progesterone products that are sold over the counter and can be very helpful, but the hormone content is very low and usually not effective against increasing symptoms as you move further along in perimenopause/menopause.  As to your question about hormones and moods...Progesterone acts as a mood enhancer and stabilizer and it quite effective for those women having the mood disturbances that are so common in perimenopause and beyond.  Be sure that you get the bioidentical for your provider (progesterone, brand name Prometrium).  The synthetics, Provera (medroxyprogesterone) being the most common, often cause depression, weepiness and just plain feeling bad.

I hope this helps to clear things up, Sheryl.  Best of luck, Sandy

Sheryl K.

10/15/08 5:42pm

I'm very glad I asked!!!  I really would not have liked taking something that made me cry even more!  Thanks very much for taking the time to answer me.  Now I know exactly what to ask the doctor for which makes me grateful.  I have never been a part of any on-line groups but since my mom recently passed, it sounds like this group of women may be hearing from me quite a bit!  Thanks again..Sheryl K.