Before considering information about Susten or any medication, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Information presented here is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice.
Susten: Natural, Not Synthetic
One of the most common misconceptions about hormone therapy is confusing natural progesterone with synthetic progestins. Susten is a brand name for a medication that contains natural micronized progesterone. The key takeaway is that Susten is not synthetic. Its active ingredient is a type of progesterone hormone that is extracted from plants, and its chemical structure is designed to be identical to the progesterone naturally produced in the human body. This makes it a 'bioidentical' hormone.
Natural Progesterone vs. Synthetic Progestins
Understanding the distinction between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins is crucial for anyone considering hormone therapy. While they both interact with progesterone receptors in the body, their chemical structures and effects can differ significantly.
What is a progestin?
Progestins are synthetic, chemically modified versions of progesterone. They are created in a pharmaceutical laboratory to mimic some of progesterone's effects. Because they are not identical to the body's own hormone, their synthetic structure can lead to different and sometimes more numerous side effects. Examples of progestins include medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) and levonorgestrel.
What is natural micronized progesterone?
Natural micronized progesterone, like that found in Susten, is derived from plant sources but is engineered to have the exact same molecular structure as the progesterone produced by the ovaries. The term 'micronized' refers to a manufacturing process that reduces the size of the progesterone particles to improve the absorption and bioavailability of the hormone in the body. This is an optimization process, not a synthesis process.
The Micronization Process Explained
Micronization is a pharmacological technique designed to enhance the effectiveness of a drug that is otherwise poorly absorbed. For natural progesterone, which is lipophilic (fat-soluble) and poorly absorbed orally in its raw form, micronization is essential.
The steps involved typically include:
- Extraction: Progesterone is first extracted from plant sources, such as soybeans or wild yams.
- Synthesis: While the source is natural, the process of modifying the precursor molecule from the plant into the final progesterone product is a form of laboratory synthesis, but the resulting molecule is an exact replica of human progesterone.
- Milling: The powder form of progesterone is then mechanically milled into a very fine powder with reduced particle size.
- Improved Absorption: This increased surface area allows for better dissolution and absorption, particularly when taken orally, ensuring consistent and therapeutically effective levels of the hormone.
This process is what makes oral natural progesterone possible and effective, allowing it to bypass some of the first-pass metabolism in the liver that would break down non-micronized progesterone before it could be fully utilized.
Benefits of Natural Micronized Progesterone (Susten)
Choosing a natural micronized progesterone product like Susten over a synthetic progestin is often preferred for several reasons:
- Better Tolerability: Due to its bioidentical nature, micronized progesterone is often associated with fewer side effects than synthetic progestins.
- Mental Health Support: Progesterone is a neurosteroid that can influence brain function, and its metabolites interact with GABA receptors, providing calming and anti-anxiety effects beneficial for sleep and mood.
- Lower Risk Profile: Some studies have suggested that bioidentical progesterone may have a lower risk of adverse effects, such as cardiovascular events and breast cancer, compared to certain synthetic progestins.
- Endometrial Protection: When used in hormone replacement therapy alongside estrogen, natural micronized progesterone effectively prevents endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining).
Comparison: Susten vs. Synthetic Progestins
| Feature | Susten (Natural Micronized Progesterone) | Synthetic Progestins (e.g., MPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Structure | Identical to human progesterone. | Chemically altered and not identical to human progesterone. |
| Source | Plant-derived precursors (e.g., yams, soybeans). | Synthesized in a lab. |
| Micronization | Particles are micronized to enhance absorption and bioavailability. | Not typically micronized in the same way. |
| Side Effects Profile | Generally well-tolerated, with some common side effects like drowsiness, breast tenderness. | Can have a wider range of side effects, including bloating, mood changes, and potentially higher cardiovascular risk. |
| Cardiovascular Risk | Studies suggest a more favorable cardiovascular profile. | Some studies have linked certain synthetic progestins to an increased risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular issues. |
| Patented Status | As a natural hormone, progesterone itself cannot be patented. | Can be patented, which makes them very profitable for manufacturers. |
Common Uses for Susten
Susten, with its natural micronized progesterone, is used to treat a variety of conditions related to hormonal imbalance:
- Female Infertility: Used to support the luteal phase during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in cases of recurrent miscarriage.
- Menstrual Disorders: Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women with conditions like secondary amenorrhea (absence of periods) and abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Prescribed alongside estrogen for menopausal women to prevent the thickening of the uterine lining and to alleviate symptoms.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): May be used to help manage symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and bloating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Susten is not a synthetic hormone. It contains natural micronized progesterone, a bioidentical hormone that is chemically identical to the progesterone produced by the body. While it is processed in a lab to improve its absorption through a process called micronization, its fundamental structure remains natural. This distinguishes it from synthetic progestins, which are chemically altered versions of the hormone with a different risk and side effect profile. For anyone considering Susten or any hormone therapy, it is vital to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual health needs. For further reading, an article from the National Institutes of Health provides additional insight into this distinction.
