Is Wild Yam a Natural Alternative to Progesterone Cream? What Science Says

Wild yam cream often gets compared to progesterone cream — sometimes even mistaken for it. The internet is full of claims about wild yam being a “natural progesterone,” but what does the science actually say? Let’s take a clear, factual look at the difference between wild yam and progesterone, and why they’re not one and the same.

Wild Yam 101: The Basics

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a root used in traditional wellness practices. It contains a compound called diosgenin, which sparked interest because of its structural similarity to certain hormones.

Here’s the key: diosgenin can be chemically converted into progesterone in a laboratory setting. That’s why it’s often described as a “precursor” to progesterone. But — and this is a big but — your body cannot make this conversion on its own.

In other words, rubbing wild yam cream on your skin won’t raise progesterone levels in your body.

Progesterone Cream: How It Differs

Progesterone creams contain actual progesterone, either synthetic or plant-derived and lab-converted. When applied topically, these products deliver progesterone directly through the skin and into circulation.

This makes progesterone cream a form of hormone therapy — and it requires oversight from a healthcare professional.

The Science on Wild Yam Cream

So where does that leave wild yam? Research shows:

• Diosgenin has been studied for potential wellness applications, but the conversion to progesterone happens only in a lab, not inside the human body .

• Studies evaluating topical wild yam extracts show no measurable increase in progesterone or estrogen levels after use .

• Women may still choose to use wild yam cream as part of a topical wellness routine, appreciating its botanical base and soothing cream formulation.

Why Women Still Reach for Wild Yam Cream

Even without acting as progesterone, women often find value in wild yam cream as part of a holistic approach to self-care:

• It’s non-hormonal — making it a choice for women who want plant-based topical options.

• It’s easy to apply and feels like a ritual of balance.

• Many creams (like Pink Stork’s Wild Yam Cream) are blended with additional botanicals like aloe, calendula, shea butter, and coconut oil for a skin-nourishing effect.

The Bottom Line

Wild yam cream is not the same as progesterone cream. While diosgenin from wild yam is important in pharmaceutical manufacturing, your body cannot turn it into progesterone naturally.

That doesn’t mean wild yam cream doesn’t have a place in women’s wellness routines. It simply means it should be viewed for what it is: a doctor-formulated, non-hormonal topical option with roots in traditional botanical use.

Looking for a topical option that fits into your daily wellness routine? Try Pink Stork’s Wild Yam Cream — doctor-formulated with wild yam, aloe, calendula, shea butter, and coconut oil. Shop here.

References:

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Diosgenin and its applications.” PubChem Compound Summary.

2. Komesaroff PA, et al. "Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial." Climacteric. 2001.