Doctors around the world are calling transdermal delivery the "delivery system of the future." Transdermal means through the skin. It has been discovered that a high absorption rate of many supplements can be achieved when delivered through the skin - usually as a cream. (The physical size of the supplement's molecule plays an important role). The reason for this is when supplements are delivered transdermally; they go directly to the bloodstream, initially bypassing the liver. The result can mean as much as 95% of the supplements get to the cells where they are needed. ƒConversely, studies have shown when some substances are taken orally as little as 5% make it to the cells where they are needed. This is because of the stomach, liver and digestive system excreting and discarding much of them. The difference between 95% vs. 5% is vast. When a small amount of transdermal cream is applied every day to the soft tissue areas of your body, it gives you a consistent release of nutrients. The cream delivers the nutrients through the tissues directly into the bloodstream for better utilization at lower doses. Small doses over a period of time mimic the way the body naturally uses hormones and other nutrients making for more long lasting results without complications.

In the case of progesterone, oral doses must be greater than transdermal doses in order to have the same biological effects. Large oral doses cause a surge of progesterone that peaks in 1-2 hours and is then followed by a fast decline causing low levels for the rest of the day. These highs and lows of progesterone may actually be confusing to the body and result in a tuned down receptor response. Transdermal progesterone is absorbed through the skin and into the layer of fat that lies beneath the surface, known as the subcutaneous fat. Natural progesterone is biologically active and when taken transdermally has an immediate effect on the body. It is the only method that increases progesterone levels at a rate that is similar to the natural physiological release of hormone from the bodies own production.

Source: Department of Pharmacology, University of Dublin