Hormones are messy. One minute you're fine, and the next, you're crying over a cereal commercial or lying awake at 3:00 AM wondering why your skin feels like it's vibrating. Most of us just want to feel "normal" again without diving headfirst into heavy-duty prescriptions. That’s usually where Young Living Progesterone Plus (officially called Progessence Plus Serum) enters the chat.
Honestly, there is a ton of confusion about what this little bottle actually is. Is it an essential oil? Is it a hormone replacement? Is it just fancy yam juice? If you’ve spent any time in wellness circles, you've probably heard someone swear it cured their mood swings, while a skeptic in the back is yelling about FDA regulations.
Let’s just get into the real dirt on what’s inside that clear glass bottle and why it’s become a cult favorite for thousands of women.
What is Young Living Progesterone Plus, anyway?
Basically, it’s a high-end skin serum designed specifically for women. It was formulated by D. Gary Young and Dr. Dan Purser, a physician who specializes in hormone health. They didn't just want another greasy cream that sits on top of your skin and stains your sheets.
They wanted something that actually goes in.
The "Plus" in the name refers to the fact that it isn't just one thing. It's a blend of USP-grade progesterone—which is bioidentical, meaning it matches what your body makes—and a heavy-hitting lineup of essential oils.
You've got:
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- Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) for that "glowy skin" vibe.
- Bergamot and Peppermint to help with absorption.
- Copaiba, Cedarwood, and Clove for the scent and skin support.
- Vitamin E and Caprylic/capric triglyceride (from coconut oil) as the base.
It’s herbaceous and sweet. If you hate the smell of clinical hormone creams, this is a total 180.
The Big "Wild Yam" Myth
You've probably seen "Wild Yam Creams" at the health food store. There’s a huge misconception that your body can just take wild yam extract and magically turn it into progesterone.
It can't.
Our bodies lack the specific enzymes to convert diosgenin (the active part of wild yam) into active progesterone. To get the actual hormone, that conversion has to happen in a lab. Young Living Progesterone Plus uses USP-grade progesterone that starts as wild yam but is already converted into the bioidentical hormone before it hits the bottle.
This is a massive distinction.
If you're using a product that just says "wild yam extract" without mentioning USP progesterone, you’re basically just putting a nice herbal moisturizer on your skin. It might feel good, but it’s not going to move the needle on your hormone levels. Dr. Dan Purser has been pretty vocal about this—he basically says that without the actual USP-grade hormone, the "wild yam" part is a bit of a red herring for hormonal balance.
How to use it without making a mess
Don't just slather this on like lotion. It’s concentrated.
Most people start with 2–4 drops daily. The best spots are the "soft tissue" areas where your skin is thin and the blood vessels are close to the surface. Think the inside of your forearms, your neck, or even the bottoms of your feet.
One of the coolest things about this specific serum is that it doesn't requires "cycling" or "rotating" as strictly as those thick, old-school creams. Because the essential oils (especially peppermint) help it absorb so fast, the progesterone doesn't tend to build up in the fat layer of the skin as much. That said, it’s still a good idea to move the drops around—left arm one day, right arm the next.
A few pro-tips for the routine:
- Nighttime is best: Progesterone has a "calming" effect for most people. If you apply it at 8:00 PM, it might help you drift off better.
- Avoid the "sun spots": Since it contains Bergamot, which can be photosensitive, don't put it on your face then go bake in the sun.
- Consistency over quantity: Don't skip three days and then use half the bottle. Your endocrine system likes a steady beat, not a chaotic drum solo.
Is it actually safe?
Look, no product is a magic wand for everyone. If you’re on hormonal birth control, you should definitely talk to your doctor before adding this in. Progesterone and synthetic progestins (found in the pill) don't always play nice together.
Also, if you're pregnant or nursing, the standard "check with your healthcare provider" rule applies. It’s not that it’s inherently "dangerous," it’s just that your hormones are already doing a very specific, delicate dance during those times.
Some women report "detox" symptoms—maybe a few breakouts or a temporary shift in their cycle—when they first start. Usually, that’s just the body finding its level. But honestly? If you feel weird, stop using it. Listen to your gut.
Why people keep buying it (The "E-E-A-T" Reality)
The reason Young Living Progesterone Plus stays popular isn't just marketing. It's the "delivery system."
The essential oils in the blend serve a purpose beyond smelling like a spa. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers found that certain terpenes (compounds found in essential oils) can significantly increase the "permeability" of the skin.
Basically, the oils act like a key that unlocks the skin barrier, letting the progesterone slip through much more efficiently than a thick, waxy cream would. This is why you only need a few drops instead of a giant glob of goop.
What most people get wrong about "Estrogen Dominance"
We hear this term a lot. It’s the idea that our modern world—full of plastics, soy, and stress—leaves us with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone to balance it out.
Symptoms like heavy periods, "brain fog," and irritability are often blamed on this imbalance. While "estrogen dominance" isn't a formal medical diagnosis you'll find in every textbook, many integrative doctors agree that the ratio of hormones matters just as much as the total numbers.
This is where the serum comes in. It’s not meant to "replace" your hormones like a heavy HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) dose would. It’s meant to provide a gentle "nudge" to help bring that ratio back into a more comfortable range.
Real talk: The limitations
It isn't a cure-all. If your diet is 90% processed sugar and you’re sleeping four hours a night, a few drops of oil won't save you.
Also, it's worth noting that the FDA considers these types of products "cosmetic" or "supplements," depending on the claims. This means Young Living can't legally say it "cures" menopause or PMS. They have to stick to phrases like "promotes well-being" and "supports a youthful appearance."
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You have to be your own advocate. Get your levels tested (saliva or blood spot tests are popular for this) so you actually know what you're working with.
Actionable steps for your first 30 days
If you've just grabbed a bottle, here's how to actually approach it:
- The Patch Test: Put one drop on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If you don't turn bright red or itchy, you're good to go.
- Start Low: Do 2 drops once a day for the first week. See how your mood and sleep react.
- Track Your Cycle: Use an app or a notebook. Note your energy levels and "the grumpies." Most women see the biggest benefit in the two weeks leading up to their period.
- Clean Up the Routine: Use it after a warm shower when your pores are open, but wait until your skin is totally dry.
- Store it Right: Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Heat and light are the enemies of essential oil potency.
Instead of guessing, pay attention to the subtle shifts. Maybe you didn't snap at your husband today for breathing too loud. Maybe you actually slept through the night. Those small wins are usually the first sign that the serum is doing its job.
Check your current supplement stack to ensure you aren't over-complicating things. If you are taking other hormone-supporting herbs like Vitex (Chasteberry), keep an eye on how they interact, as they both work toward the same goal of progesterone support. Focus on one change at a time so you actually know what's working.