During the menopause transition, aging and declining estrogen are associated with changes in body composition and fat distribution. Muscle mass and activity patterns also matter. A changing waistline should not automatically be blamed on low progesterone.
Yes. Cyclical shifts can affect fluid balance, digestion, and how bloated you feel. Keeping a short record of symptoms and cycle timing may help distinguish a temporary pattern from a persistent weight trend.
Topical progesterone cream has not been established as a weight-loss treatment. It would be misleading to promise fat loss or a faster metabolism from applying progesterone. An informed choice begins with realistic expectations.