---
title: "What is the difference between progesterone and progestin"
description: "Learn the difference between progesterone and progestin, how each works in menopause care and birth control, and why bioidentical progesterone matters."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/what-is-the-difference-between-progesterone-and-progestin"
---

# What is the difference between progesterone and progestin

> Learn the difference between progesterone and progestin, how each works in menopause care and birth control, and why bioidentical progesterone matters.

## What is the difference between progesterone and progestin?

Progesterone is the hormone your body naturally makes. In menopause treatment, **micronized progesterone** is considered bioidentical, which means it has the same molecular structure as the progesterone your body produces. If you have a uterus and take estrogen, progesterone is often prescribed to protect the uterine lining. Some women also notice it helps with sleep.

Progestin is a **synthetic** hormone that acts like progesterone, but it has a different chemical structure. Progestins are used in many birth control pills, hormonal IUDs like Mirena or Liletta, and in some menopause regimens. At Alloy, our first-line option for uterine protection is micronized bioidentical progesterone, because it’s generally better tolerated than older synthetic progestins, especially for mood and sleep.

One other nuance, both progesterone products and progestins are made in a lab. The difference is that bioidentical progesterone matches your body’s hormone, while progestins do not.

If you want a deeper read, our [bioidentical hormone guide](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-insiders-guide) explains this well, and our [progesterone page](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/progesterone) covers how progesterone is used in menopause care. This short chapter on [types of estrogen and progesterone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QpaYmTWSvs&t=3072s) is also a helpful explainer.


[Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QpaYmTWSvs&t=3072s)

[Find Your Plan](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience)

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This answer was created using the following resources:

- [Progestogens vs progesterone: your HRT questions, answered](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkrzCjy8-CA)
- [WATCH: Menopause, Breast Cancer, and the Journey Forward | Dr. Avrum Bluming & Dr. Corinne Menn - Types of Estrogen and Progesterone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QpaYmTWSvs)
- [Alloy | Kudzai Dombo](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/your-perimenopause-and-menopause-questions-answered-by-a-doctor)
- [Bioidentical vs. Synthetic HRT: Benefits, Types & Myths](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-insiders-guide)
- [Oral Estradiol Pills for Menopause: Uses, Safety & Dosages](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/estradiol-pill-dosage-for-menopause)
- [Micronized Progesterone: What Is The Lowest Dose of Progesterone For HRT?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/what-is-the-lowest-dose-of-progesterone-for-hrt)
- [Progestin-Only Birth Control Pill & Perimenopause | Alloy](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-otc-birth-control-pill-and)

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