Mexican yam, also known as wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in North America and China, where it has been used for a variety of women's health concerns, including menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms. The connection between Mexican yam and progesterone support is rooted in the fact that wild yam contains a compound called diosgenin. Diosgenin can be chemically converted in the laboratory into progesterone and other steroids, and this process is used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture synthetic hormones. However, the human body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone on its own.

Despite its traditional use, there is little scientific evidence to support the idea that consuming Mexican yam increases progesterone levels or directly supports the progesterone system in the body. Clinical trials evaluating wild yam creams and supplements have not shown significant hormonal effects in humans. Most of its use for hormonal support is based on historical practice and the misconception about the body's ability to convert diosgenin to progesterone. As a result, the evidence backing its efficacy for supporting the progesterone body system is weak, and its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than science.