Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Yam, particularly wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), has a long history of traditional use for supporting women’s reproductive health, including claims around balancing hormones such as progesterone. The use of wild yam creams and supplements stems from its content of diosgenin, a plant steroid that can be chemically converted into progesterone in the laboratory. However, this conversion only happens industrially; the human body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone on its own. Despite this, traditional herbal medicine—especially in North America and Europe—has used wild yam for symptoms associated with menopause and menstruation, likely due to its perceived “hormone-balancing” effects.

Scientific studies do not support the claim that consuming yam increases progesterone levels or has a significant effect on hormone balance in humans. Clinical trials have found little to no impact of wild yam cream on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels. Nonetheless, the traditional use persists, with yams often marketed as “natural progesterone boosters” despite a lack of direct evidence. Thus, the justification for yam’s use in supporting progesterone is rooted in tradition and historical herbal practices rather than validated scientific mechanisms or clinical outcomes.

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