Progesterone is the female hormone that is dominant during the second half of a woman's cycle and is the primary hormone during pregnancy. In addition to promoting female fertility, there are many other health benefits of natural progesterone within the body. This hormone is made primarily in the ovaries but 30% is produced in our adrenal glands. It is a precursor to another steroid hormone known as cortisol.
What Causes Low Progesterone?
- Excess sugar intake
- Excess saturated fat in diet
- Stress
- Antidepressants
- Impaired production
- Vitamin A, B6, C and zinc deficiencies
- Low thyroid hormone
- Oral contraceptives
- Menopause and aging
What is the difference between Provera™ vs. natural Progesterone?
When many women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or loss of menstruation, they are often given Provera™ to bring on their period. Provera™ is medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is not the same as natural progesterone. Additional molecules have been added to Provera™ that make it chemically different from the progesterone found in the female body. Provera™ has been intentionally altered so it could be patented, unlike our natural hormones. The unfortunate truth is Provera™ comes with a long list of side effects, including undesired weight gain, acne, bloating, mood swings, and migraines. Other synthetic progestins are found in the Mirena IUD™, birth control pills, and Depo-Provera™. When these synthetic progestins are used in place of natural progesterone, women suffer from further hormone imbalances and do not receive the desired health benefits of natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is our calming hormone that relieves anxiety and allows us to sleep at night, while also protecting us from estrogen-dominant cancers.
- Helps balance estrogen
- Improves sleep
- Natural calming effect
- Reduced anxiety
- Prevents cyclical migraines
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps body use/eliminate fats
- Lowers cholesterol
- Protects against breast cancer and fibrocystic breasts
- Prevents endometrial cancer
- Natural diuretic
- Natural antidepressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stimulates production of new bone
- Enhances thyroid hormones
- Regulates blood sugars
- Stabilizes blood clotting
- Improves libido (sex drive)
- Decreases risk for autoimmune diseases
Progesterone Deficiency
- Swollen breasts
- Migraines before cycles
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Acne
Progesterone Excess
- PMS
- Weight gain
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Infertility
- Risk for bone loss
- Pain/inflammation
- Insomnia
- Mild depression
- Constipation/bloating
- Breast swelling/tenderness
- Drowsiness
