Menopause and the Benefits of
Natural Progesterone Supplementation
Progesterone is an
important hormone for both women and men (yes,
it's true). It is one of the numerous hormones
converted naturally from the precursor hormone
pregnenolone.
Since it also converts into estrogens, as
well as testosterone and DHEA, progesterone is vitally
important when it comes to achieving overall
balance.
Progesterone is one of
the primary hormones related to pregnancy and
menses. It is manufactured by the ovaries of
menstruating women and is later synthesized, to
some degree, by the adrenal glands of
menopausal women. (Small amounts are also
created by the testes in males.) An important
precursor hormone, it is used to create other
sex hormones, such as estrogens, as well as a
class of hormones known as corticosteroids. The
latter are responsible for blood pressure,
stress response and a host of other survival
mechanisms in the body.
Undoubtedly the most important role of this
hormone in the female body is that it makes
possible the survival of an implanted,
fertilized egg. It is sometimes referred to as
the pregnancy hormone. As the embryo develops,
progesterone production increases. By the third
trimester, a pregnant woman's body is literally
awash in this hormone. The concentration in the
body may be up to 100 times higher than before
pregnancy.
Fertility specialists sometimes utilize natural
progesterone to assist with high-risk
pregnancies. Postpartum depression, directly
caused by the rapid decrease in progesterone
production after childbirth, can be relieved by
supplementing with this hormone.
In menopausal women, progesterone levels drop
off significantly in relation to estrogen
levels. (This can result in an unhealthy
condition known as Estrogen Dominance
Syndrome .) If you are in menopause
artificially, due to a hysterectomy (with or
without removal of the ovaries), have
experienced a serious illness or have
undergone cancer treatments, your drop may
be even more severe and significant.
Progesterone deficiency can be linked to an
increased risk of cancer, as well as an
increased risk of osteoporosis.
Symptoms of
progesterone deficiency in menopausal women
may include:
- cystic breasts
- anxiety, irritability
- painful and/or lumpy breasts
- water retention (water weight
gain)
- loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Supplementation has many benefits for
menopausal and pre-menopausal women-
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Natural
progesterone may very well be
the most important hormone supplement
for aging women. Creams and gels may be
purchased over the counter (usually 3%
creams) or it may be prescribed by a
physician in more concentrated
formulations. It may also be customized
in other forms, such as sublingual
lozenges and drops, by a compounding
pharmacist.
As always, be sure to consult with a
qualified medical practitioner to
discuss your specific needs and health
goals.
Important note...
Progesterone is NOT to be confused
with progestin, which is a synthesized
(and therefore chemically altered) form
of the hormone. (for example, Premarin)
While natural progesterone has few
known side effects, progestin causes
many documented side effects , many of
which are severe.
Progestins actually interfere with
the body's own production of
progesterone by occupying the receptor
sites. An advisory group for the
Womens
Health Initiative (WHI), based on
preliminary findings in early 2002,
called an immediate halt to clinical
trials focused on the effect of
estrogen and progestins. Clinical trial
participants showed marked increases
for the risk of stroke, cardiovascular
disease, heart attacks, blood clots and
breast cancer. The Journal of American
Medicine released a subsequent report
in July 2002, also declaring that
progestins "increased risks for
cardiovascular disease and invasive
breast cancer".
Disclaimer: This information is not
intended to diagnose, treat or cure any
disease or other medical condition.
This information is provided for
educational and informational purposes
only. Please consult with your doctor
should you have specific health
questions or concerns.
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