Progesterone is a hormone of the reproductive system. This hormone prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg and helps to maintain pregnancy. Progesterone is also a precursor hormone, meaning it transforms itself to create other hormones…especially estrogen and testosterone. Another very important function of progesterone is to “oppose” estrogen. It works synergistically with estrogen and together they balance each other in the body. When estrogen is present without progesterone, the estrogen properties are not kept in check and may eventually lead to conditions associated with too much estrogen in the body. It is therefore, critical to balance estrogen with progesterone for maximal health benefits of each hormone.
Progesterone is often confused with Progestin. Progestins are synthetic hormones made to mimic the actions of progesterone but they are dangerous and cause many unwanted side effects. For example, Progestins have been associated with blood clots, fluid retention, acne, weight gain, depression, and an increase in heart disease and diabetes. In addition, Progestins have been linked with an increase in the symptoms of hormone imbalance and deficiency. Bio identical progesterone (also sometimes referred to as natural or human identical progesterone) is made from soy or yam and has the exact molecular structure as progesterone made in the human body. Only Bio-identical Progesterone has the properties necessary to appropriately balance Estrogen. Symptoms of Progesterone Loss
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Insomnia
Pain and inflammation
Osteoporosis
Decreased HDL
Excessive menstruation
Some Causes of Low Progesterone
Impaired progesterone production
Increased prolactin production
Stress
Antidepressants
Decreased thyroid hormone
Low Luteinizing hormone
Sugar
Saturated fat
Benefits of Progesterone
Helps build bone
Helps thyroid hormone function
Protects against fibrocystic breast disease
Protect against endometrial cancer
Normalizes zinc and copper levels
Some anti-epileptic activity
Helps balance estrogen
Helps sleep
Natural calming effect
Lowers high blood pressure
Helps the body use and eliminate fats
Lowers cholesterol
May protect against breast cancer
Increases scalp hair
Normalizes libido
Helps balance fluids in the cells
Increases the beneficial effects of estrogens on blood vessel dilation
Increases metabolic rate
Natural diuretic
If you believe you may be suffering from hormone loss, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help. Call the Southern California Center For Anti-Aging today for more information at 424.247.4962.
