“If I forget to take my progesterone for a couple of days, all I do is cry and cry. It’s amazing how progesterone influences my outlook on life. The depression I experienced while not being on it is a thing of the past.” ~Martha, 67
Everyone needs a little help. For example, estrogen alone is good for your body, but estrogen needs to combine with other hormones, specifically progesterone, to achieve equilibrium.
In the 1970s, estrogen replacement therapy seemed to be working. However, medical researchers discovered that women on estrogen alone were experiencing uterine bleeding. Women began to stop taking estrogen to avoid the bleeding, and many of them began to experience menopause symptoms. By not taking estrogen, these women were taking themselves away from the health benefits of bone–building, mood-enhancing, and heart-healthy properties.
Progesterone and estrogen need to be taken in conjunction. When doctors do not prescribe estrogen and progesterone for menopausal women, they miss equalizing your body. When hormones work together, your fight against age-related diseases is increased immensely. Prescribing estrogen and progesterone also enhances learning and retention. A balance of hormones gives you the potential to have a healthy body, good mental health, and live a longer, happier life.
Estrogen is Vital but Not Alone
Estrogen was prescribed alone in the past, resulting in excess estrogen side effects. In addition, it was found that estrogen without progesterone can be the enemy of the uterus. For example, uterine or endometrial cancer can occur with excessive estrogen. Note that younger women do not seem to have this predisposition since they have plenty of progesterone, which gives a natural balance to estrogen.
When your body’s estrogen levels are not balanced, either progesterone is low or estrogen is too high, and you may develop symptoms. Potential symptoms include:
- Swelling and tenderness in the breasts
- Bloating
- Fibrocystic lumps in the breasts
- Lowered sex drive
- Irregular periods
- Increased systems of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Mood swings
- Headaches,
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Trouble sleeping, fatigue
- Memory problems, cold hands or feet
After menopause, women no longer produce the right amounts of progesterone. In the past, women have only been prescribed estrogen.
Progesterone to the Rescue
Medical researchers finally realized that progesterone was needed in addition to estrogen. Once women began taking both hormones, a natural balance was achieved.
If you are a natural hormone replacement patient, you know the many benefits of progesterone in your menopausal regimen.
Progesterone levels are vital in forming the nourishing environment of pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, a woman has an extremely challenging time carrying a baby full term. Progesterone is the pregnancy hormone and maintains pregnancy. If progesterone levels fall, a woman will have a miscarriage. Women who frequently miscarry need to be prescribed natural progesterone to help keep a pregnancy.
Women in their thirties may notice that progesterone production begins to drop. After menopause, the level of progesterone is almost zero. Menopause was seen as an estrogen problem in the past, and progesterone was not prescribed. However, estrogen alone led to increased uterine bleeding, which caused an abrupt decline in estrogen replacement therapy.
Physicians who wanted to find answers for the functions of a woman’s body scratched their heads and quickly realized that progesterone is as important a hormone as estrogen. Progesterone promotes feelings of vitality and health. Conversely, a lack of progesterone leads to osteoporosis, heart disease, decreased libido, and a diminished quality of life. Because of these studies, it was determined that estrogen and progesterone are necessary before, during, and after menopause.
Physicians should never leave progestogen out of their hormone regimen. Studies show the importance of progesterone for a woman’s health before and especially after menopause. Studies on progestogen are new, but researchers have found that progesterone has a relaxing effect, improves sleep, eases stress, and helps slow down the aging process.
Natural Progesterone versus Progestin Use
The natural progesterone used to help women’s wellness and mental health is derived from plants and is bioidentical or molecularly identical to the progesterone made in women’s bodies.
In the 1950s, two types of synthetic progesterone were developed as part of the birth control movement. Norethindrone and norethynodrel (progestINS) were developed to elevate progesterone levels and prevent ovulation. These synthetic progesterone compounds were designed to mimic conditions during pregnancy. Originally progestINS was used to treat gynecological problems like irregular menstrual cycles and endometriosis. But it is these synthetic progestins that have horrible side effects.
Benefits of Progesterone ProgestINS (synthetic)
Relieves headaches (migraines) Causes headaches
Protects against breast cancer Causes beat cancer
Regulates menstrual cycles Irregular bleeding
Weight loss Weight gain
Enhances energy Causes fatigue
Relieves PMS Increases PMS
Protects heart health Causes cardiovascular disease
Decreases anxiety and panic attacks
Mood enhancer
To find out more about progesterone and its benefits for your health, contact Medical Weight Loss & Hormone Clinic in South Ogden at https://medicalweightlossutah.com or call 801-393-3586. The Clinic is thorough, comforting, and knowledgeable about hormone problems that affect your body.
