Uses for Natural Progesterone Therapy
Doctors today have many uses for natural progesterone therapy in the treatment of hormonal imbalance, infertility, pregnancy, menopause, andropause, depression, hair loss, and even traumatic head injury.
If your doctor prescribes natural progesterone replacement therapy following blood analysis, it will be important to follow all directions for the use of this treatment. Progesterone therapy comes in a variety of forms, and women especially need to be cognizant of any prescription cycle ordered.
Natural progesterone therapy can be used for the following reasons:
WOMEN |
MEN |
Regulating menstrual cycles |
Inhibit 5-alpha-reductase |
Hormone replacement during menopause |
Decrease testosterone conversion to DHT |
Infertility treatment |
Decrease prostate cell proliferation |
Improve testosterone production |
|
Premature labor |
Reduce effects of estrogen dominance |
Reduce breast pain in non-cancerous breast disease |
Decrease risk of prostate cancer |
Protect against breast and endometrial cancer |
Protect against breast cancer |
Normalize thyroid hormone action |
Normalize thyroid hormone action |
Strengthen bones |
Strengthen bones |
Improve sleep quality |
Improve sleep quality |
Lower blood pressure |
Lower blood pressure |
Regulate blood sugar levels |
Regulate blood sugar levels |
Reduce feelings of depression |
Reduce feelings of depression |
Improve brain function |
Improve brain function |
Benefits of Natural Progesterone Therapy for Women
Natural progesterone therapy offers numerous benefits to women at different stages of their lives. In early adulthood, progesterone improves the symptoms of PMS. Much later in life, it protects against osteoporosis.
After reports that estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots, women started to look for options in the natural treatment of progesterone deficiency. They wanted something that would be safer to use and provide superior benefits in the effects of menopause. The answer was and is today – natural progesterone made from either wild yam or soy. Do not try to increase consumption of these foods because the body cannot synthesize progesterone from them in that way.
Here are the natural progesterone therapy benefits for women at different stages of life:
BENEFIT |
EARLY ADULTHOOD |
PREGNANCY inc. BEFORE & AFTER |
MENOPAUSE AND POST MENOPAUSE |
Maintain uterine lining |
X |
X |
|
Improve PMS symptoms |
X |
|
|
Antidepressant |
X |
X |
X |
Promote fat burning |
X |
X |
X |
Maintain sex drive |
X |
X |
X |
Natural diuretic |
X |
X |
X |
Precursor for other hormones |
X |
X |
X |
Protect against breast cancer |
X |
X |
X |
Protect against endometrial cancer |
X |
X |
X |
Aids action of thyroid hormones |
X |
X |
X |
Normalize blood clotting |
X |
X |
X |
Balance blood sugar levels |
X |
X |
X |
Improve cellular oxygen levels |
X |
X |
X |
Promote bone building |
X |
X |
X |
Prepare uterus for pregnancy |
X |
X |
|
May help protect against premature labor |
|
X |
|
Nourish embryo and fetus |
|
X |
|
Promote lactation |
|
X |
|
Reduce postpartum depression |
|
X |
|
Normalize zinc and copper levels |
X |
X |
X |
Protect against estrogen dominance |
X |
X |
X |
Reduce symptoms of menopause |
|
|
X |
Enhance brain functions |
X |
X |
X |
Reduce breast pain |
X |
X |
X |
Benefits of Natural Progesterone Therapy for Men
Most men do not have a clue how important natural progesterone treatment is for them. Without enough progesterone in the body, a male cannot produce enough testosterone to meet his needs. Progesterone is the precursor hormone to testosterone production.
Of course, producing testosterone is not the only reason why men need natural progesterone therapy as they age.
Here are some of the most important reasons why progesterone therapy may be the right choice:
- Inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which can lead to prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, and male pattern balding.
- Counteracting and balancing the effects of estrogen dominance – a condition that occurs when the body converts too much testosterone into estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen can lead to Low T, weight gain, mood swings, prostate cancer, and gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).
- Stimulating the formation of new bone cells to protect against osteoporosis.
- Normalizing blood sugar levels and thyroid hormone actions for improved bodily functions.
- Enhancing brain functions and overall mood to reduce the symptoms of depression.
- Assisting with weight management by utilizing fat for energy.
- Increasing testosterone levels and improving sex drive.
Progesterone Side Effects
When it comes to natural progesterone therapy side effects, there are relatively few to report.
Most people can use this form of hormone replacement without any problems, so long as they follow all doctor instructions as prescribed.
Possible side effects of progesterone include:
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Fatigue
- Allergic skin reactions to progesterone cream
- Headache
- Depression
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Breast discomfort
- Adult acne
- Stomach upset
If you notice any unusual side effects from progesterone therapy, contact the prescribing doctor before taking any action.
For additional information, please contact Greenberg Health to speak with a hormone specialist.