PROGESTERONE HORMONE

We are taught that progesterone is the main hormone released at ovulation by the ovaries and rises steeply during the luteal phase of a woman’s “cycle” and then it goes back down again if there is no fertilized egg to gestate. So it’s considered really low for the first half of the month and high for the second half of the month. But… that’s not exactly correct!

That’s because on every darn chart progesterone and estrogen are compared incorrectly. How can that be? Because the progesterone is being measured in nanograms per mil and the estrogen (estradiol) is in picograms 1000X lower!!!!!

Progesterone is the most predominant sex hormone that women make. This is how your body even makes testosterone… from progesterone! Where does your body get cortisol from? You guessed it: PROGESTERONE! But wait.. if progesterone makes cortisol and testosterone in a woman’s body… what about men? Good question..,. men need progesterone too!!! (more on that later)

So basically we need every bit of progesterone we can get and tolerate.

Progesterone (natural or synthetic)?

Progesterone is a precursor for other hormones. This means that the body uses progesterone to create other hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone and the adrenal corticosteroids. This is an extremely important function, one that synthetic progestins (i.e. Provera or medroxyprogesterone) can’t achieve. Synthetic progestins can interfere with the body’s production of natural progesterone, thus reducing its level.

Progesterone is primarily made in the ovaries, however, a small amount is also produced in the adrenal glands and in the nerve cells. In pregnancy, progesterone is also made by the placenta. The word “Progesterone” originates from Latin. “Pro” means “for,” and “Gesterone” means “gestation.” Progesterone tends to have a relaxing effect, easing stress and improving sleep.

Child-bearing women who have low levels of Progesterone have more miscarriages and uterine fibroid tumors. One of the roles of Progesterone is thickening the endometrial lining to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If this doesn’t occur due to low levels of Progesterone, or if levels don’t rise after implantation of the egg, then pregnancy can’t be sustained.

As women transition from their child-bearing years towards menopause, they go through a period of perimenopause. It is during this time that Progesterone and other hormone levels begin to wane. This is one of the reasons that women can start to have irregular or heavy periods, and why they may start to have difficulty with sleep. Replacing lost progesterone with bioidentical progesterone can ease and even eliminate those symptoms.

A natural bio-identical progesterone can benefit you in many ways:

Helps to prevent overgrowth of certain types of cells, which can help protect against some cancers including those of the breast or the uterus
Helps to prevent overgrowth of cells of the endometrial lining and prevent endometriosis from forming
Helps prevent fibrocystic disease and ovarian cysts
Helps with symptoms of PMS
Increases ability to handle stress
Helps the metabolism by contributing to the use of fat for energy
Assists in preventing plaque from forming on arterial walls
Helps to lower triglycerides
Essential for bone growth
Assists in the proper function of the thyroid gland
Can help to slow down the aging process
Improves insomnia
Improves libido
Reduces or eliminates migraines
Reduces inflammation and joint pain
Regulate menstrual cycles
Reduce hot flashes
Reduce weight gain
Eases anxiety
Promotes better memory
There is evidence that, when applied to the breasts, bio-identical progesterone may offer protection against estrogen stimulated cell proliferation or hyperplasia which can lead to cancer.

Commonly Asked Questions About

Natural Progesterone … What is the difference between natural and synthetic progesterone?

Progesterone was first crystallized in 1934, and is available from plant sources. “Natural” micronized progesterone (also termed USP Progesterone) refers to a single molecular structure that is “bio-identical”. Thus it is an exact chemical duplicate of the progesterone women produce in their ovaries. Synthetic “ progestogens ” or “progestins” mimic the action of the progesterone closely enough to bind to progesterone receptor sites, however the body does not respond to them in the same way. Thus, synthetic progestins are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Pregnancy requires progesterone. Synthetic progestins will not increase the serum or salivary levels of progesterone.

Studies have shown that synthetic progestogen actually reduces the level of progesterone in the blood stream by blocking the process of progesterone production. In contrast, research studies show that topical (skin) applications of natural progesterone may increase salivary and serum levels of progesterone. Natural progesterone can be administered through topical applications which allow it to naturally enter the bloodstream.

Are there side effects with natural progesterone?

“ Natural” progesterone combines with progesterone receptor sites throughout the body and causes biological effects without many of the undesirable effects that are seen with the synthetic forms (medroxyprogesterone). There are no long- term adverse effects noted for supplemental progesterone in amounts that replicate physiological levels of progesterone in the body. The key is in using the correct amounts and monitoring the use monthly or bi-monthly.

How is progesterone made in my body?

This is going to blow your mind…

I will start with this: your ovaries produce progesterone (in a man, his gonads produce it). Next… Your adrenal glands produce it AND your nerve cells make it! That’s right, I said your nerve cells! (Schwann cells, the myelinating glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, synthesize progesterone in response to a diffusible neuronal signal. In peripheral nerves, the local synthesis of progesterone plays an important role in the formation of myelin sheaths).

Even our brains (that are full of cholesterol) have their own independent hormone manufacturing system and make a ton of progesterone for their own use!

Note: the progesterone made in the nerve cells & brain won’t get picked up in ANY testing

How much progesterone should I take daily?

That all depends on what you need and in what form are you taking it.

You can get progesterone as a pharmaceutical pill (Prometrium), or a natural bio-identical cream, or a compounded troche (sublingual), or vaginal suppository, or a compounded gel. Your body will metabolize each of those methods differently so the dosage would all be different. Then you have to factor in what Is your body already doing naturally and how much can you tolerate. Some women might need 100mg or 200mg orally or 40mg topically.

I believe in proper testing prior to starting and a few weeks after starting to ensure we are doing everything correctly. We have found after 25+ years that the method of testing is determined by the method of delivery. What I mean is this: if you’re using creams you should ideally use saliva hormone testing, blood testing will simply not pick it up well. If you’re using any other method blood works ok…. But not great.

Bluntly no method is perfect. They will all be guides.

Note: if you use progesterone and have nerve pain, tingling or no sensation due to nerve issues you can put progesterone right on the tissue, it’s sucked up instantly, and you can see remarkable changes in an hour or so. It’s so fabulous that our bodies will take this exogenous (topically applied) progesterone and use it so quickly.

Do I need progesterone if I have had my uterus removed?

If the intent of using progesterone is merely to slough off endometrial tissue, then progesterone would not be necessary. BUT progesterone is needed by the body to balance estrogen’s effect on the breast and other body sites and to prevent ESTROGEN DOMINANCE, a term coined by Dr. John Lee, so perhaps it should be considered.

A recent study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers, determined that there were impressive and significant improvements in the quality of life issues such as hot flashes, menstrual problems, sexual function, physical complaints, insomnia, anxiety and depression with the use of natural progesterone. These are important issues for women with and without a uterus since unopposed estrogen, due to insufficient levels of progesterone, can lead to a variety of health problems including breast and ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease.

So progesterone plays a part in improving brain function, sleep, mood , energy, hot flashes, thyroid function, seizures, nerve health and vaginal atrophy.

This is all true no matter what phase of life you are in: premenopause, perimenopause, menopause or post menopause!

What is the difference between wild yam and progesterone?

Wild yam (Dioscorea barbasco) has been used historically in herbal medicine for women’s health. Some of the actions of wild yam include smooth muscle relaxation and a mild diuretic effect. The human body cannot convert diosgenin, the active ingredient in wild yams, into progesterone.

This can only be accomplished in a laboratory setting. The body may absorb wild yam extract through the skin, which may have some effect on menopausal symptoms, however research on both oral and topical applications of wild yam extract have demonstrated no change in progesterone levels in the body!

Does progesterone help raise estrogen levels?

Progesterone seems to work at various stages and at various levels. These changes occur for the majority of women in the first 10 days, 6-8 weeks, then there is a change at 4 months, another at 7 months, a further change around 12 months and finally another roughly at 18 months, based on the individual and her specific condition. If you are not aware of these stages, you may misinterpret the signs as progesterone losing its effect, when in actual fact it can represent the opposite! Because we are reintroducing progesterone back into the body and thereby sensitizing and stimulating the estrogen receptor sites in the body, there are the immediate, and long term benefits and side effects (estrogen dominance wake-up crisis!). From observation, we have found the immediate benefits which generally occur within the first 10 days of usage range from instant calming, clearer thinking, feeling more grounded, able to cope with stress better, reduction or elimination of headaches, bettered sleep, less PMS type symptoms and less breast tenderness.

On the other side of the coin, as a consequence of bringing progesterone back into the body and waking up estrogen receptor sites, women can actually go through a bit of a roller-coaster of symptoms that can be confusing and uncomfortable if they don’t understand what is happening. It is known that progesterone and estrogen, like many of the hormones in the body, work synergistically. The presence of progesterone sensitizes estrogen receptors in the body, making circulating estrogen levels work better without changing the actual levels of estrogen. Progesterone performs this role with other hormones as well. Since a woman’s body has the ability to produce some estrogens after menopause, many women find that supplementation of progesterone is sufficient for management of their symptoms. In women who are very thin, who have had hysterectomies at a younger age, or who have certain risk factors, like high cholesterol or heightened bone loss, some form of estrogen or phytoestrogens may be necessary to completely fulfill their bodies’ needs.

Keep in mind that the balance of the different hormones is important and should be tailored specifically to the individual.

What is natural progesterone’s role in PMS?

Several different types of PMS have been recognized. Women who suffer from certain kinds of PMS may have a relative excess of estrogen, caused by either a low progesterone level or too much estrogen in relation to progesterone. This condition is often called “estrogen dominance”. Common symptoms of estrogen dominance include breast tenderness, bloating, headache, irritability and mood swings. If a women’s PMS is a result of excess estrogen or insufficient progesterone, then supplementation with progesterone during the second half of her cycle (from the time of ovulation until menses) may help reduce PMS symptoms.

Will using natural progesterone with oral birth control pills alter their effectiveness?

Using natural progesterone should not alter the effectiveness of oral birth control pills provided that the oral birth control pills are taken as prescribed. Birth control pills may be “progestin only” pills (synthetic progestins), or a combination of progestins and estrogen. Adding supplemental progesterone will only increase the progestational effect in the body.

I’m in Menopause. Do I still need progesterone, I thought all I needed was estrogen?

For all the reasons I’ve mentioned above you STILL need all your hormones for the rest of your life. Now that doesn’t mean you need to supplement the rest of your life… I’ve seen a few clients whose bodies seemed to have enough after 70 or 80 years old but the majority do need supplementation forever. Remember…. You have more than one organ or gland producing progesterone… brain, nerve cells, adrenal glands, ovaries, etc.

Bottom line is if you’re still alive hormones are necessary to do their jobs. If you take them away or allow them to crash then their jobs are not being done.

The key with progesterone in menopause especially is to keep it well balanced and in good ratio with estradiol. I’ve literally never seen any medical doctor in our area put attention on that. But it’s a BIG DEAL. Most doctors don’t know HOW to figure the balance between the two hormones because the lab reports them in different ways… the progesterone is being measured in nanograms per mil and the estrogen (estradiol) is in picograms at 1000X lower! So you have to do a bit of math to figure it out.

Does progesterone affect hair loss in women?

When progesterone levels fall as a result of ovarian follicle failure (lack of ovulation), the body responds by increasing its production of the adrenal cortical steroid, androstenedione, an alternative precursor for the production of other adrenal cortical hormones. Androstenedione produces some androgenic (male-like) properties, in this case, male pattern hair loss. When progesterone levels are raised by progesterone supplementation (oral or topical), the androstenedione level will gradually fall, and normal hair growth will eventually resume. Since hair growth is a slow process, it may take four to six months for the effects to become apparent.

What is progesterone’s role in preventing breast cancer?

The actual causes of breast cancer are still largely unknown. In industrialized countries, progesterone deficiency and estrogen dominance among women in their mid-thirties has become epidemic. Dr. David Zava, a noted breast cancer researcher and biochemist, has stated that “nearly every risk factor for breast cancer is linked, either directly or indirectly, to an increase in the level of unopposed estrogen or estrogen receptor activity”. To help prevent breast cancer, it is suggested that one adopts a more plant- based diet in order to maybe limit xenoestrogens in red meat and dairy foods, and to supplement the body with natural progesterone and iodine!

Synthetic progestins should be avoided since they may increase breast cancer risk. However, there is strong evidence that natural progesterone protects against breast cancer. There are a number of studies in the medical literature that associate a deficiency of progesterone with an increased risk of breast cancer. There are several interesting medical studies showing that young women who undergo mastectomies for breast cancer have a much better survival rate and recurrence-free prognosis when the surgery is performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This is the time of the month when the body produces the most progesterone. Because of the potential for saving lives and preventing recurrences, this area of research should be vigorously pursued. The restoration of natural hormonal balance in the body is often missing from conventional HRT.

Let’s use critical thinking here… how many pregnant women have you heard of or seen that developed breast cancer? Virtually none. What hormones are at their highest level during pregnancy? Progesterone and estrogens. In fact progesterone increase by more than 300%.

VITAMIN B6 AND PREGNANCY

NOTE FOR PREGNANCY: Folic acid: Low folate is associated with a 47% increased risk of miscarriage; having both low folate and low vitamin B6 increase miscarriage risk by 310%.Vitamin B6 is crucial for the healthy function of the brain and nervous system and thus plays a critical role in the development of your baby. Specifically, it’s necessary for the healthy production of serotonin and norepinephrine, key neurotransmitters.

Your baby requires a supply of Vitamin B6 for the healthy development of its brain and nervous system
B6 can resolve some cases of morning sickness
It helps you maintain healthy blood glucose levels
It plays a role in preventing several issues in newborns, including eczema and low birth weight

Many women are first recommended B6 supplementation early in pregnancy, when nausea and vomiting are at their worst, as B6 can significantly alleviate the issue.

Vitamin B6 and Miscarriage

High vitamin B6 lowers chance of miscarriage by 50% improves fertility by 120%

Homocysteine, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12 were measured in preconception plasma. Relative to women in the lowest quartile of vitamin B6, those in the third and fourth quartiles had higher odds of conception (odds ratio = 2.2; odds ratio = 1.6, respectively), and the adjusted odds ratio for early miscarriage in conceptive cycles was lower in the fourth quartile (odds ratio=0.5). Women with sufficient vitamin B6 had higher odds of conception (odds ratio = 1.4) and a lower adjusted odds ratio of early miscarriage in conceptive cycles (odds ratio=0.7) than did women with vitamin B6 deficiency. Poor vitamin B6 status appears to decrease the probability of conception and to contribute to the risk of early miscarriage in this population.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17478435

Vitamin B6, B2, B12 and folate lower in women who miscarry

The median levels of all B vitamins examined, i.e. folate, vitamins B2, B6, and B12, were lower in miscarriage cases compared to the controls, although the difference did not reach significance except for vitamin B6 intake, which resulted in the border of significance (2.1 vs. 1.8 mg). It is important to point out that multivitamin supplementation is low in the Mexican population, as was the case in this small study population. Thus, these findings need to be replicated in larger studies to fully evaluate the protective role of these vitamins on miscarriage risk.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890227/

Vitamin B6 can prevent stress from affecting fetal growth

High-dose vitamin B6 may counteract the adverse impact of glucocorticoids (which are increased by stress) on fetal growth.

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0306987799909568

Vitamin B6 and Hormones

Vitamin B6 lowers prolactin

Vitamin B6 appears to reduce the production of prolactin, a hormone that causes testosterone to be taken up by tissues.

http://www.bentham.org/cnf/sample/cnf4-4/D0004NF.pdf

Vitamin B6 acts similarly to progesterone

Vitamin B₆ possesses progesterone-like effect but it does not intensify the action of progesterone. On the other hand, vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin A exhibit no progesterone-like effect and do not affect the action progesterone when they were given together.

http://www.springerlink.com/index/n3xp3xt315458323.pdf

Vitamin B6 increases progesterone

Administration of vitamin B6 at doses of 200-800 mg/day reduces blood estrogen, increases progesterone and results in improved symptoms under double-blind conditions.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6684167

We only endorse using the correct form of B6 called P-5-P. Please do not run to drug store and purchase lower quality, wrong form of B6 which can be toxic!

Ok .. so What about MEN using progesterone? Is that even a THING?

YES! Go back to the earlier question on where progesterone is made in the body. It’s not just the ovaries. It’s by the brain, nerve cells, adrenal glands and in a male also the gonads. So of course, a man can benefit from progesterone hormone! It helps in all the same ways it does for a woman: improved sleep, less nerve pain, important protector for their prostate glands, improves low functioning adrenal issues.

Your husband or father or brother might have been given FINASTERIDE drug for BPH (benign prostate hypertrophy). Go to Google and look at the structure of the finasteride molecule then compare that to the structure of the progesterone molecule. Your jaw will drop! Almost the same. Then go look at all the side effects of Finasteride drug! Your guy should probably be on natural bio-identical progesterone instead.

How does Progesterone affect sleep?

Bottom line is it QUIETS THE MIND! And who doesn’t need THAT?! Both men and women!

It literally quiets the mind by leveling out adrenaline and allopregnanolone and insulin/glucose swings all that happen right at bedtime. Those are the things that cause people to wake up so often during the night. It’s normal to wake up once to go pee. It’s not normal nor healthy to wake up every hour on the hour or toss like flop like a fish out of water all night.

Sure you still might need more magnesium (which helps the production of progesterone) and you still need your protein (amino acids) but progesterone should be at the top of the list.

EMOTION PROGESTERONE CREAM

Our exclusive formulation for natural bio-identical PROGESTERONE hormone cream

Our NEW EMOTION+ is a higher dose progesterone cream for those women/men who need extra support; 1000 mg per ounce

All natural ingredients, water based, no toxins… Use 1/16 tsp to 1/2 tsp per dose up to 2+ times per day as needed. (1/4 tsp = 40mg)

We use only the safest ingredients in our EMOTION TM progesterone cream and DO NOT use unnecessary herbs nor toxic chemicals!

1/4tsp = 40mg of natural progesterone (average dosing is 40mg-200mg daily)

###

Legal: The information provided is not intended as a means of diagnosis or treating illness or as a replacement for any medicine or advice from a competent physician. Individuals having serious health problems should consult a competent licensed physician specializing in their condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We assume no responsibility for anyone choosing to self-administer any suggestions in this publication; they do so on their own determinism. The information in this publication is for educational purposes only.

We are a Natural HEALTH COACH: a professional trained to provide lifestyle nutrition and help individuals set and reach their health goals using diet and exercise tools and behavioral psychology principles.

337-989-0572 (Office)
337-989-0573 (Fax)
3522 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Lafayette, LA
Consultant@ThatsHealth.com
Mon-Thurs: 8-11 & 12-3