PROGESTERONE

Progesterone
Functions of Progesterone
Progesterone and Menopause
Progesterone and Endometriosis
Progesterone and Osteoporosis

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries after ovulation. Its main function during this time is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It is also produced in massive proportions during the second trimester (fourth month) of pregnancy (10-15 times more than before pregnancy). It also serves as a precursor to other essential sex hormones, such as Estrogen and Testosterone.

Progesterone naturally occurs in both men and women, and is vital for many functions. Synthetic progestins are similar to human progesterone, but different enough to have dramatic side effects. Recently progestins such as Provera and Progeston have been shown to inhibit the bio-synthesis (natural production) of progesterone.

The benefits of progesterone are clear. It enhances fat breakdown, prevents blood-clots, counteracts carbohydrate cravings (that may promote obesity and cardiovascular risk). It also can relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, sleeplessness as well as enhance mood and libido.

Functions of Progesterone

Maintains secretory endometrium
Protects against breast fibrocysts
Natural Diuretic
Helps use fat for energy
A natural antidepressant
Helps thyroid hormone action
Normalizes Blood clotting
Restores libido
Helps normalize blood sugar levels
Normalizes Zinc and Copper Levels
Restores proper cell oxygen levels
Protects against endometrial cancer
Stimulates osteoblast-mediated bone building
Necessary for survival of embryo and fetus throughout gestation
Precursor of cortisone synthesis of adrenal cortex
Improves energy, stamina and endurance

Progesterone and Menopause

At the commencement of menopause, Estrogen and Progesterone levels experience a rapid decline, the effects of which manifest as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings/depression and vaginal dryness among others. Many women also experience irregular periods.

When women think of menopause, they commonly only think of declining estrogen, however, progesterone levels fall more rapidly than estrogen in the peri-menopausal stage. For this reason, progesterone alone is often preferred over estrogen as treatment during this stage.

Progesterone also balances the effects of estrogen, and can be taken in conjunction with estrogen therapy, even after hysterectomy.

After menopause the ovaries no longer produce hormones at their previous levels. Estrogen is generally produced at 40% of previous amounts, which remains adequate for most women. Often it is not a lack of Estrogen that causes menopausal symptoms, but a lack of progesterone. Most women, when given replacement progesterone, will find their symptoms diminish greatly.

Dr Julian Whitaker, Medical Director of the Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, California, also points out the importance of progesterone in treating menopause:

Estrogen slows down the leaching of calcium in the bone, but does not facilitate deposition of calcium in the bone to strengthen it. Progesterone does that, and given by itself, will not only prevent osteoporosis, but will even reverse it.
(Stopping the Clock - Dr Robert Goldman pg 87)

Progesterone and Endometriosis

The widespread treatment of endometriosis with synthetic estrogen was quite the norm. Doctors all over the world were, in error, prescribing synthetic estrogens, which were causing more harm than good. This is despite research that revealed unopposed estrogen resulted in abnormal cell growth, which further resulted in the possibility of endometrial cancer.

Some other effects of estrogen, when unopposed with progesterone, can include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headaches and fluid retention leading to weight gain. It is important, according to Ann Dickson and Nikki Henriques, authors of Women on Menopause, for women with other physical disorders to avoid estrogen-only supplementation, which can exacerbate high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, and epilepsy.

According to Dr David G. Williams, (synthetic) progestin can cause abnormal menstrual flow or cessation, fluid retention, nausea, insomnia, jaundice, depression, fever, weight fluctuations, allergic reactions and even the development of male characteristics. Natural Progesterone, on the other hand, has few side-effects: occasionally it may cause a feeling of euphoria and for some women, it may alter the timing of their menstrual cycles.
(Stopping the Clock - Dr Robert Goldman pg 71-72)

Progesterone and Osteoporosis

To reverse osteoporosis, Dr Lee prescribes natural progesterone cream, as well as a diet rich in vegetables and grains to increase calcium and magnesium - essential for bone mineralization. As well as these, he also suggests vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as a modest exercise program.

To monitor the success of this treatment program, Dr Lee conducted a study of 100 post-menopausal women, ages 38 to 83. Bone Mineral Density (a medically accepted measure of osteoporosis) was monitored. Dr Lee observed an increase in BMD of 15%, indicating a reversal of osteoporosis. NHRT produced relief of bone pain, increased physical activity, height stabilization, and fracture prevention. The benefits of Natural Progesterone were independent of age, menopausal stage, or estrogen use.

"Progesterone affects every tissue in our bodies (because) there are progesterone receptors everywhere. Clearly, women who have had their ovaries and uterus removed (especially before the expected time of menopause) should be taking both natural estrogen and progesterone to prevent osteoporosis, as well as atherosclerosis, premature mental decline, and possibly breast cancer" - (Stopping the Clock - Dr Robert Goldman pg 71-72.)