Natural Progesterone

Progesterone- What it is and its benefits

Progesterone is the hormone naturally secreted by the ovary during the second two weeks of a woman’s menstrual cycle in reproductive ages. Progesterone or progesterone-like substances are called progestogens or progestins. These substances can be ingested by women in birth control pills, and menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Progesterone is the most important factor when our body produces hormones like cortisol and estrogen, making it a hormone that balances the effects that having too much estrogen can produce to our bodies. As known for many the over secretion of certain hormones like estrogen or testosterone can drastically affect our bodies day to day functions. Therefore progesterone is such a wonderful and important hormone, that in a women’s case help her body override the consequences of the sometimes excessive secretion of estrogen.

For instance, the following is a list of the benefits of the progesterone hormone:

• Helps increase Sexual Libido to its healthy normal state.
• Helps Use Fat for Energy
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Helps regulate a women’s menstrual cycles
• Helps regulate our body’s zinc and copper levels
• It is also said regulate blood clotting
• Abates depression
• Helps to calm anxiety
• Helps with sleepiness
• Works as a natural diuretic
• Helps calm migraines
• It is basic for the survival of the embryo

What is more, progesterone also seems to aid in the prevention of:

• Breast Fibrocysts
• Endometrial Cancer
• Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer
• Prostate Cancer (decreases the risk)

Cases where progesterone are recommended

Progesterone is also many times recommended to women to induce a menstrual period (there are some women does not have their periods for up to six months during their normal reproductive ages) or regulate abnormal bleeding problems when periods are skipping, or bleeding is irregular or for when they lasts for longer than average. Furthermore, progesterone is also used as therapy for PMS syndrome (a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms for up to two weeks prior to menstruation) and for women with infertility or frequent pregnancy loss.

Progesterone is considered to be the single most important substance in the female body produces. It is important for the health of virtually every cell and organ of her body, and therefore and unbalancing of this hormone can produce so many uncomfortable effects to our bodies.

Factors that Affect Progesterone Production

Unfortunately progesterone production is many times affected by environmental factors and the decisions we follow in our life-styles, for instance the intake of hormones found in most commercially grown meats & dairy products, pesticides, prescription hormones, and the inability to manage of stress.

Fortunately on the other hand, changing these complications is our hands. Progesterone production can be enhanced by simply changing our life-style, like for instance by educating ourselves towards the properties of our daily foods.

Factors that help our body naturally produce progesterone

Therefore, the most recommended option starts with a change in life-style. These very repetitive (but effective) recommendations are basic yet important for our body to be able to produce its needed substances, and be able to maintain their balance. For instance, start by

1. Changing your diet (avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes, increase the intake of natural products that may help you balance your hormones, increase your calcium dosage if needed, and choose organic vegetables, dairy products and meats.).
2. Get a good sleep (sleep the always recommended 7-8 hrs!)
3. Exercise Regularly (especially cardio to help protect your heart), and
4. Get a distraction (do yoga, or any activity that might help your body relax, since stress does affect your progesterone production)
5. Stop smoking if you do.