Monday, May 13, 2013

Progesterone Deficiency in Women - Restoring Normal Levels


Progesterone is considered the primary hormone among women, regulating their overall physical and psychological health. Synthesis of this hormone starts during puberty and from here on, the concentration tends to rise significantly. This hormone is required for a variety of reasons, including helping women conceive and ensuring their sound, mental health. This is why progesterone deficiency is regarded serious and needs immediate medical attention.

Typical Symptoms that Should Not be Ignored
Some symptoms are looked upon as classical indications of progesterone deficiency. This includes:

  • Inability to ovulate naturally and hence, the inability to conceive

  • Early miscarriages or a history of miscarriages

  • Extreme tenderness or feeling of pricking in breasts

  • Extreme mood swings such as increased irritability

  • Craving for sweet food, referred to as carbohydrate or carb-cravings

  • Chronic irregularity in menstruation cycles

  • Recurring menstrual cramping

  • Vaginal bleeding or extreme vaginal dryness

  • Development of ovarian cysts

  • Abdominal bloating or puffiness or feeling of heaviness in lower abdomen

  • Water retention in body, particularly in the stomach and lower limbs

  • Feeling of malaise or lethargy

When is this kind of deficiency a cause for worry?
This deficiency isn't always a cause for worry. For instance, after the age of 45 years, women tend to progress towards menopause. Here, reduction in their hormone concentration is expected. However, when the deficit is diagnosed at a much earlier age, it is a cause for worry and needs medical care. Chemically, Progesterone is a bio-steroid, i.e. it is produced in the human body itself and structurally resembles a steroidal compound.

This is why so many hormonal supplements retailed in the market are essentially steroid compounds that mimic the action of this bio-steroid. It is also required for preparing the uterine layering for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Its role also includes the proper development of the embryo and the overall uterine health throughout pregnancy. Thus, if a serious deficiency is diagnosed, it is nearly impossible to have a successful pregnancy.

Another scenario where the falling levels of this compound are not considered a reason for worry is the post-ovulation stage. A few days after the ovum has been released, i.e. after ovulation, the level of this hormone dips alarmingly. However, this is just a part of the cyclical pattern that constitutes menstruation. In fact, the falling levels are considered to be parts of the natural stimulus that make the female body realize the need to re-start menstruation. When the levels are high, the blood vessels are stimulated to grow.

More blood vessels lead to a gradual increase in the total amount of oxygen supply. When the oxygen supply falls a few days after ovulation, the need to start menstruation again is indicate. Again, towards the end or pregnancy, the overall concentration again tends to drop a bit. However, this is not considered serious as this reduction causes a stimulation of contractions in the uterus that eventually aid the passage of the newborn through the birth canal.

Restoring Normal Levels
There are two approaches to restoring the normal hormonal levels. Both these methods are within the niche of hormonal supplementation. This means supplementing the body with more progesterone in the natural or synthetic manner. The natural methods use products that are extracted from plants like wild yam root extract cream that is rubbed on to the body. The other approach is to use chemical or synthetic supplements that are essentially pills or injections. Artificial aids, like pills, containing steroidal compounds are more adept at providing instant results but they are associated with a range of serious, some very damaging side effects.

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