Progesterone Hormone - Facts, Function, Warning

Progesterone is considered as "the mother of all hormones." This hormone is one of two main female hormones, the other being estrogen. (Actually, men have progesterone too.)

Function of Progesterone:

• Progesterone main function is to prepare and maintain the uterus for pregnancy. Every month, progesterone levels rise in anticipation of pregnancy, stimulating the thickening of the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone (and estrogen) levels drop-off abruptly and menstruation begins; leading to a renewal of the entire menstrual cycle.


• Progesterone is an important precursor hormone for the synthesis of other hormones (estrogen, testosterone and corticosteroids).


• Works to maintain a balance with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent side effects related to "estrogen dominance," a condition caused when estrogen levels are too high relative to the progesterone levels.


• Protect against fibrocystic breasts.


• Natural diuretic; it helps the body rid itself of excess water.


• Helps turn fat into energy.


• Acts as a natural antidepressant.


• Normalizes blood clotting.


• Help normalize blood-sugar levels.


• Progesterone has a thermogenic (temperature-raising) effect.


• May help slow the advance of osteoporosis.


• Helps relieve menopausal symptoms.


• Helps relieve fatigue, and joint pain.


• Progesterone is an excellent anti-inflammatory as it is the precursor to cortisone.

Natural versus Synthetic Progesterone:

• Natural progesteronerefers to progesterone that is identical to what you find in the human body (termed as bio-identical).


• Synthetic progesterone also calledprogestin refers to progesterone that is synthetically created and is not identical to the progesterone in the human body. Progestin is a synthetic hormone found in most pharmaceutical products for menopause and for PMS. They're also in birth control pills. They are known to cause many different side effects.

Causes of Low Levels of Progesterone:

• Since progesterone is released when women ovulate, those women who don't ovulate regularly have low levels of progesterone.


• Progesterone levels drops dramatically than estrogen levels during menopause.

Progesterone Cream Application:Progesterone cream is easily absorbed where the skin is thin and soft, such as the face, neck, upper chest, breasts, inner arms, backs of the knees, palms of the hands and tops of the feet. Just be sure to alternate sites so that the progesterone is absorbed into the fat layer under the skin. If you apply it to the same spot all the time, the fat will become saturated in that area and you won't get optimal absorption.

Note:

• The dosage and scheduling of natural progesterone varies depending on what condition is being treated.


• Natural progesterone is a natural hormone that is currently being derived from the plant extract - stigmasterol, found in the soya bean.


• Natural progesterone will easily convert into testosterone and estrogen if required by the body.


• Natural progesterone comes in different forms, but the most popular and effective by far are the ones that come in cream form. The other forms such as tablets, capsules, oils, sprays, injections and suppositories either give a quick release of the hormone and are therefore not suggested for long term use.

Buying tip:Progesterone is an important hormone so make sure to only buy natural progesterone from a trusted manufacturer.

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy or during menstruation if you typically have a heavy menstrual flow.