Progesterone
What does it do? The hormone progesterone is the natural equivalent of synthetic progestins and is closely related to estrogen. Progesterone is necessary for proper uterine and breast development and function. Progestins are recommended, along with estrogen, during or after menopause to restore hormone balance—especially since research found that prolonged hormone replacement therapy without the addition of progestins increased the risk of endometrial cancer.
1 Preliminary evidence suggests that progesterone may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.2Where is it found? Progesterone is produced in the female body in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Progesterone production is high during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and low during the follicular phase as well as being low before puberty and after menopause.
Supplemental sources of progesterone are available in oral and cream forms as well as lozenges, suppositories, and injectable forms. “Natural” progesterone refers to the type that matches exactly the substance produced in a woman’s body, as opposed to related synthesized molecules. The natural forms are preferred to the synthetic forms of progesterone by some doctors.
3Progestins are also found in oral contraceptive pills and used in conventional hormone replacement therapy.
Wild yam contains steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin) that can be converted through an industrial process into progesterone (and into other hormones as well). However, contrary to popular claims, wild yam root cannot convert into progesterone in the body, even though the saponins may have properties similar to progesterone in the body.
4 5 Women who require progesterone should consult their nutritionally oriented physician and not rely on wild yam or other herbs.Pregnenolone, another hormone produced by the body, is converted by the body into progesterone. However, the effects that supplemental sources of pregnenolone may have on progesterone production in the body remain unclear.
In what conditions might progesterone be supportive?
Who is likely to be deficient? Postmenopausal women have reduced production of progesterone. Progesterone, including the natural forms of progesterone, have been found to relieve menopausal symptoms when used in combination with estrogen replacement therapy.
6 Some women, especially peri-menopausal women, report a relief of symptoms with natural progesterone taken by itself.How much should I take? The proper amount of progesterone for a woman should be determined in consultation with a doctor of natural medicine. Research with the natural, oral form of progesterone has utilized 200 mg per day.
7 Progesterone is used in much lower amounts, such as 20–40 mg per day, by most doctors who prescribe topical natural progesterone.Are there any side effects or interactions? Progesterone is a hormone, and as such there are concerns about its inappropriate use. A nutritionally oriented physician should be consulted before using this hormone as a supplement. Few side effects are associated with topical progesterone creams but can include skin reactions and, in a few women, sleepiness. Greater amounts of topical progesterone increase the likelihood of drowsiness and lethargy.
Synthetic progestins have many well-known side effects, including the increase of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and the decrease of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). Other side effects reported with synthetic progestins include bloating, breast soreness, depression, and mood swings. Consequently, the natural forms of progesterone that are relatively safer are preferred by many doctors of natural medicine.
8References:
1. Smith DC, Prentice R, Thompson DJ, et al. Association of exogenous estrogen and
endometiral carcinoma. N Engl J Med 1975;293:1164–67.
2. Prior JC. Progesterone as a bone-trophic hormone. Endocr Rev
1990;11:386–98.
3. Hargrove JT, Osteen KG. An alternative method of hormone replacement therapy using the
natural sex steroids. Infert Repro Med Clin N Am 1995;6:653–74.
4. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, et al. Antioxidant activity of dioscorea and
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sci 1996;11:147–57.
5. Dollbaum CM. Lab analyses of salivary DHEA and progesterone following ingestion of
yam-containing products. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Oct 1995;104.
6. Hargrove JT, Maxson WS, Wentz AC, et al. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy with
continuous daily oral micronized estradiol and progesterone. Obstet Gynecol
1989;73:606–12.
7. Hargrove JT, Osteen KG. An alternative method of hormone replacement therapy using the
natural sex steroids. Infert Repro Med Clin N Am 1995;6:653–74.
8. Hargrove JT, Osteen KG. An alternative method of hormone replacement therapy using the
natural sex steroids. Infert Repro Med Clin N Am 1995;6:653–74.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.