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What is Progesterone
Progesterone is the hormone secreted by the ovaries after a woman produces an egg during the middle of her menstrual cycle. Progesterone is the dominant female hormone for the last half of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone work in synchronization with each other as checks and balances to achieve hormonal harmony in both sexes. Female hormonal balance between the estrogen hormones and progesterone is essential in order for women to obtain and maintain health and wellness. The three human estrogen hormones have numerous effects on the body which require the balance of progesterone to prevent the hyper effects of estrogen dominance which can lead to a host of health problems. It is not the absolute deficiency of estrogen or progesterone but rather the relative dominance of estrogen and relative deficiency of progesterone that is the main cause of health problems when they are off balance.
Progesterone has the following effects which counterbalance the estrogen hormones:
- matures the uterine lining preventing excess buildup of tissue
- inhibits breast tissue overgrowth, preventing fibrocystic breast disease
- has a diuretic effect which mobilizes fluid, decreasing swelling
- enhances the action of thyroid hormones, increasing metabolism
- stimulates the production of new bone, protecting against osteoporosis
- increases the sex drive
- protects against breast cancer and uterine cancer
- thins the blood, preventing blood clots
- supports the function of the adrenal glands
- elevates mood
- promotes pregnancy
From age 35 to 50, there is a 75% reduction in production of progesterone in the body. Estrogen, during the same period, only declines about 35%. By menopause, the total amount of progesterone made is extremely low, while estrogen is still present in the body at about half its pre-menopausal level. With the gradual drop in estrogen but severe drop in progesterone, there is insufficient progesterone to counteract the amount of estrogen in our body. Many women in their mid-thirties, most women during peri-menopause (mid-forties), and essentially all women during menopause (age 50 and beyond) are overloaded with estrogen and at the same time suffering from progesterone deficiency because of the severe drop in physiological production of this hormone during this period. The end result is excessive estrogen relative to progesterone, a condition we call estrogen dominance.
According to Dr. John Lee, the world's authority on natural hormone therapy, the key to hormonal balance is the modulation of progesterone to estrogen ratio. For optimum health, the progesterone to estrogen ratio should be between 200 and 300 to 1.
Progesterone functions in many capacities. It is often taken to counter the effects of estrogen, normally used by women who are postmenopausal. It also goes by the prescription. Natural progesterone is available as well and is known to have far fewer side effects. Progesterone has many functions. First, it is both a precursor to other adrenal hormones and is a GH stimulant as well. It likewise promotes lipolysis (breakdown of fat) and protects against endometrial cancer. It is known to eliminate the risk of endometrial cancer when given with estrogen for 10 or more days per cycle. Lastly, progesterone normalizes levels of blood sugar, zinc, and copper. Progesterone stimulates the walls of the uterus to prepare it for implantation of the fertilized ovum. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone inhibits ovulation (by suppressing FSH & LH) and promotes uterine development until the placenta becomes more mature. (Progesterone is so-named because it promotes gestation, i.e., the growth of offspring in the womb).
USP Progesterone
The title "USP Progesterone" or (USP) differentiates natural progesterone from synthetic progesterone. This means the progesterone which is formulated is identical (bio-identical) to that what is secreted from the female ovaries. Although it is done in a laboratory, no chemicals are added to it, they are simply chemically modified in a special conversion process. USP stands for United States Pharmacopoeia and indicates that the Progesterone meets the standards set in the U.S. We use "Micronized" USP Progesterone, the natural form of progesterone, broken down into very tiny particles. The process of micronization allows for steady, even absorption of the USP Progesterone.
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