What is progesterone anyway?
In today´s society more and more emphasis is being placed on the importance of natural substances. Natural food, herbs, and medicine have continued to grow in popularity.
Therefore it is not surprising that many women who take hormone replacement supplements are weighing up the benefits of the natural versus synthetic progesterone treatment. This article will explain the difference between natural progesterone and the synthetic progestin (medroxyprogesterone).
Medroxyprogesterone is an analog (basically a look-alike copy) of progesterone, not truly progesterone, but a progestin. The chemical structure of medroxyprogesterone closely resembles the chemical structure of progesterone as it is produced naturally in the human body. Despite that, even a slight difference in the molecular configuration of a compound can produce a totally different response from its natural counterpart.
Natural progesterone duplicates the body’s progesterone exactly, causes fewer side effects and can be more consistently utilized by the body. In the case of natural progesterone versus synthetic progestins in hormone replacement, natural does appear to be better.
A decline or rise in progesterone levels are a common, yet irritating symptom of menopause. It is therefore beneficial to educate yourself on its symptoms and get some tips (why not – there are plenty out there) on how to handle it. Read on for further information about the causes, symptoms and treatments of low progesterone.
What is progesterone?
• Infertility
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Low Blood Sugar
• Panic attacks
• Water retention
• Irregular menstrual cycle• Magnesium deficiency
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness
Evolutionary speaking, progesterone is thought to be the oldest steroid hormone at 500 million years old. All vertebrates produce progesterone, it being instrumental in the reproductive cycle of higher vertebrates.
As such, progesterone is an important female steroid hormone and its primary importance is derived from providing a fertile environment for conception and the development of the embryo.
It is produced by the ovary during fertilization and also helps in the production of cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. In the female body its primary role is in countering the effects of the hormone estrogen and in providing the environment for a healthy pregnancy. It does this by stimulating changes in the uterus and by increasing blood vessel and tissue development in the layer where the embryo attaches itself.
What are the causes of low progesterone?
Accepting that there are a host of factors that could cause progesterone levels to fall, the most widespread explanation is that natural progesterone levels decrease as a result of menopause. This includes perimenopause where a woman may start experiencing symptoms of low progesterone. Symptoms such as hot flashes (and those outlined above) are usually indicative of decreased progesterone and can become very bothersome.
In order to address these symptoms a course of treatment may be required which can include doses of natural progesterone.
Synthetic hormones can actually lower a patient’s blood level of progesterone.
Prescribed dosages also differ in regard to natural and synthetic progesterone. Synthetic progestin is 10 to 100 times as potent as the natural progesterone.
This comes with the disclaimer that thyroid problems can often mimic the symptoms usually associated with the symptoms associated with low progesterone and should be diagnosed by a medical professional. An underactive thyroid can decrease hormone levels and vice versa.
Finally, low progesterone can also be the result of chronic stress, insufficient exercise, a nutrient deficient diet or certain medications.
Progesterone Treatments
For women dealing with of low progesterone, there are various supplements like natural progesterone capsules, injections and vaginal suppositories that alleviate some of the symptoms. However, regardless of the treatment chosen, the most effective way of dealing with the symptoms low progesterone is by maintaining a healthy exercise regimen and diet. This is vital in giving the body the best possible chance in managing its own natural progesterone levels.
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