Progesterone
Progesterone | aka pro-gestation
Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation, makes it healthy for a successful pregnancy, and is essential for the growth and development of a baby. It acts to stabilize the tissue lining of the uterus so if it is absent, such as with an ovarian involution, irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding often occurs after a period without any menstrual bleeding. Thus, progesterone is used to prevent this irregularity of bleeding if it is given continuously.
If a one-time dose of progesterone is given (for example, such as with a shot or with 5-days of oral pills), then the falling progesterone levels will actually cause an estrogen-primed endometrium to slough and therefore start a menses.
Too much progesterone often causes tiredness and even sedation. Interestingly, this side effect can be beneficial in a woman who has epilepsy or even uterine irritability causing pre-term labor because progesterone in high doses can decreases seizure activity and uterine contractions. This can also benefit women who have difficulty sleeping.
Progesterone is very benign medication that most women tolerate well. Infrequently there are side-effects that may include the onset of your period. If this happens, and a period is delayed for a day or two, you may need to stop taking progesterone to bring on your period, then resume taking it 14 days after your period starts. Flushing may occur when taking progesterone because it raises your body temperature about one degree.
Progesterone vs. Progestins: Not all are alike!
Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by the ovaries. Progestin refers to a group of synthetic hormones like Provera or medroxyprogesterone (MPA) acetate. Although they have similar actions, they are not identical to progesterone.
Synthetic progestins (also called progestogens or pro-gestational agents) are similar to bio-identical progesterones, and have been developed because they are longer-lasting, more potent, and patentable.
The synthetic progestins are similar to the progesterone your body produces, but the subtle chemical differences can significantly influence the hormone’s action and side-effects in the body. Synthetic progestins can cause side-effects of irritability, nauseas, depression and water retention in some women. Natural progesterone is molecularly identical to the hormone made in the body, and many women find it easier to tolerate.
In contrast to some synthetic progesterones, natural progesterones do not suppress good cholesterol (HDL), has no effect on blood pressure, and shows less tendency to cause increased male-hormone-like effects such as facial hair growth. 1
Benefits of Progesterone
- Helps use fat for energy
- Facilitates thyroid hormone action
- Natural anti-depressant
- Natural diuretic
- Normalizes blood sugar levels
- Restores proper cell oxygen levels
- Helps restore libido
- Normalizes zinc & copper levels
- Normalizes blood clotting
- Protects against breast fibrocysts
- Provides some protection against breast cancer
- Necessary for survival of embryo
- Stimulates bone-building
- Precursor for corticosterone (cortisone) production
- Necessary for production of nerve myelin
Progesterone Dosage Forms
Slow release oral capsules: 50-400 mg.
Combines low, even-release of medication with the convenience of dosing once or twice daily. The capsule produces consistent blood levels, which is critical for symptom management in PMS or menopause, and to avoid daytime drowsiness, erratic menstrual cycles or breakthrough bleeding.
Micronized oral capsules: 25-200mg.
This capsule is an immediate release form that is taken several times a day. Remember, progesterone is the hormone with a naturally calming effect. Oral forms of natural progesterone may cause drowsiness or dizziness if a women is taking a dosage that is too high for her individual needs. If drowsiness or dizziness occur, the dosage may need to be reduced. Taking natural progesterone with food also helps to avoid drowsiness.
Creams or gels. 20-100 mg.
Delivers continous, consistent absorption for symptom management. Progesterone cream is best absorbed when applied to the skin on the hands but can also be applied to the thin skin on the stomach, thighs, or inner arms, one to two times a day rotating to a variety of sites daily.
Sublingual troches. 50-200 mg.
These troches are taken one to four times daily. The progesterone is delivered through the submucosal membrane to the blood stream hence bypassing the liver.
Suppository.
25-400 mg.
Delivered vaginally or rectally in a wax base. They provide consistent, even absorption. Lower doses are most commonly used in treating ‘luteal phase defects’ and higher does are used for treating premenstrual syndrome.
Drops.
Oral drops can be used for quick onset of action and can be compounded in very small doses for sensitive people that need more adjustments.
Reference(s)
1. Natural Medicine 3(3):324-7 and Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Mach 1, 1997, pp.671-5