Women looking for natural treatments for progesterone dominance or deficiency may turn to herbal supplements. Yet there is still much uncertainty in the medical community surrounding these supplements, as little research has been undertaken to study their benefits and side effects. What is known about these herbs and their role in boosting progesterone? Read on to learn more about how they work, and if they’ll be a good match for your lifestyle.
The Dangers of Progesterone Imbalance
Progesterone, a hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, works in tandem with estrogen to promote female reproductive functions, such as periods, fertility and libido. Thus when progesterone and estrogen levels become imbalanced, a range of uncomfortable—and potentially dangerous—symptoms may occur.
Symptoms of progesterone dominance—or a surplus of progesterone—include drowsiness, acne, mood swings, weight gain and low libido, while symptoms of progesterone deficiency—or a shortage of progesterone—may cause breast tenderness, gum disease, osteoporosis and increased risk of endometrial cancer. Click here to read more about the symptoms of progesterone imbalance or continue reading below to learn how herbal supplements are used to treat this condition.
Treating Natural Progesterone Imbalance with Natural Supplements
Herbal supplements have been touted by menopausal women for years as a treatment for the symptoms caused by progesterone imbalance. Although more conclusive research needs to be conducted, scientists believe that many herbs contain phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen when introduced into the female body. Thus phytoestrogens can replace estrogen when levels are low (progesterone dominance) or block them from binding to receptor cells when levels are high (progesterone deficiency), helping to restore a harmonious hormone balance. Some popular herbs used to treat hormone imbalance include:
- Ginseng. This well-known herb acts as an energy booster and treatment for sexual dysfunction caused by menopause.
- Red clover. If you’re experiencing acne outbreaks as the result of progesterone dominance, red clover might be just what your skin—and your hormones—need.
- Ginkgo biloba. This disease-fighting herb provides the body with essential antioxidants and may be effective in treating mood related menopause symptoms like mood swings and depression.
Recommendation:
Herbal supplements are just one of the many possible solutions to treat progesterone imbalance. Most doctors also recommend making simple lifestyle and dietary changes alongside herbal remedies. Click the link below for more information about treatments for progesterone imbalance.
• Progesterone: Overview. Healthywomen.org http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/progesterone
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo biloba http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Red clover http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/red-clover-000270.htm
• University of Maryland Medical Center. “American ginseng.” http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/american-ginseng-000248.htm
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