There are six hormones produced by the female reproductive system, one of which is progesterone. A tendency exits for the role of estrogen to be discussed and publicized far more than progesterone. However, recent studies are finding the importance of progesterone to be nearly equal to that of estrogen. Below are some questions and answers, and food for thought before your next doctor’s appointment.
Q: What Is Progesterone?
A: Progesterone is a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries during ovulation. It can also be found in the placenta of a fetus during pregnancy. Progesterone performs a number of important tasks throughout the body and is known as a chemical messenger.
Q: Why Is Progesterone Important?
A: Progesterone performs many functions in the body, including; preparing the body for pregnancy, maintaining gum health and blood clotting. Also, progesterone is linked to bone health and sexual health, as well as menstruation.
Q: Why Are Balanced Levels of Progesterone Important?
A: Without enough progesterone, the lining of the uterus is left vulnerable and excessive bleeding can occur, among other complications. With an excessive amount of progesterone tiredness and vaginal dryness can occur. The way to avoid these types of symptoms is to have just the right amount of progesterone, as well as other hormones, which can be very difficult to maintain, especially during menopause, when hormones are fluctuating wildly.
Q: Can Progesterone Replacement Alone Help Hot Flashes?
A: Potentially. Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescribes progesterone in tandem with estrogen; however, a recent study showed that progesterone supplementation alone had some calming effects on the brain. It was not exactly clear how or why, but it seemed the progesterone may have alleviated some of the most common symptoms of menopause.
Q: What Forms Can I Take Progesterone Replacement in?
A: Progesterone comes in many forms, and the one that is right for you should be discussed with your doctor. These forms are:
Pills. If taken with food, chances of absorption are increased.- Injections. These are usually given in the form of oil.
- Vaginal suppositories and creams. This if often mixed with cocoa butter and is commercially available.
- Skin creams and gels. Though both have benefits, gels tend to absorb through the skin more easily than creams.
Recommendation
Progesterone plays a vital role throughout a woman’s lifetime. It is important to stay educated about your body to maintain optimum health. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Remember that eating right and exercising may go a long way in relieving your unpleasant symptoms. For more information on progesterone follow the link below.
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