What Every Woman Needs to Know About Progesterone
Many women today are very low on natural progesterone produced in the body. Progesterone is one of the most powerful hormones for GREAT health on so many levels. Progesterone:
Protects against breast fibrocysts
Utilize fat for energy
Acts as a Natural anti-depressant & calms anxiety
Prevents cyclical migraines
Promotes normal sleep patterns
Balances thyroid hormone function
Helps normalize blood sugar levels
Normalizes blood clotting
Helps restores normal libido
Normalizes zinc and copper levels
Restores proper cell oxygen levels
Can prevent endometrial cancer
Can prevent breast cancer
Stimulates new bone formation
Can prevent autoimmune diseases
Thickening of the lining of the uterus each month, preparing to receive and nourish a fertilized egg.
A developing embryo and fetus through pregnancy
There are some natural ways to influence and support healthy progesterone production when progesterone levels are low. Four of these ways include:
Supplementing with Maca: Maca influences the production of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone supporting hormonal balance. Excess estrogen in the body causes low levels of progesterone. Taking maca can help balance the estrogen to progesterone ratio.
Supplementing with DIM (diindolylmethane): DIM helps the body metabolize and detoxify from excess estrogens, caused by many of the foods we eat and substances we are exposed to.
Avoid Toxins to the Extent Possible. Most of us are exposed to excess estrogen and toxins often referred to as xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens come from pesticides and herbicides in feed for animals which people then consume in mass quantity, hormone-treated animals that people consume, body care and household products including plastics. Also, consuming caffeine regularly, is also known to contribute to toxin overload and estrogen dominance.
Lose weight. Excess estrogen is stored in body fat. Being overweight contributes to hormonal imbalance because fat cells convert the hormone androstenedione into estrogen. Estrogen is then stored in fat cells and slowly released into the body. The more body fat, the more potential for excess estrogen and thus, less progesterone.