Progesterone is a reproductive hormone released by the ovaries. It is key in maintaining healthy menstrual cycles, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and healthy pregnancy. The right balance of progesterone and estrogen can lead to a better night's sleep, less aches and pains, and alleviate a number of symptoms common in women of all ages.
Many women suffer from symptoms of progesterone deficiency starting as early as their teen years, but few are aware that this deficiency is the source of their symptoms. Hormones derived from plants, also known as bioidentical hormones, are safe, natural ways to get your progesterone and estrogen levels balanced for optimum health.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, a simple blood test can be performed to ensure your levels are within range, and treat the cause if your levels are suboptimal.
Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency & Estrogen Dominance
• Breast Tenderness
• PMS
• PMDD
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Depression, Anxiety or Agitation
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs.
• Fatigue
• Fibrocystic Breasts
• Foggy Thinking
• Hair Loss
• Headaches
• Infertility
• Irregular Menstrual Periods
• Insomnia
• Memory Loss
• Sluggish Metabolism
• Uterine Fibroids
Causes of Progesterone Deficiency
Progesterone Deficiency and Estrogen Dominance have become epidemic in recent decades. Our environment has become polluted with many man-made substances, called Xenohormones, that are foreign to the body and have a hormone-like effect. This is why Progesterone Deficiency is occurring in women at earlier ages and more aggressively than ever before.
Common Sources of Xenohormones
Synthetic estrogens and progestins, as are found in oral contraceptives and conventional hormone replacement therapies.
All American-grown, non-organic livestock, which are fed estrogenic drugs to fatten them.
Petrochemically-derived pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Solvents and adhesives (as in fingernail polish and polish remover, glue, cleaning supplies).
Car exhaust.
Emulsifiers found in soaps and cosmetics.
Almost all plastics, especially when plastics become hot or are heated.
Industrial wastes such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins.
Eating organic, non-GMO foods and using organic self-care products for your skin, hair, and feminine hygiene can greatly reduce your exposure to xenohormones and help your bioidentical hormone therapy work even better. We can answer any questions you may have related to these topics during your appointment. Feel free to call us to get started!