What Are the Benefits of Progesterone?
[spb_blank_spacer height=”30px” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”content-width” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”0.5″ bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ row_col_pos=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_text_block animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] The Multiple Roles of Progesterone Progesterone is the master female hormone, produced primarily by the ovaries and in a smaller amount by the adrenal glands. As the master hormone, it is the one necessary for the production of many other hormones, two of the really significant ones are, estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone, among it’s other roles, is responsible for libido in both men and women! What other roles does this hormone, progesterone, fulfill in your body? [/spb_text_block] [spb_button element_name=”LEARN MORE” button_text=”LEARN MORE” button_size=”standard” button_colour=”pink” button_type=”bordered” rounded=”yes” button_dropshadow=”no” button_icon=”fa-share” button_link=”https://serenity-organics.com/pages/what-is-progesterone/” button_target=”_self” align=”center” animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”5000″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [/spb_row] [spb_text_block animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] References: Stein DG. The case for progesterone. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2005 Jun;1052:152-69. Hotze SF. Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Houston, TX: Forrest Publishing; 2005. Gulinello M, Smith SS. Anxiogenic effects of neurosteroid exposure: sex differences and altered GABAA receptor pharmacology in adult rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003 May;305(2):541-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12606703 https://www.healthline.com/health/progesterone-function Everything You Need to Know About Progesterone. Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH on April 29, 2019 — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-progesterone#low-progesterone Low Progesterone: Complications, Causes, and More. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C on August 25, 2016 — Written by Ana GotterMedically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C on August 25, 2016 — Written by Ana Gotter [/spb_text_block]
Progesterone & Environmental Estrogens (EDC’s)
Progesterone & Environmental Estrogens (EDC’s) Xeno-Estrogens: What You Need to Know… Falling Sperm counts, rising breast cancer diagnoses, PMS, PCOS, Infertility… What’s up with this trend? Are there environmental chemicals at work, ones we can’t see, feel or touch? Let’s get a little science… The word xeno-estrogen is derived from the Greek words ξένο (xeno, meaning foreign), οἶστρος (estrus, meaning sexual drive) and γόνο (gene, meaning “to generate”) and literally means “foreign estrogen”. Xeno-estrogens are also called “environmental hormones” or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC’s). Most scientists that study xeno-estrogens, including The Endocrine Society, regard them as serious environmental hazards that have hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans. Your health, as a woman, is threatened by these pervasive xeno-estrogens. If you live in an industrialized country, there are more than 100,000 environmental estrogens, (xeno-estrogens), that challenge your health & well-being and put you at increased risk for all the trappings of estrogen-dominance, not the least of which is an increased risk for female -specific cancers. These harmful chemicals must be identified and avoided, as they have been shown to cause birth defects, abnormal sexual development, problems with the nervous system, the immune system, cancer, PMS/PMT, infertility, osteoporosis and very unpleasant menopause. While xeno-estrogens mimic natural estrogens in some activities (they plugin to estrogen receptor sites), they all have undesirable side-effects, not the least of which is an increased risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Xeno-estrogens gravely interfere with the production & healthy performance of your body’s natural estrogen and natural progesterone. Xenoestrogens are hormone disruptors! Where are Xeno-estrogens? Three Primary Sources 1. Petroleum derivatives: also called petro-chemicals, are found in almost all personal care products & household cleaning products and are EDC’s. BPA, PCB’s and phthalates, are universally recognized as exerting an estrogenic effect on humans. Since the list of petroleum compounds (petro chemicals) that are in use commercially is so extensive (>100,000), there is no single list of harmful petro-chemicals. Suffice it to say, if a product touches your skin or you breathe it in, the label must state “all plant-based”. 2. GMO: all genetically modified foods contain glyphosate, a known carcinogen, which is also an endocrine disrupting chemical parentheses (EDC). This includes, but not limited to, all fruits and vegetables, as well as all cotton products. Cotton tampons are especially guilty of supplying EDC’s into a woman’s pelvis, and our a primary contributing factor to PCOS. 3. Meat and/or dairy products: farm animals, by default, are fed growth hormones for profit. So, if you eat meat and dairy products, it is imperative that the label states: “No added hormones; no antibiotics, no pesticides“, otherwise you will be adding fuel to a fire that will hurt you. If the label states: “Certified Organic” and you trust the certifying agency, then you can consume those foods safely. USDA Organic & Ecocert Approved, by the way, are trusted certifiers. What to Do? We fully appreciate the challenges may seem daunting, perhaps overwhelming. With that stated, for more than 35 years, we have consulted personally with tens of thousands of women, including many natural health care professionals and can state, without reservation, that application of this information will improve your health status and well-being, irrespective of your gender. In addition to these defensive measures, consider going on the offense. A diet designed to purify the body with foods that promote detoxification will help restore a healthy balance of hormones and all of your body’s circadian rhythms. Studies that have been conducted in people who ate a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as, Kale, Collards, Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, & Radishes versus those who did not eat such foods. The cruciferous group decreased their odds of forming cancer in the body by approximately 50%! These Cruciferous vegetables contain special compounds that change a dangerous cancer-causing form of estrogen into a benign, protective form of estrogen. Additionally, intermittent fasting helps purge the body of unwanted debris. A Vital Key Principle! Anything, literally, Anything that touches your skin or that you breathe in has the potential to deliver harmful Xeno-estrogens into your bloodstream. Make Certain that All products with which you have contact are “All Plant-Based“, Petro-chemical-Free. If you already have a hormone imbalance, a very tiny amount of these chemicals will trigger symptoms. Become an obsessive Label Reader! Xenoestrogens: Conclusion Optimal health is the result of not subjecting your body to the myriad of harmful chemicals, so prevalent in our lives. We appreciate the need to replace harmful products with ones that are organic and, above all, Safe: Details, here… ____________________________________ Natural Estrogens: the Good News… The female body manufactures approximately 27 different natural estrogens, the most beneficial of which is estriol (widely used in Europe for more than 50 years, as it has been shown to exert protective influence against female cancers). These hormones carry out a wide array of functions and they do so safely, when balanced by progesterone, a hormone in a class by itself. Natural estrogens are responsible for female sexual development and play an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, lactation and bone health. For those minority of women who need supplemental natural estrogen, a natural estriol cream can be used, as needed, but only on the same days as bio-identical progesterone cream. Phytoestrogens: Harmful or Beneficial? Soy, red clover and numerous other plants contain diosgenin and other compounds that are similar in structure to the hormone estrogen. Because estrogen fuels many breast cancers, these plants have spawned confusion and concern. Can they increase the risk of breast cancer or increase your risk for other diseases? More… References: Front Biosci. 2003 Jan 1;8:s110-8. Xenoestrogen exposure and mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Singleton DW1, Khan SA. Microb Biotechnol. 2019 Oct 30. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.13504. [Epub ahead of print] Microbial degradation of steroid sex hormones: implications for environmental and ecological studies. Chiang YR1, Wei ST1, Wang PH1, Wu PH2, Yu CP2. Environ Health Perspect. 2019 Oct;127(10):107004. doi: 10.1289/EHP4860. Epub 2019 Oct 9. Transfer and Metabolism of the Xenoestrogen Zearalenone in Human Perfused Placenta. Warth B1,2, Preindl K1, Manser P3, Wick P3, Marko D1, Buerki-Thurnherr T3.
When to Use a BioIdentical Progesterone Cream
When to Use a BioIdentical Progesterone Cream Best Directions for Use
Progesterone: The One Simple Thing
Progesterone: The One Simple Thing The female body makes about 27 different estrogens, but, just one progesterone. Progesterone is critically important for the health of every cell and organ in a woman’s body. When you fail to make enough progesterone during the progesterone phase of your cycle (days 14-28 or ovulation to the day before menses) you may experience one or more of the following (symptoms may be short-term; however, if left unchecked, may continue for years): Anxiety Agitation Accelerated aging Allergies not limited to asthma, hives, rashes, sinus congestion Autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosis and thyroiditis, & possibly Sjoegren’s disease Breast cancer Breast tenderness Cervical dysplasia Cold hands & feet as a symptom of thyroid dysfunction Decreased sex drive Depression with anxiety or agitation Dry eyes Endometrial (uterine) cancer Excess copper Fat gain, especially around the abdomen, hips & thighs Fatigue Fibrocystic breasts Foggy thinking Gallbladder disease Hair Loss Headaches Hypoglycemia Increased blood clotting (increasing risk of strokes) Infertility Irregular menstrual periods Irritability Insomnia Magnesium deficiency Memory loss Mood swings Osteoporosis PMS/PMT/PMDD Polycystic ovaries Premenopausal bone loss Premature puberty Prostate cancer (men only) Sluggish metabolism Thyroid dysfunction mimicking hypothyroidism Uterine cancer Uterine fibroids Water retention, bloating Zinc deficiency One Simple Thing… ? Can it be that simple? …One Simple Thing…? 40 years of research and 23 years of clinical experience attest to the fact: if you restore this most important hormone, progesterone, to optimal levels during the progesterone phase of the month and avoid the numerous, common environmental chemicals (petroleum-chemicals) you will balance the 27 different, naturally occurring estrogens, and, thereby, avoid the imbalance known as estrogen dominance, politely named “PMS”. What if I no longer have a monthly cycle? Your menstrual cycles may have ceased for the following reasons: Surgery (hysterectomy) Age (50-51) Acute hormone imbalance If you have not had surgery and are younger than 50, you may have an imbalance of estrogens and progesterone. Your goal would be to achieve the optimal balance safely and efficiently. How? If you no longer have a cycle due to chronological menopause (50-51) or surgery, your need for hormone balance is likely more critical than when you were a cycling female the One Simple Thing… While avoiding the myriad of environmental estrogens, a properly formulated bioidentical progesterone cream, one free of petrochemicals and one formulated with American made progesterone will correct progesterone deficiency.
Progesterone: Why is Cream Form Superior?
Inefficiency of Oral Hormone Therapy When progesterone is administered orally, your liver intercepts about 80% of it and converts it into progesterone metabolites. So, if your doctor wants to achieve a net dose of 20 mg. of progesterone, he will prescribe a 200 mg pill. As a result, 180 mg. will be converted to progesterone metabolites. These metabolites oppose optimal hormone balance. Why is Cream a Superior Delivery System? When bio-identical progesterone is administered in a proper cream formulation, it bypasses the liver and goes directly to progesterone receptors, where it balances the undesirable effects of too much estrogen (unopposed estrogen or estrogen dominance). What is Unique About Serenity Organics Natural Progesterone Cream? Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream is the only progesterone cream that does not contain Chinese progesterone nor does Serenity contain any petroleum compounds or derivatives (petrochemicals). Formulated with bio-identical, USP Natural Progesterone, manufactured solely in the United States. Dr. John Lee stated “It is the purest form of pharmaceutical progesterone found anywhere in the world”. Why Serenity Organics, Bio Identical, Natural Progesterone Cream? There are many progesterone creams making many claims. Since 1995 Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream has been the premier quality natural progesterone cream, free of harmful chemicals, free of Chinese constituents. Quality you have come to trust and expect; an exceptionally “delightful” moisturizer that will also nourish your skin, whilst addressing the underlying cause of hormone deficiency. What Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream Does Not Contain: No PARABENS no ethoxylates no PEG’s no Chinese materials no animal derivatives no artificial colors No petro-chemicals Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream is: All Plant-Based. Hypo-allergenic Cruelty-Free Manufactured under the Highest Standards of Purity Purity and potency guaranteed by HPLC analysis Exceptionally high quality moisturizer
Progesterone: What are BioIdentical Hormones?
What does “Bio-Identical” mean? Bio-identical hormones have the exact same molecular structure as hormones that are made by our bodies. What makes Bio-identical hormones different from prescription hormones? Bio-identical hormones are identical to the naturally occurring hormones found in the human body and are necessary for optimal health. Conversely, the molecular structure of synthetic hormones is one that never occurs naturally. Therefore, synthetic hormones have cautions, warnings and side-effects associated with their medicinal use. It is vital, therefore, that you fully educate yourself of the known risks, prior to taking synthetic hormones. Why choose Bio-Identical Hormone therapy? The goal of Bio-identical Hormone replacement therapy is to provide an adequate supply of the deficient hormone(s) in a form that is safe and in harmony with your biology. What Are the Benefits of Bio-identical Hormones? Alleviation of the symptoms caused by hormone deficiencies. Re-establishing the protective benefits provided by naturally occurring hormones. So, why don’t doctors typically recommend using Bio-Identical hormone therapy? The use of natural, bio-identical human hormones is not taught in most medical schools. Medical schools have adopted the belief, propagated by the drug companies, that the health challenges that are the result of the environment and / or aging can be treated with drugs or surgery. As a result, they do not always teach traditional medical professionals the art of wellness, by addressing the cause of the disease, rather than its symptoms. Hysterectomies and mastectomies being just two examples of treating the symptoms. How valuable would you say it is, to identify and correct the causes for disease, Before they become manifest? For these very reasons, informed women have chosen to take charge of their health care decisions and, when appropriate, incorporate safe, alternatives that are free of documented side-effects associated with traditional medicine. References: Pharm Pract (Granada). 2011 Jan-Mar; 9(1): 16–22. Published online 2011 Mar 15. doi: 10.4321/s1886-36552011000100003. Defining bioidentical hormones for menopause-related symptoms. Patsner B. Pharmacy compounding of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT): a proposed new approach to justify FDA regulation of these prescription drugs. Food Drug Law J. 2008;63:459-491 [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Sood R, Shuster L, Smith R, Vincent A, Jatoi A. Counseling postmenopausal women about bioidentical hormones: ten discussion points for practicing physicians. J Am Board Fam Med. 2011;24(2):202-10. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011 Mar;111(3):153-64. Bioidentical hormones: an evidence-based review for primary care providers. Conaway E1.
Progesterone: Ask a Nutritionist
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Progesterone Levels: Deficiency
How would you know if you are suffering from a deficiency of progesterone & too much estrogen? A healthy woman should naturally produce about 25-30 mg of progesterone per day during the progesterone phase of her monthly cycle (days 14-28). Allowing for stress and environmental toxins, supplementing women should apply not less than 25-30 mg per day, the amount that should be produced naturally. PMS PMS encompasses more than 150 different symptoms, although, thankfully, no Woman experiences them all. The observable symptoms generally include all or some combination of: Irritability Frustration Vertigo Acne Bloating Mood Swings Food Cravings Cramping Prolonged periods Cessation of periods Depression Foggy thinking Hair loss Exhaustion Sluggish thyroid Weight Gain Loss of Libido Acute Headaches Anger Panic Backaches Fatigue Breast Swelling & Tenderness Address the causes of PMS by managing stress and replacing the chemicals that interfere with hormone balance with products that are plant-sourced, ergo, safe & therapeutic. While identifying & avoiding the myriad of harmful chemicals in the environment, the other half of what is needed is a properly formulated organic progesterone cream, one free of petro-chemicals, free of Chinese progesterone and free of Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMO-free) one that, since 1995, has proven to be the safest and most effect choice for the Informed Woman. Menopause Always apply to freshly bathed skin. 1/8th teaspoon twice a day, mornings and bedtime for 25-26 consecutive days. Discontinue for 5-6 days. If symptoms are severe you may increase to a quarter teaspoon twice a day, but monitor progress and decrease as required. Using Serenity will not restart your menstrual cycle, as menopause is marked by the release of your last egg. Always apply to freshly bathed skin. Meticulously avoid all environmental estrogens so that progesterone can optimally support your health. If hot flashes persist, include whole psyllium seed husks in the evening according directions on product page. In the U.K. and in the U.S., bone loss begins, on average, at age 37, however, osteoporosis may not be diagnosed until menopause. Fertility Progesterone is the “pro-gestational hormone” and necessary for conception and full-term pregnancy. A drop in progesterone levels or a blockage of progesterone receptors during the first 11 or 12 weeks will normally result in miscarriage. *note: if you discontinue your cream at the end of week 19 and the placenta has not taken over progesterone production, resume cream. You will clearly know if the placenta is not producing significant quantities of progesterone. Libido Testosterone is the source of libido in women. Progesterone is the precursor for testosterone. Apply according to your menstrual status. Add kindness, candlelight, soft music and a chilled bottle of Pinot Noir for enhanced effect. Conclusion There are no reported short or long term side effects to using Serenity Bio Identical Progesterone Cream. – Too much estrogen can cause irregular cycles and retention of old blood. Because natural progesterone has a normalizing effect on the menstrual cycle, it may initially promote the shedding of old blood. This shedding is very desirable as stored blood can increase the risk of endometriosis & endometrial cancer. Note: At the onset of using natural progesterone cream some women may initially experience an increase in “estrogen dominance” symptoms. This is due to the natural progesterone “waking up” estrogen receptor sites, not a reaction to progesterone. If experienced, simply reduce the amount of cream to an amount that does not trigger symptoms and gradually return to a normal dose. This condition is only temporary. As your body adjusts the re-introduction of the Master hormone, you will achieve an optimal balance and the symptoms caused by estrogen dominance will ameliorate.
Progesterone & Your Health
Progesterone & Your Health In order to accurately evaluate the effects of the hormones estrogen and natural progesterone, on Menopause, PMS, Fertility, and Osteoporosis, it is necessary to identify the sources of these two primary female hormones. Distinguishing safe and natural hormones from those that are foreign and carcinogenic will allow women to make informed choices. This information will help them to avoid the unwanted effects of low or no progesterone (Estrogen Dominance) and the subsequent unpleasant symptoms associated with Menopause & PMS. Other major disorders, including breast cancer, stroke, osteoporosis & heart disease have also been shown to be the result of an imbalance of hormones. Under the normal, healthy circumstances of a woman’s monthly cycle, estrogen should be the dominant hormone for the first two weeks and is balanced by natural progesterone, which should be the dominant hormone for the latter two weeks.After a woman has entered menopause, whether it is due to age or surgery (hysterectomy), female hormone production is reduced to approximately 40% to 60% of the pre-menopausal levels. While the need for a proper balance of estrogen and progesterone are important to all adult women, it is more critical at this time and many informed women have chosen a properly formulated natural progesterone cream.Problems arise, however, when foreign estrogens and synthetic hormones are introduced into the body that interfere with natural hormone production and normal thyroid function and when natural progesterone production is consequently suppressed by these environmental antagonists.What are the sources of foreign hormones or xeno-estrogens?
Progesterone Overview
Informed Women’s Health Guide to Understanding & Managing Menopause, PMS, Infertility & Osteoporosis Progesterone is a steroid hormone released from a woman’s ovaries at ovulation & in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. A menstruating woman will typically produce about 22-25 mg of progesterone per day during the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle (days 14-28). A properly formulated bio-identical progesterone is converted from a fatty-acid sterol called diosgenin (a plant sterol) which is commonly extracted from wild yams or soybeans, non GMO being a must. In spite of the fact that diosgenen is extracted from soy, the end result is a highly purified, biologically identical hormone, one completely free of any remnants of soy substances. You may have an allergy to soy, but will not respond to Serenity, as there are no traces of soy and there is no diosgenin in the cream. Bio-identical progesterone is molecularly the same as what is produced by the woman’s ovary. It is made from naturally occurring plant sterols found in abundance in yam or soy. More than 5,000 plants contain diosgenin. Although frequently confused, it is not the synthetic version that is commonly dispensed by prescription e.g., Provera. These synthetic chemicals interfere with a woman’s natural hormone production and normal glandular function, i.e., thyroid and will suppress the body’s production of natural progesterone. Based on 37 years of use and clinical observation by Dr. Jonathan Wright, Dr. Ray Peat and Dr. John Lee, side effects have been shown to be extremely rare with natural progesterone in a plant-based cream. Since progesterone is a primary hormone that regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle, it is important to only use a biologically identical progesterone in a plant based cream during the progesterone phase of the month (days 14-28). What are the sources of these foreign hormones or xeno-estrogens? Meat & Dairy that contain growth hormones – Farmers feed growth hormones to their animals, as the net increase in profits is substantial. So, when choosing meat or dairy, make certain the label says “hormone-free; antibiotic-free”. Better yet, “Free-Range, Grass-Fed” is more sustainable and better for your health. Sustainable and local grownwill be of greatest benefit to your health. Personal Care Products that contain petroleum derivatives – Petroleum derivatives (petro-chemicals) are used in most personal care/cleaning products. When they enter the human body, they act like synthetic estrogens, wreaking havoc on your efforts to achieve optimal hormone balance. Birth Control Pills Prescription Progesterone pills Synthetic progesterones usually called progestins, (medroxy-progesterone), often cause many undesirable side-effects including increased risk of cancer, abnormal menstrual flow, fluid retention, nausea, depression, PMS, PMT and may even increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Make sure that the label on all of your personal care products reads: “All Plant-Based” or “Petro-Chemical-Free” Conclusion: This clear distinction will furnish vital information for the unwanted effects of low or no progesterone relative too much estrogen (Estrogen Dominance) & the subsequent unpleasant symptoms associated with Menopause, PMS, and the conditions of infertility & osteoporosis. Other major disorders, including breast cancer, stroke, osteoporosis & heart disease have also been shown to be caused or, at the very least, contributed to by an imbalance of steroid hormones. Distinguishing safe and natural hormones from those that are foreign and carcinogenic will allow women to make informed choices that will benefit future health and quality of life. References: Stein DG. The case for progesterone. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2005 Jun;1052:152-69. Heersche JN, Bellows CG, Ishida Y. The decrease in bone mass associated with aging and menopause. J Prosthet Dent. 1998 Jan;79(1):14-6. Hotze SF. Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Houston, TX: Forrest Publishing; 2005. Dalton, K. The Premenstrual Syndrome and Progesterone Therapy. Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publishers; 1977. Sumino H, Ichikawa S, Itoh H, et al. Hormone replacement therapy decreases insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in Japanese postmenopausal women with impaired and normal glucose tolerance. Horm Res. 2003;60(3):134-42. The history of natural progesterone, the never-ending story. P.Piette. Pages 308-314 | Received 10 Jan 2018, Accepted 05 Apr 2018, Published online: 28 May 2018 Swyer GIM. Progestogens and their clinical uses: Part I. Br Med J 1960;1:48–9 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Google Scholar]