Progesterone & Hot Flashes

  Hot Flashes At approximately age 45 to 50 estrogen levels begin to fall. When they fall below the levels necessary to signal the uterine lining to thicken and gather blood, the menstrual flow becomes less and/or irregular, eventually stopping altogether. Take a closer look at Hot Flashes, one of the primary symptoms associated with menopause in industrialized countries. Although there is no empirical proof of the cause for hot flashes, the following explanation may have merit. An area in the brain’s hypothalamus (the GnRH center) monitors estrogen and progesterone levels. When levels of these hormones decline, this triggers the GnRH which, in turn, stimulates the pituitary to make the hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This, then, results in the ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone. The rise in these hormones inhibits further production of GnRH. At menopause, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels are usually already low. The ovaries, therefore, no longer respond to the FSH and LH prompt. In addition to hot flashes, the heightened activity of the hypothalamus can cause mood swings, fatigue, feelings of being cold, and inappropriate responses to other stressors.  Many women will have symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid hormone levels. When estrogen is supplemented, FSH levels fall and so does the incidence of hot flushes. The most likely scenario for this phenomenon is that low hormone levels stimulate the hypothalamic centers resulting not only the FSH elevation, but also the activation of nearby hypothalamis controlling vasomotor responses. Although estrogen supplementation is effective in reducing hot flushes, later attempts to reduce estrogen supplementation often results in recurrence of the symptoms. There are other ways to deal with hot flushes. Experience shows that a diet rich in fresh vegetables and low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, along with vitamin E and aerobic exercise, will often decrease the intensity and frequency of these symptoms. Also, replacement of natural progesterone alone and in sufficient doses, will frequently result in elimination or decreased severity of hot flushes. Since the hypothalamic centers monitor both estrogen and progesterone, it should not be surprising that sufficient natural progesterone will be effective in treating hot flushes. Because of the inherent toxicity of unopposed estrogen, these methods should be thoroughly tried before resorting to estrogen supplements, and, when supplementing with estrogen always supplement with progesterone on the same days of use, so as to avoid “unopposed estrogen”. Summary The GnRH centers in the brain effectively signal to increase estrogen and progesterone levels. Elevated estrogen and progesterone inhibit GnRH release. After menopause the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone. Lack of estrogen and progesterone response results in increased activity of the GnRH center. Heightened GnRH activity activates the vasomotor center, causing hot flashes and perspiration. Supplementing with topical progesterone alone, will almost always ameliorate hot flashes. (avoid EDC’s}     References: The Midlife Women’s Health Study – a study protocol of a longitudinal prospective study on predictors of menopausal hot flashes. Ayelet Ziv-Gal, Rebecca L. Smith, Lisa Gallicchio, Susan R. Miller, Howard A. Zacur, Jodi A. Flaws. Womens Midlife Health. 2017; 3: 4. Published online 2017 Aug 17. doi: 10.1186/s40695-017-0024-8 PMCID: PMC6300019 Genetic Polymorphisms, Hormone Levels, and Hot Flashes in Midlife Women. Chrissy Schilling, Lisa Gallicchio, Susan R. Miller, Patricia Langenberg, Howard Zacur, Jodi A. Flaws. Maturitas. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2008 Jun 20. Published in final edited form as: Maturitas. 2007 Jun 20; 57(2): 120–131. Published online 2006 Dec 21. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2006.11.009 PMCID: PMC1949021 Longitudinal Changes in Menopausal Symptoms Comparing Women Randomized to Low-Dose Oral Conjugated Estrogens or Transdermal Estradiol Plus Micronized Progesterone Versus Placebo: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Nanette Santoro, Amanda Allshouse, Genevieve Neal-Perry, Lubna Pal, Rogerio A. Lobo, Frederick Naftolin, Dennis M. Black, Eliot A. Brinton, Matthew J. Budoff, Marcelle I. Cedars, N. Maritza Dowling, Mary Dunn, Carey E. Gleason, Howard N. Hodis, Barbara Isaac, Maureen Magnani, JoAnn E. Manson, Virginia M. Miller, Hugh S. Taylor, Whitney Wharton, Erin Wolff, Viola Zepeda, S. Mitchell Harman. Menopause. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2018 Mar 1. Published in final edited form as: Menopause. 2017 Mar; 24(3): 238–246. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000756 PMCID: PMC5323337  

Progesterone & Menopause

  Menopause Overview Menopause literally means the end of monthly cycles from the Greek word pausis (cessation) and the root men (month) and normally occurs at age 50-51. In the islands, as well as in most simple cultures, menopause is a time of liberation, a time of celebration, a time of joyful accomplishment, a time of renewed energy. The unpleasant symptoms of we have only recently learned to associate with menopause are the bane of only a small group of women in history: American & Northern European women in the past 75 years. Outside that group, menopause is not so traumatic and is no more than a natural & welcome phase in a woman’s life. The more simple the lifestyle, the more simple the diet – the better quality of life & well-being at menopause. Contrary to popular belief, a decrease of hormone levels is a symptom of menopause, not a cause.  Menopause occurs naturally when the last egg is released by the ovaries. After menopause or a hysterectomy, estrogen production decreases by about 40% to 60%. Therefore, your adrenals & fat cells still produce estrogen at approximately 40% to 60% of pre-menopause levels.  There are a number of treatments for menopause, the most common being estrogen replacement therapy. In cases where Estrogen Replacement Therapy is elected to control hot flashes, vaginal dryness or night sweats, natural phyto-estrogen cream is recommended usually for several months or, in some cases a year. Risks of HRT By default hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed, the drug of choice being Premarin, which stands for Pregnant Mare’s Urine.  Many take issue with this method of harvesting conjugated estrogens. Significant side-effects have been associated with the use of HRT. The evidence became clear 5-6 years ago, and it is now well accepted in the medical community that estrogen replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.  As if that is not incriminating enough, estrogens have also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, and also tend to raise your insulin levels. Risks of HRT Studies have shown that women taking replacement estrogen have a 2 to 8 times higher risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer than women who do not take estrogen. The risk increases after 2 to 4 years of estrogen use and seems to be greatest when large doses (>1 mg./day) are taken or when the estrogens are used for long periods of time (>4 years). This risk factor increases sharply in women who smoke cigarettes. Issues with Oral Administration Nature did not intend for humans to put hormones in their stomachs.  When this basic principle is ignored the liver will intercept approximately 80% of the given hormone and convert it to a hormone metabolite.  This is even true with orally administered bio-identical hormones.  So, in order to achieve a net dose of 20 mg., the prescription for an oral hormone has to be 200 mg.  The result: your body is flooded with hormone metabolites which encourage an imbalance of natural hormones. Hormone in a Cream? When steroid hormones are applied to the skin, the liver never knows!  As a result, a proper bio-identical progesterone cream free of petro chemicals, will offer a 97-100% delivery to the appropriate hormone receptors. Because the hormone progesterone is the biological precursor for the production of natural estrogen, it is the natural choice for menopausal women as well as for pre-menopausal women to enjoy optimal health.  Additionally, natural progesterone is vitally important for the health of every organ of the body. Persistent Symptoms Women who wrestle with persistent hot flashes, night sweats and/or vaginal dryness have found that 400 i.u. of natural vitamin E three times per day (1200 i.u./day), essential oil supplementation (primrose oil, omega III) and two to three  tablespoons of whole psyllium seed husks in juice daily has been effective in ameliorating these persistent symptoms. In most cases, however, phyto-estrogen is not needed when a sufficient amount of bio-identical Progesterone is available, as it is the precursor (raw material) for other adrenal hormones, including natural estrogen, testosterone and cortisone. Bio-identical Progesterone has been found to be the choice for informed women when applied topically, in a cream formula free from petrochemicals and animal by-products. By establishing a balance of these hormones through proper diet, exercise, stress management, quality phase IV sleep and Biologically Identical Progesterone supplementation, fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone, the resultant hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause are normally alleviated. Happy Menopause!  

Progesterone & Teenagers

  Does your teenage daughter suffer with: mood swings heavy bleeding painful menstrual cramps irregular menstrual cycles acne water weight gain migraines rage anger, and/or depression… If she experiences and combination of the above symptoms, in particular, some time during the two week span before her period, then she may be suffering from too much estrogen, relative to too little progesterone. While young people today have many difficult challenges to contend with, one important underlying cause for so many health issues may well be a deficiency of the primary female hormone, progesterone. Too much stress creates an excess of a steroid hormone called cortisol, which, in turn, leads to hormonal imbalances. This imbalance creates, in particular, a deficiency of progesterone. Why Important? Of all the hormones in the female body, progesterone is, by far, the most important. It is necessary for the proper function of every organ. Conversely, a lack of progesterone in teens (& adults) may (and likely will) result is some combination of the following: Abdominal bloating Abdominal cramping Accident proneness Coordination difficulties Acne Hives Aggression Rage Anxiety Irritability Suicidal thoughts Back pain Breast swelling and pain Confusion Depression Withdrawal from others Emotional instability Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions (lupus, arthritis, ulcers, herpes, etc.) Excessive sleep patterns Insomnia Fatigue Lethargy Food binges Salt cravings Sweet cravings Headaches Migraines Heart palpitations Joint swelling and pain Nausea Seizures Sex drive changes Urinary difficulties What to do?  If you treat only symptoms the underlying cause will remain. While avoiding environmental estrogens (how), the most effective approach to normalizing progesterone levels has proven to be a properly formulated natural progesterone cream. Achieving Optimal Health as a Teenager We live in a time of “better living through chemistry…” and for that reason it is a challenge to acquire and maintain optimal health and wellness. Following are some well established guidelines for you to achieve that goal: Manage stress – yes, I know, this is usually easier said that done, however some of the following suggestions will assist you Achieve quality, Phase IV sleep each evening. There are 32 principles found at “How Can I Enjoy Quality Sleep?”Exercise Eat right for your blood type Avoid fast food restaurants. They are full of GMO foods; foods that contain growth hormones and foods that contain pesticides, anti-biotics and any other antagonists to your teen’s health Dietary Fiber – ensure that they consume no less than 75 grams per day; whole psyllium seed husks are an excellent choice. Avoid petroleum derivatives in all personal care products. Please see “the Overview Page” Finally, here is “the One Simple Thing…” that will naturally support your good efforts to help your teen achieve optimal health.  

Progesterone & A Hormone Healthy Lifestyle

  Hormone Healthy Lifestyle Considerations In all industrialized countries, most meat, chicken, and dairy products contain growth hormones (foreign estrogens), that are used by farmers to increase profits and at the expense of our health. In addition, pesticide residues and many other petrochemical compounds with estrogenic properties are consumed in the food that is given to these animals and are consequently concentrated in the milk and fat of the meat. These harmful estrogens are then deposited in our fatty tissues and on estrogen and progesterone receptors where they have been shown to interfere in the proper utilization and production of natural progesterone & natural estrogen.  They have also been implicated in promoting other more serious health problems such as fibrocystic breast disease and female-specific cancers. There are, however, “good” estrogens available in our food supply. By replacing animal proteins with saponin rich plant foods such as fermented soy products we can introduce phytoestrogens (genistein), which have a higher affinity for estrogen receptors than “bad” estrogens and have been demonstrated to have protective influences against endometrial & breast cancer. Other Important Cosiderations Include Eliminate commercially grown meat, poultry & dairy. Replace with “hormone-free, antibiotic-free, pestcide-freen meat & dairy, fermented soy (Tofu), Cold Water Fish (wild-caught salmon, Cod Eat right for your blood type Essential Oils Identify GMO foods and do not consume!  Safety for these modified foods Has Not Been Established! Avoid Hydrogenated fats and oils as they convert to trans-fatty acids which increase breast cancer risk (all hydrogenated fats are harmful to your health) Eliminate completely ALL artificial sweeteners,  tobacco products & simple carbohydrates (twinkies) Avoid high fructose corn syrup Eliminate or reduce consumption of caffeine, hard liquor, high fat dairy Reduce consumption of simple sugars (they promote sharp blood sugar fluctuations) Increase cruciferous & dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (Organic) Consume more cold water fish and legumes for protein (or protein powder) Consume low quantities of protein in the evening Consume smaller, more frequent meals or snacks.  Don’t stretch your stomach! Never go more than 4 hours during any day or 12 hours overnight without food Drink plenty of pure water. 8 glasses daily. Fluid restriction can be harmful. Supplement with a properly formulated calcium formula (Bone-Up) Use a proper natural progesterone cream formulation Exercise (30-40 minutes four or five days per week) Laugh frequently! (preferably with your mate). Hearty laughter stimulates your immune system to release healing immune cells. Learn to successfully manage stress (Regular deep-tissue massage therapy; breathing exercises; improve sleep quality; counseling) Replace Traditional Western Recipes with organic fermented soy and other health promoting recipes Beneficial snacks include: Nuts, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, sardines, high fiber snacks (sweetened with low amounts of organic unrefined cane sugar, honey, stevia, or molasses), Organic/NonGMO fermented soy such as tempeh, all other fermented foods, grass fed milk & cheese,  whole grain products, excluding wheat and corn unless heirloom.  

Progesterone & PMS PMT

  PMS PMT PMS encompasses approximately 150 symptoms Symptoms range from food cravings to psychological disorders 75% of women experience PMS on a regular basis. 57% of sufferers have contemplated suicide. 97% have mood swings 94% suffer from anxiety 92% feel depressed 84% feel violent and aggressive 73% of women suffer from loss of libido -an increase of 13% from 5 years ago 80% report that their marriage has suffered as a result When one considers how common the symptoms of PMS are in “technologically advanced” cultures, (somewhere between 80% and 90% of all menstruating women between the ages of 20 and 50 experience symptoms of PMS/PMT), the conclusion might be drawn that women (and their mates) are destined to suffer. However, because there are numerous cultures among whom this condition is essentially non-existent and unknown.Why? Diet, stress and xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), often introduced in the form of contraceptives, growth hormone fed to animals are all major contributors to this disorder. The observable symptoms generally include all or some combination of: Irritability Frustration Vertigo Bloating Mood Swings Food Cravings Depression Exhaustion Weight Gain Loss of Libido Acute Headaches Anger Panic Backaches Fatigue Breast Swelling & Tenderness   THE NORMAL RISE & FALL OF ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE: A HEALTHY 28-DAY MENSTRUAL CYCLE Day 1 is counted by the first day of a woman’s menstrual cycle For 14 days estrogens are the dominant hormone, then Estrogen levels drop sharply in response to ovulation, then Progesterone levels rise, making it the dominant hormone for the next 14 days. If pregnancy does NOT happen before day 28, progesterone levels drop sharply, triggering the lining to shed and the start of the next menstrual month. If this is not You, how can you fix it? the one simple thing…   References: Lancet. 2008 Apr 5; 371(9619): 1200–1210. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60527-9 PMCID: PMC3118460 NIHMSID: NIHMS295696 PMID: 18395582. Premenstrual syndrome. Kimberly Ann Yonkers, MD, Prof. P M Shaughn O’Brien, MD, and Prof. Elias Eriksson, MD Frank R. The hormonal causes of premenstrual tension. Arch Neurol Psychiatry. 1931;26:1053–57. [Google Scholar] Studd JWW, Smith RNJ. Estrogens and depression in women. Menopause: J North Am Menopause Soc. 1994;1:33–37. [Google Scholar] Landen M, Eriksson E. How does premenstrual dysphoric disorder relate to depression and anxiety disorders? Depress Anxiety. 2003;17:122–29. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Yonkers KA. Anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders: How are they related to premenstrual disorders. J Clin Psychiatry. 1997;58:62–67. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] MacDonald PC, Dombroski RA, Casey ML. Recurrent secretion of progesterone in large amounts: An endocrine/metabolic disorder unique to young women? Endocrine Rev. 1991;12:372–401. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P, Obhrai M, O’Brien S. Efficacy of progesterone and progestogens in management of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. 2001;323:776–81. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]  

Progesterone & Invitro Fertilization

  Invitro-Fertilization In-vitro fertilization technology is one of the most exciting medical advances in this century. This fertility procedure has made it possible for many couples to conceive healthy infants. Although this procedure is quite successful in achieving pregnancy in many women, it does carry the risk of multiple-births. This is a serious concern because multiple-birth infants are predisposed to many health problems including pre-term delivery, low birth weight, congenital malformations, and infant death. In addition, the mothers who carry multiple-infants are also at risk for many health conditions and complications (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.). A major medical and ethical dilemma is deciding on the number of embryos to transfer back into the uterus. Therefore, careful consideration must be given regarding the number of embryos to transfer when undergoing IVF. Further studies are needed in this area to minimize multiple births following IVF while maximizing pregnancy rates. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) investigated how the following 3 factors affected birth rates and the chance for having multiple births in women undergoing IVF: The woman’s age The number of embryos transferred back into the uterus during IVF The quality of the embryos The study, which was led by Dr. Schieve at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), examined the outcomes of 35,554 IVF transfer procedures initiated in the US in 1996. The women who underwent these procedures were between 20 and 44 years of age and received fresh, nondonor IVF. Cryopreserved (frozen) embryos were not used for the cycles examined in this study, although some women had additional embryos cryopreserved for future use. The study, which was led by Dr. Schieve at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), examined the outcomes of 35,554 IVF transfer procedures initiated in the US in 1996. The women who underwent these procedures were between 20 and 44 years of age and received fresh, nondonor IVF. Cryopreserved (frozen) embryos were not used for the cycles examined in this study, although some women had additional embryos cryopreserved for future use. The researchers found that overall, women in their 20’s and lower 30’s (30-34) had the highest birth rate when 2 embryos were transferred and extra embryos were cryopreserved. Women age 35 and over achieved higher birth rates if more than 3 embryos were transferred, however the birth rates were still lower compared to women under age 35. Cryopreservation of extra embryos did not affect birth rates in women over age 35.The rate of multiple-births was dependent on the age of the woman and the number of embryos transferred. When 3 embryos were transferred, the multiple-birth rate was 46% for women age 20-29. The rate decreased to 39% for women age 40-44 when 7 or more embryos were transferred. Therefore, younger women were at a greater risk for multiple births compared to older women, even though the number of embryos transferred may have been lower.These findings suggest that for younger women, the number of embryos transferred can be limited without compromising birth rates, and while minimizing the risk of multiple births.Drs. Lipshultz and Adamson of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) responded to the results of this study with an editorial. The physicians stated that the findings of this study will likely cause changes in current ASRM guidelines regarding embryo transfer. Specifically, special consideration will be given regarding number of embryos transferred in certain types of patients. We can look forward to implementation of these study findings in future ASRM guidelines. Reference Schieve LA, Peterson HB, Meikle SF, et al. Live-birth rates and multiple-birth risk using invitro fertilization. JAMA 1999;282(19):1832-8. Lipshultz L, Adamson D. Multiple-birth risk associated with in vitro fertilization: Revised guidelines. JAMA 1999; 282(19):1813-4. Fibroids are present in over 20 percent of women 30 years or older. The most common indication for hysterectomy is fibroids. They account for 30 percent of all hysterectomies.    

Progesterone & Pregnancy

  Progesterone is the “Pro-Gestation” hormone, the single most necessary hormone for a successful, full-term pregnancy. If there is a drop in progesterone levels during the first trimester or a blocking of progesterone receptor sites, this will almost always result in a Miscarriage! Later on in the pregnancy, a drop in progesterone levels or blocking of the receptors will almost always result in pre-term or early birth. At ovulation, progesterone levels rapidly rise from 2-3 mg/day to an average of 28-30 mg. per day, peaking as high as 32 mg/day. If fertilization does not occur in ten or twelve days, progesterone levels fall dramatically, triggering the shedding of the lining (the menstrual cycle). If pregnancy does occur, however, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta on or about week 18-20, which secretes an ever increasing supply of your Pro-Gestation hormone, reaching 300-400 mg/day during the third trimester! Among the numerous other desirable effects of Natural Progesterone are the following: Makes Possible the Survival of the Fertilized Egg (successful pregnancy) Maintains the Secretory Endometrium which Feeds the Ovum & Resultant Embryo (full-term pregnancy) Progesterone Surge at Ovulation is the Source of Libido For emphasis, because progesterone is absolutely essential to prevent the premature shedding of the supportive secretory endometrium, a significant drop in progesterone levels or blockade of progesterone receptor sites during the first 10 – 12 weeks of pregnancy will almost always result in the loss of the embryo (failed pregnancy or miscarriage). Dr. Katarina Dalton reports that women who use a properly formulated progesterone cream during the first 19-20 weeks of pregnancy did not suffer with toxemia and produced healthier, more intelligent children!     Dear David, I need to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the recent birth of my son. I met you via telephone after reading your web page during my fourth miscarriage almost 3 years ago. Ever since I received my first jar of progesterone cream two days later, I have lived life without the terribly agonizing symptoms of estrogen dominance, ultimately allowing me the greatest gift in life! My son, Samuel David who I named after you, is a living testimony as to the validity of your progesterone cream formula. May God bless you as He has my family. Sincerely, Karen   What is the safest & most effective method for maintaining healthy levels of progesterone during my pregnancy?  

Progesterone & Fertility

  Fertility & Body-Identical Progesterone The word progesterone is given its name because of its vital supportive role in gestation (Latin: gestare), a fact that sheds insight into its vital role in the reproductive process. Modern science confirms that insight, as, of all female hormones, progesterone is the one most essential for conception, survival of the fertilized egg and the birth of a healthy baby. At ovulation, progesterone levels rapidly rise from 2-3 mg/day to an average of 28-30 mg/day, peaking as high as 32 mg/day. If fertilization does not occur in 10-12 days, progesterone levels fall dramatically, triggering the shedding of the lining, the secretory endometrium (the next menstrual cycle) If Pregnancy Does Occur: Progesterone levels uniformly increase from about 30 mg a day for the next 40 weeks. At approximately week 18, progesterone production is taken over by the placenta, which secretes increasing levels of progesterone, reaching 300-400 mg/day during the third trimester! On about week 40, progesterone levels drop to 0, triggering the birth of a healthy baby. So think about it, if a drop in progesterone triggers the lining to shed when there is no pregnancy and a drop in progesterone triggers the birth of a healthy baby on or about week 40, how does a sharp drop in progesterone affect the developing fetus during the first trimester?… The second trimester? Miscarriage or Early Term Birth…     (These principles apply to chemicals that block progesterone receptor sites) Overview of Progesterone’s Role in a Successful Pregnancy: Progesterone Surge at Ovulation is the Source of Libido in women Progesterone Supports Survival of the Fertilized Egg Progesterone Maintains the Secretory Endometrium which Feeds the Ovum & Resultant Embryo Research by British Gynecologist, Dr. Katarina Dalton has shown that women who supplement with progesterone during pregnancy produce healthier, more intelligent children   References: Use of progesterone supplement therapy for prevention of preterm birth: review of literatures – Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Sep; 60(5): 405–420. Published online 2017 Sep 18. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.5.405 Neonatal Progesterone Programs Adult Uterine Responses to Progesterone and Susceptibility to Uterine Dysfunction. Pramod Dhakal, M. A. Karim Rumi, Kaiyu Kubota, Damayanti Chakraborty, Jeremy Chien, Katherine F. Roby, Michael J. Soares Endocrinology. 2015 Oct; 156(10): 3791–3803. Published online 2015 Jul 23. doi: 10.1210/en.2015-1397. PMCID: PMC4588825 Does elevated progesterone on day of oocyte maturation play a role in the racial disparities in IVF outcomes? Micah J Hill, G. Donald Royster, IV, Mansi Taneja, Mae Wu Healy, Shvetha M Zarek, Alicia Y Christy, Alan H DeCherney, Eric Widra, Kate Devine Reprod Biomed Online. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2018 Feb 1. Published in final edited form as: Reprod Biomed Online. 2017 Feb; 34(2): 154–161. Published online 2016 Nov 16. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.11.002 PMCID: PMC5292078 Rethinking progesterone regulation of female reproductive cyclicity. Kaiyu Kubota, Wei Cui, Pramod Dhakal, Michael W. Wolfe, M. A. Karim Rumi, Jay L. Vivian, Katherine F. Roby, Michael J. Soares. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Apr 12; 113(15): 4212–4217. Published online 2016 Mar 28. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1601825113 PMCID: PMC4839436 Role of nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms in uterine pathophysiology. Bansari Patel, Sonia Elguero, Suruchi Thakore, Wissam Dahoud, Mohamed Bedaiwy, Sam Mesiano. Hum Reprod Update. 2015 Mar; 21(2): 155–173. Published online 2014 Nov 18. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmu056 PMCID: PMC4366574  

Progesterone & Your Monthly Cycle

  Progesterone During Your Monthly Cycle The day your menstrual cycle begins is day one of your menstrual month (not related to the calendar).  From day 1 to about day 14, the estrogens should be the dominant female hormone.  Then, in response to ovulation, estrogen levels should drop sharply and be replaced by progesterone (days 14-28).  During this latter half of your menstrual cycle, the single master hormone progesterone should be the dominant hormone. When your body fails to make a sufficiency of progesterone between ovulation & menstruation (days 14-28) and during menopause, you will suffer with symptoms of PMS/PMDD and very unpleasant Menopause.   Endocrine Disrupting Compounds   How do EDC’s Affect My Progesterone Production? EDC’s block production and use of safe, healthy levels of your body’s progesterone. Why does this matter? Progesterone is the single most important hormone in the female body and is referred to as the “Master Hormone” in women. It is vitally important for the health of most cells and all organs. Progesterone is the precursor for estrogen, cortisone & testosterone, source of libido in men & women. The human brain contains many progesterone receptors, although the function of this primary hormone in brain function has not clearly been established. The resultant Benefits of correcting a progesterone deficiency in your body include (but are not limited to): Progesterone helps Burn Fat for Energy It Supports Thyroid Hormone Action Progesterone Supports “Happy!” It is a Natural Diuretic Progesterone Supports Normal Blood Sugar Levels It Supports Proper Cell Oxygen Levels Progesterone Supports an Awesome, Healthy Libido Progesterone Normalizes Menstrual Cycles Progesterone Normalizes Blood Clotting Progesterone Helps Normalize Breast Cell Tissues Progesterone Strengthens Endometrium Progesterone Supports Normal Ovarian Function Because the female body uses bioidentical progesterone to make optimal levels of the estrogens, a properly formulated biologically identical progesterone cream is the natural, safe choice for menstruating women and for menopausal women seeking to establish the correct balance of their two primary female hormones. This optimal balance of Progesterone and Estrogens will protect them from the effects of the condition knwon as “Estrogen Dominance”. Indeed, topical bioidentical progesterone is the safest and most effective way to correct deficient progesterone levels and balance the unwanted effects of too much estrogen.   Use of progesterone supplement therapy for prevention of preterm birth: review of literatures – Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Sep; 60(5): 405–420. Published online 2017 Sep 18. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.5.405  

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Following, is a quote from a website selling a progesterone (Chinese) cream: For general use and to reverse mild symptoms 100-200mg/day progesterone is needed. If severe problems are experienced 400-500mg/day are needed. This is bad advice. The Key Principle Supplementing with a hormone is not the same as supplementing, for example, with Vitamin C, where at times, more is better.  This principle of “more is better” does NOT apply to hormone supplementation. Being seduced by this excessive quantity of progesterone daily (100-500 mg), is risky!  Why?  It does not parallel your body’s natural hormone cycles and will, in time, result in acute hormone imbalances and a desensitization of progesterone receptors, leading to acute “estrogen dominance” and all of the subsequent unpleasant symptoms, not the least of which, is an increased risk for female-specific cancers. It does, however, enrich the sales of the company making these unfounded claims! Rather than supplement with ultra-high doses of progesterone, in a desperate attempt to balance high levels of estrogens, reduce the influx of environmental estrogens & successfully manage stress, while paralleling your body’s normal progesterone production.  This is safely accomplished with an optimally formulated progesterone cream, (free of Chinese progesterone). This long-standing, common-sense approach to hormonal imbalances works in harmony with your natural biology.  And, it does so, safely! Safe Way to Balance Your Hormones: All the science and all the clinical experience of the past 48+ years, demonstrate that paralleling your body’s normal progesterone production, while avoiding environmental estrogens, & successfully managing stress, will allow you achieve the best of health, safely & naturally. [/spb_text_block] [/spb_row] [spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”standard-width” row_bg_type=”color” color_row_height=”content-height” bg_type=”cover” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”standard” bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” row_top_style=”none” row_bottom_style=”none” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ remove_element_spacing=”no” row_col_spacing=”0″ row_col_pos=”default” row_col_equal_heights=”no” row_expanding=”no” row_animation=”none” row_animation_delay=”0″ minimize_row=”no” simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_styling_global=”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”] How Did We Get Here? In about 1997 or so, Madison Pharmacy in the US. made the mistake of recommending extremely high and unsafe levels of progesterone. Dr. John Lee, modern day pioneer of Safe Progesterone therapy and five times the selling author, wrote a letter and published it for all the world to see. He condemned their ill-advice and strongly stated they should stop recommending these harmful levels of progesterone. At that time, there were only a handful of progesterone cream companies and sadly, a few of them saw the opportunity to capitalize on these ultra high doses of progesterone and began recommending 400-500 mg of progesterone daily! If you do the math and calculate the cost of a jar of cream at $25, applying 400 mg/day would fool the customer into spending $75 every three days! A cycling woman who bought into this “business plan” would be spending $350 per month and overdosing herself with progesterone, all to the profit of an unscrupulous marketing entity. What about high doses of oral progesterone? To begin with, the liver will intercept 80 to 90% of all steroid hormones put into the stomach and convert them into a myriad of byproducts, some of which are harmful to your health. Doctors will prescribe 200 mg per day, hoping to give you a net dose of 20 mg per day. If you think oral progesterone is OK, I encourage you to look up the very undesirable list published by all the manufacturers of “cautions, warnings and side effects”, not the least of which is unnecessary damage to your liver. Correct Topical Dose vs. Excess Topical or Oral Dose When administered topically, at the proper physiological dose, one which is in harmony with your body’s natural circadian/hormonal rhythms, the liver is not at all affected and you also do not increase your risk for the following. Common Symptoms Caused by Excessive Doses of Progesterone (topical & oral): Headaches Dizziness Back or Joint Pain Increased Sweating Nervous Tremors Speech Disorders Mental Confusion (this explains the thinking of the ED/FB group) Interference of Serotonin Production, Leading to Insomnia & Depression Lowered Libido Water Retention Increased Androgens leading to Increased Estrogen (ED) Suppression of T and B Lymphocytes (your immune system), Making You More Susceptible to Viral Infections, in particular, Upper Respiratory Infections Dry, chapped, itchy skin Transient visual disturbances Hearing difficulties Runaway appetite Weight gain Unusual headaches Male pattern baldness Dry hair Frequency and urgency in urination Extreme thirst Gynecomastia and nipple soreness Lymph node congestion, especially at groin Armpit smell Lower extremity edema Liver ache Cough and weak lung Heart palpitations Initially, excessive levels of progesterone may ameliorate very unpleasant symptoms, leading you to believe, you have found that “magic bullet”! Hershey Bar, Anyone? However, this is just like having very low blood sugar, feeling cranky and then deciding to eat a Hershey bar. Yes it will raise your blood sugar immediately, but, in No Way is it Sustainable! Because these high doses are not working in harmony with your own body, they will down-regulate progesterone receptors, making them more resistant to your master hormone and encouraging you to keep on increasing the dose to even higher, unsafe levels! Unfortunately this process inhibits the production of pregnenolone crippling your body from making DHEA, testosterone and estrogen. While we really appreciate the devotion medical doctors have for the health of their patients, it is regrettable that their primary training for decades has been “fear-based medicine”, typically diagnosing and treating symptoms with harsh drugs recommended by the big Pharma.With that said, it is very encouraging to see that so many doctors are seeking safe,