PCOS & Progesterone

PCOS & Progesterone   I searched the term PCOS & was a bit surprised, rather I should say, disappointed to find the following: PCOS is a “syndrome,” or group of symptoms that affects the ovaries and ovulation. A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t well understood, but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity. Treatments include birth control pills to regularize periods, a medication called metformin to prevent diabetes, statins to control high cholesterol, hormones to increase fertility, and procedures to remove excess hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant. PCOS also causes hair growth on the face and body, and baldness. And it can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease. There is currently no cure for PCOS, and it does not go away on its own. Even after menopause, women with PCOS often continue to have high levels of androgens as well as insulin resistance. This means that the health risks associated with PCOS are lifelong.   Since the beginning of 1995 I have had the privilege of assisting hundreds of thousands of women to identify the causes of hormonal imbalances, and safely correct the relevant underlying factors. Many have given us feedback for which recommendations worked best. With that in mind, let’s break down what PCOS is. First, the acronym stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is important to note that a “syndrome” is a term given to a common set of symptoms for which a known, identifiable etiology (cause or causes of disease) has not been identified. When a syndrome is eventually paired with a clearly defined cause, it is given a new name, a “Disease”! Second, obviously, “ovary” simply refers to the affected organs. Third, “polycystic” is taken from the word poly, meaning many or multiple and the word cystic inferring a cyst. Simply stated PCOS is the growth of multiple cysts in one or both ovaries. First, let’s identify and define a normal part of healthy cell life called apoptosis. It is defined as a form of “programmed cell death” and is a normal, healthy, bodily process. When apoptosis fails to function properly, cells form cysts, benign tumors & eventually, malignant tumors. So the most relevant question is “What negatively influences normal, healthy cell apoptosis? And, what effect do hormones have on cell apoptosis? Molecular biologist, Dr. Ben Formby of Copenhagen, Denmark and Dr. T.S. Wiley at the University of California in Santa Barbara have researched two genes, BCL2 and P53, and their effect on female-specific cancers & prostate cancer. Cells of breast, endometrium, ovary and prostate, were grown in the laboratory. Estrogen (estradiol) was added to the cells. This hormone turned on the BCL2 gene, causing the cells to grow rapidly and not die. Then, progesterone was added to the cell cultures. Cell reproduction stopped and the cells died on time (apoptosis)! This methodology was applied to all the above types of cancer. The BCL2 gene, therefore, stimulates the growth of these cells and the risk of cancer. On the other hand, the P53 gene promotes apoptosis or programmed cell death and thereby, reduces the risk of cancer. Estradiol upregulates or stimulates the production of the BCL2 gene, while progesterone upregulates or stimulates the production of the P53 gene! Transdermal estradiol increased the cell proliferation rate by 230%, while transdermal progesterone decreased the cell proliferation rate by >400%. A combination estradiol/progesterone cream maintained the normal proliferation rate. This is direct evidence that estradiol (a potent estrogen), stimulates hyper-proliferation of breast tissue cells and progesterone mediates hyper-proliferation (apoptosis). Since the P53 gene expression induces apoptosis and the BCL-2 gene when expressed inhibits apoptosis, if one’s cancer cells are progesterone-receptor positive, then progesterone, as part of one’s therapy, appears to be a very important component of a woman’s treatment. In order for natural progesterone to stimulate the production of the P53 gene it must attach itself to progesterone receptors found in abundance in breast, ovarian, and endometrial cells. If a woman is taking birth control pills or any other form of synthetic progesterones (progestins, progesterone acetate, medroxy-progesterone acetate) these synthetic progesterones will occupy progesterone receptors and prevent natural progesterone from occupying the receptor site. Synthetic progesterones not only fail to produce the P53 gene but prevent it’s production by blocking natural progesterone from occupying the progesterone receptor and in the presence of excess estradiol, dramatically increase a woman’s risk for female-specific cancers! Clearly, from the above information, we can conclude that primary underlying causes of ovarian cysts, breast cancer, prostate cancer and more, are too much estrogen (BCL2 gene) relative to too little progesterone and the benefits of the P53 gene, stimulated by the presence of natural progesterone. This increased risk for breast cancer is especially so in the presence of prolonged stress and EDC’s. Take a look at the brief whiteboard animation below: There are 12 references to tests on BCL2 and P53, and how they are affected by progesterone & estrogen. This information has been published, in part, in the following journals: The American Cancer Society Journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology The American Journal of Pathology International Journal of Cancer The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Fertility and Sterility – Journal of the American Society For Reproductive Medicine Supplemental Research

Phytoestrogens Harmful or Beneficial?

Historically, the term phytostrogen has created a lot of confusion. The following article has been written to give you clarity

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. 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. 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”. 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. 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

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

If you have reviewed our FAQ page and still have a question, please submit it on the form below.  

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.