Progesterone

Why You Need It

• Promotes Restful Sleep: Progesterone interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, acting as a natural sedative to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Balances Mood: It has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to counteract the anxiety and irritability that can be caused by high estrogen levels.
• Protects the Brain: It supports the health of brain cells (neurons) and aids in cognitive function and memory.
• Regulates the Menstrual Cycle: It prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy and regulates the timing of your period.

How It Works

Progesterone acts as a precursor to other vital hormones, including testosterone and cortisol. Without adequate progesterone, estrogen can dominate, leading to symptoms like weight gain, bloating, and heavy periods. It works by binding to receptors throughout the body, signaling the uterus to stop contracting and the breasts to prepare for milk production. It is the 'balancing' hormone that keeps the 'estrogen' drive in check.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike Vitamin C or Zinc, you cannot eat 'progesterone' directly. However, you can eat foods that provide the building blocks (precursors) your body needs to manufacture it. Key nutrients are Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6.

Supplementation

If you are experiencing symptoms of low progesterone (irregular cycles, insomnia, anxiety), supplements containing Wild Yam (Diosgenin) or Chasteberry (Vitex) are often used to encourage the body to produce more of its own hormone. Bioidentical Progesterone is available as a cream or oral supplement but should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider after testing.