Progesterone is the hormone that balances estrogen in the body. It is the hormone responsible for supporting pregnancy and sharp drops in progesterone are why some women have postpartum depression and PMS symptoms. If you have difficulty getting pregnant or have had multiple miscarriages it may be because of low amounts of progesterone. Taking micronized progesterone may be exactly what you need!
There is an important difference between bio-identical micronized progesterone and synthetic progestins. The problem is many academic studies and clinicians use the term progesterone for both micronized progesterone and progestins. As I have mentioned in other articles bio-identical hormones have the same chemical structure as what the body produces and are very safe. Synthetic hormones are slightly altered in chemical structure and lead to increased risk for breast cancer, blood clots, cardiovascular disease and weight gain. However, the FDA applies the same warnings to both bio-identical progesterone and progestins even though the research does not support it. Throughout this article I will use the term progestin to indicate the synthetic form of progesterone and progesterone to refer to the bio-identical micronized progesterone.
When taken orally progesterone stimulates GABA receptors and helps regulate mood. Oral progesterone will make you sleepy and so it must be taken at night before bed. It also has a synergetic effect with estradiol and helps protect against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, stimulates osteoclasts and protects against breast cancer. Women who are nearing or are post menopausal often have difficulty or disturbed sleep and oral progesterone at night can support a good nights sleep! General practitioners will tell women that if they have had their uterus removed then they don’t need progesterone. Historically we know that with estrogen replacement alone it will cause the tissues of the uterus to grow leading to higher incidence of cancer. That is why we started to balance estrogen with progesterone replacement and we were able to protect the uterus and avoid cancer. It is still necessary to balance estrogen levels with progesterone when taking oral estradiol (which should only be done after you have gone through menopause). Even if you do not have a uterus there are many benefits to taking progesterone as I have already mentioned.
If you are not concerned about menopause but have very uncomfortable symptoms of PMS like menstrual migraines, cramps, mood swings and heavy bleeding because of cyst, progesterone could be a life saver! In this case we use oral (pill form) progesterone at night and sublingual or rapid dissolving tablet during the day. Rapid dissolving tablets absorb through the buccal mucosa of the mouth and do not cause sleepiness. During the days of your periods you take the rapid dissolving tabs when you have symptoms such as headaches, cramps mood swings etc. This works beautifully and you know longer have to dread the pain and discomfort that comes with “that time of the month”.
Whether you are nearing menopause or just want some relief from symptoms of PMS I can help you take control of your life again! Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation
