In our last blog we talked about the importance of estrogen replacement but in a bio-available, bio-identical or natural estrogen form. However, estrogen without progesterone, a female sex hormone that balances estrogen, can actually be a detriment.
“Progesterone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause (the change of life) and have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Hormone replacement therapy usually includes estrogen, which is used to treat symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. However, estrogen can also cause abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus and increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone helps to prevent this thickening and decreases the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone is also used to bring on menstruation (period) in women of childbearing age who have had normal periods and then stopped menstruating. Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as part of hormone replacement therapy by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing.” (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a604017.html)
Natural progesterone is important in many ways including making sure you have healthy bones and brain processing. Progesterone has anti-cancer properties, decreases anxiety and stabilizes mood swings. If you are having PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) symptoms, it’s likely you have a progesterone deficiency. Even women who have had hysterectomies should still have natural bio-available progesterone replacement as it is an important part of maintaining a woman’s hormonal balance and a contributor to youthful vitality and vigor.
If you have difficulty with menopause or menopausal symptoms, what treatment are you currently using if any? Would you consider natural hormones.
