WHAT ARE THEY?
Progesterone means pro (supporting) gesterone (gestation or pregnancy).
Progesterone is the OTHER hormone your ovaries make, other than estrogen, and
its main function is to support pregnancy. Progestogens can be either natural or
synthetic. The natural form, when taken by mouth, is rapidly broken down by the
liver. This is why, in 1934, a synthetic form was developed. There are now more
than 10 synthetic forms of progestogen (see chart). A new form called micronized
(broken down into tiny particles) progesterone has recently become available;
the micronized progesterone resists breakdown.
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WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR?
Progestogens have been used for years in infertility treatment and to replace
the natural progesterone in women with premature ovarian failure. Progestogens
are used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding and for contraception in birth
control pills and in Depo-Provera®. They are also
used to prevent the negative effects of estrogen on the uterus when used for
hormone replacement therapy and they are used for the treatment of PMS.
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SO WHERE'S THE CONTROVERSY?
There are two controversial topics you may have heard of. First is the use of
natural versus synthetic Progestogens in hormone replacement therapy. Second is
the use of progesterone in the treatment of PMS, especially the recent
popularity of the NATURAL PROGESTERONE CREAMS.
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended for most women after
menopause. HRT consists of the hormone estrogen and, if your uterus has not been
removed, progesterone. It's commonly known that estrogen supplementation alone
can cause endometrial (uterine) cancer. When a Progestogens is added, the chance
of uterine cancer is reduced below the base line level. One of estrogen's many
benefits is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. One of the ways
estrogen does this is by increasing HDL (or good cholesterol). Synthetic Progestogens
tend to reduce this benefit. Natural micronized progesterone does
not appear to reduce estrogens positive effect on cholesterol. Therefore this is
one case where the natural form of progesterone may be better for you.
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PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a major problem for millions of women around
the world. Until recently, there has been no effective treatment. One of the
theories about the causes of PMS is that there is an imbalance between estrogen
and progesterone. This theory has led to the treatment of PMS with progesterone.
There have been over 20 scientific studies of the treatment of PMS with
progesterone, the vast majority of which have found progesterone to be
ineffective. There are a few small studies that have shown some relief of some
symptoms of PMS with progesterone. Progesterone, especially in EXPENSIVE cream
form is marketed as a cure for obesity, depression, foggy thinking, osteoporosis
and wrinkles to name a few. These claims, made by some manufactures are
unsubstantiated.
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WILD YAM
(Dioscorea
villosa) Yams produce a compound that is used by the pharmaceutical industry to
produce progestogens. The human body can NOT do this. Many PMS and menopausal
remedies contain wild yam or Mexican yam extract. Often claims are made that
this product is in fact progesterone, it is not. Dioscorea may have beneficial
effects and it may be useful for some conditions, but it is not the same as
progesterone.
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MACA
ROOT
(Lepidium peruvianum
Chacon)
One
of the most effective herbal products available today, Imperial
Gold Maca™ has been making a strong presence in the United States and
many foreign countries. Sold usually in health food stores or by women who
have used the product and now distribute it, Imperial Gold Maca™ seems
to becoming the natural choice of most women. With a reputation of no
known side effects, which is highly desirable, Imperial Gold Maca™ has
been known to also increase energy, stamina, alertness and fertility
enhancement.
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Users who have tried drug products rave of the natural benefits of
Imperial Gold Maca™. Gaining popularity slowly, it seems to be a word of
mouth campaign conducted by the 1000's of women who are currently advocates
of this herb that seems to promote estrogen and progesterone naturally. The
best source of progesterone and estrogen is your own body.
For the most part, nothing could be more natural, and carry
no risk of known side effects.
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Imperial
Gold Maca™ A Major Breakthrough in Herbal Health That Has Been Known
To Promote Healthy Estrogen & Progesterone Levels In Women and Improve Male
& Female Sexual Function, Energy, Stamina, Alertness, Fertility Enhancement
and Fibromyalgia. Read more about
maca.
Find Out
What Maca Is Used For? |
SIDE EFFECTS
Progestogens should not be used if you have had blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis)
or liver disease. Use in pregnancy requires careful physician surveillance.
Progesterone can also cause bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, headache,
moodiness and irregular vaginal bleeding. Progestogens can cause some medical
conditions to worsen examples are asthma, heart failure, epilepsy and migraine
headache. Natural progesterone tends to have fewer side effects.
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