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Progesterone
Progesterone is one of several sex hormones made naturally by the human body. Produced by the ovaries it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and is necessary to sustain a pregnancy. Other sex hormones produced by the body include estrone, estradiol, estriol, and testosterone.
An increase in progesterone level leads to a build-up in the lining of the endometrium, the inner part of the uterus, preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
The level decreases when fertilization does not occur, leading to shedding of the uterine lining as menstruation.
There are several synthetic forms of progesterone, called progestins, which are manufactured and are not found naturally in the human body.
Progestins are synthetic and mimic progesterone effects. They are found in most commercially available hormone replacement products and birth control pills.
WHY DO WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT THE BODY'S NATURAL PRODUCTION OF PROGESTERONE?
As women enter menopause, their levels of progesterone and other sex hormones decrease. This often leads to unwanted symptoms such as:
There are both benefits and risks to taking hormone replacement therapy that should be weighed before you begin a hormone replacement regimen.
Each woman is different, and the right decision for one woman may not be the right decision for another.
WHAT IS PROGESTERONE'S ROLE IN HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)?
HOW IS PROGESTERONE DIFFERENT FROM THE PROGESTINS? Unlike progesterone, which is made by the body, progestins are commercially prepared chemicals that are not identical to those made naturally by the body.
Because of this, side effects of progesterone and progestins differ in type and severity.
PROGESTINS Synthetic progestins increase the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and decrease the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol-and thus can increase a woman's risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries.
Other side effects of synthetic progestins include:
PROGESTERONE Progesterone is unlikely to increase blood cholesterol levels and is better than progestins at preventing menopause-related changes in cholesterol levels.
Progesterone is less likely to cause breast tenderness, fluid retention, headache, and liver disease. In fact it is often used as a remedy for breast tenderness and and fluid retention as it has diuretic properties.
The only significant side effect associated with progesterone may be drowsiness as it has calming and anti-anxiery properties.
WHAT CAN COMPOUNDING PHARMACISTS PROVIDE FOR HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY? Compounding pharmacists use natural progesterone to formulate bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as progesreone cream alone or in combinarion with the other hormones such a estrogen, testosterone and DHEA.
BHRT offers a safer, more natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy as each prescription is individually tailored for the patient and altered accordingly to their needs.
* BHRT is available in many dosage forms to suit your preferences. Compounding pharmacists work with your physician to individualize treatment to your needs.
Women who cannot tolerate oral progesterone, may benefit from using progesterone cream or a vaginal suppository.
(Source:‘The International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding’ July/August 2005. (Summarised) By:Rachael Kinitz PhD)
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