Natural progesterone is the building block for other major hormones. Estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol are all made from progesterone. Natural progesterone exists in both women and men, but in men, the hormone does not serve any essential function. It is mainly a hormone that affects fertility and pregnancy. The three major functions of natural progesterone include being a building block for other hormones, to promote the development and survival of the embryo and fetus, and to provide a broad range of core biological effects.
About Natural Progesterone Deficiency
As we age, we begin to produce less and less progesterone; hence, the less likelihood a woman in her 50’s will get pregnant compared to one in her in 20’s or 30’s. When we have a progesterone deficiency early on in life, however, it can have an overall impact on our health, especially as we age. All women need a proper balance of natural progesterone in order to metabolize glucose, help with bone growth (in order to stave off osteoporosis), convert fat into energy, and to perform an array of other important cell functions.
The impact a natural progesterone deficiency has on a woman’s life is varied and may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Carbohydrate cravings, leading to weight gain
- Memory Loss
- Water retention
- Breast tenderness
- Lower body temperature
- Ovarian cysts
- Irregular periods
- Infertility/not ovulating
- Early miscarriage
The causes that women become deficient in progesterone levels are as varied as the symptoms themselves. In some instances, the cause may simply be due to stress. Studies have shown that women who lead fast-paced and stressful lifestyles tend to have low levels of progesterone. Diet can also be another cause. Women who eat very few vegetables and whole healthful foods can also become progesterone deficient. Other causes include adrenal gland disorders, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.
The USP progesterone in Cycle Balance Cream is bio-identical to the natural progesterone your body would manufacture.