Nature has given progesterone to men and women alike to balance and offset the powerful effects of estrogen. Some of the most common concerns of aging women are weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, migraine and thinning hair. For other women, even more debilitating conditions such as cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis now play a predominant role in their lives. As men age, complaints of weight gain, reduced libido, hair loss and prostate enlargement top their list of health concerns. Many endocrinologists and scientists are becoming more aware of a common link between these symptoms and conditions. That common link is often an imbalance between two sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen.
Progesterone has a multitude of effects throughout the body, many of which may be attributable to its ability to oppose the action of estrogen. Multiple physical and psychological problems for both women and men at midlife are often caused by an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. The term “estrogen dominance” describes the condition of lacking sufficient progesterone to counteract the effects of estrogen. Although estrogen dominance often results from extremely high levels of estrogen, this condition also may be caused by normal levels of estrogen and relatively low levels of progesterone,
Estrogen levels may be elevated by a number of external influences. Xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens) are among a group of chemicals known to alter hormone levels. Environmental pesticides, including those found on commercially grown fruits and vegetables, are perhaps the primary source of xenoestrogens. Cosmetics, shampoo, and plastics also may contribute to the accumulation of these foreign estrogens.
SYMPTOMS OF ESTROGEN DOMINANCE IN MEN AND WOMEN
§ Restless sleep
§ Abdominal fat accumulation
§ Thinning hair
§ Breast enlargement/tenderness
§ Decreased libido
§ Heavy periods
Progesterone and Men
Typically thought of as a female hormone, it appears probable that progesterone can be a tool in hormone modulation and hair loss treatment in men. Progesterone is manufactured in men by the adrenal glands and testes. Just as estrogen dominance can severely affect the quality of life and raise the cancer risk for women, excess estrogen can be equally detrimental to men. Elevated systemic estrogen in men has been associated with gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), decreased sexual function, weight gain, Androgenetic alopecia and prostate enlargement.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia and Male Pattern Hair Loss seems to be related to the elevated serum levels of and sustained exposure of the prostate gland to the strong androgen dihydrotestosterone and possibly to estrogens. In fact, the late Dr. John R. Lee, considered a pioneer in natural progesterone therapy, believed that excessive exposure to estrogen was a primary cause of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. In addition to counterbalancing the negative aspects of estrogen, progesterone also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Transdermal Progesterone replacement,due to its multiple mechanisms, may be one of the most health promoting hormone modulating treatments to date, particularly for men over 35. Unlike finasteride, (Propecia), and Avodart, which while reducing DHT, can aggravate estrogen dominance, Progesterone can counter DHT while increasing libido and reducing bodyfat, which are well documented problematic side effects with Propecia and Avodart
The fact that transdermal Progesterone replacement addresses both Estrogen Dominance and DHT likely makes it a useful adjunct for anyone with MPB, especially middle aged males.
Transdermal Progesterone Replacement has NO feminizing effects in men whatsoever, and would be better described as de-feminizing. One could theoretically use Progesterone cream in conjunction with Propecia/Avodart to further reduce DHT and potentially reduce side effects, however there are no published data by which to evaluate this interaction.
The Progesterone of Choice
According to Dr. John Lee, the easiest and most effective form to use is a natural progesterone CREAM. All you do is apply it directly to your skin, and from there it's absorbed into the underlying fat layer. Then, the natural progesterone can be absorbed into the blood stream as the body needs it.
The same cannot be said for other forms of natural or synthetic progesterone supplements taken by mouth. The levels of natural progesterone in the blood are not consistent and the liver will process the natural progesterone out of your system.
Medical sources say that as much as 95% of any progesterone taken by mouth is processed out of your system by the liver, and it has little if any effect at all in the body - where you wanted it. In addition to its effects on general health, natural progesterone has a number of cosmetic advantages by way of producing softer, younger looking skin.
The risks and side effects of oral synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate have clouded the true health benefits of progesterone supplementation and restoration. Due to monetary interest, research has focused almost exclusively on synthetic derivatives rather than the natural hormones found within the human body. Naturally occurring Progesterone is associated with few side effects, and is far less expensive than its synthetic counterpart.
Pro Fem Progesterone Cream
Pro Fem Progesterone Creme contains USP natural progesterone from soy. Pro Fem is used by women to prevent osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, some cancers and some of the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy. Recently, progesterone has been shown to be beneficial for men as well as women. Progesterone has been shown to both oppose the actions of estrogen and inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT. In aging men, the increasing estrogen/testosterone ratio and the insignificant levels of progesterone are now thought to be significant factors promotiong hair loss and prostate enlargement. Progesterone replacement by men over 35 could help prevent these conditions which are endemic to the aged male.
Dosage and use (Men)
• 1/8 teaspoon should be used once or twice daily as above.
• It may be more effective for the prostate if applied to the scrotum or other lower abdominal skin.
Dosage and Use (Women):
A very effective way to restore the body's normal progesterone level is by applying natural progesterone to the skin. Pro Fem Progesterone Creme is a rich, elegant, superior absorption creme containing an exclusive blend of ingredients including natural progesterone.
• Massage into soft tissue areas such as chest, breast, underarms, face, abdomen, buttocks or inner thighs and apply to a different area every day to avoid saturating the skin/fat cells.
• For severe osteoporosis, the following regimen is suggested:
First jar: use 1/2 teaspoon morning and night.
Second jar: use 1/4 teaspoon morning and night.
• For those with only slight bone loss or low progesterone levels, whos goal is to prevent osteoporosis, the following regimen is suggested:
Days 1 to 11 of cycle: no application
Days 12 to end of cycle: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon daily.
Night sweats: Apply 3 times daily at 8 hr. intervals (1/2 tsp. total); rotate between face, chest, abdomen, hands, inner arms or inner thighs for even progesterone build-up.
Migraines: Apply to back of neck.
Taking Estrogen: Cut back 50% when beginning creme. Reduce to zero over next 4-6 months. Estrogen reduction varies with user's diet, exercise, and weight.
Taking Estrogen and Progestin: Discontinue use when beginning Pro Fem. Request estrogen-only prescription from doctor. Follow above guidelines.
No Longer Menstruating: Stop using creme for 5 consecutive days per month. If some vaginal bleeding occurs after 1-2 weeks of use, stop use for 1 week, then resume for 3 weeks.
Menstruating-No Menopausal Symptoms: Start creme on 12th day (day 1 if first period day) for 2 weeks until day 26.
Menstrual Cramps: Rub a little on lower abdomen. If irregular periods, day 1 is still the first day of period.
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