Bioidentical Progesterone and Estrogen Dominance

The body makes estrogens because it needs estrogens. Estrogens are responsible for the sexual development and puberty in girls. Also for the body fat content, strength of bones and heart in women. Estrogens in balance are a good thing. Estrogen dominance is not. Progesterone opposes estrogens creating the proper hormonal balance. This balance is very important because when progesterone is too low, estrogens go unopposed or dominate. Unopposed estrogens are the only known cause of endometrial cancer. All evidence has shown that Estriol is the safe estrogen to use, may be protective against breast cancer and has been the choice in Europe for decades over the synthetic “conjugated estrogen” (from pregnant mare’s urine i.e. Premarin®, Prempro®, Premphase®, Prempac®) that is known to contribute to breast cancer. Progesterone-The Hormone-Its historical uses Progesterone is naturally secreted by the ovary in the second two weeks of the menstrual cycle in reproductive age ovulating women. Progesterone or progesterone-like substances called progestogens or progestin’s are also ingested by women in birth control pills, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or just sometimes to induce a menstrual period or regulate abnormal bleeding problems if menses are skipping or bleeding is irregular or prolonged. Progesterone has been used also as therapy for PMS syndrome and for women with infertility or frequent pregnancy loss. Progesterone and its vital role in a woman’s bodyProgesterone is a steroid hormone made by the corpus luteum of the ovary at ovulation, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone is manufactured in the body from the steroid hormone pregnenolone, and is a precursor to most of the other steroid hormones, including cortisol, androstenedione, the estrogens and testosterone. In a normally cycling female, the corpus luteum produces 20 to 30 mg of progesterone daily during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. What are the physiological effects of progesterone?

Maintains secretory endometrium

Protects against breast fibro cysts

Helps use fat for energy

Natural diuretic

Natural anti-depressant – helps with mood swings

Facilitates thyroid hormone action

Normalizes blood clotting

Restores libido

Normalizes blood sugar levels

Normalizes zinc & copper levels

Restores proper cell oxygen levels

Prevents endometrial cancer

Helps prevent breast cancer

Stimulates osteoblast bone building

Necessary for survival of embryo

Precursor of corticosterone production