Progesterone deficiency

Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, muscle pain, inflammation, osteoporosis, decreased HDL-cholesterol levels, weight gain, breast tenderness, decreased libido, heavy periods, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, extreme changes in mood, bloating, and urinary incontinence? If so, you may be deficient in progesterone. Other possible symptoms of low progesterone may include frequent urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, changes in appetite, hot flashes, chills and night sweats. Progesterone plays a key role in the tasks necessary for reproduction. Beyond preparation for pregnancy, progesterone has a multitude of effects throughout the body, many of which help oppose the action of estrogen. Numerous physical and psychological problems can be caused by an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone including the symptoms listed above.

A number of factors can cause low progesterone levels. Including:

Stress

Antidepressants

Sugar

Saturated fat

Deficiency of vitamins A, B6, C, zinc

Decreased thyroid hormone

Impaired progesterone production

Excessive arginine consumption

Increased prolactin production

Natural or bio identical progesterone vs. synthetic Progestin

Progesterone is often confused with Progestins Progestins are synthetic hormones made to mimic the actions of progesterone but have many negative side effects. Bio identical progesterone (also sometimes referred to as natural or human identical) is made from soy or yam and has the exact molecular structure as progesterone made in the human body. Bio identical progesterone is protective against uterine and breast cancer, balances estrogen, acts as a diuretic, builds bone, aids in sleep, restores libido, lowers cholesterol, increases scalp hair, decreases PMS symptoms, decreases carbohydrate cravings and has a natural calming effect. Progestins on the other hand have been known to cause blood clots, fluid retention, acne, weight gain, depression, an increase in heart disease and diabetes.