Progesterone: The Jan Brady of Hormones?

If Marcia Brady were estrogen, and sister Jan progesterone, the infamous line would still apply…”Estrogen, Estrogen, Estrogen!” Estrogen embodies femaleness, it dominates, it ebbs, and it gets more than its fair share of press. Say the word “estrogen” in mixed company and the following will likely occur– women nod and men get twitchy.

Progesterone, on the other hand, is somewhat like the iconic middle child (between estrogen and testosterone), and therefore often overlooked during the menopausal transition. That’s a shame because progesterone deserves more respect.

Learn more about Estrogen Dominance

What Is Progesterone, And Why Does It Matter?

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries, the placenta (when a woman gets pregnant) and the adrenal glands. It helps prepare your body for conception and pregnancy and regulates the monthly menstrual cycle. It also plays a role in sexual desire. Source: healthywomen.org

Okay, But What About When I’m In Perimenopause Or Menopause? What Is Progesterone Doing Then?

Here’s a video link showing Dr. Christiane Northrup answering a question about bio-identical progesterone during perimenopause (about 2 ½ minutes with a brief commercial upfront).

Give Me More! I’m Still Fuzzy About It

Okay! Here is an excellent article from Dr. Low Dog: Toward Optimal Health: Menopause as a Rite of Passage

What Are Symptoms Of Low Progesterone?

According to Connections: An educational resource for the women’s international pharmacy, “With such far-reaching repercussions, it seems obvious that the need for progesterone spans the entire lifetime, affecting all life stages, and that a chronic deficiency can lead to a wide range of health issues, including breast cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.” womensinternational.com/connections/progesterone.html

Here is another link to low progesterone symptoms and natural approaches: 4 Signs of Low Progesterone and What to Do About it

Is There A Way To Increase My Body’s Progesterone Naturally?

I found this article from the Holy Hormones Journal insightful: How Do I Boost Progesterone Naturally

Why Are You Giving Links To Articles And Videos Instead Of Giving Me Quick And Simple Answers? Huh? Huh?

I have given a lot of links and lists in this post, but I feel it is the best way to give you access to information about progesterone that can be digested in big or small bites of time.

The menopausal passage is unique to every woman, and what works for symptom relief for one may not work for another. My goal is to make you aware of different resources so that you can compare scientific, integrative, and natural approaches. I want you to decide what is right for you, your body, and your beliefs.

At the very least I hope you now know that progesterone deserves more awareness and attention. Like Jan Brady.