Progesterone is a female hormone made by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Progesterone plays a crucial role in female pregnancy, preparing the uterine wall for implantation of the fertilized egg. It also maintains the uterus throughout pregnancy. During the menstrual cycle, if the released egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels will normally drop about 10 days after ovulation, prompting the flow of menstruation. Thus, progesterone levels in the female body fluctuate throughout the monthly menstrual cycle, but remain consistently high throughout pregnancy. It is important to know your current progesterone level in relation to what stage of life you may be in prior to making any lifestyle changes to alter any female hormone level within the body.
Promote a Healthy Endocrine System
According to Dr. Theresa Dale, author and naturopathic physician, our bodies have the ability to produce all of the hormones they need for as long as we live. When the ovaries shut down after menopause, the adrenal glands take over the production of producing progesterone and other hormones. The key is a healthy endocrine system. Lifestyle changes may be necessary to support endocrine functioning and, therefore, raise progesterone levels to normal. Revamping your diet by eliminating all processed foods, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and food preservatives and eating a 70 percent raw diet is a great start. Taking the time to exercise and deal with emotional issues through meditation or guided relaxation techniques will help decrease stress on the adrenals, thus affecting the production of progesterone. In addition, avoiding unnecessary medications and environmental toxins is important for a healthy endocrine system.
Herbal Remedies: Phytoestrogens
According to Fem Health, using herbal supplements to balance female hormone levels is non-invasive. There are two types of herbs that can assist with progesterone imbalance: phytoestrogen and non-estrogenic. Phytoestrogen herbs are Black Cohosh or Dong Quai and contain plant estrogens. These herbs replace the missing estrogen which is one of the causes for the progesterone imbalance. Using phytoestrogen herbs can have side effects: breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes, says Fem Health. Caution should be use when taking phytoestrogen herbs, consulting a naturopathic physician is wise.
Herbal Remedies: Non-estrogenic
Non-estrogenic herbs do not contain estrogen, rather they stimulate the body to create its own hormonal balance, according to Ihealthdirectory.com. Maca root is the most common non-estrogenic herb. Maca root has been used for thousands of years to promote energy, endurance and strength. This herb can only be found at 10,000 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Maca does not directly stimulate hormonal production, but rather, assists the endocrine system to produce extra hormones, gently urging the endocrine system to create and balance.
