You hear a lot about estrogen in the media because it's the hormone typically associated with menopause. Progesterone is estrogen's counterpart in the body, and the two work together to manage ovulation, menstruation and other hormone-related processes. If you don't have enough progesterone, you could be at risk for fertility problems, like irregular menstrual cycles and miscarriages. If you're not trying to conceive, you can still experience increased symptoms of PMS, trouble concentrating, body hair growth and other discomforts if you are lacking in progesterone.
Step 1
Lower your exposure to plant and environmental estrogen. It could be that your estrogen is too high, not that you're progesterone is too low. Avoid soy foods like tofu and soy milk as they're high in plant estrogens, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Minimize pesticide use in and around your home.
Step 2
Try an herbal remedy like vitex. Vitex doesn't contain hormones, but it works on the corpus luteum to help it better regulate progesterone and estrogen. According to Natural Health Solutions for PCOS website, vitex can increase low progesterone, decrease high estrogen and balance out irregular menstrual cycles. As with all herbal supplements, speak to a health care professional before use.
Step 3
Use an external natural progesterone cream. The progesterone in this kind of cream matches with your body's own progesterone. When applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the body and processed in the blood the same way as estrogen is produced within the body. According to Whole Health MD.com, clinical trials for the efficacy of progesterone creams are mixed; however, some studies do indicate that progesterone cream raises blood progesterone and eases symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.
Step 4
Take 150 IU of vitamin E daily in supplement form. This dosage of vitamin E stimulates progesterone production, while higher doses have the opposite effect, according to Dr. David G. Williams in his article "About Progesterone" on World Health.net.
Step 5
Ask your doctor to test your progesterone levels regularly to determine if these methods are working. Talk with him about taking hormonal birth control or prescription hormones to help get your levels under control if these methods aren't working for you.
Things You'll Need
- Natural progesterone cream
- Vitamin E supplements
