According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine on MedlinePlus.com, progesterone is a hormone naturally produced primarily in the ovaries of women. It plays an important role in pregnancy, as it helps prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, after the egg is released by the ovaries during ovulation. Progesterone also helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and get the breasts ready to produce milk. While men do produce a minimal amount of progesterone, it does not have any effect on normal function, except for steroid production. There are various uses for natural progesterone when women cannot make it adequately on there own, so be sure to consult your health care provider for these uses.
Menstrual Cycle Regulation
Progesterone or substances that are similar to progesterone, such as progestogens or progestins, are also taken by women in the form of birth control pills, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or to stimulate a menstrual period, according to Frederick R. Jelovsek M.D. on Wdxcyber.com. Progesterone can help to normalize irregular bleeding during a woman's cycle if a woman experiences problems of missing their monthly period or if bleeding is irregular or prolonged. In addition to regulating bleeding patterns, progesterone is also used to treat symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS, that may cause discomfort or moodiness.
Cardiovascular Health
According to a medical study from Medical Care online, hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, using progesterone helps postmenopausal women reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. The use of progesterone for women at risk of heart disease resulted in lower incidences of acute myocardial infarction.
Bone Health
Estrogen replacement therapy using natural progesterone helps to reduce the risk of and effects of osteoporosis, according to Michael Lam, MD, MPH, ABAAM on DrLam.com. The therapy works by preventing increased bone loss during menopause. While progesterone does not reverse the effects of osteoporosis, it does help to slow significant bone loss for women who are going through menopause. Progesterone naturally helps to build bones by stimulating the cells that replenish bone mass. Supplementation of natural progesterone is helpful in maintaining healthy bones, magnesium levels and calcium content.
