Natural Supplements To Boost Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that increases in the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle. This portion of the cycle is known as the luteal phase. It is stimulated by an orchestrated series of events that leads to a surge in the pituitary hormone, luetinizing hormone (LH). This event is dependent on ovulation occurring and will lead to progesterone production from the envelopment of the follicle that once housed the ovulated egg. Boosting progesterone may be beneficial in relieving symptoms of estrogen dominance, treating PMS, menopause or enhancing fertility.

Natural Progesterone

Natural progesterone is a bioidentical, or naturally-derived form of progesterone which is very similar in structure to the human hormone and notably lower in harmful side-effects than synthetic prescriptions, according to the international authority, John R. Lee, M.D. Natural progesterone often comes in a cream form and is sourced from plant fats and oils in the wild yam and soybean plants. The natural substance, diosgenin according to Dr. Lee's website must be chemically synthesized into human progesterone.

The progesterone cream is used in women who are still menstruating during the second half of their cycle or 14 days before their period and postmenopausal women often need for 25 days of the month. Just 1/4 tsp. of a natural progesterone cream should provide approximately 20 mg/day of the hormone and it should be massaged into skin of the face, neck chest, breast or inner arms and palms of the hands, accordingly.

Vitex

Vitex is an herb often prized for its ability to balance the hormones of the female reproductive system. It also goes by the name of chaste tree and herbalist Ruth Trickey, in her book "Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle" notes that high prolactin, another hormone found high in some women can lead to low levels of progesterone. In these cases, vitex can reverse the diverse menstrual changes that occur such as PMS, altered cycle length, absent menstruation and even infertility. Vitex reduces prolactin levels, which in turn boost progesterone levels. Additionally, vitex has a role in boosting the production of the brain hormone LH, which will in turn boost progesterone levels as well. This avenue, Trickey notes may be helpful in women who have sporadic menses due to the onset of the peri-menopausal period. Vitex can raise progesterone levels and regulate cycles.

Peonia

Peonia lactiflora is a traditional herb from the ancient Chinese healing system, TCM. Ruth Trickey also discusses the use of this plant in boosting progesterone levels. She notes that this herb also has other diverse functions, such as influencing the production of testosterone in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity and post menopausal androgen excess. In boosting progesterone, Peonia is noted to be helpful for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and breast pain as it balances out the estrogen excess.