Progesterone is a hormone made naturally by the body that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and helps maintain a pregnancy. If you have low progesterone levels, your doctor may recommend medication to help raise the amount of progesterone in your body. Though synthetic progesterone may be given, there are some natural ways to help increase progesterone. Before using supplements for this purpose, consult with your health care provider or gynecologist to see if these are safe and appropriate in your situation.
Step 1
Take chasteberry supplements. According to an article in the September 2005 issue of the journal "American Family Physician," women with a luteal phase defect, when they do not produce enough progesterone, showed an increase in progesterone levels when they took chasteberry supplements for five months. The dose can vary, but is typically 4 g daily of chasteberry extract standardized to 6 percent agnuside, reports "American Family Physician." Ask your gynecologist before using this supplement.
Step 2
Consume 150 international units of vitamin E. Taking this dose of vitamin E can help raise progesterone levels, according to Dr. David Williams of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Use caution, as higher levels of the vitamin, around 300 to 600 IU, can decrease progesterone levels.
Step 3
Take a vitamin C supplement. A study published in August 2003 in the journal "Fertility and Sterility" found that women with a luteal phase defect who took vitamin C had higher progesterone levels and increased fertility than women who did not take a supplement. Ask your physician what an appropriate dose for you would be; in this study, the women took 750 mg of vitamin C daily.
Tips and Warnings
- If taking vitamins makes you nauseated, taking them with a meal or snack can help decrease an upset stomach and lessen any nausea.
- Get your hormone levels checked professionally to see if you need to increase your progesterone. Do not take any supplements without first checking with your health care provider. Tell your doctor about any medications you are already taking for any health conditions, as herbal supplements may interact with these medications and cause side effects.
Things You'll Need
- Chasteberry supplements
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians; "American Family Physician"; Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chasteberry; Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm, M.D., PH.D.; September 2005
- American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: About Progesterone
- University of Michigan: "Fertility and Sterility": Effects of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Serum Progesterone Levels in Patients With a Luteal Phase Defect; H. Henmi et al.; August 2003
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