Progesterone is the opposing yet balancing hormone to estrogen. Progesterone is also known as the hormone of pregnancy. Like estrogen, this hormone is essential to the proper coordination of the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone deficiency can result from a lack of ovulation, a relative predominance of estrogen and from increased stress. Herbs that increase progesterone can do so by supporting any of the above mechanisms. Herbs that are naturally rich in progesterone-like compounds can be classified as phyto-progestins.
Damiana
Damiana is also known formally by its Latin name, Turnera diffusa. Dr. R. Taylor Segraves, M.D., Ph.D. notes in a 2001 issue of the "Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy" that damiana can be used to improve sexual function in women. This action was described as a result of its phyto-progestin activity. Damiana was noted to be used as a traditional remedy in Latin cultures to tonify or strengthen the nervous and hormonal systems. The article further notes that sexual dysfunction is most common during and post-menopause, as a woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone naturally decline.
Peony
White peony is a commonly used Western and Chinese gynecological herb. A 2004 "Townsend Letter" article by Dr. Angela Hywood, N.D. and Kerry Bone notes that the herb positively influences low progesterone levels. This herb is often used in the treatment of PCOS and ovarian failure, whereby the ovaries have a difficult time producing mature follicles. Immature follicles have difficulty producing the adequate hormones that allow for ovulation, and thereby prevent or limit progesterone production. The article notes that Paeonia can be taken daily, at a dose of 4.5 to 9 mL, of a dried plant extract.
Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is an herb commonly used in women's health concerns such as infertility and menstrual irregularities. Dr. Lynn Westphal, M.D., notes in a 2004 issue of the "Journal of Reproductive Medicine" that insufficient progesterone levels inadequately prepare the lining of the uterus for the implantation of an embryo. Vitex is able to restore inadequate progesterone levels by optimizing the luteal phase, or the second half of the menstrual cycle. The article notes positive effects on initiating increased fertility rates in women taking the herb as well as more balanced cycles.
Coleus
Coleus forskohlii is an herb native to India. While the traditional use of this herb is varied, it was not until 1971, notes a 2007 "Townsend Letter" journal article by Kerry Boone, that research into this herb revealed its true potency. The efficacy of this herb is believed to lie in its production of the second messenger chemical cAMP. This messenger appears to have the ability to stimulate many different cells in the body, including the pituitary and adrenal gland -- both of which help to stimulate progesterone production. In particular, this herb acts in synergism with the body's own production of progesterone and estrogen-stimulating substances.
In a woman of reproductive age, coleus's effect on the pituitary gland in the production of leutinizing hormone (LH) would be beneficial to the body's total progesterone production. In the menopausal population, where progesterone production is more heavily dependent upon adrenal gland health, coleus was noted to dually stimulate adrenal-corticotrophin hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary.
References
- Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy: "A Double-Blind Controlled Placebo study of ArginMax, a Nutritional Supplement for Enhancement of Female Sexual Function
- The American Journal of Chinese Medicine: "Alternative Therapies for Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction"
- Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients: "Phytotherapy for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS);
- The Journal of Reproductive Medicine: "A Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women",
- Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients: "Coleus: A New Development in the Fight Against Metabolic Syndrome"
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