Progesterone is a steroid hormone that regulates ovulation and menstruation, and plays a central role during pregnancy. A low progesterone level may be a sign of infertility problems, excessive estrogen, stress, insulin resistance, malnutrition or polycystic ovary syndrome. Symptoms of low progesterone include irregular periods, spotting between periods, excessive clotting during menstruation and vaginal dryness. Certain herbs may help increase your progesterone level, but consult with your health care provider for a diagnosis of the underlying problem before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for low progesterone are called amphoterics. They work by bringing your hormones into proper balance, reducing estrogen when it's in excess and raising progesterone when it's deficient. The balance between estrogen and progesterone is regulated by the glands in your endocrine system. Some herbs directly affect your pituitary gland, regulating the release of estrogen or progesterone. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice on the usage, dosage and preparation of herbs that affect low progesterone.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis, is a native Chinese herb also known as the female ginseng. Practitioners use the roots to treat gynecological disorders, especially those due to low progesterone, such as infertility and irregular menstruation. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli explain that dong quai increases progesterone and maintains a balance between progesterone and estrogen. Its effects on progesterone make it useful for promoting fertility and normalizing your menstrual cycle, especially after discontinuing contraceptives. Do not use this herb during menstruation or pregnancy.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, is a vine native to Central America. Traditional healers use the rhizomes to treat colic, coughs and rheumatism. The plant is rich in steroidal saponins that have contraceptive and anti-inflammatory actions. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend it to balance your hormones and correct low progesterone and high estrogen levels. They note that, to promote fertility, it's best to take wild yam between ovulation and menstruation. Do not use wild yam during pregnancy.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a Mediterranean tree with lavender flowers. Herbalists use the fruit to treat female menstrual, menopausal and reproductive problems. The active ingredients include vitexilactone and rotundifurane, which have a dopaminergic effect on the pituitary, meaning they stimulate the pituitary to release dopamine. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, states that the stimulation of the pituitary leads to a reduction in another hormone, known as prolactin, which then signals the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. This process will raise your progesterone level if there is a deficiency. Hoffmann also notes that vitex may be helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms caused by declining progesterone levels. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you are taking dopamine medication.
References
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
