Progesterone is an important hormone that is part of a woman's reproductive cycle. Progesterone levels change at different times during the month, and they tend to decrease significantly during and after menopause. This may cause symptoms that include mood swings, hot flashes and insomnia, as well as other personal discomfort. Some women turn to hormone replacement therapy, which includes synthetic progesterone, to lessen their symptoms. But there are also natural progesterone choices available. Work with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.
Wild Yam
Perhaps the best-known natural alternative to synthetic progesterone or progesterone made by the body is bio-identical progesterone cream. This is often made from wild yam, notes Tori Hudson in "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." This form of progesterone is biochemically identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries, and it is purported to increase progesterone levels when they are low, either pre- or post-menopause. Unfortunately, research has not proven wild yam to be effective for increasing progesterone.
Soybeans
Another natural alternative for progesterone is a natural progesterone injection made out of soybeans. In "Smart Medicine for Menopause," Dr. Sandra Cabot explains that these soybean-based shots often must be taken daily for 10 to 12 days out of every month, but they work in similar fashion to synthetic progesterone tablets in regulating the menstrual cycle and triggering regular monthly bleeding. Dr. Cabot adds that this natural progesterone has very few side effects and is better tolerated than synthetic progesterone.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is an herb linked to increased progesterone levels. In "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Menopause," Dr. Maureen Miller Pelletier notes that chasteberries act on the pituitary gland, stimulating the release of lutenizing hormones, which cause the ovaries to produce more progesterone. This can help to relieve hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and mood swings, in some cases. Chasteberry comes in tea, capsule and liquid form, and should be standardized to .5 percent, adds Dr. Pelletier. Be sure to let your doctor know before you begin taking chasteberry.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is another herb that may help with increasing progesterone naturally. According to Elizabeth Crow in "Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health and Wellness," black cohosh helps to stabilize hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. This happens through a process that is similar to the one involving chasteberry, as black cohosh seems to interfere with the pituitary gland and impact the amount of lutenizing hormone released. Some research indicates that black cohosh can be as effective at reducing hot flashes, memory loss, depression and mood swings as hormone replacement therapy.
References
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Tori Hudson, ND; 1999
- "Smart Medicine for Menopause"; Sandra Cabot, MD; 1995
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Menopause"; Maureen Miller Pelletier, MD; 2000
- "Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health and Wellness"; Elizabeth Crow; 2002
