Progesterone is an incredibly important hormone for women, and not only during pregnancy! The vast majority of women have low progesterone levels, but this is one area where we can easily support our bodies to give them what they need!

PROGESTERONE AT A GLANCE

• Progesterone levels fluctuate during the month for cycling women.
• Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy.
• Progesterone levels affect mood, bone density, clear skin, and headaches.
• The vast majority of women are deficient in progesterone.
• Many women have seen improvements in hormonal acne with progesterone support.

Progesterone is often called the pregnancy hormone. During the reproductive years, progesterone influences the preparation of the uterus for possible pregnancy and is a key player for maintaining pregnancy; however, progesterone is involved in more than just pregnancy!

Progesterone levels also affect a wide range of other body systems, so when the ovaries don't make as much progesterone, you may experience things such as migraines, mood instability, bone density decline, skin issues, and changes in bleeding.

THE ESTROGEN-PROGESTERONE BALANCE Most often when we're discussing women's hormones, we start talking about estrogen and progesterone. Almost all women are high in estrogen and deficient in progesterone (with a few exceptions). Our diets, environmental factors, skin products, and much more quickly lead to the excess estrogen in the body.

The balance of these hormones is important for ALL WOMEN. No matter the age. Even those who've had a hysterectomy!

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands (and the placenta when pregnant) and is stored in fat. Progesterone is not just needed for our reproductive system but also for our nervous system.

This is why we feel so out of sync (and out of control!!). This isn't just about having babies or our monthly cycle. This is about so much more. It is the way that our bodies function and communicate at a cellular level.

Progesterone is NOT JUST NEEDED by women during childbearing years. It is a part of female health until death, a part of our female nature.

Ok but what about estrogen? Where does she come into the picture? I'm glad you asked…

Estrogen has to first attach to a cell, then it grabs hands with the progesterone. If the progesterone is not there, the estrogen begins to inhibit the chemical process that is supposed to happen and it can begin a process of mutation.

We still need estrogen. She is very much the other half of this puzzle, but we get so much from foods, plastics, chemicals in home and self care products, medications, and more. Many of these are xenoestrogens - artificial estrogens. But our bodies don't care. They process it the same way.

In today's society, women's bodies at all ages are FULL of estrogen going into our cell receptors, then reaching out a hand for progesterone only to be left hanging. Nothing. Chemical imbalance CHAOS.

Bottom line? Both estrogen and progesterone are important. Both are needed. BUT they are needed in a balance of each other.

PROGESTERONE-SUPPORTING CREAMS, SERUMS, & SUPPLEMENTS If you determine that you are one of the many women who do need extra progesterone, how do you get it?

This is usually where conventional HRT comes in. However, many of these hormones are made with horse urine, medroxy-progesterone acetate, and other synthetic progestins. These are VERY different from what is found in plants or in your body. Plus, their long term effects have some dramatic risk factors.

Natural hormones are easily recognized by the body. It says, “Hey! I know you! And I know exactly where you need to go to help me.” This is why we love phyto-progesterones like the ones in EndoGize and Progessence Plus!

SUPPLEMENTS:

• EndoGize: EndoGize is a daily women's hormone support supplement powered by essential oils, minerals, and herbs, including ashwagandha root – a well known herb for hormone balance and stress reduction. EndoGize also contains DHEA, a hormone precursor for estrogen and testosterone, DHEA is naturally made in the body, but levels decline as we age. These ingredients work synergistically to create a formula that supports a healthy endocrine system for women.
• PD 80/20: PD 80/20 is a daily supplement that contains pregnenolone and DHEA, two substances produced naturally by the body that decline with age. Pregnenolone is the key precursor for the body's production of estrogen, DHEA, and progesterone, and it has an impact on mental acuity and memory. DHEA is involved in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular and immune systems. These ingredients combine to help support the endocrine system and balance overall hormone levels.

CREAMS & SERUMS:

• Progessence Plus Serum: Progessence plus is a mainstay for progesterone support. It is a pure progesterone serum from wild yam that is infused with Sacred Frankincense essential oil. This serum easily absorbs into the skin and also contains the nourishing oils Copaiba, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Peppermint, and Clove giving it many added benefits for supporting and stabilizing mood. Fun bonus: Clinical studies are also showing that essential oils can enhance the ability of natural hormones to penetrate the skin, allowing us even more benefit. This way we quickly get our new progesterone on its way to that estrogen that's been left hanging.
• Prenolone Plus Body Cream: This cream is very similar to Regenolone, except it has one more ingredient – DHEA. This body cream smells incredible and provides so many wonderful hormone supporting herbs such as St. John's wort, wild yam extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract and green tea leaf extract. These herbs and essential oils work synergistically to promote a healthy balance of hormones while also nourishing the skin. The DHEA in Prenolone Plus can be really helpful to some women. DHEA is a hormone precursor for estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, meaning you would further increase the hormone levels that you need.

For more on hormone support, see the related resources linked below! Also check out one of our favorite supplement books, the Supplement Field Guide by Dr. Ashley H. Cribb!