Progesterone is a hormone made through the frame this is critical for stabilizing the uterine (or endometrial) lining, regulating your menstrual cycle, and selling wholesome embryo development. Though it’s far an evidently going on hormone, it may additionally be produced as a supplement. Christine Greves, MD, an OB-GYN in the middle for obstetrics and gynecology at Orlando Health in Florida, informed Health that studies on progesterone remain emerging, making it an arguable topic. The critical factor to understand, though, is that taking progesterone dietary supplements will now no longer always assist you to get pregnant or save you from miscarriage.
“It all relies upon a person’s man or woman history,” Dr. Greves said. Here’s what you want to recognize approximately the use of progesterone as a supplement.
How to use Progesterone?
Per MedlinePlus, progesterone falls into the medication class of progestins. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), progestins (or progestogens) are artificial variations of progesterone used medicinally—which means that they act in addition to the manner that herbal progesterone does withinside the frame.
we additionally indicated that progesterone is usually protected in hormone substitute therapy (HRT) for people in postmenopause who’ve now no longer had a hysterectomy, that’s a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. HRT allows alleviating menopausal signs in addition to a chance discount for precise conditions. Additionally, taking progesterone counteracts excessive degrees of estrogen for the functions of beginning menstruation (in people who are having abnormal periods) and lowering uterine cancers chance.
Specific Conditions That May Benefit From Progesterone Use
Progesterone supplements have long been recommended for people struggling with female infertility, but many healthcare providers still disagree on their effectiveness. However, it’s possible that they may be beneficial in other conditions.
Endometrial Cancer
The American Cancer Society has determined that progesterone, or progestin, is the primary hormonal treatment for endometrial cancer.
Progesterone has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in menopausal people who take estrogen. Taking estrogen to treat menopausal symptoms (known as menopausal hormone therapy) can help reduce hot flashes, improve vaginal dryness, and prevent the weakening of bones (osteoporosis).
But using only estrogen without progesterone can also lead to endometrial cancer. Progesterone supplements must be given along with estrogen (called combination hormone therapy) to reduce this risk, said Dr. Greves.
Sleep Problems During Menopause
According to the Sleep Foundation, people going through menopause are prone to sleep problems related to insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing (like sleep apnea), and other sleep-related disorders. Progesterone may also help people going through menopause if they’re having trouble sleeping, said Dr. Greves. Researchers found in an April 2018 Climacteric Review that menopausal people experienced better deep sleep after taking 300 mg of progesterone each night.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dr. Greves said another benefit of progesterone is that it can help people with PCOS. This is a condition that arises from reproductive hormonal imbalances, according to the Office of Women’s Health. During a person’s menstrual cycle, the body normally produces progesterone after ovulation.
People with PCOS, however, have higher levels of androgens, which are responsible for developing male characteristics but can also prevent ovulation, says the Office of Women’s Health.
Because of the relationship between these hormones, many people with PCOS have a patchy experience. periods. These include fewer periods, more frequent periods, no periods, or no periods at all, according to the Office of Women’s Health.
Therefore, taking progesterone supplements can help a person regulate their cycle.
Preterm Labor
July 2020 study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics found that progestins are often recommended for people at risk of preterm labor. Progesterone may help prevent preterm labor in people who have had a preterm birth or who have a short cervix, which is a risk factor for preterm birth.
Data has shown that progesterone can reduce the risk of preterm birth by about a third for people in one of these categories who are just expecting a baby, said Dr. Greves.
Considerations About Taking Progesterone
Before taking any progesterone supplements, the most important thing is to talk to a doctor, especially if you’re pregnant.
They want to know about your medical history and whether you are allergic to any medications and medications or herbal products you are taking to minimize the risk of drug interactions or additional health complications. According to MedlinePlus, taking progesterone can also cause many side effects, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, body aches, vaginal discharge, mood swings, and digestive problems.
If these problems are persistent or severe, or if you have any unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Ultimately, progesterone may or may not work for you, but only a healthcare provider can tell if it’s worth trying.
Read also: Progesterone -Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions and Dosage
