GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Progesterone is produced in the female in
the ovaries and adrenal glands; it is the endogenous equivalent of synthetic progestins that
are synthesized from steroidal sapogenins. Natural
progesterone and synthetic progestins are structurally
different and may have different roles in the body.
Progesterone is essential in order for the maintenance of the menstrual cycle and for breast
development and function. Women are usually prescribed
progestins if estrogen is prescribed during or after
menopause, because prolonged estrogen replacement
therapy without the addition of progestins has been shown to increase the risk of uterine cancer.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Progesterone is known to significantly improve the symptoms of
menopause. Preliminary findings have
suggested that progesterone could help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, as it appears to be important in bone metabolism.
However, study findings of the efficacy of progesterone for
prevention of osteoporosis have been contradictory.
Several studies have linked synthetic progestins
to an increased risk of breast cancer, conversely, at least two separate studies have found
that natural, topical progesterone may protect against
breast cancer. Thus, the effect of progesterone and
progestins on breast cancer risk remains inconclusive.
Study results published in 2002 suggest that progesterone may help to inhibit the growth of
endometrial cancer cells.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of progesterone deficiency include: swollen breasts, depression, low thyroid,
fibrocystic breasts, water retention, weight gain, and loss
of libido
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
A typical dose of progesterone in topical
form is 20mg per day. Some studies have used up to 200mg per day of oral progesterone. Even
though progesterone is sold as a dietary supplement, it is
recommend that it is not used except under medical
supervision.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Progesterone should only be taken as directed
by a physician. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National
Toxicology Program (NTP) class progesterone as a potential
carcinogen.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICTION:
Synthetic progestins have many side effects,
including the increase of LDL cholesterol and the decrease of HDL cholesterol, other side effects
include bloating, breast soreness, depression, and mood
swings. Neither natural progesterone nor synthetic
progestins should be taken by women who are: trying to conceive, pregnant, or lactating.
