Also known as "Estrogen's Natural Sidekick". Estrogen replacement was thought to be the menopause miracle worker until the 1970s when menopausal women were found to demonstrate an increase in uterine bleeding. By prescribing estrogen alone medical providers were forgetting a fundamental component replacement therapy… balance. At optimal levels hormones work in balance to ensure the body is working at its best to fight against age related disease. Early on in the beginnings of hormone replacement therapy scientist and physicians failed to recognize that the female body and sexuality are governed by two essential ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Without progesterone the body develops estrogen dominance which results in excess estrogen side effects. With progesterone to balance this out, estrogen can work against the uterus and problems such as uterine or endometrial cancer can occur.

Estrogen and progesterone work together during our reproductive years. During the first half of a woman’s cycle estrogen levels rise as the follicles in the ovaries prepare for ovulation. Progesterone levels rise during the second half of the menstrual cycle preparing the uterine lining to accept the fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized then estrogen and progesterone levels drop leading the uterine lining to shed causing menstruation. Progesterone obtained it’s name due to its nourishing properties which aids in creating a nourishing environment for a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone stands for “Pro-Gestation”. Without it a woman had a difficult time carrying a baby full term. If her progesterone levels fall, a miscarriage occurs.

Progesterone levels begin to decline in a woman’s 30s. It was realized that it was before and after menopause that progesterone work to promote feelings of vitality and health. A lack of progesterone can lead to some of the same problems found with estrogen deficiency: osteoporosis, heart disease, decreased libido and a significantly diminished quality of life. It has also been demonstrated that progesterone, too, can lower cholesterol decreasing the incidence of heart disease. Estrogen and progesterone are necessary before, during and after menopause.

demonstrated benefits:

Helps to regulate menstrual cycle

Helps maintain a healthy pregnancy

Can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) when combined with estrogen therapy

Can help raise HDL (good cholesterol) when combined with estrogen therapy

Enhances estrogen’s beneficial effect on plaque formation, decrease in clotting and vasodilation

Progesterone takes estrogen’s powers for bone care one step further. In addition to preventing bone loss, progesterone may help build new bone.

Even women without a uterus benefits from progesterone

Demonstrated protection against breast cancer and uterine cancer

Relief of PMS symptoms