From puberty to post middle age, women often experience the effects of low progesterone. Some of our symptoms can begin with headaches, miscarriages, irregular menstrual cycles (heavy bleeding), depression, lower back pain, cravings and hot flashes. So what’s at the root of this problem? Is it something we can control or is it a “mother nature” kind of thing that we have to just accept?
What is progesterone? It’s a hormone occurring in male and females, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. With respect to females, it is produced in the female organs, primarily regulating menstrual cycles and maintaining pregnancy. It also regulates/affects the nervous system, brain, digestive tract, heart, immune and circulatory systems. Because of all the areas of the body it affects, many female symptoms including unexpected weight gain (triggered by insomnia, affecting the thyroid and adrenal glands), belly fat, bloating and lumpy breasts tender to the touch can be associated with low progesterone levels.
What are the risks of low progesterone? Heart disease, postpartum depression, and various female cancers have been related to low progesterone (i.e. uterine, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers).
Is there a test I can take to determine my progesterone levels? Yes. Your health care professional can advise you on the procedure to have the necessary test(s) administered. Various symptom checkers can be found on the internet; however, they are not fully conclusive or produce the results provided through a physical test. Should you suspect the culprit behind your symptoms is related to low progesterone, see your doctor immediately.
What choices of treatments are available for low progesterone? Unfortunately, we can’t consume progesterone through food so we must receive it through therapy (i.e. injections, creams, oils). Once you have received your test results proper treatment recommendations will be made by your doctor or healthcare professional. Never, ever attempt to self diagnose or impose self treatment. There are possible side effects from both synthetic injections and natural remedies (menstrual changes, mood swings, weight gain/loss, blood clotting, allergic reactions, pain at the injection area, numbness, vision problems, etc.). Homeopathic remedies include less invasive creams and oils, but most will list health warnings on their labels, as well. Almost anything we consume, whether it’s through an injection, absorption through our skin or oral application can cause side effects. We never know what those side effects will be until after we consume anything or how our body will respond.
What can I do to help my body naturally when I have low progesterone? Although low progesterone can simply be a natural disposition within our body, practicing wellness through eating, exercising and resting are the three most important things anyone can do to help our body heal naturally and to work with whatever medically is prescribed for our treatment. No matter what illness, disease or physical condition you may have, our body needs balance. Since low progesterone is associated with weight gain, we need to increase physical activity (i.e. muscle building workouts) to help our body naturally store and convert our calories into muscle mass. When our progesterone levels are low, our body immediately starts storing our calories into fat. When we increase our muscle tone our body has more opportunity to consistently burn the calories we intake. For this reason, we must exercise. The “endorphins” that we experience from exercise will also help our body, mind and spirit feel better, too.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Find the “therapy” that’s right for you.
Quick Tips for Wellness, Pat Ferguson, Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved.
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