Progesterone

What is Progesterone?

During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries primarily produce progesterone, which acts with estrogen as the two main female sex hormones. Progesterone generally opposes the effects of estrogen, which means it has antiinflammatory effects, aids in burning fat, and opposes cancerous growths. Additionally, it could help to increase memory and cognition. Synthesized from pregnenolone, progesterone acts as a precursor for testosterone, other androgens, and estrogens. Progesterone levels must be in balance with estrogen levels for equilibrium to prevent abnormal cell growths, especially in the breast.

Do I Have Abnormal Levels of Progesterone?

Perimenopause often causes low progesterone and you may experience any of these symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain

If your stress levels are high, you may be at risk for low progesterone. Under stress, your body steals the precursors to progesterone to makes more cortisol. Insulin resistance, insufficient amounts of exercise, and poor nutrition all may play a role in low progesterone levels as well.

You may also experience high levels of progesterone due to the low estrogen levels seen during menopause. Symptoms may include:

• Breast tenderness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Decreased libido
• Vaginal dryness

The Solution: Bioidentical Progesterone Replacement Therapy

Whether your progesterone is too high or too low, Dr. Terlinsky can help you. Your own personalized bioidentical progesterone replacement program, based on your individual needs, will rebalance your hormone levels to relieve your symptoms but also decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. Let Dr. Terlinsky solve your hormonal problems and get you on the right track to good health and well-being.