Welcome to your crash course on progesterone! This hormone is a crucial player in your monthly cycle, or post menopause, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Today, we’re diving into all the basics, including foods that support its pathways and the tell-tale signs that it’s fluctuating. Consider this your ultimate guide.
Progesterone basics
Progesterone is essential for the female reproductive system, particularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle. In addition to its roles in menstrual health, breast development, and fertility, progesterone also impacts mood, sleep, metabolism, and bone health. It’s often known as your calming hormone!
Signs of progesterone imbalance
Wondering if your progesterone is low? It’s more common than you may think, and detecting signs is crucial for addressing potential health issues. Symptoms can include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Changes in the length or intensity of periods.
- Mood swings: Increased irritability, anxiety or depression.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Breast tenderness: Increased sensitivity and discomfort.
- Weight gain: Particularly around the abdomen.
If these sound familiar, consider call us at Body Tonic to assess your progesterone levels along with a full hormone and thyroid analysis. This comprehensive approach involves a blood test during the luteal phase (around seven days before your expected period).
Eating to Support Healthy Progesterone Levels
Maintaining a balanced diet can inevitably have a positive impact on hormone production, including progesterone. If your levels are low, focus on prioritizing the following foods:
- Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, and nuts provide essential fatty acids necessary for hormone synthesis.
- Protein: Sources like lean meat, fish, and legumes for amino acids are crucial for overall hormone production.
- Zinc-rich foods: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and lentils contain zinc, which are associated with progesterone production.
- Vitamin B6: Bananas, potatoes, and poultry are all sources of vitamin B6 which is known to support hormone balance, especially progesterone.
It’s important to note that no foods contain progesterone itself, but certain nutrients and foods can support the body’s natural production of this hormone.
Considering BHRT:
Supplementing with progesterone for women with low levels can be life-changing in several categories:
- Menstrual Health: It can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and alleviate menstrual cramps.
- Fertility: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Supplementing can help women with low levels conceive and maintain pregnancies.
- Mood and Well-being: Balancing progesterone levels can improve mood stability, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
- Bone Health: Progesterone is involved in bone formation and density maintenance. Supplementing can help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Libido: Progesterone plays a role in sexual desire. Supplementing can improve libido in women with low levels.
- Menopausal Symptoms: Progesterone can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances in menopausal women.
- Skin Health: Progesterone can improve skin elasticity and hydration, reducing signs of aging.
- Weight Management: Balanced progesterone levels can help regulate metabolism and reduce water retention, aiding in weight management.
Along with supplemental BHRT and proper nutrition, consider tweaking your habits to support healthy progesterone levels. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Regular exercise: A moderate, consistent exercise routine is wonderful for healthy hormones (and progesterone, in particular). Pilates, strength training, and walking are a few of our favorites.
- Stress management: It’s no secret that chronic stress can negatively impact hormones. Incorporate meditation, deep breathing and hormone-supportive therapies like acupuncture or acupressure. Hobbies that bring joy and relaxation count too!
- Adequate sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep plays a crucial role in hormonal regulation.
- Sunlight exposure: Spend time outdoors to ensure exposure to natural sunlight, particularly in the morning. Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, which can positively influence hormonal balance.
- Herbal support: Some herbs, such as chaste tree (Vitex), have been traditionally used to support hormonal balance, including progesterone levels. Consult with a Body Tonic professional before incorporating herbal supplements.
- Limit caffeine: Consider swapping your daily coffee cups for a ½-caff option, matcha, or a lower caffeinated alternative like green tea.
