Why Progesterone? - Hystersisters Article

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Why Progesterone?

Why Progesterone?

Date : 04-12-2003 - 04:19 PM - Readers : 17094

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Why Progesterone after a hysterectomy and the removal of the ovaries?

Many women are told by their doctors, both family doctors and their GYN, that if they no longer have a uterus, they don't need progesterone. Research is now providing information that this may not be accurate.

If a woman has no ovaries (or the ovaries, through surgical shock, have quit working) and she needs estrogen for menopausal symptoms, it would make sense to explore the possibility that the progesterone needs to be replaced too.

The ovaries produced estrogens (three of them) and progesterone and a smidgen of testosterone when they were attached to the uterus. When the ovaries are removed why not replace the hormones that the ovaries can no longer produce for themselves?

Progesterone does so much more than tell a uterus when to clean itself out.

Progesterone balances the estrogen to make sure the body doesn't become estrogen dominant. (tender breasts, bloating, insomnia, brain fog). Progesterone is not the same as progestins (such as Provera) but progesterone in its natural state.

Listed in Dr. Lee's book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, the functions of progesterone:

* is a precursor of other sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone
* maintains secretary endometrium (uterine lining)
* protects against fibrocystic breasts
* is a natural diuretic
* helps use fat for energy
* functions as a natural antidepressant
* helps thyroid hormone action
* normalizes blood clotting
* restores sex drive
* helps normalize blood sugar levels
* restores proper cell oxygen levels
* has a thermogenic (temperature rising) effect
* helps protect against breast cancer
* builds bone and is protective against osteoporosis
* is a precursor of cortisone synthesis by adrenal cortex

Each woman must find the hormone therapy that works for her and stick with it. Don't be afraid to take information to your doctor and ask for a new prescription that you would like to try. Some women like Premarin and do great on it. Other women need estrogen and progesterone configured carefully to get the right balance back.

Try progesterone in compound forms of cream or sublinguals or try the newly FDA approved capsule of progesterone called Prometrium (100 mg per day). You can also get progesterone cream at the health food stores, but beware. Not all of the progesterone creams have an effective concentration level.

Discuss any menopausal symptoms and your thoughts about hormone therapy with your doctor.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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