Why you need progesterone

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Progesterone is a wonderful hormone that helps women to feel calm and relaxed, it reduces inflammation, promotes sleep and is great for your hair and skin. You can image the implications when the body isn’t producing enough!

Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum that is left at the ovary after ovulation and is the dominating hormone during the luteal phase or second half of the menstrual cycle. If conception occurs then progesterone continues to increase but if there is no conception then progesterone levels drop and initiates the start of the menstrual period.

What can you do to boost progesterone?

The number one way to boost your progesterone level is to make sure that you are ovulating. If there is no ovulation then there is no corpus luteum and then no progesterone production. Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and hypothalamic amenorrhea can all affect ovulation. Some women might still be ovulating but the corpus luteum is not producing sufficient progesterone and is breaking down too quickly. This can result in mid luteal spotting and PMT as the body is loosing the lovely calming effects of progesterone.

Key nutrients; You need sufficient magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, iodine, selenium, vitamin D and omega 3 to produce progesterone
Reduce stress; the adrenal glands will ‘steal’ progesterone to make the stress hormone cortisol
Optimal thyroid function; issues with thyroid function can affect ovulation
Insulin resistance can affect ovulation – see my other blog PCOS and insulin resistance
Look into using herbal medicine such as Vitex agnus-castus, Paeonia lactiflora and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) These wonderful herbs can help to balance hormones but it is best to get individualised advice to ensure you are taking what is right for you

If you are struggling with your hormonal balance and think you might be lacking in progesterone please get in touch for an appointment or look into my Seed and Sprout program, especially if you are trying to conceive.

Nikki x