Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries.

This along with estrogen ( also made by the ovaries) and a couple of other hormones FSH (follocular stimulating hormone) and LH (leutinizing hormone) are responsible for menstrual cycles.  Estrogen and progesterone are also key in becoming pregnant and staying pregnant.

The actual word progesterone it tells what it does: "pro"- meaning supporting and "gesterone"- meaning gestation or pregnancy.

What does progeaterone use?

Progesterones normally work to stimulate uterine glands to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.  When there is no pregnancy and menstruation occurs, it's the lowered progesterone level right before our periods that cause the bleeding.  Progesterones have been used for years in infertility treatment and to replace the natural progesterone in women with premature ovarian failure.

• Progesterones are used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding and for contraception in birth control pills and in Depo-Provera injections. They are also used to protect the uterus from overgrowth of cells when used for hormone replacement therapy.
• Any woman, with an intact uterus, taking estrogen as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) should also be taking some form of progesterone.  They can be prescribed for treatment of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
• Progesterones are also very effective in helping quiet the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause ( hotflashes, sleep disturbances etc...)
• Progesterones, used as fertility treatments, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or in birth control pills, can be either natural or synthetic  meaning made in the lab).
• Natural progesterones, when taken by mouth, rapidly break down when they reach the liver for metabolism. This used to be a problem because by the time the natural progesterone reached the liver most of the active components were inactive.  This meant the woman was not receiving the correct amount of progesterone.

Synthetic progesterones
In the early nineteen thirties synthetic progesterones (sometimes called progestins) were made to prevent this problem and increase the progesterones' effectiveness .  Today there are over 10 kinds of synthetic progesterones (or progestins).  They are found in combination with estrogen in birth control pills (for example Loestrin), in HRT ( for example Premphase, Prempro) and separately as in Provera.

Micronized progesterone
Within the last 5 years a new form of progesterone's been made. Micronized progesterone is a form of natural progesterone that is in particle form. Micronized means "chopped up".  This makes it easier for the body to use the progesterone.
Prometrium (oral micronized progesterone)

Progestins are progesterones.
They only slightly differ in composition, both do the same jobs.  Recent research ( after 19995) has indicated that progestin used in HRT may reduce the positive effects that estrogen (also a part of HRT) has on cholesterol.  Natural micronized progesterones like Prometrium do not have this effect on cholesterol.

Natural Progesterone Cream
Should you use it?
John Lee, M.D., is a well-known advocate of the benefits of natural progesterone. He has several very popular books and many women follow his advice. He recommends natural progesterone cream to balance your hormones, eliminate premenopausal symptoms, and make you feel better. His therapy is based on the theory of "Estrogen Dominance." What is the scientific evidence supporting the theory of "Estrogen Dominance"? We asked several respected authors in the field about Dr. Lee's theory and present their opinions. What do you think and what experience have you had?
Find out more.

What is Premphase?
Premphase contains both Premarin and a progesterone. The estrogen is taken every day. The progestin is added to the estrogen pill for the last two 2 weeks of the menstrual cycle. This is done so that it most closely resembles the normal menstrual cycle

Meet the Author
Larrian Gillespie, MD
"The Menopause Diet"
FREE recipe & FREE book excerpt,
"Female, Fat, and Forty
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Millions of women in perimenopause and menopause ask themselves in frustration, "Why am I gaining weight when I'm still eating the same amounts of food and continue my exercise program?" Her books work hand in hand for any woman in her forties who is trying to lose weight and feel great.  Dr. Gillespie recipe's are delicious and easy to prepare.  Her book The Menopause Diet is excellent and educates us to how our body actually works against us during perimenopause/menopause. Find out more.