Edge With Supplements

Menopause - Taking the Edge Off With Supplements
By Fred Fishburne

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is one of two main hormones, the other being estrogen. Progesterone is made by the ovaries of menstruating women, in small amounts in the adrenal glands in both sexes and in the testes in males. In the ovaries, progesterone is the precursor of estrogen. Progesterone is carried in the blood stream, where it is either used or excreted by the liver. One of the main functions of progesterone is to promote the survival and development of the embryo and fetus. Any drop in progesterone level or blockage of its receptor sites can result in the loss of the embryo.

In the third trimester of pregnancy progesterone levels are very high. Many women notice increased energy and a sense of well being. At birth progesterone levels drop suddenly causing in some women postpartum depression. Natural progesterone supplementation can be used at this time to raise progesterone levels to remedy depression and as a thermogenic to help burn off fat that occurred during pregnancy. Slow thyroid glands also can be boosted with progesterone. (See the article on Estrogen - Progesterone Balance for more benefits of progesterone.)

Herbal Supplements have also shown good success in relieving hormone imbalance symptoms. Black Cohosh has been used by many women as an alternative to HRT with out complications. Black Cohosh acts like estrogen in that it suppresses the effects of L.H. (luteinizing hormone) which are hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. The most popular ways to take black cohosh is by capsule or liquid extract. Black cohosh should not be taken by pregnant women unless it is used at the end to induce labor.