Holistic Approach to Treating Low Progesterone Levels

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries to help prepare the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg leading to pregnancy. This hormone is a crucial element in conception and in the development of the embryo.

Causes of Low Progesterone

• Low progesterone level could lead to an aborted pregnancy. There are many factors that could cause this fall in the hormone count: stress, unhealthy diet, estrogen dominance in the body, lack of exercise, menopause and some medications, to cite the most common.

Symptoms

• When the level of progesterone falls, some of the following symptoms may be observed:
  • Hot flashes
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Depression
  • Fibrocystic breasts
  • Weight gain
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Infertility
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Low blood sugar
  • Panic attacks
  • Water retention
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory loss
  Considering the importance of progesterone in development of the embryo, it is important that an accurate count of the progesterone level is made, so that a suitable preventive and corrective treatment can be initiated.

A Holistic Approach

• A holistic approach should consider the psychological, physical, spiritual, social and environmental needs of the patient. What treatment is needed? Given the progesterone count, what correction should be introduced? Is there a need for progesterone therapy? If so, the patient must be reminded of the importance of proceeding correctly with the therapy.
  Additionally, for a holistic approach to succeed, the patient must be aware of these important activities:
  • monitoring hormone reading
  • cycle charting
  • controlling stress levels
  • reducing exposure to toxins via a regular liver detox
  • engaging in regular exercise
  • maintaining the ideal height-weight ratio
  • keeping colon in check
  • avoidance of refined and processed food
  • taking supplements regularly
  • drinking 8-10 glasses of water
  • avoiding caffeine
  • relaxation/meditation
  The other angle to a holistic approach is the openness to treatment methods. Of course, there's conventional medicine employing synthetic drugs and other preparations. Then there is alternative medicine that promotes the use of non-drugs for treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) makes use of herbal medicines derived from the roots, barks, flowers and fruits of medicinal plants to treat disorders in the body, including hormonal imbalance. It also promotes acupuncture to release the body from pain and stress.

Naturopathy and Aromatherapy

• Another treatment type is naturopathy, a discipline that believes in the body's ability to heal itself. It uses food, exercise and heat to assist the body in its natural healing process.

  And, of course, there's aromatherapy, a method that believes in the healing power of essential oils when massaged to the parts of the body that are distressed.