Natural Progesterone Treatment

Though traditional hormone treatments are still a common remedy for menopause, many women are turning to alternative methods to address menopausal symptoms. During menopause, hormonal imbalances affecting estrogen and progesterone are most common. Natural progesterone treatment does not require a prescription and can help even out hormone levels in the body.

Identification

• Progesterone is responsible for regulating estrogen levels and the overall hormonal balance within a woman's system. As women age, the amount of progesterone in the body decreases substantially. As a result, estrogen levels remain unchecked, which leads to the menopausal symptoms so many experience. Natural progesterone formulas are based on the hormone that's produced by the body. Compared with synthetic brands, the natural chemical is more easily recognized and accepted by the body, meaning long-term side effects are reduced and symptom management is more likely.

Function

• As a woman ages, she is less likely to produce eggs within her menstrual cycles. This is a gradual occurrence. Progesterone hormones are made available only when ovulation occurs, so when no egg is produced, progesterone levels remain low throughout a woman's cycle. Progesterone works to balance the body's chemistry because it is a building block for other needed steroids, such as estriol, estrone and estradiol, as well as the body's adrenal cortical hormones. When progesterone is low, estrogen takes over and throws the body out of whack.

Options

• Natural progesterone treatment can be administered in different ways. Extended-release tablets, creams and gels are the most common modes of treatment. Extended-release tablets allow consistent levels of progesterone to remain in the bloodstream, which helps ease symptoms and prevent irregular menstrual cycles and spotting. Creams and gels are applied to the skin and absorbed into the fat cells. From there they enter the bloodstream. Both creams and gels must be applied consistently to be effective.

Effects

• Side effects from the use of natural progesterone vary depending on a woman's body chemistry. They may include acne at the start of treatment, possible spotting during the start of menopause, irregular menstrual cycles and increased cramping. Since this hormone is a natural complement to estrogen, additional estrogen therapy is usually unnecessary. Natural progesterone can be obtained online or from a drugstore, but it's always best to discuss options with your physician when considering any course of treatment.

Warning

• Upon first starting natural progesterone treatments, large dosages are typically administered to make up for low levels and restore the body's natural balance. This initial period runs anywhere from three to six months. Once balance has been restored, continuing large dosages may begin shutting down progesterone receptors, making further treatments ineffective. Menopausal symptoms such as bloating, depression and hot flashes may reoccur as estrogen levels increase. When symptoms arise, reducing the treatment dosage will help restore hormonal balance.