Progesterone Deficiency Treatment

During menopause, progesterone levels in a woman drop significantly. Much of the time, the female body quits producing the hormone altogether. Progesterone is essential to maintaining the menstrual cycle and aids in fertility and pregnancy. After menopause, this is an unnecessary hormone on a basic level. However, progesterone also counteracts water retention, works as a metabolic aid, preserves bone density, helps as an antidepressant and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

Function

• The main purpose of progesterone deficiency treatments is to relieve the effects of menopause. Certain simple solutions can help with day-to-day complications, while, occasionally, professional medical help is needed to relieve the symptoms.

Benefits

• Many of the treatment methods to help with progesterone deficiency are simple actions that benefit overall health as well. According to the Menopause Research Institute, it's important to make sure the person afflicted is getting enough rest, eating a diet low in fat and sugar, getting regular exercise and maintaining social relationships.

Features

• According to the U.K. Food Standards Agency, certain foods and herbs called phytoestrogens naturally produce estrogen and help stimulate the body to overcome the effects of progesterone deficiency. Foods like beans, berries, fruits, grains, roots and vegetables all contain phytoestrogens.

Significance

• Studies by the American Cancer Society have shown that non-estrogenic herbs such as macafem can provide benefits to the average woman who suffers from progesterone deficiency, much like it does for women with ovarian cancer. The herb also helps stimulate feminine hormone production.

Considerations

• A small percentage of women who do not find relief from the other forms of treatment should see a physician for other options. Most of the time, this involves a form of hormone replacement therapy in which pharmaceuticals are used to supplement the body's natural production levels.