Progesterone is usually the most rapidly
declining hormone during menopause, with levels decreasing as
much as 75%. It causes females to become ‘estrogen dominant’
which means that level of estrogen in the body is significantly
higher than progesterone. Although there is more estrogen than
progesterone, there is still less estrogen in the body compared
to what you use to have when you were in your 20’s. Generally,
as women reach their 50’s, their estrogen declines about 30%.
Progesterone and synthetic MPA (medroxyprgesterone acetate) are
NOT equal. Progesterone is a bioidentical hormone. MPA contains
extra methyl group compared to progesterone, and this tiny
change in molecular structure makes a significant difference.
Products such as oral contraceptive pills, and products used in
hormone replacement therapy all contain MPA. MPA causes fluid
retention, breast tenderness, weight gain, and headache. MPA
does not promote cardiovascular protection. The only side effect
of progesterone is drowsiness.
Studies have found that supplemental progesterone can help
relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, headaches,
water retention, mood swings and breast tenderness. When taken
with bioidentical estrogens, progesterone has also shown to
reduce the risk of breast cancer that is associated with taking
estrogen. Progesterone and estrogen combined, may also prevent
heart attacks and lower LDL’s (the “bad” cholesterol).
