Why I Love Progesterone, And I Hope You Will, Too!

Mar 5

Ladies, I want to tell you why I love natural progesterone!

I have a deep appreciation for estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone—each for different reasons. But today, I’m focusing on why progesterone, in particular, stands out.

You may have heard the term “progestin.” Progestins are synthetic forms of progesterone, like medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera). While they mimic some effects of progesterone, they don’t match the natural structure of the hormone your body produces. I prefer to avoid progestins whenever possible.

On the other hand, oral micronized progesterone (OMP) is bioidentical (or body-identical), meaning it is chemically identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries. This is the type of progesterone I love and want to highlight today!

I recently came across an insightful article by Memi et al. (2024) in Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders. The study highlighted several significant benefits of OMP. Key takeaways include OMP’s ability to alleviate anxiety and depression, improve sleep (a game-changer for many women), and even boost working memory.

Here’s a quick breakdown of just a few reasons why progesterone is a powerhouse hormone:

Neuroprotective Properties: Progesterone helps protect the brain, particularly in conditions like neurodegenerative diseases. It does this by modulating GABA-A receptors, which reduce inflammation and neuronal excitability.
Better Sleep: Progesterone has a calming effect - improving sleep quality. This is particularly beneficial for women experiencing sleep disruptions during perimenopause and menopause.
Memory & Cognitive Function: By interacting with GABA-A receptors and other pathways, progesterone supports memory consolidation and cognitive function.
Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Progesterone plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle by balancing estrogen's effects and regulating cycles. For women struggling with PMS or PMDD, progesterone can help stabilize hormonal fluctuations. It’s amazing for supporting those who suffer from heavy periods, and for managing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Menopause: When women choose hormone replacement therapy in menopause, progesterone helps keep estrogen from causing uterine hyperplasia. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, progesterone can still provide so many great benefits!
Reference: Memi, E., Pavli, P., Papagianni, M., Vrachnis, N., & Mastorakos, G. (2024). Diagnostic and therapeutic use of oral micronized progesterone in endocrinology. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders, 25(4), 751–772. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-024-09882-0