Progesterone

Progesterone and estrogen are hormones naturally produced by women that provide a powerhouse duo of effects. Not only do they act as messengers to crucial bodily systems, but they also create biochemical reactions that prevent the negative effects of the aging process. When working synergistically with estrogen, progesterone balances it and promotes optimal female health.

As we get older, hormone levels decrease, especially after menopause. When women undergo hormone therapy to bring progesterone and estrogen levels back to their optimal levels, this slows the downward spiral of aging and allows them to feel revitalized, strong and healthy. Other positive benefits include:

• Prompts new bone growth
• Promotes healthy heart function
• Boosts overall mood
• Provides feelings of well-being
• Eliminates hot flashes and night sweats

While there is no specific age for women to start hormone therapy for aging, starting these treatments before turning 60 or as soon as menopause symptoms start can help you enjoy optimal results. In some circumstances, you could even start taking the progesterone hormone during the perimenopausal phase, which is usually 12 months after your last period and before menopause starts.

Progesterone hormone capsules for women are all-natural capsules smaller than a Tic Tac. They are inserted under the skin, mimicking the progesterone naturally produced by the human body. Most progesterone used in hormone replacement therapy is synthetic, and this artificially formed hormone can cause negative side effects to the female body. At Synergy Wellness Center we only use “bio-identical” progesterone capsules, meaning that they precisely copy the molecular structure of the natural hormone. When your body metabolizes the capsules, side effects are minimized.

The insertion process of progesterone hormone capsules is straightforward and relatively painless, taking only a matter of minutes. Usually, the capsule is placed under the skin either in the hip area or lower abdomen. As it remains in the body, it releases consistent doses of progesterone over the course of three to six months.

Progesterone helps counteract the side effects of menopause, but these hormone capsules are not just for women going through this phase of life. Women of any age can benefit from this procedure. Combined with estrogen, you may experience a number of improvements:

• PMS symptoms decreased
• Concentration and memory improved
• Depression and anxiety lessened
• Healthier skin tone and hair texture
• Increased sex drive
• Better sleep at night
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and many other conditions

The number of times and days you take progesterone hormone capsules depends on the schedule you and your physician agree on. It is also affected by how long you’ve been experiencing menopause symptoms, such as whether you are at the beginning of the process or a few years in.

Many individuals undergoing progesterone hormone therapy may insert capsules regularly for 10 to 12 weeks during a cyclical hormone therapy treatment. Others may choose to participate in continuous hormone therapy, which involves taking progesterone hormone capsules daily without a break. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment schedule for your desired results.

The relationship between progesterone and estrogen should be viewed as a lifelong partnership. They balance each other out to create a synergistic effect that promotes optimal female health. In some ways, these two hormones could be seen as the yin and yang of the female body. Because they complement each other, you should consider opting for both progesterone and estrogen hormone therapy, as they work together to improve your overall quality of life.

If you decide to undergo progesterone hormone capsules therapy, the side effects are extremely mild and can be easily managed. Some of the common effects associated with the use of progesterone resemble puberty, like excess hair growth and acne. Other results may include breast tenderness or water weight gain, which both resolve over time.

You may experience some discomfort or slight bruising at your insertion site after the procedure. There’s also a small risk of infection.

Progesterone can have a sedative effect, making you sleepy after taking it, so many physicians recommend taking your capsule before bed. The hormone’s drowsy effect makes it easier for you to fall asleep at night. Plus, taking it before bed ensures you stay safe during the day without the risk of falling asleep.

Although some patients feel the positive effects brought about by bioidentical progesterone capsules in the first day or two, most start noticing changes within a week or two. Patients report having more energy, sleeping better and feeling happier.

While there is no limit to how long women should take hormone capsules for aging, most usually stop once their menopausal symptoms subside. Before stopping your progesterone hormone therapy, talk with your doctor to ensure you get the full experience of the hormone’s age management benefits.