Progesterone - Nutritionist Blog

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Progesterone

Progesterone is a female sex hormone and belongs to a group of steroid hormones called progestogens. Progesterone is essential for ovulation, fertility and pregnancy. It is at it highest in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone isn’t just important for hormonal health, it has key benefits for the body. Every month a high dose of progesterone is stimulated, this is natural and a beneficial part of our cycle.

  • Progesterone promotes a feeling of calm therefore helping feelings of anxiety or stress.

  • It boosts energy levels.

  • Reduces inflammation.

  • Regulates immune function.

  • It also supports thyroid function, brain and bone health.

Progesterone deficiency is common among women, this means that we have lower than ideal levels of progesterone. It was stated that 50% of women may have an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. If progesterone is absent or levels are too low, irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding can occur. A drop in progesterone during pregnancy can result in a miscarriage and early labour. Lack of progesterone in the bloodstream can mean the ovary has failed to release an egg at ovulation.

It has been stated that ovulation is a creator of good health and long term benefits include reduces risk of heart disease, dementia and osteoporosis. This really highlights how important progesterone is for ovulation and for our health.

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Nutrients that help with healthy progesterone levels are

-          Zinc and Vitamin c

-          Magnesium

-          Vitamin b6

Foods that help progesterone include

  • Fats found in salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts and butter. Foods that contains healthy fats and cholesterol is necessary for the synthesis of pregnenolone which is the precursor to progesterone.  Women who need to balance and support hormones require 2 tablespoons of healthy fats at every meal.

  • Zinc is found in oysters, beef, lamb, pork, egg, yolks, pumpkin seeds, chili powder and oats.

  • Magnesium is found in dark leafy greens including vegetables, almonds and brown rice.

  • Vitamin b6 is found in fish, chicken, eggs, bananas and walnuts.

Lifestyle

-          Make sure you work on your sleep with the optimal amount of 8 hours a night.

-          Reduced stress as cortisol our stress hormone suppresses progesterone production.

-          Restorative yoga to stimulates the soothing nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system).

For a healthy menstrual cycle optimal production and balance of hormones including progesterone and estrogen is indispensable. For a consultation and guidance for you hormonal health contact Vanessa today.