What are the Benefits of Progesterone After Menopause?

Menopause is often viewed as a dreaded time in a woman’s life. While it is a completely natural process that comes with aging, (and also an inevitable one), there are certainly parts of it that are not fun. One big example of this is the halting of progesterone production.

Progesterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in women's reproductive health. After menopause, due to women's bodies stop producing progesterone, various health issues can occur.

First, though, how do low progesterone levels present themselves in women? What are the symptoms of low progesterone? Heavy bleeding, bloating, nausea, and mood swings are all symptoms of low progesterone in women. Additionally, low progesterone levels can lead to vaginal changes, such as dryness and discomfort during sex. This, in turn, affects sex drive and relationships for women.

Fortunately, in this day and age you do not have to experience all the drawbacks if you don’t want to. Supplementing with progesterone after menopause can provide several benefits.

Benefits of progesterone after menopause:

• Regulates sleep - Many women experience sleep disturbances during menopause. Progesterone can help regulate sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. By improving sleep quality, women wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Because lack of sleep can take a toll on many other parts of your life, progesterone for sleep is highly recommended.
• Reduces hot flashes - Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. They can be uncomfortable and disrupt daily activities. Progesterone can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by regulating body temperature and promoting relaxation.
• Boosts sex drive - Menopause can cause a decrease in libido due to hormonal changes. Progesterone can boost sex drive by increasing estrogen levels, improving vaginal lubrication, and reducing vaginal dryness.
• Balances hormones - Progesterone can help balance hormones during menopause by reducing estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an excess of estrogen in the body, leading to symptoms such as bloating and mood swings. Progesterone can counteract these symptoms by balancing estrogen levels and promoting hormonal harmony.
• Relieves bloating and nausea - Among other things, the hormonal imbalances during menopause can cause bloating and nausea. Progesterone can help reduce these symptoms by regulating digestion and promoting relaxation. It can also alleviate other gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
• Improves vaginal health - There are many vaginal changes during menopause, including dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse. Progesterone can improve vaginal health by promoting lubrication, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow to the area.

Ways to Take Progesterone

Now that you’ve heard the benefits, you’re probably wondering how to increase progesterone levels. There are several methods of treatment for low progesterone. Pills, creams, injections, vaginal suppositories, and pellets are the most common methods. The best way varies person to person, depending on personal preferences, medical history, and any underlying health conditions. Progesterone therapy is not a one size fits all, but there is an option for everyone.

In addition, there are things you can do to help promote an increase of progesterone naturally. Progesterone can also be increased naturally by incorporating certain foods and supplements into your diet. Nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains are all foods that increase progesterone, while also having tons of other health benefits. Supplements such as vitamin B6 and magnesium can also help boost levels naturally.

It is important to discuss the best option for you on how to boost progesterone with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the appropriate dosage and method of administration based on your individual needs. Additionally, regular check-ups with your healthcare professional can help ensure that progesterone therapy is effective and safe for you.

Signs of Too Much Progesterone

While progesterone is beneficial, too much of it can cause negative side effects if you’re not careful. Drowsiness, mood swings, and breast tenderness can all be caused by an overproduction of progesterone. While none of these are life threatening, it's still important to speak with a professional about the appropriate dose.

Conclusion

Progesterone can provide many benefits to women after menopause, from regulating sleep to improving vaginal health. Progesterone therapy can be used to treat low progesterone levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Natural methods such as incorporating certain foods and supplements into your diet can also help efforts to boost progesterone levels. It's important to speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your individual needs. You don’t have to suffer - the best time to take progesterone is now.