In our society, relative estrogen excess and progesterone deficiency is a common hormonal imbalance, thanks to manmade chemicals in the environment that mimic estrogen in the body, the use of synthetic estrogens (hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills), stress, poor diet, and other negative lifestyle factors. An estrogen/progesterone imbalance is linked to a higher incidence of breast and endometrial cancers, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PMS, a short luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle), infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, and menstrual irregularities. Low progesterone levels may also be associated with some menopausal symptoms.
Two basic approaches can be used to address this hormonal imbalance-reduce total estrogen levels or encourage the body to increase progesterone levels. Although there are several ways to do both, some women opt for a natural approach by using botanical medicines.
Useful Herbs
Until menopause is complete, herbs may help stimulate the body's production of progesterone. (The ovaries cease to function after menopause and stop producing progesterone.)
The herb Vitex agnus castus, or chaste tree, increases progesterone production through its activity with the neurotransmitter dopamine. This may only occur at a significant level in women who have deficient luteal phases due to high levels of the hormone prolactin. While further studies are needed to clarify this issue, there is some evidence that chaste tree increases progesterone production under some circumstances. In Germany, low-dose levels of 30 to 40 mg are taken as tablets or capsules. Other acceptable doses are 1 to 5 ml of a 1:5 tincture or 500 mg tablets of ordinary vitex (a nonextract form). Consult a healthcare practitioner to determine the proper dosage.
In a balanced, randomized, cross-over study, daily intake of 10 g of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) caused a slight increase in progesterone production in healthy premenopausal women. More statistically significant was the relative shift in the luteal phase estrogen/progesterone ratio towards progesterone. This is a favorable finding since many female-specific disorders, including breast cancer, may arise from estrogen overexposure in the premenopausal years. Supplemental flax also significantly increased the length of the luteal phase by an average of 1.2 days.
Flaxseed contains lignans, which act as phytoestrogens, and it is possible that other plants containing these types of phytoestrogens will act in a similar way. However, it must be stressed that this is a relative effect, rather than a direct influence on progesterone levels per se.
The Wild Yam Debate
The use of wild yam (Dioscorea barbasco), particularly in creams, has become confused with natural progesterone cream. Although wild yam is molecularly identical to progesterone and will convert to the hormone in a laboratory setting, research on both oral and topical wild yam extract shows that it does not convert to progesterone in the body. However, wild yam helps relax smooth muscles, has a mild diuretic effect, and may be effective for some menopausal symptoms.
True natural progesterone cream, on the other hand, is usually extracted from soy. USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) on the label denotes a government-recognized standard of purity and strength that classifies progesterone as the highest quality available. It also differentiates it from synthetic progestins or progestogens. While these creams may provide benefits, it's important to use them only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Using too much cream can actually contribute to a hormonal imbalance rather than repair it.
Creating and Maintaining Balance by Holly Lucille, ND, RN ($12.95, IMPAKT Health, 2004) "Effect of flax seed ingestion on the menstrual cycle" by W. R. Phipps et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1993 Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone ($100, Churchill Livingstone, 2000)
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Did you know women in other countries experience very little menopausal symptoms? Why is that? Women in other countries tend to be more physically active than women in industrialized countries. Daily exercise can diminish hot flashes while improving bone density. |
A nutritious diet and a diligent fitness regime are all it takes to get through the discomfort of menopause. |
