Progesterone is a steroidal hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal cortices of non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Natural progesterone is derived from the roots of Mexican yams, soybeans and some animal ovaries. Although natural progesterone and the progesterone produced in the human body are identical, natural progesterone must be extracted and synthesized (as progestin) before it can be administered. Natural progesterone can be taken orally, by injection or, most commonly, topically with a gel or creme.
Menopause
Women going through menopause experience various physical symptoms that are triggered by hormonal changes and imbalances occurring in the body during this time. Natural progesterone therapy treats some symptoms of menopause, such as managing the severity of hot flashes and protection against osteoporosis and bone loss. Hormone replacement therapies including natural progesterone are typically administered via a creme applied to the face, neck or chest or vaginally.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual cycle in a woman of reproductive age. Primary amenorrhea is the lack of menstrual periods by the age of 16 years. Secondary amenorrhea is a cessation of periods for three or more months for reasons other than pregnancy in otherwise healthy women. There are many causes for secondary amenorrhea, including stress, certain contraceptives and medications and hormonal imbalances. The Food and Drug Administration has approved orally administered natural progesterone as a treatment for secondary amenorrhea that is thought to be caused by a hormonal imbalance.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is any uterine bleeding not related to menses or an underlying medical condition. The most common cause for dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the absence of ovulation and typically occurs at either the beginning (adolescence) and end (periomenopause) of a woman's reproductive life. Progestational agents, sometimes in combination with estrogen, can correct the bleeding. If the bleeding isn't corrected by the administration of natural progesterone hormone treatment, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is not the cause of the bleeding and other causes should be explored.
Contraception
Women who cannot take estrogen can rely on progesterone-only contraceptives but must be diligent in complying with dosage instructions. Emergency contraceptives containing only progestin are considered more effective than contraceptives that are a combination of estrogen and progesterone and also cause fewer side effects.
Progesterone-only contraceptives can be inserted, injected or taken orally. Oral progestin-only contraceptives have been approved by the World Health Organization for use by women who suffer from diabetes, obesity or hypertension or are at risk for developing blood clots.
Tags: uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, natural progesterone, Natural progesterone, natural progesterone, secondary amenorrhea