Keeping your hormones working harmoniously is one of the best things you can do for your body as these chemical messengers influence nearly every cell, organ, and bodily function. Progesterone is one of the most important female hormones, helping to regulate everything from the menstrual cycle and sexual functioning to mood, metabolism, and bone health. Continue reading for tips about maintaining a healthy progesterone balance that will keep you feeling strong and active.
Why Does Progesterone Imbalance Occur?
During menopause, the female body begins to slow production of essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone to signal the end of the fertile period of a woman's life. As a result of this drastic drop in hormone production, she begins to experience the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and a loss of libido. Fortunately there are some changes you can make to help curb these symptoms:
Eat Right
A well-balanced diet is an important part of any woman's life, but especially those going through the menopausal transition. Introduce progesterone-boosting foods like chicken, nuts, and whole grains into your diet to help boost your immune system and stimulate your metabolism. You may also want to take a vitamin such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 or vitamin C to supplement your diet.
Exercise
Maintaining a regular exercise regimen helps to improve blood circulation to the glands and boost production of mood-enhancing endorphins. Low-impact activities like walking or yoga are great options for women looking to maintain an active lifestyle without overdoing it.
Consider an Herbal Supplement
The phytoestrogens contained in many herbal supplements help to stabilize levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. That's because phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Thus, they can block estrogens when progesterone levels are deficient or act as a replacement for estrogen when natural progesterone is high.
Red clover is a common choice for treating acne caused by progesterone dominance. Ginkgo biloba contains antioxidants that bolster the immune system and ginseng functions as an energy and libido booster in menopausal women.
Recommendation
A surplus or a deficiency of progesterone can trigger uncomfortable side effects in women. It is important to educate yourself about how to handle progesterone imbalance by following the links below.