What Can You Naturally Do for Low Progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by your ovaries that affects your reproductive system, breasts and general growth and development. Progesterone is also the precursor of other hormones, including cortisol. Additionally, progesterone plays a role in pregnancy, menstrual cycles and mood behavior. You can naturally increase low progesterone levels through your diet and herbal supplementation. However, you should speak with a medical professional about the best way to treat low progesterone, and you should not take any herbal supplement without first speaking with a licensed medical professional.

Low Progesterone

According to “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause,” menopause is the primary cause of low progesterone levels 3. Once you reach menopause, your ovaries start lowering the production of sex hormones such as progesterone. Lower progesterone levels can cause side effects such as:

• irregular periods
  
• vaginal dryness
  
• decreased fertility
  
• sleep disturbances
  
• hot flashes
  
• increased abdominal fat
  
• mood swings
  
• loss of breast fullness
  
• thinning hair

Other symptoms of low progesterone include

• acne
  
• anxiety
  
• dry eyes
  
• panic attacks
  
• mood swings
  
• muscle spasms
  
• constipation
  
• fatigue
  
• insomnia
  
• water retention
  
• high cholesterol

Additional causes of low progesterone include high estrogen levels, stress, diet, nutrition and exercise.

Food that Helps Raise Progesterone Levels

How to Lower Progesterone & Estrogen

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Turmeric is found in curry, and according to “Natural Hormone Balance for Women,” eating curry can help to increase your progesterone levels. Additionally, the spices thyme and oregano have the same property, and can raise your estrogen levels. Further, foods that contain vitamin B-6 can help maintain the estrogen-progesterone balance in your body. Foods that contain vitamin B-6 include walnuts, whole grains, fortified cereals and soy milk. Cherries, chicken, red meat and wild yams are also good boosters of progesterone.

Herbal Supplements that Raise Progesterone Levels

Herbal supplements that can increase your progesterone levels include phytoestrogenic herbs and non-estrogenic herbs. Phytoestrogenic herbs contain phytoestrogens, a plant-derived hormone that has properties similar to estrogen. Non-estrogenic supplements, on the other hand, have the ability to stimulate your hormonal glands to work more efficiently. According to “Dr. John Lee’s Hormone Balance Made Simple,” the Peruvian root called maca induces optimal function in your pituitary and endocrine glands, stimulating natural progesterone production. Additionally, the herbs chasteberry and black cohosh can also increase progesterone levels in your body. Don't take any of these herbs without your doctor's approval.

Considerations

Foods That Reduce the Production of the Androgen Hormones

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You have to take great care when treating low progesterone levels. Hormone imbalances in your body can react very sensitively to supplementation and have powerful effects on your body. Currently available clinical research does not support using natural herbs and foods to treat low progesterone levels. You should, therefore, always consult a doctor before treating low progesterone levels naturally, and only proceed with a natural treatment under the supervision of a physician.