Hormonal Imbalances (3/5): Progesterone - "The Mother" Archetype

May 18, 2020

Balances estrogen levels (to understand better, take a look at this article)

Takes care of preparing the endometrium to accommodate a possible pregnancy (secretory phase)

Also addresses the fact that estrogen does not cause the endometrium to "grow too much", and that progesterone protects the endometrium from cancer and improves symptoms in endometriosis

Increases body temperature and therefore metabolism

Helps the thyroid gland function properly

Helps eliminate excess fluids in the body (natural diuretic)

Has sedative, calming and stress relieving effects, which leads us to conclude that progesterone relieves the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Helps you sleep better

During pregnancy, it will stabilize the egg in the uterus while the placenta is created (first trimester)

Once the placenta is complete, progesterone will be produced internally, and will take care of preparing the breasts for lactation and helping the baby develop properly .

Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or significant restlessness before the onset of menstruation

Migraines before period

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) – you can’t do without Doliprane or Ibuprofen

Very heavy periods : if you use the menstrual cup, it is easier to measure. In general, it is considered "a lot" when you exceed 80ml of blood lost throughout your period. For towels and tampons, we can say that if you need to change it every 2 hours or even more than 5 per day.

Irregular cycle or one that becomes more frequent than usual.

Weight gain around the hips or water retention , especially before your period

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Endometrial fibroids, polyps or cysts

Fibrocysts in the breasts

Restless legs syndrome , or leg pain especially at night

Clumsiness or decreased coordination

Light sleep , the slightest noise wakes you up

Difficulty getting pregnant or miscarriages during the first trimester

Age : from the age of 35 until menopause , the quantity of eggs decreases , and therefore ovulation (no corpus luteum = not enough progesterone).

Decreased thyroid function : because enough thyroid glands are needed to produce pregnenolone (the mother hormone) and therefore progesterone

Stress : already mentioned before

Increased prolactin (lactation hormone): this is completely normal during breastfeeding, but not outside of this period.

Foods rich in vitamin C

Acerola
Pepper
Bell pepper
Thyme
Parsley
Kale
Kiwi
Broccoli
Lemons (citrus fruits)
Strawberries

Foods rich in zinc: it will help the pituitary gland secrete FSH hormones

Seafood
Nut
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, etc.)
Hemp seeds (3 tablespoons contain 43% of the RDA)
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Dark chocolate (minimum 80% cocoa)

Magnesium-Rich Foods: Which not only help keep progesterone levels balanced, but also reduce estrogen dominance

Dark chocolate (minimum 80% cocoa)
Lawyer
Oily fish: sardines, mackerel, etc.
Nut
Legumes
Bananas
Green vegetables

Stress Management - You can read tips for balancing cortisol

Having contact with others has been shown to increase salivary progesterone levels

Eat seaweed to support the thyroid gland (iodine intake)

Maintain a varied diet, as little processed and as healthy as possible.

Coffee and alcohol - no thanks! As already mentioned for cortisol, caffeine and alcohol will increase your cortisol and therefore destabilize progesterone levels.