UNDERSTANDING NATURAL PROGESTERONE The female body is a fluctuation of key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This fluctuation is a frequent constant in a woman's life. During the childbearing years, which typically occurs between age 12 and age 50, these two hormones perform some sort of cyclical dance; for the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, estrogen is dominant. During ovulation this changes and then progesterone leads. Menopause is a time when there is a hormonal shift. Menopause typically commences around age fifty, although its first symptoms may occur in the mid to late forties. Most women experience gradual cycle changes before the period ceases altogether, such as, more or less bleeding and shorter or longer cycles. However, in some cases, the menstrual period can stop rather abruptly. Due to the fluctuation in the hormonal balance, there are symptoms which are experienced - hot flashes, dizziness, heart palpitations, mood swings, depression, and sexual disinterest. Additionally, osteoporosis begins with the hormonal changes of menopause. With the need to create balance during this time, there is a need for a natural choice - Natural USP Progesterone. WHAT IS PROGESTERONE? Progesterone is one o the two primary hormones produced in a woman's body. Its more famous counterpart is estrogen. Maintaining adequate levels of progesterone in the body is critical to hormonal balance. WHAT IS PROGESTERONE'S ROLE IN THE BODY? Progesterone is made in the ovaries. When a woman's cycle is functioning correctly, estrogen is the dominant hormone during the first two weeks after the start of her menstrual cycle. In response to ovulation, estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels rise and assume the dominance reaching a peak for the final two weeks of the month. When the progesterone levels drop, the menstrual cycle begins in about 48 hours. Progesterone is a key component in the ultimate formation of estrogen and testosterone. Therefore, inadequate progesterone can result in lower levels of these hormones which have been known to cause stress and loss of libido, among other physical side effects. WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM PROGESTERONE THERAPY? Women of all ages, including those who suffer from PMS problems such as cramps and water retention, can benefit from progesterone. It can also help those who suffer from peri-menopause, and post-menopause symptoms such as lost libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and uterine fibroid tumors. Some medical researchers also contend that natural progesterone therapy my reduce the risk of breast cancer and reverse the effects of osteoporosis. WHY NOT SUBSTITUTE MEXICAN WILD YAM FOR THE BENEFITS OF PROGESTERONE? Wild Yams "do not" contain progesterone. Some yams do contain a sapogenin called diosgenin which was, at one time, thought to be converted by the body to progesterone, but that has not been substantiated. This herb can be applied to the skin but purchasers are advised to be wary of any yam cream offered as a progesterone creme unless the true contents are declared in milligrams and labeled United States Pharmacopia (USP) Progesterone. WHAT IS ESTROGEN DOMINANCE AND WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH PROGESTERONE THERAPY? This condition occurs when progesterone levels fail to reach the normal 20-25 mg during the final two weeks of a woman's monthly cycle. As a result, estrogen is unopposed for the entire month thereby causing unbalanced hormone ratios. Recently, medical practitioners and researchers of progesterone have discovered a consistent theme in women's complaints associated with PMS and menopause. These women experience "estrogen dominance" or too much estrogen, in relationship to the amount of progesterone in their bodies. The following symptoms indicate estrogen dominance: water retention, breast swelling, fibrocystic breasts, PMS, depression, loss of libido, heavy or irregular menses, craving for sweets, weight gain and fat disposition at hips and thighs. It has been discovered that women who experience PMS and unpleasant symptoms of menopause usually have too little progesterone when compared to estrogen.