Progesterone

The other hormone that has master hormone functions is Progesterone. In the past, hormone control has emphasized oestrogen as the important hormone in HRT management, but in reality it is progesterone that is the master hormone. Progesterone is produced in the ovary after ovulation so that if you do not ovulate then you do not produce enough of it. It not only has its uses in influencing energy levels, mood levels, sexual function, stabilizing blood sugar, breaking down fat and protecting against endometrial and breast cancer, BUT it can also change into estrogen, testosterone, Cortisol and aldosterone as required!

It truly is a master hormone and as such should be given priority status when looking at hormone balancing. In the past we have done two things wrong in this regard: firstly we have given synthetic Progesterone (the synthetic form are called progestogens, the most common of which is Norethisterone) which can not be changed into the other hormones and has side effects as it does not fit snugly into the progesterone receptors. Secondly we have concentrated on estrogen replacement which again is a synthetic end-product often resulting in side-effects and a worsening cancer risk for the patient!

The typical patient would be a stressed 48 year old female complaining of flushes, low mood, decreased libido, no more get-up-and-go, swollen fingers, irregular periods and weight gain.

It is just as important with her as it was with our 45 year old male executive to look at all of her seven major hormones as there may be more than one that has declined with age. Replacing just natural progesterone if she also has a low DHEA or HGH will not completely sort out her symptoms. She will then think that the natural progesterone has not been good enough for her and will stop it, instead of continuing and adding whatever else is needed.

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