Author: Bob Brensel | President, Pharmacist | ScriptWorks
Bob Brensel, RPh, earned his Pharmacy Degree at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California in 1980. Former California Pharmacists Association’s Award Winner for Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Compounding Pharmacy. Read More →
Compounded progesterone therapy is becoming an increasingly popular option for women seeking relief from a range of symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. While traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a mainstay for decades, compounded progesterone may offer a number of unique benefits that make it an attractive option for many women.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of these potential benefits of compounded progesterone therapy in women.
Natural Hormone Replacement
According to an article by Cui et al., they found that compounded progesterone therapy is a natural form of hormone replacement.
Progesterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body, and compounded progesterone is derived from natural sources, such as yams. This means that the body recognizes and processes the hormone in the same way it would if it were producing it naturally. This is in contrast to synthetic hormones, which are derived from chemical sources and may not be recognized by the body in the same way.
Reduced Side Effects
Another potential benefit of compounded progesterone therapy is that it may have fewer side effects compared to traditional HRT. Many women experience side effects such as breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings when taking synthetic hormones. Compounded progesterone, on the other hand, is more easily metabolized by the body, which may lead to a reduction in side effects.
Improved Sleep
Progesterone plays an important role in regulating sleep, and many women who struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality may benefit from compounded progesterone therapy. Studies have shown that progesterone improves sleep quality and reduces the frequency of nighttime awakenings, which can help women feel more rested and energized during the day.
Reduced Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be accompanied by a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Compounded progesterone therapy may help reduce these symptoms and improve overall quality of life for women going through menopause. By restoring hormonal balance, women may experience less severe symptoms and feel more like themselves.
Improved Bone Health
Progesterone plays an important role in maintaining bone health, and women who have low levels of progesterone may be at an increased risk of osteoporosis. According to an article by Prior, compounded progesterone therapy may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in women who are at risk for osteoporosis.
Compounded Progesterone Therapy in a Nutshell
In conclusion, compounded progesterone therapy offers a number of potential benefits for women seeking relief from hormonal imbalances. By providing a natural form of hormone replacement with reduced side effects, improved sleep, reduced menopause symptoms, and improved bone health, compounded progesterone therapy may help women feel more balanced and in control of their health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, it may be worth exploring the benefits of compounded progesterone therapy with your healthcare provider.
Contact The Bay Area’s expert female hormone replacement pharmacy, ScriptWorks, today to learn more. We’re proud to work with California’s top medical practitioners and their patients.
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Walnut Creek, California 94598
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Commonly Asked Questions about Progesterone Therapy for Postmenopausal Women
EXPERT INSIGHT FROM PHARMACIST BOB BRENSEL
I get asked from time to time by women why they still get benefits from progesterone even if they are no longer cycling?
This is a great question. Typically, Natural progesterone levels rise in women during the last half of their menstrual cycle. This continues from puberty thru premenopause. When a women starts to age around 30 to 35 they typically don’t make as much hormones like estradiol, progesterone, dhea, and testosterone. As a matter of fact, they make about 90% less progesterone at menopause.
So if a woman is no longer having a cycle why does she need Progesterone?
Well, she might not, but there are many progesterone receptors in the brain which account for benefits after menopause, including sleep and as a natural anti-depressant.
Metabolites of progesterone, particularly allopregnanolone, can have a calming effect on the brain and nervous system by potentiating the effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA moderates the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from the adrenal medulla thus lessening the initiation of the stress response within the adrenal glands. What this means is that Progesterone can have a calming effect on the brain and may help with sleeping.
Resources
Natural Hormone Replacement:
Stanczyk, F. Z. (2014). All progestins are not created equal. Steroids, 79, 8-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2013.10.011
Reduced Side Effects:
Holtorf, K. (2009). The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy? Postgraduate Medicine, 121(1), 73-85. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2009.01.1949
Improved Sleep:
Friess, E., Tagaya, H., Trachsel, L., Holsboer, F., & Rupprecht, R. (2001). Progesterone-induced changes in sleep in male subjects. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 280(4), E528-E536. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.1997.272.5.e885
Reduced Menopause Symptoms:
Stute, P., Neulen, J., Wildt, L., & Hornemann, A. (2012). The impact of progesterone on menopausal complaints: a prospective observational study. Climacteric, 15(4), 311-316. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2011.648987
Improved Bone Health:
Prior, J. C. (1990). Progesterone as a bone-trophic hormone. Endocrine Reviews, 11(2), 386-398. https://doi.org/10.1210/edrv-11-2-386