The Overlooked Importance of Progesterone in Women’s Health

Progesterone, sometimes demonized by traditional health practitioners, may alleviate some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women.

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Often overshadowed by its hormonal counterpart, estrogen, progesterone may be the unsung hero of women’s health.

This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating estrogen’s effects, potentially alleviating symptoms of menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and other common health issues. As experts challenge the estrogen-centric approach to women’s wellness, a growing body of research suggests that progesterone deserves more attention.

The Interplay of Estrogen and Progesterone

Progesterone was initially named due to its prevalence during pregnancy because it supports gestation, helping the fertilized egg implant in the uterus, creating a receptive uterine lining for the embryo, and strengthening the pelvic wall muscles. However, that is not the hormone’s only function. One of the primary roles of progesterone is to modulate the mitogenic or proliferative effects of estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for cellular division and growth, which accounts for the development of a young woman’s body as she undergoes puberty, such as widening hips, breast development, and the triggering of menstruation. But too much of it can wreak havoc on a woman’s hormonal balance, resulting in everything from breast cancer to hair loss to acne.