While hormone replacement therapy has received some publicity lately due to some of its side effects, the benefits of  the bioidentical hormone progesterone have become increasingly apparent. For women suffering from menopausal symptoms, bioidentical progesterone could be a solution, not only because of its proven efficacy, but also because of its safety.

What most people do not realize is that progesterone itself is a highly protective hormone. Throughout a woman’s lifetime, it protects brain cells and optimizes neurological health, helps regulate glandular function, decreases cortisol production, and helps the body cope with stress.

When progesterone levels naturally decrease as a side effect of aging, symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, and damage to bones and skin may occur.

Whereas in the past, an oestrogen deficiency was commonly blamed for these symptoms, studies have shown that a progesterone decrease, which causes a hormone imbalance, is the most likely culprit. However, since artificial progestogen (the chemical found in pharmaceutical HRT) replacement does have some side effects, a more suitable remedy is bioidenticalprogesterone.

A recent study has demonstrated remarkable statistics for the benefits of bioidentical progesterone. In women taking it:

• Thirty percent reported a decrease in sleep difficulties
• Fifty percent reported a decrease in anxiety symptoms
• Sixty percent reported a decrease in symptoms of depression
• Forty percent reported improved cognitive functioning
• Thirty percent reported an improvement in sexual function

Bioidentical progesterone has also been shown to improve metabolism, bone density, and skin health. In addition, the bioidentical hormone progesterone replacement has no proven side effects except for sleepiness. This, of course, makes nightly dosing an optimal choice!

If you suffer from menopausal symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement could be the answer. Your practitioner can test your hormone levels through a saliva sample to determine exactly which dose is right for you. Often, a balance of oestrogen and progesterone is needed for the best result, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes to optimize your treatment program.

Your quality of life does not have to diminish with the onset of menopause. For the natural and holistic ways to restore your natural health, please contact me.