For decades, progesterone was thought to be only necessary for pregnancy, leading to the widespread belief that it had little role outside of fertility and gestation. Many women who have had a hysterectomy are not prescribed progesterone under the assumption that they no longer need it. This outdated view has misled countless women, depriving them of one of the most critical hormones for overall health. Progesterone is, in fact, the most abundant hormone in women, playing essential roles in brain function, mood regulation, sleep, metabolic balance, and cardiovascular health. It is far more than just a reproductive hormone—its influence extends across nearly every system in the body. As research evolves, it has become increasingly clear that progesterone therapy is a crucial tool in managing perimenopausal symptoms and supporting long-term well-being. Among all forms of progesterone, bioidentical micronized progesterone has been shown to be the safest and most effective therapy.
Women have been misled for decades about Progesterone
Despite being the most abundant hormone in women, progesterone has been largely ignored as a primary hormone in female health. Instead, the medical community has focused its research and treatment efforts primarily on estrogen, often overlooking progesterone’s critical role in mood regulation, metabolic function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Additionally, much of the research has been conducted on progestins—a synthetic version of progesterone that does not function identically in the body and is associated with an increased risk of side effects, including mood disturbances and cardiovascular disease. The failure to distinguish between synthetic progestins and bioidentical progesterone has contributed to widespread misinformation and reluctance to prescribe progesterone therapy to women who need it most.
Why Progesterone Matters
The ratio of progesterone to estrogen is critical for women. Thus, when progesterone levels decline to below estrogen in perimenopause, this imbalance of ratio leads to many side effects. It is primarily due to low progesterone, although low estrogen is also very common during this time. During menopause, this is just exacerbated and symptoms continue to get worse.
- Anxiety and Depression: Progesterone has calming effects on the brain, promoting GABA activity, which helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Insomnia: Many women experience disrupted sleep during perimenopause due to low progesterone levels. Studies have found that micronized progesterone improves sleep quality and reduces nighttime awakenings.
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: As progesterone declines, unopposed estrogen can lead to thickening of the uterine lining, resulting in heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Progesterone therapy can help regulate cycles and heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Progesterone therapy can help regulate cycles and reduce excessive bleeding.
- Skin and Hair Health: Progesterone contributes hugely to healthy skin. It boosts elasticity and hydration while also preventing hair thinning by countering testosterone. Progesterone lowers sebum production, which prevents acne. It also reduces inflammation in the skin, which protects against rosacea, acne and eczema. Progesterone also blocks DHT formation from testosterone. DHT causes increased sebum production, acne and hair loss.
The Benefits of Micronized Progesterone: The Gold Standard
Not all progesterone therapies are created equal. Synthetic progestins, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mood disturbances. In contrast, bioidentical micronized progesterone has been shown to offer numerous advantages:
- Safer Cardiovascular Profile: Micronized progesterone does not increase the risk of blood clots or negatively impact lipid profiles, unlike synthetic progestins.
- Better Brain Function: Studies indicate that progesterone plays a neuroprotective role, reducing inflammation and supporting cognitive function.
- Reduced Uterine Bleeding: Micronized progesterone effectively prevents and treats heavy bleeding and reduces the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
How Progesterone Therapy Supports Long-Term Health
While progesterone is well-known for symptom relief, its long-term benefits are equally impressive:
- Bone Health: Progesterone plays a role in bone remodeling, helping to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
- Breast Health: Unlike synthetic progestins, bioidentical progesterone does not increase breast cancer risk and may even provide protective effects.
- Metabolic Balance: Progesterone has been shown to support insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Inner Balance Approach: Personalized Hormone Optimization
At Inner Balance, we prioritize safe, effective, and individualized hormone therapy. Our focus on bioidentical micronized progesterone ensures that women receive the highest quality care tailored to their needs. Progesterone, as the most abundant hormone in women, should not be ignored in perimenopause or after a hysterectomy. By addressing hormone imbalances early, we can prevent long-term health complications and improve overall well-being. This applies to all women, whether you have a uterus or not. So, if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, heavy menstrual bleeding, or other perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, progesterone therapy is a non-negotiable part of your holistic approach to health.
