PROGESTERONE - "Precursor to Androgens, Estrogens and Corticoids"

The progestagens are 21-carbon steroids, and include PROGESTERONE, 17a-hydroxy-PROGESTERONE, PREGNENOLONE and 17a-hydroxy-PREGNENOLONE.

PROGESTERONE is the precursor to the sex hormone androgens (E.g. TESTOSTERONE, DHEA) and estrogens, the glucocorticoids (adrenal cortex steroids/ “stress” hormones, such as CORTISOL), and the mineralocorticoids (including ALDOSTERONE, the main fluid-regulating hormone).

PROGESTERONE is NOT exclusively a female hormone and technically is NOT even a sex steroid hormone – since it does not have a direct role in determining secondary sexual characteristics in puberty.

PROGESTERONE production

Where is PROGESTERONE made in the body?

PROGESTERONE is produced in the ovarian corpus luteum, testes and adrenal cortex (in small amounts) – when stimulated by pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), which is itself stimulated by hypothalamic GnRH.

GnRH ▲ → LH ▲ → PROGESTERONE ▲

PROGESTERONE can be stored in adipose tissue.

Adrenal exhaustion from aging /poor nutrition reduces PROGESTERONE production – also reduces anti-inflammatory cortisone.

Inhibitors ofPROGESTERONE synthesis – include:

Sunlight deficiency
Iron excess
Carotene
Free radicals.

There are no food sources of ready-made PROGESTERONE, but plants do contain PROGESTERONE-like substances (so called phyto-progesterone ) – however, there are differing opinions on whether phyto-progesterone provides PROGESTERONE activity in menopause:

“Just as with phytoestrogens, many plants make PROGESTERONE – like substances. In cultures whose diets are rich in fresh vegetables of all sorts, PROGESTERONE deficiency does not exist – Not only do the women of these cultures have healthy ovaries with follicles producing sufficient PROGESTERONE, but, at menopause, their diets provide sufficient progestogenic substances to keep their libido high, their bones strong, and their passage through menopause uneventful and symptom free. “Lee J, ‘Estrogen Overkill’, WDDTY vol 5 no 4, 1994

“Mammalian sex hormones such as 17β-ESTRADIOL and PROGESTERONE were present in 60-80% of the plant species investigated – Enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis and conversion were also found in plants.” Janeczko A, Skoczowski A, Folia Histochem Cytobiol, 43(2), 2005

Plants only have significant PROGESTERONE activity by stimulating the luteal phase of the cycle in premenopausal women – According to scientific literature, there seems to be no other kind of PROGESTERONE activity from plants.

In women

In women, most PROGESTERONE is produced and secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum (latin for “Yellow Body”, measures ~2.5 cms in diameter and is a deep yellow color) for 12 days just after ovulation – daily PROGESTERONE production rises from 2-3 mg/day to as much as 30mg/day, a week or so after ovulation, when it is essential for the survival of a fertilized egg (zygote) in pregnancy; if pregnancy occurs, production continues for 9-10 weeks stimulated by hCG secreted by zygote, at which time the placenta takes over. PROGESTERONE production.

Ovulation / “Egg released to meet sperm”

About 10-14 days after “Day 1” – when estrogen levels are sufficiently high▲ ▲ ▲, the pituitary releases a sudden surge of LH ▲ ▲ ▲ that triggers ovulation
Ovulation – about 24 hours after the LH surge, the Graafian follicle ruptures and the finally matured egg (oocyte) is released into the fallopian tube.

Luteal Phase(2^nd half of cycle) / “Preparation for Pregnancy”

Corpus Luteum produces PROGESTERONE – the now-empty ovarian follicle (remnant egg-sac) left behind after ovulation, develops into the corpus luteum. In addition to smaller amounts of estrogen ▼ the corpus luteum now produces high amounts of PROGESTERONE ▲ ▲ ▲ to prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation.

In men

In men, most PROGESTERONE is made in the testes – since PROGESTERONE is a pre-cursor of TESTOSTERONE,

In men and women

In men and women, small amounts of PROGESTERONE are manufactured by the adrenal glands, but diminished with stress – under stress, most of the PROGESTERONE produced is converted into the corticosteroid hormones to deal with emotional stress or fight or flight situations.

How is PROGESTERONE made in the body?

In the body PROGESTERONE is synthesized from PREGNENOLONE (via 3β-HSD enzyme) which is synthesized from cholesterol.

Cholesterol → PREGNENOLONE → PROGESTERONE

Elevated levels of PROGESTERONE control themselves by negative feedback to the hypothalamus (similar to estrogen). Also, circulating estrogen can negatively feed-back to reduce circulating levels of FSH and LH.

Hypothalamus	→	GnRH	→	Pituitary	→	LH	→	Corpus luteum / testes	→	PROGESTERONE

PROGESTERONE ▲▲▲→ GnRH ▼ → LH▼→ PROGESTERONE ▼

Estrogen ▲▲▲ → GnRH ▼ → LH, FSH ▼→ PROGESTERONE ▼

PROGESTERONE levels in the body

PROGESTERONE levels vary more in reproductive age women than menopausal women,men or children – however, there is no great quantitative difference between men and womenoutside the luteal phase.

Reproductive age women. Production in cycle increases significantly from after ovulation until menstruation.
Children and menopausal women. Levels are relatively low.
Adult males. Have levels similar to those in women during the follicular phase (first half) of the menstrual cycle; interestingly, men have higher lifetime levels of PROGESTERONE and estrogen than do menopausal women.

Functions of PROGESTERONE in the body
Controls reproductive function	PROGESTERONE is an essential building block for a normal, balanced supply of: Estrogens (ESTRONE, ESTRADIOL, ESTRIOL) — also sensitizes estrogen receptors enabling estrogen to work more efficiently to work more efficiently TESTOSTERONE PROGESTERONE controls menstruation; Causes the endometrium to shed; Normalizes length of period; PROGESTERONE is a natural inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme, preventing conversion of androgens to estrogen. PROGESTERONE optimizes libido/restores normal sexy feelings; PROGESTERONE, not estrogen, is the primary sex drive hormone in women. PROGESTERONE significantly reduces menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats; PROGESTERONE levels greatly decrease at menopause since ovulation has ceased, at which time the adrenal cortex is the only source; Erectile Dysfunction – a PROGESTERONE / TESTOSTERONE cream was able to help correct a commonly found associated hormonal imbalance; Spermiogenesis – PROGESTERONE influences sperm production, sperm capacitation/acrosome reaction and TESTOSTERONE biosynthesis in Lehdig cells PROGESTERONE is THE Pregnancy hormone: Necessary for implantation (reduces failure in assisted reproduction); Thickens the uterine lining ready for the fertilized egg; Sustains baby’s survival during pregnancy: Inhibits labor onset; Reduces frequency of uterine smooth muscle contraction (reduces rate for spontaneous abortion or preterm labor in those at risk); Inhibits immune response against fetus; Inhibits in-vitro embryo-toxic Th1 cytokine production to trophoblast in women with recurrent pregnancy loss; PubMed Relaxes placental arteries and veins; Inhibits lactation Increases intelligence in fetus. Natural PROGESTERONE aids conception and pregnancy In contrast: Synthetic PROGESTERONE prevents pregnancy or may lead to abortion, Shealy, “Natural PROGESTERONE Cream -Safe and Natural Hormone Replacement”, 1999;
Prevents reproductive organ cancers / Promotes natural cell death	PROGESTERONE promotes normal cell death in the breast which is important in the prevention of cancer -Promotes activation of the protective tumor suppressor gene p53, which preserves stability by preventing genome mutation and promoting apoptosis (natural cell death) -if P53 is inactive or mutated, apoptosis would otherwise be prevented; PROGESTERONE is involved in the maturation of breast cells and decreases the rate of multiplication – Helps prevent hormone-sensitive breast, uterine/endometrial cancer – inhibits estrogen-promoted cell division (mitosis) on the endometrium and enhances differentiation; Protects breast tissue against fibrocystic breasts (a likely precursor to breast cancer); Helps prevent enlarged prostate (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) /prostate cancer, similar to saw palmetto berry and nettle root, PROGESTERONE is a natural inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme needed to convert TESTOSTERONE to growth-stimulating di-hydrotestosterone (DHT) implicated in BPH and prostate cancer. (17-a-hydroxy-progesterone had highest effect); treatment via trans-scrotal delivery system; PROGESTERONE against BPH and Prostate Cancer
Anti-Depressant, Calms nervous system	Calming / Anti-depression. In the brain, PROGESTERONE activates receptor sites for GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which decreases anxiety and depression. (Anti-depressants and barbituates bind these same receptors). PROGESTERONE also raises SEROTONIN hormone levels in brain; PROGESTERONE is concentrated in brain cells to levels 20 times higher than that of blood serum levels. Effective against some forms of epilepsy. PROGESTERONE is a natural antidepressant and prevents anxiety.
Diuretic	PROGESTERONE acts as a natural diuretic. ALDOSTERONE promotes water retention and swelling. Although a building block of ALDOSTERONE, PROGESTERONE blocks ALDOSTERONE receptors, thereby causing normal fluid loss and decreasing swelling.
Balances Copper and Zinc	Helps to balance copper and zinc levels
Thyroid	PROGESTERONE increases the activity of thyroid hormone – by decreasing thyroid binding globulin. Thyroid hormone increases metabolism, and utilizes the fat stored under the influence of estrogen for energy.
Brain Function	PROGESTERONE supplementation after menopause supports brain metabolism and cognitive functioning. PubMed
Ensures Cellular Oxygen	Corrects oxygen supply to cells
Anti-Inflammatory	PROGESTERONE is a building block for the anti-inflammatory CORTISONE hormone from CORTISOL in the adrenals; Known stimulant of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and Th2; Directly inhibits pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokines; Shown to reduce the response of natural killer cells, as well as other know initiators of inflammation; PROGESTERONE inhibits MMPs – Estrogen maintains secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) implicated in cancer and arthritis; Heart protective. Normalizes risk of blood clots (inhibits platelet aggregation); Prevents lipid peroxidation; Anti-atherogenic. Acutely blocks cholesterol → cholesteryl ester conversion; Prevents vasoconstriction – by increasing vasodilating nitric oxide. Brain. Readily crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) reducing edema to barely measurable levels; systemic injections of PROGESTERONE given after traumatic brain injury shown to improve cognitive, sensory and motor recovery, enhancing both short and long term recovery
Prevents osteoporosis	To keep bones strong, osteoblasts (bone builders) must exceed osteoclasts (bone dissolvers, leaving tiny unfilled spaces). PROGESTERONE remineralizes and restores bone mass for new bone growth by stimulating osteoblasts – increases number of human osteoblastic cells; Supplemental bio-identical PROGESTERONE is 3x more effective than synthetic PROGESTERONE ; In contrast, estrogen slows rate of bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity, which breaks down old bone, but unlike PROGESTERONE, estrogen does not build bone. PROGESTERONE and Osteoporosis / Bone Building
Precursor to most other Hormones	Necessary precursor of CORTICOSTERONE / CORTISOL (stress hormone) production; Used to make DHEA (precursor to estrogen) and TESTOSTERONE.
Converts fat into energy	Fat metabolism; stimulates LEPTIN hormone secretion
Normalizes blood sugar control	Metabolizes glucose. PROGESTERONE deficiency tends towards hypoglycemia
Suppresses Immune System	PROGESTERONE– induced “blocking factor” directly blocks T-cell activation; Reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and their protein products;
Fights insomnia	Raises SEROTONIN level in brain – SEROTONIN is the precursor to MELATONIN;
Skin Anti-aging	Significantly increases skin elasticity, greatly reduces wrinkle counts and wrinkle depth, promoting a greater decrease in nasolabial wrinkle depth and a significantly higher increase in skin firmness in peri- and postmenopausal women; topical PROGESTERONE is rapidly absorbed through skin;
Relaxes urinary smooth muscle	Brings about smooth muscle relaxation in the urinary system.
Neuroprotective	PROGESTERONE readily crosses the blood brain barrier; Promotes regeneration and myelination of axons (myelin forms around neural axons, allowing nerve impulses to travel faster) – influences growth, differentiation and increases expression of myelin-specific proteins in oligodendrocytes, and potentiates the formation of new myelin sheaths by Schwann cells in vivo; Antioxidant effect in injured nervous system – studies have shown efficacy in traumatic brain injuries; Multiple effects on glial (Neuron support) cells;
Anti-Stress	PROGESTERONE is an essential building block for the stress hormone CORTISOL; PROGESTERONE metabolite allopregnanolone reduces the brain’s response to stress; PROGESTERONE regulates the secretion of catecholamines during stress – positively modifies the cardiovascular and catecholamine response to mental stress in menopausal women;
Reduces facial hair	Natural PROGESTERONE supplementation will cause facial hair to disappear or decrease in time. DHEA is a precursor for androgens and estrogens. When PROGESTERONE is deficient, an alternative DHEA pathway is called upon to take up the slack, which leads to increased androgen production, which is the cause of unwanted facial hair. C Norman Shealy,M.D., PhD, PROGESTERONE Cream, Safe and Natural Hormone Replacement, 1999;

Health benefits of PROGESTERONE

Natural PROGESTERONE restores hormonal balance

PROGESTERONE provides the raw materials inside the body from which all other steroid hormones are made. It is the precursor for TESTOSTERONE, DHEA, CORTISONE, estrogen and salt-regulating ALDOSTERONE, etc. Therefore, PROGESTERONE has a balancing effect on the entire body. As a precursor, it provides dynamic harmony in metabolism – other needed steroids can be synthesized on a minute to minute basis. PROGESTERONE can be converted into estrogen and is often all that many women will need.

Natural PROGESTERONE against BPH and prostate cancer

PROGESTERONE is a natural inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase – an enzyme needed to convert TESTOSTERONE to growth- stimulating DI-HYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT).Not only is DHT implicated in BPH and prostate cancer, but this conversion also reduces TESTOSTERONE, thus lowering the TESTOSTERONE to the estrogen ESTRADIOL ratio and creating an estrogen dominance situation.

Prostate Cancer

Of 10 men with prostate cancer, Harvard graduate Dr. John R. Lee has anecdotal reports of an almost 100% remission rate using natural PROGESTERONE – One man was being treated at Mayo Clinic for prostate cancer and it had spread to the bone. He began to use his wife’s PROGESTERONE cream for his bones. After 6 months of PROGESTERONE cream applied to his skin, Mayo Clinic could find no evidence of any prostate cancer. Several men with prostate cancer have told Dr. Lee that their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level-decreased when they started using a daily dab of PROGESTERONE cream, and that they have had no progression of their prostate lesions. In addition to reducing conversion of TESTOSTERONE to DHT, PROGESTERONE’s success may be due its promoting activation of the protective tumor suppressor gene p53: Google scholar search. Dr. Lee advocated a split daily dose of 10-12 mg of a low-concentration PROGESTERONE cream (~500mg/oz).
Saw palmetto is very effective in rapidly alleviating symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy and reducing prostate specific antigen (PSA) (a marker for prostate cancer) – however, it may not be as effective as PROGESTERONE therapy. Saw palmetto and also nettle root are natural inhibitors of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.

PROGESTERONE maintains pregnancy

PROGESTERONE means “For gestation” and it needs to be present during the luteal phase of pregnancy to prevent a miscarriage.

PROGESTERONE supplementation – Aids conception / prevents miscarriage / maintains pregnancy in the common case of luteal phase deficiency (LPD)

PROGESTERONE helps fight osteoporosis

Natural PROGESTERONE stimulates bone building

There are two types of bone cells:

1. Osteoclast cells – dissolve or reabsorb the old bone;

2. Osteoblasts – move in and produce new bone.

This mechanism provides our bodies with the ability to continually replace, repair, and strengthen our bones. Bone mass begins to decline in women during their early to mid thirties, and accelerates during menopause. It was theorized, therefore, that bone loss is associated with the decline in hormones which leads to menopause. In the 1970’s estrogen was found to somewhat restrain osteoclast function and therefore to lessen or slow down bone loss. Research has now revealed that natural PROGESTERONE stimulates osteoblast bone building. Thus, while estrogen only slows bone loss, natural PROGESTERONE can actually help to rebuild it.

If your recent “Bone Density Test” shows loss of bone mass, this can be reversed by using a bioidentical PROGESTERONE supplement – Also make dietary corrections to include natural sources of calcium balanced with magnesium;

Magnesium – Missing Miracle Mineral

After a few weeks of PROGESTERONE supplementation, while you don’t look and feel fatter; and though your clothes fit you just fine, you may be alarmed to find that you weigh 5 to 10 lbs more. Happily, this means that your bone density is increasing and your bones are now heavier than before – a sure sign of reversal of osteoporosis. Without PROGESTERONE replacement, within a few years of menopause many women have easily lost 30% bone density or weight.

Dr. Lee reported twelve men who applied natural PROGESTERONE cream for their osteoporosis – All of them began to experience relief from their condition, after 3 months of daily massage, they were also experiencing an improved urine flow, with less pressure on their prostate glands and a noticeable decrease in nightly urination. Each patient was also suffering from an enlarged prostate.

Natural PROGESTERONE indirectly increases thyroid function/fat burning

Natural PROGESTERONE inhibits Estrogenic action – PROGESTERONE decreases the target organs response to estrogen by decreasing the number of receptors the organ has for the hormone estrogen. Receptors are molecules on cells that recognize specific hormones and allow them to carry their message to the cell.
Hypothyroidism can occur because of estrogen dominance (deficiency of PROGESTERONE relative to estrogen) – estrogen dominance decreases thyroid hormone (TH) (and therefore thyroid function) by increasing production of a protein called thyroid binding globulin, which binds TH causing it to be inactive. Whereas, TH increases body’s metabolism rate and causes fat calories to be turned into usable energy, estrogen causes food calories to be stored as fat (in a premenopausal woman, the body stores fat to have enough energy for a fetus if a pregnancy develops).
Hypothyroidism, which results in weight gain and a host of other symptoms, can be corrected by the presence of natural PROGESTERONE in the body.

Natural PROGESTERONE indirectly increases thyroid function/fat burning

Natural PROGESTERONE inhibits Estrogenic action – PROGESTERONE decreases the target organs response to estrogen by decreasing the number of receptors the organ has for the hormone estrogen. Receptors are molecules on cells that recognize specific hormones and allow them to carry their message to the cell.
Hypothyroidism can occur because of estrogen dominance (deficiency of PROGESTERONE relative to estrogen) – estrogen dominance decreases thyroid hormone (TH) (and therefore thyroid function) by increasing production of a protein called thyroid binding globulin, which binds TH causing it to be inactive. Whereas, TH increases body’s metabolism rate and causes fat calories to be turned into usable energy, estrogen causes food calories to be stored as fat (in a premenopausal woman, the body stores fat to have enough energy for a fetus if a pregnancy develops).
Hypothyroidism, which results in weight gain and a host of other symptoms, can be corrected by the presence of natural PROGESTERONE in the body.