Natural vs. Synthetic Progesterone

Natural vs. Synthetic Progesterone
a. Eliminating the sources of xenoestrogens in our lives is a great start in getting our bodies back in balance, but some may need to add progesterone to their health regimen, especially post menopausal women. Many doctors are quick to prescribe synthetic progesterone, also known as progestin, as a fix for patient symptoms of progesterone deficiency. But research has shown that the health risks of synthetic progesterone greatly outweigh the benefits. Synthetic hormones are nothing more than man-made chemicals processed and manufactured in a laboratory and bear little resemblance to any hormones our bodies naturally make. They can be patented, allowing drug companies to market and sell the product exclusively.
Synthetic progesterone, progestin, was created in the 1970's when medical research findings showed that synthetic estrogen replacement was causing dangerous health risks. Its main purpose was to diminish the dangers posed by the use of unopposed synthetic estrogens. NOT! In 1997, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NHI) began an 8-year study on the relationship between synthetic hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer, coronary heart disease, bone fractures, endometrial cancer, strokes, and blood clots. The study was halted after 5 years because participants exceeded the boundary for breast cancer risk that was established at the beginning of the study. In fact, they found a 29% increase in heart attacks, 26% increase in breast cancer, 41% increase in strokes, 105% increase in dementia, 111% increase in blood clots, 33% increase in hip fractures, and 37% increase in colon cancer. Proof that the overall risks of long-term use of hormone therapy greatly outweigh the benefits. Even the FDA recommends that, when hormone therapy is used for menopausal symptoms, it should only be taken in the smallest dose and for the shortest time possible.
Synthetic estrogens include Premarin, Cenestin and Prempro. Synthetic progesterones (progestins) include Provera, Cycrin and Aygestin. If you or anyone you know are taking any of these chemicals, talk to your doctor about switching to natural hormone replacement therapy. Women taking the birth control pill may want to choose another method as the pill contains synthetic estrogens.
Natural progesterone is bioidentical, having the same molecular structure as the progesterone produced in the human body, and the body recognizes it. Bioidentical progesterone is not only safe to use, it can eliminate menopause symptoms, decrease a woman's risk for developing cancer, protect against cardiovascular disease, and may actually help build bone as opposed to only preventing bone loss. Even a nursing mother does not need to be concerned that taking natural progesterone for postpartum depression will affect her baby. Natural progesterone has also been found not to interfere with other medical treatments, although you should take it only under the strict supervision of your doctor.
There are many 'natural' progesterone products on the market, but you should be aware that all are not created equal. For example, progesterone creams made from wild yam (a plant source for a saponin called diosgenin, the active component in wild yams, which can be converted into progesterone in a laboratory) cannot be converted by the body into progesterone and can potentially have an estrogenic effect. Also, be aware of progesterone creams containing mineral oil, animal products or animal by-products, petrochemical based ingredients, or parabens (synthetic preservatives).
The best method of taking bioidentical progesterone, I believe, is transdermally (absorbed through the skin). It circumvents the digestive system, going directly into the bloodstream, avoids liver metabolism and, subsequently, can be administered in substantially lower doses. Before adding progesterone to your health regimen, please consult your physician and have your hormone levels checked. Also, insist on natural hormone replacement therapy.
For a truly natural progesterone cream that is completely organic and free of synthetic preservatives and chemicals, please visit my website at http://www.edennaturalproductsresource.com. Eden Natural Products Resource is committed to promoting only those companies who produce truly natural products.
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Synthetic Progestins and Natural Progesterone, A Pharmacist Explores the Differences, Project AWARE
WHI Follow-up Study Confirms Health Risks of Long-Term Combination Hormone Therapy Outweigh Benefits for Postmenopausal Women, Women's Health Initiative, National Institutes of Health
The Women's Health Initiative Study at a Glance, The Canadian Women's Health Network
10 Things Every Woman Should Know About Natural Progesterone, Catherine P. Rollins, Natural Progesterone Advisory Network.
Natural vs. Synthetic Hormones, Dr. Erika Schwartz
Progesterone Effects, YourLifeSource.com
Estrogen Dominance / PMS, YourLifeSource.com

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