The Calming Effect of Progesterone
October 29, 2024
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Progesterone is known to many females as the “great relaxer.” In menstruating women, progesterone is released soon after ovulation when the egg leaves it’s follicle. Progesterone helps to give us a sense of calm, improves sleep, and even makes us feel a bit warmer. In young females, progesterone plays a role in early breast development. In adulthood, progesterone stabilizes the endometrium for pregnancy, and if fertilization occurs with the egg and sperm, progesterone helps to maintain pregnancy by nourishing the uterine lining. Progesterone is also thought to be a “homing signal,” helping draw sperm toward the egg at ovulation. At The Natural Path, we use progesterone in many of our bio-identical hormone formulations when indicated by lab work and symptoms.Progesterone and the Brain
Progesterone levels have an important role in brain function and mood. As progesterone is broken down, a byproduct called allopregnanolone is created, which helps to facilitate a sense of calm and promote deep, rejuvenating sleep. Allopregnanolone also protects brain tissue from inflammation and injury. It is also helpful with serotonin production and calms the nervous system.
Other Roles of Progesterone
Progesterone also enhances immune function, improves skin elasticity, and even plays a role in blood sugar balance by improving signaling and sensitivity to insulin. On our bioidentical hormone programs, we find progesterone to be incredibly helpful for sleep and mood.
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