Synthetic Progestin is not the same as Progesterone
Let me start by saying that the natural progesterone our bodies were designed to produce is absolutely magical and it’s something we all need more of.
What is progesterone and what is so great about it?
Progesterone is your female sex hormone that rises just after ovulation when an egg is released and is produced by the corpus luteum. Progesterone literally means pre-gestation meaning it prepares the body for pregnancy in the chance that the released egg is fertilised. If the egg is fertilised the placenta takes over the production of progesterone and if not, progesterone levels drop and a new menstrual cycle begins.
Although, progesterone does more than just promote fertility and aid healthy menstrual cycles. Progesterone has incredible benefits on your whole body. Progesterone is your feel good, calming hormone which lightens periods, promotes healthy moods, hair, skin and decreases anxiety and inflammation.
Unfortunately, synthetic ‘progesterone’ known as progestins found in birth control does not have the same benefits, in fact it has the opposite effect.
Below is the structural difference between progesterone and the progestin drug levonorgestrel (used in many types of birth control). It sure does look similar to the eye but acts very differently in the body. In fact, levonorgestrel is actually more similar to testosterone than progesterone.
Progesterone versus Progestins
Progesterone
Has an anti-androgen effect
Beneficial for cardiovascular health
Nourishes the hair and skin
Helps to promote a balanced mood
Helps aid a restorative sleep
Progestins
Promotes androgens and has similar effects of testosterone
Can increase blood pressure
Can cause hair loss
Can cause anxiety and depression
Can disrupt sleep patterns
Progesterone deficiency
If you are not on hormonal contraception, progesterone deficiency can be caused by, failure to ovulate and ovulation disorders, abnormal follicle development, luteal phase defects, excess estrogen, thyroid issues, high stress or post-pill amenorrhea. If ovulation does not occur, inadequate progesterone is produced, these underlying conditions must be addressed before ovulation and progesterone production can resume.
Common symptoms of progesterone deficiency
Enlarged breasts
Breakthrough bleeding
Low libido
Short menstrual cycles
PMS symptoms
Spotting
Headaches
Anxiety/Depression
Cramping pain
Early miscarriage
Testing for progesterone deficiency
Progesterone rises just after ovulation and peaks about a week before your period. You can measure progesterone as the temperature rises on a basal body temperature chart or as serum progesterone on a blood test. Serum progesterone should at least 8 ng/mL or 25 nmol/L.
Em xx
