Progesterone- It’s More Than A Hormone

Hormones are responsible for many functions throughout the body. The body depends on these levels to be stable and released at the proper time. For women, hormone balance becomes tricky post-menopause. Hormones are interdependent, meaning they rely on each other to function rather than work independently. The imbalance of hormones is not directly seen. It can be seen in patients who have disorders such as Osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities, infertility, cardiovascular disease, ovarian cysts, breast cancer, sexual dysfunction, hypo or hyperthyroidism, vaginal dryness, post-menopause autoimmune disease, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.  

Female Hormone Panel 

Diagnostic testing should always be considered if a patient is showing any of these symptoms. Functional testing looks at the patterns in the hormones and allows practitioners to see the entire day of hormone fluctuations. It is important to remember that being in range does not necessarily mean optimal. 

Progesterone is critical for optimal health as it is responsible for reproduction, memory, and cognitive ability. Progesterone is found in high concentrations of the brain and is a neurosteroid. Neurosteroids impact synaptic functioning and myelination. Progesterone raises epidermal growth factor-1, which is needed to sustain cultures of stem cells. Additionally, it relaxes smooth muscle (muscle found in the lining of the organs, arteries, and veins). The functions of progesterone continue to work throughout the body by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, regulate the immune system, normalizes blood clotting and zinc levels, normalizing oxygen levels, and the use of fat stores for energy. 

Low Progesterone

When individuals who are under chronic and constant stress breed inflammation. This can cause steroid precursors to be shunted and decrease progesterone production. Medication and aging can decrease progesterone production as well. 

High Progesterone

Menopause and adrenal hyperactivity are known to cause high progesterone levels. To treat this, the first step is to remove metabolic inhibitors. 

Sample Test

We use many tests in order to properly determine the hormone levels of an individual. However, the DUTCH test provides complete 24-hour insight into the patient’s hormones. A sample report is shown below: 

Phase Angle

Phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders. Stress impacts phase angle by causing individuals to gain weight and decreasing overall health.

We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water. 

 

Phase Angle can decline if the hormone levels are not accurate. For example, if an individual is estrogen dominant and lacking in progesterone, they will have irritability, mood swings, risk of blood clots, weight gain, food cravings, etc. Weight gain and food cravings (leading to more weight gain) cause the phase angle to decrease. 

Hormones are a much larger umbrella than many realize. They are critical to so much more than a menstrual cycle and puberty. The lack of proper progesterone can impact smooth muscles and decrease bone strength over time. A great way to combat your hormones and help protect your phase angle is to practice good sleep hygiene, eat proper nutrients, regular exercise, and meditation. -Kenna Vaughn, ACSM-EP Senior Health Coach

 

 

References: 

Piette P. The history of natural progesterone, the never-ending story. Climacteric. 2018 Aug;21(4):308-314. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1462792. Epub 2018 May 28. PMID: 29806794. 

Dr Ron Grisanti,D.C & DIcken Watherby, N.D. “Interpretation of the Female Hormone Panel-Post Menopaual.” Functional Medicine University (FMU). 

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Disclaimer

 

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico