The first installment of our Longevity Series on Hormones will explore Progesterone and its many roles in the body. As the first sacrificial lamb in the hormonal cascade to decline during perimenopause, reduced ovarian production of progesterone can lead to symptoms such as mood changes, sleep disturbances, irritability, and irregular menstrual cycles. To assess these changes, healthcare providers often use saliva or blood tests to guide their patients to replacement therapy.
Beyond its well-known role in reproductive health, progesterone offers additional benefits, including support for cardiovascular & brain health, bone density, liver function, and blood sugar regulation. However, it’s important to distinguish natural progesterone from progestins, synthetic alternatives that can have undesirable effects on these systems.
For over 30 years, our compounding pharmacy has specialized in progesterone replacement therapy, helping countless patients achieve positive outcomes during perimenopause & menopause. Depending on individual needs, progesterone can be administered in various forms, including oral capsules, topical creams, or sublingual lozenges. This personalized approach is best guided by a functional or integrative medicine practitioner working with a compounding pharmacist, ensuring optimal dosing tailored to each patient.