Progesterone. We ALL need more of this super star hormone! It is released as a reward after ovulation and raises during the luteal phase of our monthly cycle bringing some amazing benefits:
- reduces inflammation
- builds muscles
- protects against heart disease
- calms the nervous system and makes it easier to cope with stress by converting to a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone (ALLO)
Progesterone is the main player in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Hormonal birth control robs you of the calming, mood modulating benefits that progesterone brings along, by arresting ovulation and therefore endogenous production of progesterone. This could be why they are linked with anxiety and depression.
Best time to test is half way through your luteal phase (day 21 of a 28 day cycle).
Our OWN hormones are worth fighting for! They are released throughout our monthly cycle and elegantly choreographed to support optimal health by impacting the health of many other organs including our BRAIN. Period problems are the first sign of an underlying health concern. @NMRNJ we support women holistically with nutrition, supplementation, stress management among other modalities to achieve optimal hormonal health from puberty to beyond menopause.
