Women have two main ovarian hormones, not one, and physiologically, oestrogen and progesterone work as a team. For example, the pre-ovulatory surge of oestrogen (oestradiol) is necessary for ovulation and the manufacture of progesterone. Oestrogen also works in every tissue to promote progesterone receptors.
Progesterone counterbalances oestrogen in all parts of the body, including:
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the uterus, where progesterone thins the lining while oestrogen thickens it;
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the brain, where progesterone is calming while oestrogen is stimulating;
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the breasts, where progesterone helps to slow cell division, while oestrogen increases cell division.
Progesterone can also promote ovulation by providing important hormonal feedback to the hypothalamus.
Together, oestrogen and progesterone promote the long-term health of the brain, bones and cardiovascular system.
How can we support progesterone?
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Manage stress
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Vitamin C – take 1,000 mg daily of vitamin C because it can raises progesterone. Or, you can try these high-vitamin C foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, mango, papaya, watermelon, tomatoes, broccoli. Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and spinach.
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Vitamin B – is involved in oestrogen metabolism and can easily become depleted if oestrogen dominance is a problem. Vitamin B6 possesses “progesterone-like effects” and has been shown to reduce oestrogen while increasing progesterone levels. Try my B Complex.
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Magnesium is involved in many of the body’s reactions and is essential to adrenal health, which is essential for healthy hormone production!
Aim to eat plenty dark green vegetables, almonds, pecans, cashews, brazil nuts, seeds, legumes, brown rice, avocado, as these are all sources of magnesium. If you’re in need of more support, consider 150-300 mg magnesium nightly. Try my Magnesium Complex which is a unique formula containing 3 key forms of magnesium needed for optimal health. It also contains taurine, glutamine and zinc.
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Zinc increases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which supports healthy ovulation, which triggers the ovaries to produce progesterone.
Get plenty of zinc-rich foods like oysters, herring, beef, lamb, pork, liver, egg yolks, oats, pecans, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, mustard, chilli powder, peas, carrots, beets, and cabbage. You can also consider seed cycling, which provides you with dietary zinc.
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Vitex is a well-known herb that has also been shown to support healthy progesterone levels.
