Progesterone
Questions & Answers

Q. What is progesterone?

A. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body in the ovaries and to a lesser extent the adrenal glands.

A. Progesterone is a precursor to many other hormones. In other words the body manufactures various hormones from progesterone. Each month, a build-up of the uterine lining is triggered by progesterone in preparation for pregnancy. The presence of progesterone allows a woman to maintain a pregnancy. Progesterone levels are extremely high during pregnancy and at birth progesterone production drops suddenly, sometimes causing postpartum depression. Other functions of progesterone include:

• Is a natural diuretic
• Helps use fat for energy
• Helps to build bone
• Helps maintain proper oxygen levels in the cells
• Helps thyroid hormone action
• Protects against endometrial cancer
• Helps normalize blood sugar levels

A. As you can see from the above question, progesterone plays an important role in a number of functions in the body. As a woman approaches and enters menopause her estrogen levels drop about 40% to 60%, but for some women, progesterone levels may drop to near zero. This can greatly affect the overall hormone balance beyond just the estrogen/progesterone balance.

A. "Estrogen dominance" is a term coined by Dr. John Lee, M.D*. It describes what happens when the normal balance of estrogen to progesterone is changed by having either too much estrogen or insufficient progesterone.

Women who have suffered with PMS or menopausal symptoms will no doubt recognize the symptoms of estrogen dominance: weight gain, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, headaches, hot flashes, depression, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts. Estrogen dominance may contribute to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.

A. The body does not recognize a synthetic progestin such as Provera in the same way it does natural progesterone. As a result the body is unable to manufacture other hormones from synthetic progestin. Also natural progesterone does not produce the undesirable side effects that synthetic progestins do, when taken in the recommended amounts.

A. Progesterone is better absorbed through the skin than by pills or capsules. Approximately 80% to 90% of the oral dose is lost through processing by the liver.

A. Transdermal simply means through the skin.

A. Liposomal technology encapsulates the active ingredients, thus protecting them. This allows for deeper penetration into the skin and enhanced absorption resulting in a sustained, gradual release of ingredients.

A. In his book*, Dr. Lee suggests 1/8 teaspoon up to 1/2 teaspoon daily for products containing 450 to 500 mg of natural progesterone per ounce. Viva La Crème has 500 mg per ounce. Since every woman is different you will need to adjust the amount you use based on your personal needs.

For women who are pre-menopausal or menopausal and still menstruating, Dr. Lee recommends you begin using the cream 12 to 14 days after the first day of your menstrual cycle and continue its use for 14 days. Women who are post menopausal, with no menstrual cycle, should apply the cream for 21 to 25 days then stop for 3 to 7 days and then repeat this cycle.

For women using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Dr. Lee’s book* recommends you stop taking progestin immediately when beginning the cream and reduce your estrogen dosage by half. Then every two to three months try lowering the dosage by half again. You may need to work with your doctor in adjusting your prescribed hormone dosages.

A. It is best to apply the cream to places on the body where the skin is thin and there is good capillary blood flow. This would be a place where you blush such as face, neck upper chest or even inner arms, inner thighs, palms of hands and soles of feet (as long as that skin is soft). It is best to rotate the areas to avoid saturating any one area.

A. Red clover and soya isoflavones are phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds with estrogen-like activity, which can bind with estrogen receptors in the body. This may block out some of the more potent and foreign estrogen donating substances. Because phytoestrogens have a much lower potency than estrogen produced by the body or xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), this may also reduce problems caused by estrogen dominance.

Red clover contains a plant estrogen called coumestrol. Coumestrol is one of the most potent phytoestrogens. Studies on isoflavones derived from red clover have shown it may help lower the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis and aid in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Red clover has long been used topically for skin ailments.

Soy isoflavones are a phytoestrogen from soybeans. Studies have shown soy isoflavones to effectively reduce bone loss and increase bone density.

A. There are several important factors to look for:

• Liposomal, transdermal delivery system with micronized progesterone USP (micronized is broken down into tiny particles). USP is pharmaceutical grade (highest possible), which ensures maximum purity and potency. This provides for better absorption, as 80% to 90% of oral dosage is lost through processing by the liver.
• Slow Sustained Release system (S.S.R.™ ) allows for maximum absorption and utilization.
• "Cosmeticeutical Nature" – Elegant, silky cream that acts as a luxurious moisturizer, leaving no greasy feeling, and is easily absorbed and freshly scented.
• Multi-faceted full spectrum approach. SupraLife’s "Supra Trio" of Red Clover, Progesterone USP and Soya Isoflavones work synergistically for maximum benefit in the relief of symptoms associated with hormone imbalance.
• Combination of progesterone USP and wild yam. Works with the body’s internal hormone manufacturing system, creating the ongoing Slow, Sustained Release (S.S.R.™) effects.

 

*Dr. John Lee, M.D. is internationally acknowledged as a pioneer and expert in the study and use of natural progesterone, and on the subject of hormone replacement therapy for women. He used transdermal progesterone extensively in his clinical practice for nearly a decade. Dr. Lee retired from a 30-year family practice in Northern California a few years ago and now travels and lectures around the world speaking about progesterone. He is the author of the best-selling book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone, and the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-menopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty. He is also editor of the John R. Lee, M.D. Medical Letter, a newsletter about health issues.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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