Saliva Hormone Test for Progesterone
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Decreases risk of endometrial cancer
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Enhances mood and has a calming effect
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Involved in reduction of PMS and menopausal hot
flashes
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Regulates fluid balance
Progesterone is a
steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and is important as an
intermediate in the pathway to cortisol via pregnenolone, estrogens and
testosterone. Progesterone induces the cyclic changes in the endometrium
that allow implantation of the fertilized ovum. Progesterone is also
responsible for maintenance of the uterus during pregnancy, suppression of
uterine contractions until just prior to parturition and preparation of the
breasts for lactation.
The levels of progesterone in a woman's body rise and fall dramatically with
her monthly cycles. At ovulation, the production of progesterone rapidly
rises from 2-3mg per day to an average of 22 mg per day, peaking as high as
30mg per day a week or so after ovulation. After ten or twelve days, if fertilisation does not occur, ovarian production of progesterone falls
significantly. It is this sudden decline in progesterone levels (as well as
estrogen levels) that triggers a period, and another menstrual cycle will
begin.
Progesterone supplementation will stimulate bone building and help protect
against osteoporosis, not overlooking the numerous positive roles it plays
in the body.
For women who suffer hormonal imbalance but are not necessarily menopausal,
progesterone is equally important.
Even young women in their 20s and, on
occasions, teenagers may need progesterone if they are not ovulating
regularly and present with an array of estrogen dominant symptoms.
In postmenopausal women
it has been shown that a combination of progesterone plus estrogen provides
an optimal hormonal profile for prevention of cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis and endometrial protection. Progesterone has also been
suggested to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Measurement of progesterone levels is useful in the detection of luteal insufficiency in
the early stages of pregnancy. Measurement of these levels is also
useful to monitor women on progesterone replacement therapy for relief of
symptoms or prevention of some of the long term problems associated with
hormone deficiency, including osteoporosis and heart disease.
For hormonal balance in the
female body and prevention of osteoporosis we suggest:
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