Cyclic Progesterone Therapy for PCOS
Progesterone has beneficial anti-androgen properties and can help to promote ovulation. That makes progesterone potentially therapeutic for polycystic ovary syndrome, as described in my recent paper The central role of ovulatory disturbances in the etiology of androgenic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—Evidence for treatment with cyclic progesterone.
Reverse Insulin Resistance in 4 Easy Steps
Insulin resistance is the condition of having chronically elevated levels of insulin. It’s also called hyperinsulinemia, metabolic syndrome, or pre-diabetes and is a major player in many women’s health conditions including PCOS, acne, fibroids, perimenopause, and heavy periods.
Insulin resistance also causes abdominal weight gain and is a risk factor for diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, dementia, and heart disease.
Do you have insulin resistance? It’s time to find out.
Ovulation Is the Main Event of the Menstrual Cycle
A menstrual cycle is, by definition, an ovulatory cycle in which ovulation is the main event and progesterone is made.
Any other kind of bleed is either an anovulatory bleed or a pill-bleed — neither of which are real menstrual cycles. Ovulatory cycles are the only way to make progesterone which is important for general health, not just for making a baby.
How Wheat or Gluten Affects Periods
Wheat is fine for most people but a major problem for about one in ten. For women with gluten sensitivity, even a small amount can drive or worsen endometriosis, adenomyosis, migraines, thyroid disease, and some cases of amenorrhea.
The first step is to understand the difference between FODMAPs and gluten. FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates found in wheat and many other foods; they can cause digestive bloating. Gluten is a protein and it can cause inflammation and immune dysfunction.
Roadmap to Progesterone
Progesterone is beneficial because it lightens periods. It also reduces inflammation, regulates immune function, and supports healthy thyroid, brain, bones, and breasts.
Do you make enough progesterone? Are you sure?
The only way to make progesterone is with ovulation and a healthy luteal phase.
Natural Treatment of Menstrual Migraines
According to a new Lancet review paper, menstrual migraines are more severe than migraines at other times of the cycle.
The authors of the paper explain that menstrual migraines are caused by estrogen withdrawal at the end of the cycle together with an estrogen-dependent release of prostaglandins and histamine. They propose progesterone as a possible prevention strategy.