Progesterone is a crucial hormone that regulates vital bodily functions and restores a healthy reproductive system. It is essential for a healthy menstrual cycle, helps in pregnancy and reduces PMS symptoms. Progesterone supports a developing embryo, maintains uterine lining so that fertilized egg can attach to it, enables sperm to access cervical mucus, normalizes blood sugar levels, boosts metabolism and thyroid function, helps in formation of new bone by activating osteoblasts, and increases libido.
Although progesterone creams are the most popular remedies for progesterone deficiency, herbal remedies have gained prominence due to lower side effects. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for progesterone.
Best Herbal Remedies For Progesterone
1. Vitex
Also known as chaste tree berry, this particular herb is highly regarded for its ability in restoring menstrual health and promoting fertility in women. Its specialty lies in the fact that it balances hormones without containing them.It affects the hormonal feedback loop and hence attacks at the root of the problem i.e. it works on the pituitary gland and makes it produce progesterone hormone. At the same time, it decreases estrogen levels. It regulates menstrual cycle and enhances fertility chances. Recommended dosage of vitex is 1000mg per day to be taken for at least a month.
2. Licorice
This herb also increases progesterone levels in the female body. It corrects the imbalance of progesterone and estrogen hormones in the body and hence aids in conception. It also induces regular ovulation and corrects irregular menstruation in women. Women are advised to use licorice before ovulation i.e. in first half of monthly menstruation cycle.It tends to increase blood pressure and people on diuretics should avoid using it as it may cause severe kidney disorders. It treats PCOS, which is the result of progesterone deficiency and hence infertility in women. It also detoxifies the liver that helps in regulating hormones and restoring hormonal balance in the body. Besides, it has strong estrogenic effects that make the cervical mucus more fluid thereby inducing fertility.
3. Dong Quai
One of the most common symptoms of progesterone deficiency is irregular menstruation and associated problems like cramps, heavy bleeding, etc. This particular herb helps in alleviating such symptoms.At the same time, it balances estrogen levels and correct endometriosis, menopausal disorders and irregular menstruation. It purifies blood and increases blood circulation. Pregnant women should avoid using it.
4. Wild Yam
This particular herb is an essential constituent of many progesterone creams. Containing natural progesterone, it triggers progesterone production and restores hormonal balance. It is to be used in luteal phase of menstrual cycle when availability of progesterone determines chances of implantation.
5. Valerian
This particular herb helps those women with progesterone deficiency who experience sleep disorders and helps them relax. Both perimenopause and menopause are crucial time periods in a woman’s life where one experiences significant drop in progesterone and estrogen hormone levels.Due to such decrease, women lack proper sleep. Valerian helps in inducing sleep, calming nerves and relaxing them, and hence cures insomnia and other problems associated with decreased progesterone levels.
6. Black Cohosh
This particular herb balances the estrogen hormone in the body. It also boosts production of progesterone by regulating components that behave like estrogen.It also helps in inducing pregnancy. It is helpful in regulating menstrual disorders that may arise from progesterone deficiency. It improves uterine muscle tone and hence prevents miscarriage, which is quite common among women with progesterone deficiency.
7. Turmeric
The active agent in it is curcumin that is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also aids in increasing progesterone levels in the body.It relieves vaginal dryness – symptom of low progesterone levels. At the same time, it detoxifies liver and helps strike a balance in body’s hormonal levels.
