Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
[China Times Health - Huang Manying / Report] 2009.05.14
A 42-year-old woman suddenly experienced a drastic change in her physique two years ago, gaining 10 kilograms in a month. She developed red, swollen acne on her face, chest, and back, and her menstrual flow became unbearably heavy. Tests revealed that her progesterone levels were insufficient, leading to hormonal imbalances that caused changes in her body, mood, and menstrual cycle.
Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Dr. Ding Qiwen, Deputy Director of Rongxin Clinic, explains that each month, one egg matures in the ovaries. After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms and secretes the hormone known as progesterone.
What are the functions of progesterone? Primarily, it maintains the growth of the uterine lining, supports pregnancy, reduces menstrual pain, and enhances libido. Beyond the female reproductive system, progesterone affects many other organs. It acts as a natural antidepressant, aiding sleep, relieving stress, and balancing emotions. It also has diuretic effects, helping to eliminate excess water, lower blood pressure, and reduce bloating. Additionally, it protects bone density and the uterine lining, preventing uterine cancer.
When progesterone levels are insufficient, symptoms may include irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, declining libido, water retention, and swelling. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a classic example of progesterone deficiency. Patients may experience emotional instability a few days before menstruation, ranging from severe depression and suicidal thoughts to irritability and even criminal behavior. There have been legal cases where judges reduced sentences for female offenders due to emotional distress caused by PMS.
Dr. Ding Qiwen notes that the main causes of progesterone deficiency include:
- Hormones from animal sources in the diet, such as dairy, meat, and animal fats.
- Environmental hormone pollution, including petrochemicals, plasticizers, detergents, cosmetics, pesticides, and insecticides.
- Use of synthetic progestins, such as birth control pills and menstrual-regulating medications.
- Ovarian dysfunction, anovulation, and menopause.
High-risk groups for progesterone deficiency include those who prefer high-fat, high-calorie diets and frequently eat out, as they are more exposed to environmental hormone pollution. Others at risk include women with irregular or heavy periods, sudden weight gain, or edema-related obesity. Women over 35, approaching perimenopause with irregular ovulation, are also in the high-risk category.
Dr. Ding Qiwen advises that if you experience symptoms such as irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, PMS, declining libido, weight gain, or edema-related obesity, it’s best to get blood tests for progesterone and estrogen. Those with mild deficiencies can address it through dietary adjustments, while severe cases may require natural progesterone supplementation under a doctor’s guidance, available in oral tablets, topical creams, or vaginal suppositories.
Foods that can boost progesterone levels include yams, particularly Mexican wild yams, which are a source of many natural progesterone supplements. Soybeans and soy products are also beneficial—East Asian women, who frequently consume tofu and soy milk, tend to have milder menopausal symptoms, serving as evidence. Certain vitamins can also aid progesterone production. Animal studies have shown beta-carotene to be effective. Interestingly, vitamin E in low doses (150 IU daily) can increase progesterone, but high doses (300-600 IU daily) may reduce it, so moderation is key.
Finally, Dr. Ding Qiwen emphasizes that menopause is not an illness but a transitional period requiring physical and emotional adjustment. Through testing and proper treatment, symptoms can often be effectively managed, restoring quality of life and reclaiming a beautiful, fulfilling existence.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=4,30& id=6181
Woman Gains 10kg and Depressed Due to Progesterone Deficiency
A 42-year-old woman suddenly experienced a drastic change in her physique two years ago, gaining 10 kilograms in a month. She developed red, swollen acne on her face, chest, and back, and her menstrual flow became unbearably heavy. Tests revealed that her progesterone levels were insufficient, leading to hormonal imbalances that caused changes in her body, mood, and menstrual cycle.
Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Dr. Ding Qiwen, Deputy Director of Rongxin Clinic, explains that each month, one egg matures in the ovaries. After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms and secretes the hormone known as progesterone.
What are the functions of progesterone? Primarily, it maintains the growth of the uterine lining, supports pregnancy, reduces menstrual pain, and enhances libido. Beyond the female reproductive system, progesterone affects many other organs. It acts as a natural antidepressant, aiding sleep, relieving stress, and balancing emotions. It also has diuretic effects, helping to eliminate excess water, lower blood pressure, and reduce bloating. Additionally, it protects bone density and the uterine lining, preventing uterine cancer.
When progesterone levels are insufficient, symptoms may include irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, declining libido, water retention, and swelling. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a classic example of progesterone deficiency. Patients may experience emotional instability a few days before menstruation, ranging from severe depression and suicidal thoughts to irritability and even criminal behavior. There have been legal cases where judges reduced sentences for female offenders due to emotional distress caused by PMS.
Dr. Ding Qiwen notes that the main causes of progesterone deficiency include:
- Hormones from animal sources in the diet, such as dairy, meat, and animal fats.
- Environmental hormone pollution, including petrochemicals, plasticizers, detergents, cosmetics, pesticides, and insecticides.
- Use of synthetic progestins, such as birth control pills and menstrual-regulating medications.
- Ovarian dysfunction, anovulation, and menopause.
High-risk groups for progesterone deficiency include those who prefer high-fat, high-calorie diets and frequently eat out, as they are more exposed to environmental hormone pollution. Others at risk include women with irregular or heavy periods, sudden weight gain, or edema-related obesity. Women over 35, approaching perimenopause with irregular ovulation, are also in the high-risk category.
Dr. Ding Qiwen advises that if you experience symptoms such as irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, PMS, declining libido, weight gain, or edema-related obesity, it’s best to get blood tests for progesterone and estrogen. Those with mild deficiencies can address it through dietary adjustments, while severe cases may require natural progesterone supplementation under a doctor’s guidance, available in oral tablets, topical creams, or vaginal suppositories.
Foods that can boost progesterone levels include yams, particularly Mexican wild yams, which are a source of many natural progesterone supplements. Soybeans and soy products are also beneficial—East Asian women, who frequently consume tofu and soy milk, tend to have milder menopausal symptoms, serving as evidence. Certain vitamins can also aid progesterone production. Animal studies have shown beta-carotene to be effective. Interestingly, vitamin E in low doses (150 IU daily) can increase progesterone, but high doses (300-600 IU daily) may reduce it, so moderation is key.
Finally, Dr. Ding Qiwen emphasizes that menopause is not an illness but a transitional period requiring physical and emotional adjustment. Through testing and proper treatment, symptoms can often be effectively managed, restoring quality of life and reclaiming a beautiful, fulfilling existence.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=4,30& id=6181