Women & Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
What is Progesterone?
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What are some of the functions and roles of progesterone in the body?
What is the difference between "progestin" and "progesterone?"
The main difference is in the derivative. Progestin’s are synthetic (i.e. man-made) molecules developed to act like natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is a molecule that is plant derived and is bio-identical to the hormone produced in our bodies. Progestin’s do not have as broad a spectrum of activity as natural progesterone, and have a wide range of side effects. Whereas progesterone may cause some mild to moderate drowsiness, progestin’s can cause:
- Counteracts estrogen's tendency to induce excess growth in the endometrial lining of the uterus.
- Builds new bone tissue, leading to increased bone mass and density.
- Necessary for maintenance of pregnancy.
- Decreases uterine contractions.
- Prepares and maintains uterine lining for implantation of fertilized egg
- Prepares breasts for lactation.
- Assists in raising HDL-cholesterol levels (if combined with estrogen therapy) and ultimately reduces risk of heart disease.
- Synthetic progesterone (progestin) has an overall negative effect on HDL-cholesterol levels because it vasocontricts.
What is the difference between "progestin" and "progesterone?"
The main difference is in the derivative. Progestin’s are synthetic (i.e. man-made) molecules developed to act like natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is a molecule that is plant derived and is bio-identical to the hormone produced in our bodies. Progestin’s do not have as broad a spectrum of activity as natural progesterone, and have a wide range of side effects. Whereas progesterone may cause some mild to moderate drowsiness, progestin’s can cause:
- breast tenderness
- acne
- depression
- vision changes
- bloating
- migraine headaches
- thrombosis
- decreased glucose tolerance
- gastric regurgitation