Some foods with natural progesterone can effectively treat certain reproductive diseases in women. In this HerHaleness post, we will give you a complete list of such foods for you.
Progesterone is an important female reproductive hormone and performs various functions in the female body. It is required to regulate menstrual cycle along with estrogen, another important female reproductive system hormone. It is also required to initiate and maintain pregnancy. Insufficient amounts may lead to several issues regarding the reproductive health of a woman.
Infertility is a common issue among women who cannot produce sufficient amounts. These women are often prescribed supplements to regulate the menstrual cycle or as a treatment for infertility.
Foods With Natural Progesterone
Progesterone is naturally secreted by a woman’s ovaries. Every month, it signals the uterus to thicken its lining so that a fertilized egg can implant itself there. In the absence of fertilization, the uterus sheds its lining, leading to menstrual flow. Progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle by reducing the dominance of estrogen in the body and increases its immunity. Women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) benefit once they’ve gotten a treatment. Progestin or synthetic progesterone is used to treat menstrual problems such as amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, etc. It is also used for treating endometriosis, loss of appetite, and weight loss related to AIDS and cancer. However, synthetic progesterone has numerous side effects which may hamper your health in the long run. Hence, natural progesterone is preferred over synthetic one for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
It is essentially an animal hormone and the only food source is placenta! Certain animals eat their placenta after birth which gives them the required surge. Earlier, attempts were made to derive natural progesterone from the placenta of pig. However, this method proved to be very expensive and tedious. Eventually, a progesterone-like substance was found in certain plant sources. Although, this is not similar to the natural one found in humans, it certainly mimics its properties inside the body.
Eggs
Eggs contain progesterone in abundant amounts; especially, egg yolk is very rich source. Women with the deficiency should definitely eat eggs.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese made from cow’s milk, contain high amounts of progesterone.
Chicken
White meats, such as chicken, also contain the hormone in small quantity. However, these days, poultry are artificially impregnated with hormones. Consuming such meat may not be the best idea to increase the levels.
Zinc Rich Foods
Red meat, shellfish, turkey can contribute to increasing the levels in the body. However, beware of hormone impregnated beef or pork.
Foods With Phyto Progesterone
Phyto progesterone can overcome the deficiency in the body and maintain progesterone-estrogen balance. It is found in some of the following plant sources.
Yams
Yam or wild yam contains certain phytochemicals which act like progesterone when inside the body. However, these yams are not to be confused with sweet potatoes, which are also called yams in some areas. FDA requires you to mention both names yam and sweet potato on the packaging. Hence, make sure you read the label carefully while buying yams.
Vitamin B6 Rich Foods
Foods rich in vitamin B6 such as walnuts, whole grains, fortified cereals, and soy milk are good sources.
The above mentioned foods must be consumed in moderate amounts only. Excess levels may disrupt hormonal balance in the body. Menopausal women and those on HRT must eat these foods only after consulting their doctor.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a nutritionist.
