Did you know that you have a natural anti-anxiety hormone?
Women have a hormone that is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands that is like valium bathing the female mind. It helps reduce anxiety and is known as the peaceful hormone. It also helps us sleep soundly through the entire night.
In men, this same hormone prevents testosterone from becoming estrogen.
What is this amazing hormone? Progesterone.
Progesterone acts on the gamma amino butyric (GABA) receptors in the brain (the same receptors sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and even alcohols act upon), producing a calming effect. GABA is the primary inhibitory transmitter in the brain. If you wake between 2am and 4 am wide awake, you likely have a progesterone deficiency.
Progesterone also affects the elasticity of our skin, memory, is anti-inflammatory, is a natural diuretic and helps normalize blood sugar. It also stimulates that cells that make new bone called osteoblasts. Translation, it keeps us looking and feeling our best!
Unfortunately progesterone leaves our bodies first and leaves us quickly. You can have a low progesterone level as early as your late 20’s! Many women (an men!) think that their increased irritability, loss of enjoyment of life and trouble sleeping is from their 24/7 lifestyle but it is likely more often due to a progesterone deficiency
Here are 7 common symptoms associated with low progesterone:
- Anxiety
- Waking at night
- Fibrocystic breasts
- PMS
- Bone loss
- Low libido
- Infertility or irregular periods
Here are 3 simple and natural things you can do to help your own body produce more progesterone
Vitamin C. A dose of 750-1000 mg has been shown in studies to raise progesterone.
Selenium. 200-400 mcg/day was shown to boost production of progesterone in an Italian study (It also helps the thyroid as well!).
The spices turmeric, thyme and oregano are also useful for progesterone. Use in cooking whenever you can.
Topical progesterone is also available over-the-counter.
If you find that it takes a bit more energy to keep your cool or that you are no longer sleeping through the night I encourage you to look to progesterone as a way to help. You can go to www.www.drtami.com and take a free hormone quiz to see where you might lie and what you can do with nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes to feel even better.
Remember, fine is a four letter word. You deserve to feel FABULOUS!
Committed to your Vitality,
