Progesterone Deficiency and Mental Health
When people think of progesterone, many of them associate the hormone with women and its role in pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. However, we had to let our readers know about the benefits of progesterone on brain health.
For example, did you know that progesterone is found in brain cells at levels twenty times higher than in the blood serum? Progesterone is a key component of the myelin sheath, the protective layer that insulates each nerve fiber. During the past few years, its role in the healing process of brain injuries has heightened medicine’s view of progesterone as an integral part of recovery.
It also has an impact on mood as can be seen in the effect of the hormone’s precipitous drop after birth in post partum depression. Research has shown that progesterone activates GABA receptors in the brain resulting in a calming effect.
Clearly, progesterone isn’t just for women. We know that when there is an imbalance, the mind and body do not work optimally. Think about progesterone as a natural, important tool that can be used to increase brain health.
Are you or a loved one currently taking progesterone? Let us know how it has helped you!
