Ahlgrimm Marla

Self-help methods – eating well, exercising regularly and nutritional supplements like ProCycle PMS – can go a long way toward managing physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, says Madison, Wisconsin-based pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. However, some women find that self-help is not enough to keep their symptoms under control. If you’re one of these women, you may want to talk to your physician about prescribing natural progesterone therapy. Here’s a look at some the basic facts about progesterone therapy that will help you evaluate your options.

The hormone

How does progesterone work in your body? When produced by the ovaries, reports Marla Ahlgrimm, progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for a fertilized egg. In fact, progesterone means “for gestation” and is the hormone of pregnancy. If fertilization and implantation do not occur, your progesterone levels fall and your cycle begins. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, progesterone levels fluctuate in the monthly pattern. During the first half of your cycle, from day 1 of your period to ovulation, approximately 14 days later, progesterone levels are low. After ovulation, says Ahlgrimm, progesterone levels begin to rise. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. If you become pregnant, the placenta takes over the output of progesterone, producing high levels of the hormone especially after the ninth or tenth week of pregnancy. Elevated progesterone levels may be one reason some women say they feel wonderful during pregnancy, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

The medication

The hormone progesterone is prescribed by physicians to supplement a woman’s production of the hormone. Many women often ask Marla Ahlgrimm how natural progesterone is different from a synthetic progestin. When in its natural state, progesterone is identical to what your body produces every month. A synthetic progestin, like those found in birth control, can significantly slow down or halt ovulation entirely and diminish the body‘s natural output of the hormone. Rather than relieve PMS, synthetic progestin often intensifies PMS symptoms, reports Ahlgrimm.

An important point to remember about progesterone therapy is that the two forms cannot be used interchangeably. If your physician prescribes progesterone, you should ask whether he/she is prescribing the natural or synthetic form. Usually, progesterone is prescribed for use during the last half of the menstrual cycle, from the onset of ovulation until menstruation begins, notes Ahlgrimm. Often people mistakenly believe that natural progesterone is an herbal substance that would be found at a health food store. It isn’t. Natural progesterone is a highly purified, quality pharmaceutical preparation derived from soy. It is highly regulated by the FDA. It is a prescription drug that must be compounded individually by a pharmacist. Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that receiving the proper amount of the hormone is key.

Options

Because natural progesterone is available in different forms including transdermal creams, suppositories, sustained release tablets, and oral capsules, Ahlgrimm recommends considering which one is best for you. Things to take into account include absorption factors – how much of the medication is absorbed, how fast, and how long it lasts. According to Ahlgrimm, you will also want to consider how easy the medication is to take, and the cost. As noted by Marla Ahlgrimm, these are the most commonly prescribed forms of progesterone:

Oral – Micronized progesterone can be taken orally in capsule or tablet form, says Ahlgrimm. The capsule is an immediate release form that is taken four times daily. Oral tablets are an even release formula and can be taken twice a day to produce consistent levels of the medication in the blood, which is important. Remember, progesterone is a hormone with naturally calming effects, notes Ahlgrimm. All forms of natural progesterone may cause drowsiness, says Marla Ahlgrimm. If drowsiness or dizziness occur, the dosage may need to be reduced. Taking natural progesterone with food also helps avoid drowsiness.
 

Suppositories- Progesterone suppositories can be administered rectally or vaginally. They provide consistent absorption rate. Some women may experience vaginal leakage as a suppository melts. Rectal suppositories can also stimulate the bowels.

For more information about how pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm can help you manage your symptoms of PMS or other hormonal imbalances, visit her online at www.marlaahlgrimm.com