THE DOWN LOW ON PROGESTERONE AND PROGESTIN: Which One You Want More Of and Which One is Harmful
Did you know that hormonal birth control contains synthetic hormones? One of those synthetic hormones can be progestin. If you’ve been told your birth control contains progesterone, this is actually impossible. What your provider means to say is your birth control contains progestin. Progesterone and progestin are not the same and have very different actions in our body.
Progestins are synthetic compounds that inhibit ovulation and prevent optimal cervical mucus (you know that stretchy, fertile cervical mucus!) to stop the motility of sperm to the cervix. They are found in hormonal birth control options.
Progesterone is a natural hormone our body creates in response to ovulation that keeps our uterine lining thick for a potential embryo to embed into.
If you’re having a menstrual cycle, the biological reason is to procreate -- this is why we have a period! So, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, it’s important that we ovulate, have balanced hormones and maintain a monthly, pain free period to keep everything optimal.
When we ovulate, usually mid cycle, a cyst called a corpus luteum cyst is formed. This cyst pumps out a surge of progesterone. Usually, the corpus luteum cyst pumps out progesterone for 12-14 days post ovulation, then, if not pregnant, dissolves taking the progesterone supply with it. When progesterone drops, we shed our uterine lining which is our next bleed. If pregnant, we want our progesterone levels to continue to rise and rise weekly throughout pregnancy. That corpus luteum cyst has a big job to do until 12 weeks of pregnancy by continuing to create and pump out that progesterone. After approximately 12 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta takes over progesterone production. But, it is important to note that just because you’ve hit 12 weeks, the placenta can still slack on production. A very common reason of miscarriage is due to low progesterone (remember the uterine lining will shed without adequate levels and pregnant people require adequate progesterone). I often work with women in my practice who don’t have optimal progesterone levels during pregnancy (and likely before pregnancy!) and it’s why I am a major advocate for working with a provider who tests your levels per the NAPRO guidelines and supplements with bioidentical progesterone as needed, even beyond the first trimester.
Progestin Side Effects:
Lots of breakouts + oily skin
Mood swings
Blood sugar ups and downs
Blood clots
Anxiety + depression
Bloating
Adequate Progesterone Levels:
Balanced moods and minimal PMS
Aids in supporting and sustaining pregnancy (we require adequate progesterone levels to support a pregnancy!)
Boosts metabolism and stabilizes blood sugar levels
Amps up sex drive
Aids in pain free periods, just like they should be
Did you know about progesterone vs. progestin? Comment below and let me know your thoughts!