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Progesterone & Endometriosis: What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful medical condition seen primarily in women of childbearing age and is caused by the tissue of the uterus that normally lines the inside of the uterus, known as endometrium, growing outside the uterus. This can cause chronic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and fertility issues. Progesterone is a hormone primarily released by the ovaries in women, and it can help to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, as well as improve overall health.
How Progesterone Helps Manage Symptoms of Endometriosis
Progesterone helps reduce the inflammation, bleeding, and pain associated with endometriosis. It can also help decrease the growth of endometrial tissue and improve the immune system. Progesterone is available in both natural and synthetic forms and is taken via pills, shots, implants and creams.
Decreasing Inflammation
Progesterone helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with endometriosis by blocking estrogen-driven inflammation. Simply put, when a woman’s body is exposed to estrogen, inflammatory cells can enter the body. These cells invade the organs and cause pain and inflammation. Progesterone helps block the inflammatory action of estrogen, thus reducing the pain and inflammation caused by endometriosis.
Decreasing Endometrial Tissue Growth
Progesterone helps to reduce the growth of endometrial tissue, the tissue that goes through the uterus at the end of each cycle. This can help reduce pain, bleeding, and other symptoms of endometriosis.
Improving the Immune System
Progesterone also works to improve the immune system by blocking the action of substances known as cytokines, which can lead to inflammation and pain. By blocking cytokine action, progesterone helps reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of progesterone to manage symptoms and improve overall health related to endometriosis is a well-established practice. Progesterone blocks estrogen-driven inflammation, aids in reducing the growth of endometrial tissues, and improves the immune system. It is important to note that progesterone should be used with the guidance of a healthcare professional and should not be used as a replacement for standard medical treatment.
