Roles of Estrogen and Progesterone in the Body

Estrogen and progesterone are two very important sexual hormones in females and play a major role in the body. For the female body to function well both mentally and physically, the levels of estrogen and progesterone must be in proper balance. Both estrogen and progesterone have unique functions in the body. In the body, the levels of both estrogen and progesterone are well regulated by the hypothalamus. The ovary is very sensitive to information from the brain and only manufacturers these hormones when needed. For all functions in the body, it is the levels of free hormones that are most important.

The levels of estrogen and progesterone vary in the body during each menstrual cycle. However, there are certain times during the menstrual cycle when the levels of estrogen are high and progesterone levels are low. In such a case, the female will experience the following symptoms:

- increased anxiety
- feeling of sadness
- mood swings from depression to anger
- apprehension , forgetfulness
- lack of concentration
- altered sleep patterns

Progesterone helps to balance out these mood altering symptoms.

Estrogen can also cause sodium retention; this result in water retention and swelling of the body. Most females notice the water retention which is obvious in the hands and feet and around the stomach. Progesterone can help counter these effects by blocking the retention of sodium.

High levels of estrogen can also affect metabolism. This many manifest as:

- episodes of low sugar levels
- increased appetite
- headaches
- food cravings
- fatigue
- sleepiness

Again progesterone maintains the balance and prevents the increased food cravings and lowers appetite.

When estrogens are administrated to women without the balancing of progesterone, the following can occur:

- higher incidence of fibroids
- increased incidence of fibrocystic disease
- possible breast cancer
- endometrial cancer

Thus, any female who desires to take supplements of estrogen, must make sure that progesterone is added to the formulation to counter the effects of estrogen.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone therapy

Many men are wondering if they need hormone replacement therapy like women. Females usually undergo menopause when levels of the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone decrease. Now there has been a trend for among some men to use testosterone replacement therapy. These men are aware that certain hormones decline in their 30s and 40s and then seek the help of a doctor who is knowledgeable about hormone levels declining in people as they age.. Men do, indeed, experience a decline in hormones and, male menopause, known as andropause will occur s a men reaches his 40s and 50s.


Reports by middle aged men claim that testosterone and progesterone therapy is very helpful. This has led to large industry which now advocates bioidentical testosterone (and progesterone) replacement therapy for men. The research recommends testosterone replacement therapy, along with bioidentical progesterone therapy for men indicate that male sex hormones can help increase muscle mass, improve memory and cognition, build muscle and bone mass, sustain energy levels and even better, provide a boost to the sex drive.


Further, there are others who claim that testosterone may also work as an anti aging drug. Can testosterone do all that?


There is no doubt that testosterone is a solid anabolic and androgenic agent. It has been shown to improve the following functions in men

- increase bone density and prevent fractures
- eliminate body fat and replace this with lean protein
- develop muscles and increase strength
- increase production of red blood cells and hence improve oxygen carrying capacity
- increase libido and sperm production
- decrease feelings of depression
- increase feelings of wellbeing


So with all these benefits why not take testosterone therapy? There is a definite drop of testosterone with age. There is also a decrease in progesterone levels and an increase in estrogen levels as men age..

Any individual who wishes to take testosterone therapy should first discuss this issue with a doctor who has knowledge of aging and declining hormone levels in men. If the blood levels of testosterone are low, then one should consider the pros and cons about therapy. In any case, it is vital that one be closely followed by a physician when taking testosterone therapy. To do this, hormone testing is necessary for men.