Evidence supporting the use of: Progesterone
For the health condition: Estrogen (low)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Progesterone is not primarily used to treat low estrogen levels directly, but rather to complement estrogen therapy, especially in women with an intact uterus. The main scientific rationale is that unopposed estrogen therapy (estrogen given without progesterone) increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Progesterone counteracts the proliferative effects of estrogen on the endometrial lining, thus providing protection. Evidence from multiple clinical guidelines and studies supports adding progesterone to estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women with a uterus. However, progesterone is not typically used as a direct treatment for low estrogen symptoms themselves (such as hot flashes or vaginal atrophy); these symptoms are addressed with estrogen replacement. The use of progesterone in this context is therefore scientifically validated, but the evidence pertains to its role in endometrial protection rather than as a primary therapy for low estrogen. For women without a uterus, progesterone is generally not indicated when treating low estrogen states. The evidence rating reflects robust data for endometrial protection but not for treating low estrogen per se.
Other ingredients used for Estrogen (low)
black cohoshdong quai root
flaxseed
licorice root
soybean
vitamin D
wild yam
red clover
Equol (proprietary)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Cohosh
Dong Quai
Estrogen