Vitex — also called chaste berry — is known for supporting natural progesterone production, healthy estrogen levels, and hormonal balance.
Certain herbs can increase progesterone naturally. Chasteberry, Evening primrose oil, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Rhodiola are some of the herbs that can help. However, make sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements.
On the other hand, ashwagandha also directly boosts progesterone production, which is the hormone of pregnancy and fertility.
Maca is a “hormonal adaptogen,” meaning it will adapt to your bodies needs and help to naturally produce your hormones. Studies have shown that women who take a maca supplement will experience a progesterone increase over time.
Vitamin B6 has been shown to help improve progesterone levels and is, therefore, one of the vitamins which women who are trying to conceive often take. Research has shown that women who have higher levels of vitamin B6 in their blood have reduced miscarriage rates by 50%.
Turmeric extract successfully restores progesterone levels to normal, which are also symptoms of anovulation [39].
Although the corpus luteum in the ovaries is the major site of progesterone production in humans, progesterone is also produced in smaller quantities by the ovaries themselves, the adrenal glands and, during pregnancy, the placenta.
In addition to healthy fats, avocados contain plant sterols which can help block estrogen absorption and promote progesterone production.
One cause of progesterone imbalance is estrogen dominance by outside factors such as environmental hormones (i.e., xenoestrogen) found in the foods you eat. Other causes of diminished progesterone include insulin resistance, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise.
The provision of ginger in mice with ovulation abnormalities can improve and be effective in balancing the hormones LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone.
Since the liver has an important role in metabolising estrogen for elimination, turmeric can have an impact on hormone regulation via this mechanism. In addition, turmeric helps women managing some symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and joint pain given its anti-inflammatory properties.
Two others herbs that are often used to regulate cycles include White Peony and Dong Quai. White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a wonderful herb for hormonal and menstrual complaints. It has shown to increase low progesterone, reduce high testosterone and regulate other hormones including oestrogen and prolactin.
Vitamin C is absorbed in large amounts just before ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone. Include plenty of citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers and other Vitamin C rich foods, which also aids in the absorption of iron from plant sources.
Some FDA -approved products come from plants. Examples include Estrace, Alora and other products that contain estrogens, and Prometrium, a natural progesterone.
Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were significantly increased when combined with coenzyme Q10 (p <0.05 and p <0.001, respectively.
Vitamin B6 is absolutely essential for the development of the corpus luteum – this gland is produced in the ovary after the egg has been released and it is what makes the hormone progesterone. Therefore B6 is necessary for balanced hormones and preventing progesterone deficiency.
Firstly, omega-3 fatty acids may improve ovulation. Consumption of DHA has been shown to increase progesterone, a hormone that regulates the condition of the lining of the uterus that is essential for pregnancy.
Excessive sugar, excessive saturated fat, deficiencies of vitamins A, B6, C, zinc as well as low thyroid hormone can cause low progesterone.