is a naturally-occurring hormone which, along with estrogen, is responsible for reproductive characteristics. Progesterone supplementation can be used to increase fertility, predominantly in women but sometimes also in men. In post-menopausal women and in women taking hormonal birth control it is used to prevent endometriosis (tissue growing outside of the womb) during hormone replacement therapy.

In both men and women progesterone can be used to prevent a range of medical issues, including:

• Thyroid issues
• Gallbladder issues
• Weight gain
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Loss of libido
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Cancer

Women who are not pregnant may use progesterone to address a number of menstruation issues, such as:

• Promoting regular periods in women experiencing irregular periods
• Restoring regular periods in cases of amenorrhea (absent periods)
• Reducing pain in dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Reducing risk of endometrial hyperplasia (tissue growing outside the uterus)
• Stopping abnormal uterine bleeding

Progesterone supplementation is available in a wide range of formulas, including injections, pills, patches, implanted medical devices, gels, creams, and foam. Progesterone levels can be checked with a simple blood test.

Progesterone Use in Women

Progesterone, when present in adequate levels, spikes in the second-half of the menstrual cycle, which prompts release of an egg and helps the womb prepare for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, levels drop and menstruation occurs.

If a fertilized egg does implant in the womb, progesterone levels stay elevated throughout pregnancy. This keeps the womb nourished and friendly toward the unborn baby, as well as prepares the breasts for lactation. After the baby is born, progesterone levels once again drop, which triggers lactation.

When progesterone levels are low, this system may become disrupted. Women who are unable to conceive, have miscarriages, or who have other pregnancy complications may want to have progesterone levels checked.

Progesterone can also be used as part of in vitro fertilization, as it prompts release of an egg.

In hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control progesterone is typically included for women who have an intact uterus; the medication prevents endometriosis and certain types of cancer. Women who no longer have a uterus do not need to worry about progesterone---at least for that purpose---and can use estrogen-only birth control.

Progesterone Use in Men

In men, progesterone is the precursor to testosterone. As a man ages progesterone levels naturally drop; in severe cases it may drop to such an extent that estrogen begins to become the dominant hormone. When this happens male characteristics may begin to be lost, as well as significantly elevating the man's risk of getting prostrate cancer. Progesterone is produced in the testes of men, so injury to the testes can also cause progesterone levels to dramatically decrease.

Progesterone can also influence fertility in men; in addition to the loss of libido and erectile dysfunction associated with low progesterone, it also plays a role in sperm production. Men who supplement progesterone---again, assuming levels are low to begin with---are more likely to be fertile, not to mention able and willing to have intercourse.

Experience the Kiwi Drug Difference

Kiwi Drug has only one goal---to provide our clients with affordable, hassle-free access to the medications they need to maintain a high quality of life. Progesterone is absolutely one such medication---in addition to the numerous medical issues it can prevent, it may be the difference between reproducing or not.

Once you've spoken with a doctor about the best formulation to purchase, you're welcome to browse our large selection of progesterone products, combined progesterone and estrogen products, or estrogen-only products. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us!