Simple Ways to Boost Your Progesterone Naturally!

Progesterone is our calming hormone. It also stimulates GABA resulting in even more of a chill effect. Ovulation triggers the increase in progesterone each month, so if you’re not ovulating regularly you’re missing out on some of the mood boosting effects of progesterone. 

 Symptoms of low or inadequate progesterone can include: painful, heavy periods, difficulty achieving and maintaining a pregnancy, and significant PMS symptoms 7-10 days prior to your period such as irritability, insomnia, tearfulness, and headaches. These symptoms may be common but they are not normal. And the cause is different for everyone. But if you are experiencing these symptoms it’s worth exploring what’s going on. 

A few of the best ways to naturally boost your progesterone are to get good sleep, decrease your stress, move your body and eat a hormone healthy diet full of good fats, protein fiber and lots of colorful plant foods. If you have low progesterone, focusing on those lifestyle pieces can have a huge impact. 

4 of my favorite supplements to naturally boost progesterone include: 

• Adaptogenic blends can be helpful to balance the adrenals and support ovulation. You can read more about adaptogens for women here.

• Vitex-supports your body’s natural progesterone production and helps women trying to conceive. 

• Vitamin B6- Supports progesterone production. Hormonal birth control can also deplete B vitamin levels, so if you are using birth control pills now is a good time to think about prioritizing these vitamins. Food sources include turkey, wild salmon and potatoes. 

• Vitamin C-100mg/day. Food sources include leafy greens, strawberries, red bell pepper, and citrus fruits. 

As always talk to your provider about whether or not these supplements may be helpful for you.