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Progesterone is one of the most misunderstood—and undervalued—hormones in modern medicine. Present in both women and men, progesterone plays a critical role far beyond reproduction, influencing brain function, metabolism, bone health, mood, sleep, insulin balance, and adrenal regulation.
To fully understand progesterone’s importance, it is essential to distinguish between bio-identical progesterone and synthetic progestins (progestogens)—a distinction often overlooked in conventional care.
Bio-identical progesterone is molecularly identical to the progesterone produced naturally by the human body. It binds to progesterone receptors and is transported into the nucleus of cells, where it can influence gene expression and cellular function.
Synthetic progestins, found in many birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and drugs such as Provera®, are chemically different. Research and clinical observation show that progestins do not activate progesterone receptors in the same way and therefore cannot replicate the full physiological effects of natural progesterone.
This distinction explains why many hormone-related symptoms persist—or worsen—despite the use of synthetic hormones.
Hormones act as chemical messengers. Their effects occur only when they:
Progesterone receptors are widely distributed throughout the body. Depending on the tissue involved, progesterone may:
This wide receptor distribution explains progesterone’s systemic impact.
Progesterone is often described as estrogen-balancing, not estrogen-blocking.
When estrogen activity outweighs progesterone—a state often referred to as estrogen dominance—a wide range of symptoms may develop, including:
Progesterone helps counterbalance estrogen’s effects at the receptor level and supports healthier tissue response.
This balancing role applies to both women and men, as estrogen excess is also linked to prostate enlargement, breast tissue changes, and metabolic issues in males.
Progesterone plays an important role in blood sugar stability by influencing insulin activity at the cellular level.
Clinically, adequate progesterone support may help reduce:
Because insulin is a primary fat-storage hormone, particularly for abdominal fat, progesterone’s moderating effect on insulin may support healthier body composition—especially in aging men and postmenopausal women.
One of progesterone’s most profound—and least recognized—roles is its interaction with adrenaline (epinephrine).
Adrenaline is essential for survival, but chronic excess contributes to:
Progesterone helps buffer the nervous system, supporting calm focus and emotional regulation. In women, progesterone receptors are highly concentrated in the limbic system, the brain’s emotional control center.
This explains why progesterone support has been foundational in addressing conditions such as PMDD, where mood changes are closely tied to adrenal overactivity.
In modern life, adrenaline is often released not from danger—but from unstable blood sugar.
When the brain lacks adequate fuel, the body releases adrenaline to raise glucose through gluconeogenesis. If this occurs repeatedly—especially at night—individuals may experience:
Excess glucose produced during these adrenaline surges is often stored as fat.
Progesterone helps interrupt this cycle by:
For progesterone to work optimally, the brain must receive adequate fuel.
Dr. Platt emphasizes that the two most efficient brain fuels are:
This nutritional foundation reduces adrenaline release and allows progesterone receptors to function properly.
Clinical observation and decades of functional practice associate progesterone with support for:
Note: Individual response varies, and proper use, dosing, and lifestyle support are essential.
Progesterone is not just a “female reproductive hormone.”
Despite decades of availability, progesterone remains underutilized due to:
Pioneers such as Dr. Katharina Dalton demonstrated the importance of adequate progesterone dosing and the necessity of addressing adrenaline and blood sugar for progesterone to be effective—principles that align closely with Dr. Platt’s Adrenaline Dominance framework.
Progesterone is a foundational wellness hormone with systemic effects that extend far beyond reproduction. When used correctly—alongside proper nutrition and adrenal support—it plays a central role in restoring balance in both women and men.
Platt Wellness Metabolic Solutions, Inc. provides physician-formulated hormone creams and supplements based on Dr. Michael E. Platt’s advanced approach to hormone balance and adrenaline overload.
Dr. Platt is the author of:
His work integrates observational, functional, alternative, and allopathic medicine to address the root causes of hormone imbalance. He is currently retired, but is dedicated to de-mything information about hormone balancing through articles. He serves as a board of director on Platt Wellness Metabolic Solutions, Inc.
