Difficulty getting pregnant is a burdensome time in a woman’s life. The reason for this challenge may be due to nutrition and the progesterone levels in one’s body. With mindful adjustments to your diet, you may resolve this problem without the use of medications. During the menstrual cycle, hormones work together to create a perfect balance that allows ovulation and conception to occur. A progesterone-rich diet might be the key to increasing your hormone levels that aid in conception with a more holistic approach.
Many women are finding solutions to the challenges of conceiving naturally by introducing certain foods to their plates. Progesterone is a key factor in a healthy pregnancy and the fertility of a woman. This article will review how to achieve a progesterone-rich diet to finally experience the miracle of life growing inside of you!
The Role of Progesterone in Fertility
One of the major roles of progesterone is to aid in the embryo’s development. It is a steroid hormone made up of granulosa cells in a woman’s reproductive system. Progesterone is produced after ovulation and prepares the endometrium, which is the mucus membrane that lines the uterus. As an egg is fertilized, this hormone helps the uterine wall to thicken, allowing the egg to attach and continue its development. It aids in preventing muscle contractions that may cause the egg to be rejected.
Hormone levels have to be in balance. Too little progesterone won’t allow the egg to attach to the uterus, but too much will prevent ovulation. Progesterone continues to work during pregnancy by allowing the embryo to develop into a healthy fetus.
How to Find Out if You Have a Healthy Hormonal Balance
If you experience trouble getting pregnant, it is wise to consult a fertility specialist who can test your hormone levels.
Look out for the following symptoms that may indicate excess or deficiency of this important hormone. This list is not all-inclusive, since each person presents a unique set of symptoms:
The ideal time to perform hormone testing depends on the individual and their menstrual cycle. On average, people get tested one week after ovulation or one week before menstruation is expected. Talk to your fertility doctor to determine the right time for you to get tested.
Tackling Deficiency with a Progesterone-Rich Diet
Once you determine that you need to increase your progesterone levels, there are natural ways to increase this important hormone in your body. Foods don’t contain progesterone, but they do promote the body’s production of the hormone.
Include these into your diet for a boost in progesterone:
Another way to increase progesterone is to consume foods that lower estrogen thus creating a healthier ratio for conception. Bananas are a great way to achieve this.
Being mindful of these foods is a great way to naturally balance your progesterone levels.
Herbs and Minerals That Aid in Progesterone Production
Along with foods that promote progesterone production, there are herbs and minerals you can include in your diet every day.
Minerals That Boost Progesterone
You may take these as supplements or find foods that are rich in:
Be sure to take proper daily amounts to keep a healthy balance.
Herbs for Progesterone Production
These herbs are more easily found in supplemental form such as capsules, although finding them fresh is ideal. Include these in your diet:
Chaste berry
Licorice root
Ashwagandha
Schisandra
Rhodiola
Herbs are a great way to naturally increase progesterone levels. They are also great for delicious teas and recipes.
Putting your hormones in balance naturally allows your body to thrive. Avoiding synthetic products and medications that may have harmful effects pays off. Your body has a natural ability to find healing and to thrive the way it’s meant to be.
