Progesterone the hormone is usually associated with women and their reproductive cycles. But a little unknown fact is; it is also an important hormone for men. Decreased levels of this hormone in men can cause adverse health effects; like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Many men experience these symptoms as they age. So, it is necessary to learn what this progesterone hormone is, what it does, why should men care about it. It is also important to learn how to increase progesterone in men to fight off these conditions.

What is Progesterone?

First, let’s see what this hormone is. Progesterone is an endogenous steroid and a progestogen sex hormone present in humans. It is naturally secreted in both men and women. Progesterone is a hormone involved in reproduction. In women, this hormone is the main sex hormone along with estrogen. After puberty hits women, the ovaries release an egg each month for reproduction. This phenomenon is termed “ovulation”. This egg then moves down a fallopian tube where it meets the sperm. The spot where this egg leaves the ovaries is called a corpus luteum. This corpus luteum is a temporary gland that secretes progesterone in females after fertilization occurs.

However, in men progesterone is produced in adrenal glands and testes. The levels of progesterone in males are similar to that of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Chemically, the progesterone in both men and women is the same. Men need this hormone to produce testosterone.

What are the Functions of Progesterone?

In men, the main function of progesterone is the stimulation of sperm functions and spermatogenesis; which is the process of sperm production. It also affects sperm capacitation/acrosome reaction and testosterone biosynthesis in the Leydig cells.

In layman terms, this hormone not only enhances sperm production and g=function but it also helps in testosterone production in men. Testosterone in men helps with appearance and sexual development. It also builds muscle mass in men. To say that testosterone is fundamental for sexual health in males is putting it mildly. Progesterone acts as a helping hand in the production of this crucial hormone, thus maintaining sexual health in men.

Progesterone also helps with blocking of gonadotropin secretion and improvement in sleep patterns. It also improves immune system function, kidney function, and improves heart health. This hormone may also dictate the levels of fat in males. It can also be used to treat substance-use disorders in both men and women.

Why Do Men Need Progesterone?

As men begin to age, especially over 50 years of age, their testosterone levels begin to plummet. This can cause estrogen levels to increase. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. When estrogen increases, the progesterone levels begin to decrease. Low levels of progesterone have devastating effects on the health of men. Here it is important to understand what estrogen dominance is.

Estrogen dominance is pretty much the same in men and women. The term was first coined by a hormone expert Dr. John R. Lee. In estrogen dominance, the decreased levels of progesterone cause increased levels of estrogen in the human body or vice versa. This dominance can contribute to mood swings, weight gain, and depression. It is also linked with several forms of cancers. When men suffer from such a condition it is known as andropause. This refers to the natural decline of testosterone. This phenomenon can be hastened by exposure to estrogen in food items like soy products, dairy, and meat, along with xenoestrogens present in the environment. Xenoestrogens are also present in some personal care items and household cleaning products.

What is the Reason for Low Progesterone in Males?

The main reason for the low levels of progesterone in males is aging.

What are Low Progesterone Symptoms in Men?

Men who have low levels of progesterone can exhibit several symptoms. Some of the common low progesterone symptoms in men include low libido (loss of sex drive), hair loss from their heads, weight gain especially belly pouches, fatigue and aches in the body, depression, erectile dysfunction, bone loss, impotence, muscle loss, and gynecomastia.

Erectile dysfunction in men means the inability to get or keep an erection long or firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse. A temporary source of it can be stressful. But long-term dysfunction can indicate low levels of progesterone in men. Impotence, on the other hand, is also the loss of erection in men along with the loss of desire to have sex. Gynecomastia is enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in men. This can be caused when progesterone levels and testosterone levels in men are out of balance. It is estrogen that gives the female appearance and thus estrogen dominance, especially estradiol, may be the culprit.

Get to know Chrysin Max, a natural aromatase inhibitor transdermal cream (estrogen blocker) designed to regulate testosterone and estrogen hormones. It primarily acts by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, allowing for a balanced level of sex hormones among men. How to measure your hormone levels accurately? You can use ZRT Saliva Home Hormone Test Kit for an easy and convenient saliva testing method at the comfort of your own home.

How to Increase Low Progesterone in Men?

In women, the low levels of progesterone can easily be treated with hormone replacement therapy. But, for men, it can be very tricky to treat. There are several ways that one can utilize to increase the level of progesterone in the body. These can include pills, creams or oils:

Progesterone Pill

Progesterone pills are only used by women. Men should not take them to treat low levels of progesterone.

Progesterone Cream for Men

Natural progesterone is usually available in many forms. Natural progesterone cream for men is readily present in the market. Both men and women can use these creams. This is the most direct method of increasing progesterone in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction or impotence. As progesterone inhibits the production of 5-alpha-reductase, these creams rich with natural progesterone provide the same function. This prevents testosterone from changing into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This, in turn, stops the proliferation of prostate cells. So, topical progesterone supplementation may help against prostate cancer and increase levels of progesterone in the body. It is recommended that men over the age of 40 apply these creams directly to their scrotum twice a day. The recommended quantity of usage is 8-12 mg.

Progesterone oil for men

Progesterone oils can also be used by men to increase the levels of progesterone in the body. This can be applied directly to the scrotum to increase the hormone levels. This oil is usually made from yams or soybeans and is 100 percent natural. This oil also follows the same mechanism of action as progesterone creams. It works by increasing levels of progesterone to fight off conditions like erectile dysfunction in men.

What are the Benefits of Natural Progesterone Oil

The benefits of natural progesterone oil include increased sex drive, fight off erectile dysfunction, a decrease of the appearance of breasts in men, facial skin thinning (leading to rosacea and acne) and treatment of impotence. Progesterone oil can also decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men according to some medical professionals.

What is the Difference Between Progesterone and Progestin?

Progestin, on the other hand, is the synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. These hormones are available in multiple forms like implants, injections, capsules, and even vaginal gels. However, the synthetic hormone can cause several side effects on the human body.

What are the Side Effects of Progestin?

Progestin use can have harmful effects on the human body like headaches, pain, upset stomach, changes in appetite, weight gain, tiredness, fluid retention, and mood swings. Progestin use is not recommended for people with cancers, severe arterial disease, acute porphyrias, and jaundice.

Where Can You Get Natural Progesterone?

If you want to get your hands-on natural progesterone, you can always buy products that are made out of soybeans or yams from Diascorea uilosa. Progesterone extracted from these sources are bioidentical to the one present in human bodies.

Which Food Can Increase Progesterone in Men?

Food items can contain natural progesterone. To increase progesterone in men two ways can be used to enhance its levels with the help of food. First, you can consume food items that stimulate the production of progesterone in the body. These food items can be cabbage, cauliflower, kale, nuts, beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli, pumpkin, whole grains, and spinach.

Second, you can consume foods that lower the level of estrogen in the body. Thus, increasing the levels of progesterone. These food items include shellfish, walnuts, bananas, and cabbage.

What Other Ways are there to Increase Progesterone in Men?

In addition to progesterone treatments and food items, there are other ways of increasing the levels of progesterone in men to healthy levels. This includes:

1. Reduce Stress

Stress can lead to the production of hormones known as stress hormones. The primary stress hormone is known as cortisol. Additional stress can cause the kidneys to convert progesterone into cortisol, thus lowering progesterone levels. You can help control your level of stress with meditation, reading, listening to music, walking, or in severe cases through therapy.

2. Do not over-exercise

Increased levels of physical activity can induce stress in the body which can cause the cycle of cortisol and progesterone to trigger. A moderate level of exercise is advice.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight and BMI

Excessive weight can cause the body to produce more estrogen. This can cause estrogen-progesterone imbalance. Maintaining a healthy weight does not mean the progesterone levels will increase. It can lead to a more balanced level of hormones.

4. Get 8 Hours of Sleep

Your level of stress decreases when you are well-rested. This can help maintain a healthy level of progesterone in the body.