The effects of progesterone on the treatment of depression, fatigue, crying, anxiety, helplessness, strange thoughts, poor appetite and night sweats were all statistically highly significant when progesterone was used. In fact, the incidence of these symptoms decreased significantly.
What’s more, the researchers claim that one of progesterone therapy’s most valuable attributes is that its effects are rapid onset, sometimes alleviating symptoms within an hour.
Is this for real?? I asked around, and as it turns out, several of my mama friends have tried progesterone therapy, all with very positive results.
Wanting to know all the details, I contacted my local FertilityCare practitioner intern, Kelly Castleberry*, who gave me the scoop. Here’s a look at our conversation:
First of all, what is NaPro technology? I’ve heard it’s considered a revolution in women’s fertility management and education!
NaPro Technology is a relatively new reproductive science. It refers to the use of natural procreative technologies. It’s considered a revolution in women’s fertility management and education because its medical, surgical, and allied health energies and attention are devoted to cooperating with the natural procreative cycle. Reproductive endocrinology, on the other hand, aims to control a woman’s cycle with fertility medications, procedures, and surgeries.
Ok, so what exactly is progesterone therapy and how is it used to treat postpartum depression?
Progesterone therapy supports a woman’s struggling progesterone levels — during pregnancy and postpartum, or during regular cycles. Ways that it may be used for postpartum depression depend on the woman’s symptoms, but often she will receive a weekly or biweekly shot at her doctor’s office. [Women can receive progesterone via shots, suppositories, or pills.] The results are dramatic and quick, often improving her symptoms in mere hours.
Can progesterone be used for prenatal depression?
Yes. If symptoms of prenatal depression occur, a woman should see a NaPro Technology medical consultant for an examination and blood tests. She may be prescribed progesterone.
How about for other pregnancy/postpartum-related mood disorders?
Yes. If any of these disorders [postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, postpartum OCD] present during or after pregnancy, a woman should see a NaPro Technology medical consultant, who may prescribe progesterone to help.
Can progesterone be used to treat menopausal-related disorders?
Yes! NaPro Technology has multiple protocols, depending on what the woman is going through.
Can anyone take progesterone to help with depression? Are there any women who should not use progesterone for depression?
I do not recommend taking any form of progesterone without a prescription. I recommend women see their physician and speak with them about using progesterone in this way. A woman using Natural Family Planning [NFP] who is having symptoms of depression should mention this to her FertilityCare practitioner, who can then refer her to a NaPro Technology medical consultant. Progesterone must be timed with the woman’s cycle. Otherwise her hormones will become even more imbalanced.
How can women obtain a progesterone prescription?
Women should mention their concerns to a FertilityCare practitioner. Her FCP will refer her to the appropriate NaPr physician. The physician will determine whether or not progesterone is warranted.
Can you describe what a FertilityCare practitioner (like yourself!) can help women to achieve?
FertilityCare practitioners (FCP) or practitioner interns can help women with so many things! a woman can achieve better general health, understanding and managing her fertility on her own. She may be able to achieve a pregnancy after infertility. She will be equipped to space pregnancies or to avoid pregnancy for the remainder of her fertile years.
Want to know more?
Although progesterone may not be a cure-all for postpartum mental illness, it is most definitely an option for healing that’s worth looking into! It just might be an important piece of the puzzle for attaining your optimal mental health.
Do you think you’re a candidate for progesterone therapy but don’t have a NaPro physician or FertilityCare Practitioner in your area? You can contact the Pope Paul VI Institute directly for a prescription. Go here for their contact information. (There may be a consult fee.)
Other helpful links:
[…] health issues and found out my progesterone levels were close to zero and needed to address that. (You can read more about progesterone being linked with postpartum mood disorders here.) I called on friends to pray for me. I set up an appointment with a therapist. I took the biggest […]