During the menstrual cycle, progesterone helped make the uterus ready to implant the embryo. Other known functions are to build new bone tissue and to counter estrogen’s tendency to induce excess growth of the endometrial lining of the uterus. Progesterone is also a building block for other hormones, like estrogen and testosterone.
A woman has three natural estrogens– estriol, estradiol and estrone– and the ratio is 80%/ 10%/ 10%. Estrogen replacement, started early, will decrease the chances of cardiovascular disease. Laboratory studies have shown that estriol is a protective estrogen against cancer of the breasts.
Although an androgen, some researchers consider it to be a weak estrogen. Natural testosterone can be used to:
- Protect the heart
- Improve mental alertness
- Make bones stronger
- Revive a lagging sex life.
Women with most types of breast cancer have been found to have abnormally low levels of DHEA. When lab rats are given DHEA before exposure to a potent carcinogen, they remain cancer free. DHEA has been shown to improve memory and prevent bone loss.