Progesterone Research Guide
Full name: Micronized Progesterone (Prometrium)
A bioidentical hormone with neuroprotective, sleep-promoting, and anti-estrogenic properties. Used in both male and female HRT protocols for mood stabilization, deep sleep enhancement, and estrogen balancing.
How Progesterone Works
Agonizes progesterone receptors and GABA-A receptors (via allopregnanolone metabolite). Inhibits 5-alpha reductase, opposes estrogen proliferative effects, and promotes myelination in neural tissue.
Dosing Protocol
- Typical dose: 100-200 mg oral or 20-40 mg topical
- Frequency: Nightly (oral) or daily (topical)
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Oral capsule, topical cream, or vaginal
Reported Benefits
- Enhanced deep sleep (GABA modulation)
- Neuroprotection
- Estrogen opposition
- Reduced anxiety
- DHT reduction (5AR inhibition)
- Cardiovascular protection
Potential Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Mild dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes (rare)
- Bloating
Research Citations
- Progesterone and neuroprotection after TBI (2020) - Progesterone reduced neuronal cell death by 40% and improved cognitive outcomes in traumatic brain injury models.
- Oral progesterone and sleep architecture (2019) - Micronized progesterone increased slow-wave sleep by 25% without next-day sedation, via allopregnanolone GABA modulation.
Related Hormone Replacement Compounds
View full Progesterone profile with 3D molecule viewer →