This an odd admission since researchers have been using saliva testing for years and a number of laboratories offer routine saliva hormone testing. A sampling of references supporting all points of importance in this matter can be found at the end of this report. The goal of progesterone supplementation is to restore normal physiologic levels of bioavailable progesterone. Under usual circumstances, there should be no reason to exceed that range. In PMS, for example, stress is often a factor.
Stress increases cortisol production.
Cortisol blockades some progesterone receptors and thereby prevents progesterone function. Progesterone and Endometriosis Likewise, in women with endometriosis the goal is to increase progesterone levels to that found in women two months pregnant. When pain is largely gone, levels can be decreased gradually over time to doses necessary to maintain the progesterone benefit. In women whose doctors are giving them excessive supplemental estrogen, a different problem must be faced. Excessive estrogen in circumstances of deficient progesterone induces a de crease in reptor sensitivity.