The majority of us women spend the first half of our post pubescent lives trying NOT to get pregnant. Many of us go on some sort of contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
We even think that one missed pill or failure to take birth control pills at the same time every day can result in a pregnancy. Oh if it were only that easy!
In reality, there is only one very short window per menstrual cycle in which a woman can conceive and get pregnant. It’s called the “fertile window” and it usually occurs for about six days between 2-3 days prior to ovulation and about 2-3 days post ovulation.
When my husband and I decided to try for baby number one, I waited until the exact moment I wanted to get pregnant before coming off of the birth control pill. Then, when we didn’t conceive that first month, I immediately thought something must be wrong. But the truth was, my hormones were desperately trying to regulate post hormonal birth control. (Many birth controls contain both estrogen and progesterone which can throw off the balance of our bodies’ natural hormone production).
The reality is, hormones fluctuate. They fluctuate throughout our monthly menstrual cycles. These fluctuations are perfectly normal. Two key hormones are progesterone and estrogen. Both of these rise and fall along the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen levels rise and fall twice during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen first rises during the mid-follicular phase, peaks just before ovulation, and then drops. The second rise in estrogen levels occurs during the mid-luteal phase with a decrease at the end of the menstrual cycle before menses.
Progesterone, on the other hand, stays low throughout the follicular phase and begins to rise after ovulation. In the event conception has occurred, progesterone stays elevated following ovulation to maintain the lining of the uterus, allowing the fertilized egg to attach. If fertilization has not occurred, then the lining sheds, progesterone dramatically decreases, and we get our period.
Progesterone is instrumental for pregnancy. Not only does it strengthen the lining of the uterus during implantation, it prevents rejection of the developing baby and allows for full development of the fetus throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, it allows the body to use fat for energy during pregnancy.
However, progesterone tends to be one of the hormones most overlooked and easily thrown off balance. This is most commonly due to higher than normal levels of estrogen in the body. The imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can make it difficult for your body to conceive and sustain a viable pregnancy.
Two of the key ingredients in Protea Nutrition’s Baseline are diindolylmethane (DIM) and Chasteberry (Vitex).
Studies show DIM can act against xenoestrogens in the environment to reduce estrogens in the body. This helps the body maintain a better balance of “good” and “bad” estrogens.
Chasteberry comes from the fruit of the chaste tree. It is considered a natural occurring source of progesterone. Modern clinical research has shown its ability to balance fertility hormones and restore a healthy ratio of progesterone to estrogen to balance hormones and improve fertility.
So while, Protea’s Baseline, won’t spark immaculate conception, it can play a pivotal role in balancing hormones necessary for conception.
Not looking to conceive? Baseline is still recommend for those struggling with high estrogen/low progesterone symptoms such as :
-bloating
-tender breasts
-decreased libido
-irregular periods
-irritability
-anxiety
-weight gain
-hair loss
-acne
-PCOS
-anxiety
-brain fog
-insomnia
Article written by Protea Nutrition athlete Kristen Maynard https://proteanutrition.com/collective/Kristen
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
