In addition to this process, you are aware by now of all the other positive effects in your body that estrogen and progesterone create - the opposite of your symptoms of menopause, for starters! These functions are supported by hormone receptor sites throughout your entire body, and provide benefits such as good bone health.

 
If you still have your uterus, it is essential to balance the growth effects of estrogen on the uterine lining with appropriate amounts of progesterone so that the lining thickness stays within a normal range. An overgrowth due to hormonal imbalance creates a risk of bleeding and/or developing an endometrial pathology. Additionally, other physiologic changes can happen due to an overabundance of estrogen.

 
Although we must take into account individual differences, there are general guidelines concerning the amounts of estrogen and progesterone to create an effective balance and hopefully avoid overgrowth. Sometimes, overgrowth of the lining of the uterus can happen anyway. If that should happen, it would require ultrasound testing and appropriate follow-up, such as hormonal treatment to shed the lining, an endometrial biopsy, and/or a D & C.

 
If you don't have your uterus, taking progesterone is still important for all the other affected functions of your body. For example, progesterone helps to stabilize moods, facilitate good sleep, and prevent estrogen dominance. Research has confirmed that supplementation of progesterone is important whether or not you have a uterus (see references in many of the current popular books on menopause). At the other end of the spectrum, too much progesterone can result in an increased incidence of insulin resistance and possible weight gain.

 
In the peri-menopausal period, you need doses of hormones tailored to control symptoms. But when your body moves into the post menopausal phase, your doses of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone usually need to be adjusted to maintain the right balance for the longer term.