Progesterone or Progestin?

Progestins are synthetic chemicals that have SOME similar effects on the uterus as our endogenous progesterone. There are many progestins commonly in oral birth control as well as the shot, the implant, and hormonal IUDs. Progestins do not interact with our hormone receptors in identical ways as progesterone. The progestin in the IUDs was actually made from testosterone. Other progestins are broken down in our body to compounds with estrogenic effects.

Medroxyprogesterone (in the depo injection birth control) acts in breast cells through a glucocorticoid receptor rather than through our progesterone receptor; this means it stimulates a stress hormone response which increases breast cell proliferation that, with estrogen, increased breast cancer risk.

Risks and Side effects of progesTINS:
* Bloating, abdominal pain or cramping
* Swelling of the ankles and feet (edema)
* Mental health challenges such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability. 
* Unusual or rapid weight gain.
* Increase in blood pressure
* Nausea and/or dizziness
* Acne
* Low libido
* Headache 
* Increased risk of heart attack
* Increased risk of breast cancer

Know what you’re taking!