From the Research
Progesterone does compete with testosterone in women, and this interaction is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. The relationship between progesterone and testosterone in women is complex, with both hormones playing significant roles in reproductive and overall health. Progesterone can help regulate testosterone levels by increasing the production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and reduces its bioavailability in the body 1. During the menstrual cycle, the rise in progesterone levels after ovulation can temporarily lower free testosterone levels. Additionally, progesterone competes with testosterone for certain enzymes, potentially affecting how testosterone is metabolized.
In conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an imbalance often occurs with lower progesterone and higher testosterone levels, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth 2. Some women use bioidentical progesterone to help balance elevated testosterone levels. The balance between these hormones changes throughout a woman's life, particularly during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, with each hormone playing distinct but interconnected roles in female physiology.
Key points to consider:
- Progesterone and testosterone interact in several significant ways, including competition for enzymes and regulation of testosterone levels through SHBG.
- Imbalances in these hormones, such as in PCOS, can lead to various symptoms and health issues.
- Bioidentical progesterone may be used to help balance elevated testosterone levels in some women.
- The balance between progesterone and testosterone changes throughout a woman's life and is crucial for maintaining reproductive and overall health. According to the most recent and highest quality study 2, anti-androgens could be considered to treat hirsutism in PCOS, where COCPs are contraindicated, poorly tolerated, or present a sub-optimal response after a minimum 6-month period, with consideration of clinical context and individual risk factors and characteristics.