For decades, estrogen has been celebrated as the “female hormone” that protects women from heart disease. However, as Dr Ray Peat explains, emerging research shows that progesterone is actually the real champion when it comes to protecting the heart.

In his original article, Dr Peat writes, "Progesterone, by opposing estrogen, is universally protective against vascular and heart disease." This insight challenges decades of conventional wisdom and invites us to take a fresh look at how our hormones affect our cardiovascular health.

Historical Insights into Hormonal Research

Back in the 1940s, researchers like Hans Selye made groundbreaking observations about the differing effects of hormones. Selye discovered that while estrogen could trigger shock, progesterone played a key role in preventing many stress-related problems. At the same time, anthropologist Ashley Montague published The Natural Superiority of Women to highlight the inherent biological advantages of women. Over time, evidence began to show that progesterone may contribute to women’s longer lifespans and improved heart health, whereas testosterone was more closely linked to the muscle strength seen in men.

Dr Ray Peat recalls that even though early findings pointed to the toxicity of estrogen, its use was widely promoted. He noted, "Estrogen was known to produce excessive blood clotting, miscarriage, cancer, age-like changes in connective tissue, premenstrual syndrome, varicose veins, orthostatic hypotension, etc." Despite these serious concerns, powerful marketing and public perception often overshadowed the risks.

How Estrogen Stimulates Tumor Growth

In tissues such as the breast, uterus, and ovaries, estrogen acts as a strong growth signal. In simple terms, it tells cells to divide more often. In cancers that have estrogen receptors, this rapid cell division can make tumors grow and spread faster.

Estrogen also increases the production of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGGF helps form new blood vessels. When tumors have more blood vessels, they receive extra oxygen and nutrients. This extra support helps tumors develop and become more aggressive.

These points show that while estrogen is important for normal body functions, too much of it or unopposed / unbalanced estrogen can lead to faster and more aggressive tumor growth in sensitive tissues.

The Hidden Dangers of Estrogen

Although estrogen was once considered heart protective, its real effects may be quite harmful. According to Dr Peat, "Rather than being 'heart protective,' estrogen is highly heart-toxic." He explains that estrogen can lower cholesterol levels, a change once celebrated as beneficial, but this comes at a cost.

Estrogen influences the liver to produce proteins that regulate clotting and relaxes large veins, which can lead to blood pooling. This slower blood flow gives clots time to form before reaching the lungs. In simple terms, while a relaxed blood vessel might seem good for lowering blood pressure, it also increases the risk of dangerous clots and other cardiovascular problems.

Progesterone: The Heart Protector

In contrast to estrogen, progesterone works to counter these negative effects. Dr Peat points out that progesterone "decreases the formation of nitric oxide, decreasing edema; it strengthens the heart beat by improving venous return and increasing stroke volume."

What Is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide is a molecule produced by our bodies that helps relax blood vessels. While this can lower blood pressure, too much nitric oxide—especially when produced under the influence of estrogen—can break down into harmful free radicals. These free radicals damage cells in the heart and blood vessels.

By inhibiting the enzyme that makes nitric oxide, progesterone helps prevent this damage, keeping our blood vessels tighter and the heart pumping more effectively.

Menopause, Hormones, and Heart Risk

Before menopause, women naturally have higher levels of progesterone that help balance estrogen's effects. Dr Peat explains, "Until menopause they have much higher levels of progesterone than men do. After menopause, women begin to have heart attacks at a rapidly increasing rate."

This change may be due to the loss of progesterone's protective benefits, allowing estrogen's toxic effects to take over. It is a clear sign that a balanced hormonal environment is critical for maintaining heart health.

Hormonal Imbalance in Men and Women

Interestingly, the hormonal dynamics affecting heart health are not exclusive to women. Dr Peat notes that "Men who have heart attacks have much higher levels of estrogen than men at the same age who have not had a heart attack."

For both men and women, the balance between hormones matters. In men, declining testosterone and progesterone combined with rising estrogen levels may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease as they age.

Supporting Progesterone Production Naturally

Dr Ray Peat emphasizes that a balanced, nutrient-rich lifestyle is key to supporting your body's natural progesterone production. Below are evidence-based strategies involving diet, herbs, and supplementation to help create an internal terrain that promotes healthy progesterone levels.

Optimize Your Diet for Hormone Health

Dr Peat advises that a good diet is the cornerstone of hormone balance. He notes that maintaining liver health and avoiding polyunsaturated fats can create a favorable setting for hormone production, in general. To support progesterone, consider the following dietary tips:

• Choose Saturated Fats: Include high-quality fats from coconut oil, butter, and egg yolks. These fats provide the essential building blocks for steroid hormones while helping to maintain healthy liver function.

• Emphasize Fresh Fruits: Tropical fruits and other natural sources of sugar support energy production and thyroid function. Dr Peat often points out that adequate sugar intake from fruits helps fuel metabolic processes vital for hormone synthesis.

• Incorporate Gelatin-Rich Foods: Bone broth or collagen supplements supply amino acids needed for tissue repair and hormone production. Gelatin helps support the structural integrity of cells, which is essential for balanced hormone levels.

• Reduce Processed Seed Oils: Cutting back on polyunsaturated fats found in many vegetable oils supports the liver and minimizes oxidative stress that can disrupt hormone production.

Herbal Allies for Progesterone Support

Herbs can gently influence your hormonal balance. One herb that has received considerable attention in peer-reviewed research is chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Studies suggest that chasteberry supports natural progesterone production by regulating the pituitary gland and reducing estrogen dominance.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Although wild yam is often mentioned as a natural progesterone source and there are many progesterone-products that contain this herb, its benefits are controversial. Wild Yam does not contain any progesterone itself, but contains a compound called diosgenin which is used in the synthesis of hormones. One study stated that “the chemical reactions required to convert the diosgenin in wild yam extract to progesterone can be carried out only in a laboratory and do not occur in the body.”

Unfortunately, despite this herbs inclusion in many products claiming to support progesterone levels, it is unlikely to actually work in practice. This highlights why it is important to always consult with a healthcare provider who is experienced with clinical herbalism before adding new herbs to your routine.

Targeted Supplementation for Hormone Balance

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hormone production. Dr Peat has noted in his article, "Progesterone, by opposing estrogen, is universally protective against vascular and heart disease." To support your body in making sufficient progesterone, consider these supplements:

• Vitamin B6: This vitamin is critical for the synthesis of hormones and can help balance the effects of estrogen.

• Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, magnesium supports overall hormonal function and helps maintain metabolic balance. Note that there is only one form of elemental magnesium, and glycinate is the easiest on the digestive tract for assimilation.

• Zinc: A vital mineral for steroid hormone production, zinc is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone.

• Vitamin A: Known for its role in cellular health and hormone synthesis, vitamin A (from food sources such as liver or through supplementation) can help bolster progesterone production.

In addition, bioidentical progesterone creams are available for those with low natural levels, but it is important to work with a trusted healthcare provider to determine the appropriate approach for your individual needs.

By focusing on a nutrient-dense diet, using supportive herbs, and ensuring you receive key vitamins and minerals, you can help create the ideal conditions for your body to produce the progesterone it needs for optimal heart and overall health.

Conclusion: Rethinking Heart Health

Dr Ray Peat’s research invites us to reconsider our long-held beliefs about estrogen and heart health. The evidence suggests that progesterone is the real protective agent against cardiovascular disease. By opposing estrogen's harmful effects, such as excessive clotting, vascular leakage, and cellular damage, progesterone plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heart.

For anyone interested in natural approaches to wellness, this insight is a reminder that understanding and balancing our hormones can be a key factor in protecting our hearts. At Ivy Ham Herbalist, we believe in empowering you with evidence-based knowledge to support a healthier life.

Remember, your hormones are not just about reproduction. They are central players in your overall health and well-being.