Article: Your doctor can provide direction, specific to your body and your situation, that can help you choose the best way to increase your progesterone levels. Your doctor is your best resource to understanding the changes or problems you are experiencing. Discuss supplements and lifestyle adjustments with your doctor to be sure that is the best option for you. Vitamin C, vitamin E, l-arginine, vitamin B6, selenium, and beta carotene have all been shown to increase progesterone levels. While natural sources of these supplements are part of a healthy diet, the vitamin or supplement content found in natural sources is not enough to make a difference in increasing your progesterone levels. Consider using manufactured products that contain higher concentrations of vitamins and supplements. Studies have shown the following amounts to be beneficial in increasing progesterone levels:  Consume 750mg of Vitamin C per day (increased progesterone levels by as much as 77%).  Consume 600mg of Vitamin E per day (Increased progesterone in 67% of patients studied) .  Take 6gm per day of L-arginine (improved serum progesterone in 71% of patients) .  Take 200mg to 800mg per day of vitamin B6 (reduces blood levels of estrogen and improves concentrations of progesterone) .  Add selenium to your daily vitamin doses (consuming selenium at any dose was shown to improve progesterone levels) .  Consume more beta-carotene (studies in animals showed improvement in progesterone levels and fertility) . Losing weight, avoiding large meals, eating a high protein and low carbohydrate diet, decreasing saturated fat intake, and increasing consumption of unsaturated fats, are recommended to improve your levels of progesterone.  Studies in overweight women show that losing as little as 5% of your body weight improves your progesterone levels.  In an animal study, the amount of available food was controlled during early pregnancy, resulting in higher levels of hormones needed to support pregnancy in the group that was not allowed to over eat.  Dietary changes that included higher amounts of protein and lower amounts of carbohydrates were positively correlated to improving progesterone levels in the women studied.  One animal study showed significant increases in progesterone when the diet was higher in omega 3 and omega 6 products contained in flaxseed, combined with a lower intake of saturated fats. While dairy products contain only small amounts of progesterone, research has shown a significant increase in progesterone levels in men when they consumed three servings per day of high-fat dairy products. The nicotine found in cigarettes can interfere with the way your ovaries naturally produce hormones, which disrupts processes involved with normal cyclic functioning. Cigarette smoking also adds to the risk of serious, and possibly life-threatening, adverse events when combined with products that contain estrogen or progesterone. Stress only adds to the complications that are already at work as you are trying to provide a healthy hormonal balance.  Use relaxation techniques that help you to breathe more deeply and stretch your muscles to reduce tension.  Take time out for a massage, and routinely take part in activities you enjoy.  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and participate in physical activity on a regular basis.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to your doctor before making any changes. Take vitamins and supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to select reliable products. Eat a healthy diet. Consume more dairy products. Stop smoking. Reduce your stress.