Hi everyone! We've covered a lot of topics in this blog series together, and I've recently seen patients who are having difficulties related to hormones. In the context of hormone dysfunctions, it is a very specific matter for each of us to examine the particulars in order to take the first step.
Yet, we cannot throw each of us into the same pot with this problem; if we so desire, there are some pointers we may follow, and there are some productive paths we can take. I'm going to let you in on a little known fact right now. Progesterone is essential for ovulating and maintaining a healthy pregnancy as well as for regulating sleep, mood, PreMenstrual Syndrome (PMS), sex drive, and bone health. It's the best hormone ever!
Most women who seek my help do so because they are experiencing unpleasant symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Many of the women I treat have problems getting pregnant or staying pregnant, have terrible periods, vaginitis, mood swings, insomnia, or difficulty getting pregnant. Progesterone! All of these can be affected by a progesterone imbalance (especially low progesterone).
However, progesterone is not just related to menstruation and pregnancy. But even so, progesterone affects women's health in many other ways besides these. Many influences are having an impact on our bodies. Let's discuss the effects of progesterone on your body, the warning signs of a progesterone deficiency, and the steps we can take to restore hormonal harmony.
Women's Health and the Effects of Progesterone
Let’s dive into some academic details. The ovaries (and the placenta, if you're pregnant) are responsible for producing the hormone progesterone. The adrenal glands and brain cells also produce a limited quantity of progesterone. The primary role of progesterone is to help the body get ready for pregnancy. However, progesterone can also influence things like sleep, mood, the thyroid, the shiny skin (hello, "pregnancy glow"), libido, and bone health.
What Are the Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency or Imbalance?
Low levels of progesterone have been linked to a wide variety of unpleasant menstrual symptoms. Low progesterone levels may result from inadequate production in younger women, or they may be the result of the normal decline in ovarian output that occurs during perimenopause and menopause. Some of the more prevalent symptoms are described below.
-MENSTRUAL CYCLE SHORTENING
One of the most common signs of low progesterone is a greatly reduced menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles typically last between 28 and 30 days. Shorter than 21-day cycles may be an indication of low progesterone. As progesterone levels are supposed to be highest during the luteal phase, this condition is commonly referred to as a luteal phase defect (LPD) (or second half of the cycle.) Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, so low levels during the luteal phase may lead to earlier menses.
-SPOTTING
Spots are the next potential symptom of LPD. Similar to a short cycle, spotting can occur when progesterone levels are too low and the body is unable to maintain the endometrial lining.
-EARLY-TERM MISCARRIAGE
Miscarriage in the first trimester is a serious risk associated with low progesterone levels and is closely linked to spotting. Until the placenta takes over, the ovary's corpus luteum must produce progesterone, which is vital for maintaining a pregnancy and the uterine lining.
-CHANGES IN MOOD, SLEEP, AND MENTAL ACTIVITY
Progesterone has been shown to have beneficial effects on mood by modulating GABA receptors. The calming neurotransmitter GABA plays an important role in restful sleep. Inadequate levels of progesterone have been linked to more severe PMS, anxiety, and depression.
This is one of the reasons why low progesterone levels are linked to sleep problems, and particularly irritability throughout the night. The neurosteroid progesterone also shows promising neuroprotective effects. Loss of it can lead to memory loss and brain fog.
-PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), and Horrible Periods
The hormone progesterone is crucial to maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. After an egg is fertilized, progesterone levels rise to help the uterus get ready for a baby. (Since progesterone is present during ovulation, this is a definitive statement.) Without a developing fetus, progesterone levels naturally decline, leading up to the onset of menstruation.
PMS and PMDD (Premenstrual Disphoric Disorder) which are both related to menstruation, may be aggravated by low progesterone levels. Many women experience PMS , a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that typically begin a week or two before the onset of menstruation. However, PMDD is a more severe form of PMS. Extreme depression, anxiety, rage, and mood swings are all symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder which may require immediate medical care. PMS symptoms can be present and even severe if your progesterone level is too low compared to your estrogen level.
-SKIN PROBLEMS
Pregnant women's "pregnancy glow" comes from progesterone. Conditions such as dry, cracked and dull skin, brittle nails, and even adult acne can be caused by a lack of progesterone.
How Can I Boost My Progesterone Levels?
Bio-Identical Progesterone Therapy can be an effective treatment for low progesterone. Multiple administration methods are available, including capsules, creams and suppositories. It appears to be quite simple. It's actually a little more complicated than that. Although additional progesterone may provide temporary symptom relief, the real solution lies in identifying and treating the underlying cause of the hormonal imbalance. Gut dysfunction, stress, low iron, other nutrient deficiencies, and thyroid problems are common among women with progesterone imbalance. These factors can have significant effects on hormone production, including progesterone.
You should now have a basic understanding of the effects that progesterone has on your body in general terms. It is in your best interest to have an understanding of how our bodies function, what you require to live a healthier life, and how to deal with the challenges you experience.
For this reason, don't hesitate to ask me what it is that you require. We can work together to get your hormones back in balance and get rid of your symptoms with patient-specific curated treatment pathways.
Start believing in your health and body and get back in touch with your best self.
Do not forget you are not alone, I am here to support you!
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