In this article, I'll explain why progesterone is so crucial for women's health, and share the top 10 signs that your levels may be dipping.
Progesterone is often referred to as the "calming, cooling hormone." It works in beautiful balance with estrogen, helping to regulate your menstrual cycle, mood, sleep, and fertility. The key event that triggers progesterone production is ovulation - when the little structure left behind in the ovary (the corpus luteum) starts churning out this important hormone.
Progesterone has so many wonderful roles, including:
- Helping build and maintain the uterine lining
- Supporting a healthy, regular menstrual cycle
- Keeping your mood stable, especially in the second half of your cycle
- Promoting quality, restful sleep
- Enhancing your ability to handle stress
- Maintaining healthy fertility and early pregnancy
But when progesterone gets out of whack, it can cause a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are the top 10 signs to watch out for:
- Irregular or skipped periods. If your cycle is unpredictable or you're missing periods, this may indicate an ovulation issue, and therefore low progesterone.
- Spotting before your period. Progesterone helps keep the uterine lining intact. Spotting in the days leading up to your flow could mean your progesterone is dipping too low.
- Lack of ovulation. You need to ovulate each month in order to produce adequate progesterone. If you're not ovulating regularly (even if you're still getting a period), your levels may be low.
- Mood swings and irritability before your period. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain - without enough of it, you may feel more anxious, angry, or depressed in the days leading up to your flow.
- Other PMS symptoms. Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and water retention are all linked to low progesterone as well.
- Sleep problems, especially around your period. Progesterone helps promote restful sleep. Its decline can contribute to insomnia and restless nights.
- Persistent acne breakouts before your period. Hormonal acne often rears its head when progesterone is out of balance.
- If you're in your 40s. Progesterone is one of the first hormones to start declining as we approach menopause, often in the early-to-mid 40s.
- Infertility or trouble getting pregnant. Progesterone is crucial for fertility and maintaining a healthy early pregnancy.
- Miscarriage history. Adequate progesterone is needed to support a pregnancy in the first trimester. Recurrent miscarriages can be a sign of low levels.
If you're relating to any of these signs, don't worry - there's much we can do to mitigate the effect of this hormonal decline through diet, supplements, stress management, and HRT (if that's right for you). I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Wishing you all the best on your journey to feeling your vibrant best!