What Is Progesterone and Why Do Women Need It?
The Calming Counterpart in Women’s Hormonal Symphony
What Exactly Is Progesterone?
The primary source of progesterone hormone is the ovaries, with the adrenal glands and placenta providing lesser amounts during pregnancy.
What is its main purpose? To prepare the uterus for a possible future pregnancy. Nonetheless, that’s only a portion of the narrative.
Progesterone aids in relaxation, ensures stable effects of estrogen, and is involved in numerous functions beyond reproduction, such as supporting the health of your bones, brain, and mood.
Why Progesterone Matters: The Quiet Protector
Progesterone serves a purpose beyond being a hormone involved in reproduction. This is how it maintains balance in your body:
Cycle Regulation: maintains balanced estrogen levels and ensures your menstrual cycle is consistent.
Pregnancy Assistance: It prepares the uterine lining for embryo implantation and maintains that environment.
Calming Properties: It supports GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, leading to a sense of calmness.
Bone health: It enhances bone density, particularly following menopause.
Management of breast tissue: Aids in preventing excessive growth of estrogen-sensitive tissues.
Aids in Sleeping: Aids in improving sleep quality and alleviates the severity of insomnia symptoms.
What Happens When Progesterone Is Low?
During the latter phase of the menstrual cycle, there is a rise in progesterone levels. However, if they fail to do so, particularly after turning 35, you may observe several distinct indicators:
Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
Experiencing mood fluctuations, abdominal discomfort, and irritability are common indicators of premenstrual syndrome.
Sleep eludes you, and staying asleep is a challenge.
You experience a sense of unease or heightened tension.
You may encounter migraines or discomfort in your breasts.
Early pregnancy or miscarriage is not possible.
When progesterone levels are insufficient, estrogen can dominate, leading to uncontrolled actions of estrogen. This can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and various hormonal issues.
What Can Cause Progesterone Imbalance?
Various elements can influence the levels of progesterone produced.
Extended stress (high cortisol levels may reduce progesterone)
Anovulatory cycles result in the lack of a corpus luteum, causing no progesterone production.
Concerns regarding the thyroid
Phases of menopause and perimenopause
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Involvement in extreme dieting or excessive exercise
How to Support Healthy Progesterone Levels
There's no need to overhaul your entire life; just focus on the habits that support hormonal balance:
Prioritize ovulation, monitor your cycle and maintain a healthy diet to support the process.
Incorporate nutrient-dense foods rich in beneficial fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds.
To manage stress, consider practicing mindfulness, ensuring adequate sleep, or seeking therapy.
Avoid cosmetics or plastics containing xenoestrogens. These are substances that mimic the effects of estrogen. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Bioidentical progesterone may offer some benefits.
Final Word
Beyond its role in supporting pregnancy, progesterone has other important functions. It plays a crucial role in managing hormones, emotions, and sleep patterns. Your body signals when levels drop.
Identify the markers. Raising progesterone levels is among the most advantageous steps women can take to enhance their well-being. It enhances people's capacity to think clearly and unwind. Want to know more? Book a consultation today!