Progesterone is an important female hormone and plays an important role during pregnancy. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and facilitates changes in the uterus during menstruation. It is the responsibility of the progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation after egg fertilization. It also maintains the uterus after the implantation process. However, sometimes, this hormone level can be low which causes a great deal of physical problems.
Low levels of progesterone are seen in menopausal as well as in younger women. When progesterone levels are low in younger women, they manifest themselves as premenstrual syndrome, often referred to as PMS. One more thing, you can visit here and read the information about “low progesterone pregnancy symptoms” in details.
The Common Symptoms:
- Depression is often seen in women suffering from low levels of progesterone. It can also lead to suicidal tendencies in women.
- Insomnia may be due to low hormone in women.
- Before menstruation, many women suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and mood swings. These are premenstrual syndrome symptoms brought on by low progesterone.
- When women have low progesterone levels, they suffer from memory loss.
- Low levels of progesterone cause menstrual cramps and irregular periods one month will have a high flow, while the following month will be minimal or no flow. Also, menstruation varies from 28 days to 20 days.
- Women with low progesterone levels experience weight gain around the abdomen.
- Vaginal dryness is mainly due to low progesterone levels and too much cervical mucus.
- Other symptoms include joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, low libido, uterine fibroids, and intestinal ulcers.
If you see any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to call a gynecologist and have a thorough exam. Low progesterone levels can be caused by a number of causes, including stress, excessive meat intake and use of birth control pills, thyroid impairment and adrenal gland dysfunction.
Low Progesterone Causes
If a woman has low progesterone, she will have many complications. Usually women have progesterone deficiency when they are close to menopause. However, it may also be present in younger women. This deficiency manifests itself as premenstrual syndrome, commonly called PMS.
The following are some common causes of low progesterone.
- High Estrogen
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Poor Nutrition
- Insulin Resistance
- Chronic Stress
- Some medications such as steroids and contraceptives.
Progesterone’s Function
There are many things that can cause hormone levels to drop. With age, your hormone levels decrease. Your diet, exercise habits, environment and even your DNA contribute to hormonal production and balance. Women need a balance of progesterone and estrogen in their body to make them feel good and get pregnant in their reproductive years. Progesterone maintains female hormone balance and helps lower the risk of breast and reproductive cancers. Progesterone is produced in your body before ovulation to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. If you have low progesterone you may have difficulty getting pregnant and may have very unpleasant periods.
Estrogen is the dominant hormone each month at the beginning of your cycle. When progesterone levels are low, estrogen will prevail and you will experience many unpleasant side effects.
Additional Signs of Low Progesterone
Besides difficulty getting pregnant you may experience fatigue, headache, bloating, weight gain, backache, nausea, irritability, tender or swollen breasts, mood swings and even a desire for sweets. If you experience any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you have low progesterone.
Also watch for:
- Lack of a temperature increase after ovulation
- Too much cervical mucus
- Premenstrual spotting
Wholesale tests are available to measure progesterone levels and blood tests as well. If you are very symptomatic, you can try some natural progesterone cream and see if it helps you feel better. Natural progesterone has no side effects and is available without a prescription, which saves you the cost of a doctor’s visit.
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