When progesterone is high or low in women
Progesterone is essential in women to regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy and balance oestrogen. Levels fluctuate monthly during reproductive years, peaking during pregnancy and significantly declining after menopause, leading to various health effects.
It generally has a calming and soothing effect on the body and mind, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and supporting restful sleep by interacting with the brain’s GABA receptors, which are responsible for relaxation. It can also help stabilise mood, reduce irritability and alleviate some symptoms of PMS.
When progesterone is either too high or too low, it can lead to various issues.
Low Progesterone
Low progesterone is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly estrogen dominance, chronic stress, poor ovulation, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and perimenopause.
Low progesterone causes irregular cycles, PMS, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, infertility, and estrogen dominance symptoms like heavy periods, bloating, and weight gain. It also increases the risk of miscarriage, hypothyroidism, and osteoporosis.
High progesterone
High progesterone is less common and typically occur in pregnancy or with the use of progesterone-containing medications, such as hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
High progesterone leads to fatigue, dizziness, water retention, breast tenderness, mood swings, and reduced libido. These symptoms are most commonly seen in pregnancy or with excessive supplementation of progesterone.
Hormones matter!