rogesterone is a steroid hormone that is produced in the ovaries, brain, adrenal glands, and placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone’s main role is to block excess estrogen activity in the body, producing a number of benefits including:
- Protection against uterine cancer
- Normalization of blood clotting
- Reduction of anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory actions
- Relaxing smooth muscles
- Utilizing fat stores for energy
- Brain protection
What Role Does Progesterone Play in the Menstrual Cycle?
Progesterone plays its role in the second half of the menstrual cycle. On day 14 of the menstrual cycle, progesterone production increases. This is a signal for the body to develop more blood vessels in the uterus. In the event of pregnancy, these additional blood vessels allow for the early growth of an embryo. It is very common for progesterone levels to fall from age 25-50 while estrogen production remains stable. This creates a situation of estrogen dominance, the most common hormone imbalance in cycling women. Progesterone deficiency symptoms are the same symptoms that occur with estrogen dominance.
Symptoms of
Progesterone Deficiency
Some symptoms of low progesterone levels include:
- Breast tenderness
- Anxiety
- Pain with intercourse
- Infertility
- Breast swelling
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Fibrocystic breasts
- PMS symptoms
- Poor memory
- High sensitivity to pain
- Bloating
- Ovarian cysts
- Increased belly fat
- Painful periods
- Uterine fibroids
- Swelling of feet/ankles
- Heavy periods
- Endometriosis
Why does
Progesterone matter
Female patients from all life stages require progesterone. It is important to note, however, that different forms of progesterone can help with different symptoms.
