Low Progesterone: 5 Possible Root Causes You Need to Know About

Hormones

Sep. 13

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO HORMONAL BALANCE. YOUR HORMONES, LIKE A SYMPHONY, MUST COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT YOU THROUGHOUT THE MONTH.

When progesterone is low, we tend to not feel quite like our normal selves.

Progesterone and estrogen are the two key hormones that fluctuate throughout your cycle. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation (progesterone is only made when ovulation occurs) in a normal menstrual cycle to nourish the uterine lining, which thickens each month in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone levels decrease, stimulating menstruation. But progesterone is so much more than just useful for pregnancy.

SOME COMMON SIGNS OF LOW PROGESTERONE IN FEMALS AT ANY AGE INCLUDE:

low libido
hot flashes
mood swings
anxiety
depression
menstrual cycle irregularity or absence
estrogen dominance - PMS, inflammation, heavy bleeding, weight gain, mood swings, emotional roller coaster

HERE ARE THE 5 POSSIBLE ROOT CAUSES OF LOW PROGESTERONE

1. IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLES

Progesterone is the primary hormone in charge of regulating the female menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles are typically 28 days long but can range from 24-32 days and still be considered healthy. If your cycle is significantly longer, significantly shorter, or simply unpredictable, it could be due to low progesterone. In y Practice we often have clients with irregular cycles or low progesterone symptoms test their progesterone on day 21 via bloodwork or dutch hormones test (a urine test they can perform at home) to determine how low their progesterone is and its relationship to estrogen.

2. INFERTILITY or DIFFICULTY CONCEIVING

If you're having difficulties becoming or staying pregnant, it could be due to a lack of progesterone. Although there are numerous causes of infertility and miscarriage, if you are having difficulty becoming pregnant, you should have your progesterone levels tested right away. Progesterone is responsible for thickening the endometrial lining and preparing this lining it for pregnancy and embryo implantation; if this does not occur or if levels do not rise after egg implantation, the pregnancy cannot be sustained.

3. HEADACHES OR MIGRAINES

Although progesterone is not the main cause of migraines, (it can often be fluctuating estrogen levels too) it may play a role in migraines. Females with low progesterone are more prone to migraines, especially before and during their menstrual cycle. This could be due to an increase in estrogen in the presence of low progesterone.

4. MOOD CHANGES

Progesterone is strongly connected to your neurotransmitters, particularly GABA (a calming neurotransmitter in your brain). When progesterone levels are low, you may experience depression, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, which can worsen before your cycle. The Dutch Test we use in our practice looks at some neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Norepinephrine along with progesterone levels.

5. FIBROIDS/ENDOMETRIOSIS

Fibroids and Endometriosis are linked often to high estrogens levels. Although fibroids are non-cancerous tumors, they can severely affect a woman’s life. Let’s not overlook their many symptoms including heavy painful periods, anemia, abdominal pain, lower back pain, constipation, and sometimes infertility just to name a few. Estrogen is actually a steroid hormone that manages the growth of the uterus and replacement of its lining which is shed each month during menstruation. Progesterone therapy is helpful in combination with other nutritional changes to help with pain and fibroid growth. It can temporarily stop growth but is not a cure. Unfortunately, there are some negative side effects like weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia. This therapy works better for women with smaller fibroids and is less effective for large fibroids or multiples.

HOW TO BOOST PROGESTERONE LEVELS

So now that you know what it feels like to be in a low progesterone state, here are some nutrients to help boost progesterone levels naturally you can add to your daily diet.

Vitamin C -Research shows that vitamin C can help boost progesterone levels and correct luteal phase issues.
Good sources: Camu camu (Peruvian berry), sweet potato, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, papaya, and pumpkin.

Zinc - This important mineral is not just a must-have for your immunity and skin. Zinc also helps the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormones. These encourage ovulation and they also tell your ovaries to produce more progesterone, just in case you become pregnant each month.
Good sources: Oysters, shrimp (prawns), beef, lamb & liver.Magnesium - This important mineral not only helps to preserve progesterone levels by keeping you calmer, but it also assists the breakdown of the antagonistic estrogen metabolites, reducing estrogen dominance.
Other good sources: cashews, leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, black beans, and whole-grain brown rice.

Vitamin E - Research shows that vitamin E can help to improve luteal blood flow and raise progesterone levels in some women.
Sources: Sunflower seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts. In smaller amounts: avocado, red peppers, collard greens, and mango.

Vitamin B6 - The B vitamins help combat stress and also help your liver break down estrogen byproducts, reducing estrogen dominance. Taking vitamin supplements of B6 can also help reduce levels of estrogen while boosting progesterone production.
Good sources: Russet potatoes, salmon, tuna, bananas, spinach, walnuts, and prunes.

Sulfur - Cruciferous vegetables are a great way to reduce Estrogen Dominance. They are rich in glucosinolates, which activate phase 2 detoxification in the liver, helping to filter estrogen metabolites from your body. This is good news for your hormone balance because it prevents estrogen byproducts from circulating for too long, which can raise estrogen levels and cause hormonal havoc.
Other good sources: Broccoli, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, and Brussels sprouts.

Regardless of the cause of your low progesterone levels, awareness is the key to regaining balance – both hormonal and physical, as well as mental and emotional. When we develop the right understanding, we can then take steps to correct the underlying imbalances, and create more harmony in our body and mind, as well as in our life.

Looking for more support with boosting low progesterone levels? Join our do at your own pace program Mend Your Menstrual Cycle.

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