Progesterone is a hormone produced naturally by the body. It is well-known for its function in the female reproductive cycle and fertility. However, both genders produce it.
Women have a hormone gland that makes progesterone. When a woman is fertile the gland produces progesterone. The hormone is a thickener of the uterus in order to prepare for the birth. If the woman is unable to fall pregnant at this point the gland begins to break down. Progesterone levels drop and menstrual flow starts. If she does become pregnant the placenta and ovaries continue to make progesterone through the pregnancy.
The testes in men produce progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that men need to make testosterone. Progesterone also helps mature sperm. Researchers have tested the man-made hormone, known as progestin, as a method that can be used to control male fertility. The hormonal birth control for women like the pill or patch, combine progestin with another hormone known as estrogen to stop pregnancy.
Women and men alike are susceptible to low levels of progesterone. This can lead to health issues for both genders. This article will help you to understand the signs and signs of low progesterone, as well as how doctors can treat it.
Low Progesterone in Women
For women, low progesterone may cause irregular periods. Women with low progesterone symtomps who are pregnant do have an increased risk of having a miscarriage. This is because progesterone assists the uterus keep its pregnancy. Additionally, women with lower levels of this hormone might be over-exposed to estrogen. This can lead to weight growth, loss of sexual drives, as well as gallbladder issues.
Here are some indicators that you could be suffering from an insufficient amount of progesterone:
- Abdominal pain
- The breasts are often painful.
- Spotting between periods
- Dryness in the vagina
- Depression or anxiety, as well as mood fluctuations
- Low sexual libido
- Low blood sugar
- Headaches, migraines or headaches
Reasons Why Young Women Can Have Low Progesterone
There are many reasons why your progesterone levels could be low in the stage of luteinization. There are several reasons:
1- Anovulatory cycles
Anovulatory cycles are those in which ovulation is not occurring. In the absence of the release of eggs there isn’t a folly to produce progesterone. Anovulatory cycles can be common among women suffering from PCOS or hormone imbalances that hinder the ovulation process from taking place. If you suspect that you are suffering from PCOS or experience anovulatory cycles, we suggest talking to your doctor.
2- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones T3 and which are the hormones responsible for controlling the entire endocrine system. These hormones enable your body to make adequate quantities of progesterone. In the absence of thyroid hormones, your body could struggle to make progesterone. The doctor may conduct tests on your thyroid to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
3- Cortisol production is up
Cortisol is the hormone that causes stress, and along with progesterone is created via this pathway of hormones. This means that cortisol as well as progesterone have identical “ingredients.” If your body is experiencing a lot of stress and requires more cortisol then cortisol can “steal” progesterone from your reproductive system in order to accommodate. Excessive exercise and stress can affect your cortisol levels.
4- Body weight abnormal
Progesterone levels may affect the levels of progesterone if there is an excessively low or excessively high percentage of body fat. Women require an appropriate amount of body fat to cycle normally and to ovulate. In the event that your body fat content is not sufficient it could cause you to not produce ovulation, meaning that you will not produce progesterone. In contrast the abnormally high levels of fat can lead to overproduction of estrogen as fat cells create estrogen. Because estrogen and progesterone have to be in balance, excessive estrogen could lead to lower levels of progesterone.
5- Hyperprolactinemia
The cause is an increase in the production of hormone prolactin in the pituitary gland. Prolactin adversely affects the production of precursors to sex hormones and results in a reduction in progesterone production and interruption of menstrual cycles (up to the complete absence of menstrual cycle). In simple words in the event that there is excessive prolactin and the body is producing less progesterone. This can alter menstrual cycles and result in menstrual periods stopping completely.
How can I increase progesterone levels?
If you’re seeing the signs and are suspecting that you have low levels of progesterone, you could be thinking of ways to increase progesterone levels. Some treatment options include:
1- Progesterone creams
The medication must be prescribed by your medical healthcare professional. It’s a gel which usually comes with dosed applicators that facilitate its take. It is inserted into the vagina on a regular basis for as long as six doses, unless your physician suggests otherwise.
2- Oral progesterone tablets
The pills are employed to treat irregular menstrual cycles and bleeding from the uterus. The dose and length of treatment will be decided by your doctor.
3- Suppositories
They are put in every day, either once or twice. If you aren’t sure what to do with the symptoms of low progesterone, consult your health professional. They will help you decide the most appropriate treatment for both you and your body.
Summary
The hormone low progesterone can trigger various issues for both women and men. But, there are solutions that may help to treat the issue of low progesterone. The use of hormone therapy could be a long-term option for certain women, specifically postmenopausal women.
Discuss with your physician the best treatment. It could take several weeks to notice the effects of hormone therapy. It is also possible to consult with your physician to revisit your treatment program each year.
