Progesterone is an important hormone that very rarely gets discussed unless you experience fertility concerns, period problems, strong mood changes before your period, or are struggling with menopause.

But, it’s important to understand because it could be the “balancer” to oestrogen hormones.

Progestin is an artificial form of progesterone that is used in the medical profession in hormone prescriptions for concerns like menopause and birth control.

Now-a-days, many women who are suffering from unpleasant symptoms are offered the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

Taking the “pill” however doesn’t mean that symptoms go away. The pill gives the body more synthetic hormones to deal with and can mask the problem instead of correcting it. Stopping the pill usually results in the symptoms returning. If you want to fall pregnant, this is not the outcome we are looking for.

With the rise in infertility, IVF treatment, and menopause symptoms, today, I wanted to discuss more about progesterone, how it works and the symptoms associated with low levels of progesterone.

First, here’s a list of common challenges associated with low levels:

• abnormal menstrual cycles
• mood changes before the period
• infertility
• irregular or missed periods
• spotting and abdominal pain during pregnancy
• abnormal uterine bleeding
• frequent miscarriages

In addition, low progesterone levels can cause an imbalance in the oestrogen to progesterone ration which can lead to:

• weight gain
• gallbladder problems
• low libido

Low Progesterone & Reproductive Hormones during Child-Bearing Years

It is important to have healthy levels of progesterone to sustain a new pregnancy.

Women who have low levels of progesterone often have abnormal menstrual cycles, have high levels of mood irregularity before their period and may even struggle to conceive.

Women who have low progesterone levels and who do succeed in getting pregnant are at higher risk for miscarriage or pre-term delivery because progesterone plays a large part in maintaining the pregnancy.

Low Progesterone, Low Oestrogen & Menopause (or Peri-Menopause)

Naturally, approaching the end of the menstrual cycle, the body produces less oestrogen, ovulation is often less robust therefore we have a lower level of progesterone.

Both progesterone and oestrogen decrease naturally, if your hormone levels are imbalanced, you will experience an increase of uncomfortable peri-menopausal symptoms.

Menopause is a naturally occurring cycle for women. It’s normal for the body to slowly stop monthly menses. Experiencing ongoing hormonal weight gain, moodiness, hot flushes, night sweats, and other common menopausal complaints, are not common when the hormones are in balance.

Progesterone and Oestrogen levels naturally lower and can cause mild menopausal symptoms, but serious discomfort or a combination of several unpleasant symptoms are your body’s way of saying that your hormones are out of balance.

If any of this rings a bell for you or sounds too familiar, please take a moment to book in for a Free Introductory consultation with us here: https://calendly.com/sutherlandshirenaturopath/introductory-naturopathic-health-assessment

Naturopathic medicine is all about using natural nutrients, lifestyle enhancements and nutrition to support and balance the body’s biochemistry. This in turn can have a profound impact on hormones, cellular function, digestive function and vitality.

That’s where we can help you!

Looking forward to connecting again soon.