Low Progesterone

Progesterone, a steroid hormone is recognized as an important female hormone. The word progesterone is related to the Latin word ‘Gestare’ which means ‘to bear or carry’. This by itself suggests the importance of this hormone in providing a fertile environment for conception and the continuous development of the embryo. Progesterone is made by the ovary during ovulation. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in small amounts. It is manufactured in the body with the help of the steroid hormone pregnenolone and it in turn helps in the production of most of the other steroid hormones like cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. In the female body, the most important role of the progesterone hormone is to counter the effects of estrogen and help provide an environment for a successful pregnancy and a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone and Fertility

Progesterone helps in reproduction by stimulating changes in the uterus and also supports pregnancy by increasing blood vessel and tissue development in the layer where the embryo attaches itself. The egg attaches itself to the uterus after been released from the ovary. On conception, the egg along with the sperm forms the embryo. Progesterone is the hormone that delays the shedding of the endometrium layer where the embryo implantation occurs. If there is a significant drop in the progesterone levels during the first few weeks of pregnancy, then it may lead to a miscarriage. However, in the cases of women who want to delay pregnancy, high doses of progesterone injections are prescribed which helps in preventing ovulation. It also makes the mucus present in the lower reproductive track thicker thereby making it difficult for the sperm to reach the fallopian tube via the cervix and the uterus.

Causes of Low Progesterone

There could be many possibilities that could cause the progesterone levels to fall. Some prominent factors are:

• Dominance of Estrogen. This condition could occur if the individual is exposed to any environmental hormone that behaves like estrogen or in cases of liver dysfunction.
• Resistance to insulin present in the body
• Chronic stress
• Diet that is rich in sugar or does not contain sufficient nutrients
• Insufficient exercise
• Medications

Symptoms of Low Progesterone

There are far too many symptoms of low progesterone to count. The following are some of the most prominent symptoms:

• Infertility
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Depression
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Weight gain
• Gallbladder disease
• Low Blood Sugar
• Panic attacks
• Water retention
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Blood clots during menstruation
• Magnesium deficiency
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness

Tests for Low Progesterone

To detect low progesterone in the body, the following 3 methods can be used:

• By charting the fertility cycle.
• A blood test after ovulation has taken place.
• A short luteal phase (is the period that starts at ovulation and ends on the day before the next period) that lasts less than 10 days also indicates low levels of progesterone.

When to Get Tested for Low Progesterone?

You may be advised to have your progesterone level measured for the following conditions:

• Progesterone level is tested to monitor the placenta and fetal health during a high risk pregnancy.
• To detect ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriages.
• It is used to determine if ovulation has occurred after a drug therapy has been carried out to detect pregnancy.
• To measure the effectiveness of progesterone injections given to a woman to maintain her pregnancy.
• These levels are used to understand as to why a woman who is not pregnant is experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding.
• To determine as to why a woman is not able to conceive, that is these tests help understand if the woman is ovulating normally

Progesterone Treatment

If you have low progesterone, then you can supplements like progesterone capsules, injections and vaginal suppositories. A number of over the counter progesterone creams and ‘natural products; are available. It has been observed that these products have been more or less ineffective in treating hot flashes, increasing sexual desire and preventing osteoporosis. The American Menopause Society, the American College of Obstetricians and almost all gynecologists have cautioned against the use of these compounds as there have been no proven benefits so far and the risks have not been analyzed. If you need to take progesterone externally, then it is always advisable that you do so under the careful monitoring of a trained physician.

I hope that this article has helped all women understand their body better. I for one attribute all my mood swings during the menstruation cycle to low levels of progesterone and have a husband who understands the same. If you too have similar issues or have any of the symptoms described above, then visit a doctor along with your immediate family. Above everything else, it is very important to live a stress free and a happy life with your loved ones.