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Hormones control everything from mood to metabolism through a hidden communication system. Progesterone is a dictator of reproduction and pregnancy. Disruptive and worrying symptoms are likely to be experienced by women when their level reduces. Identifying low progesterone symptoms early lets you quickly make decisions for successful treatment.
This article talks about the causes, effects as well as possible treatment including medical procedures. Read on to find out more about low progesterone.
Progesterone is a hormone that is released by ovaries after ovulation and placenta during a pregnancy. It conditions the uterus lining to accept an implantation and to allow a pregnancy to be in a good condition. The lack of progesterone, especially in the second half of the menstrual period or early pregnancy may cause hormonal imbalance and affect your body's health. For women in pregnancy, maintaining hormonal balance also supports a healthy body mass index, which contributes to better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Various systems in the body affect progesterone:
Low progesterone causes estrogen dominance, which results in many problems, including:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, low levels of progesterone affect pregnancy in some cases, and they may be of special concern. This includes the increased risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and preterm labor. The changes in hormones may lead to fatigue, body aches, and sleeplessness, and even proper tools as a support can work wonders.
One of its most-known effects is the uterine contractions. Sufficient levels of progesterone helps suppress uterine contractions. That said, when the level is low, your defense is also down.
With that said, you may want to use tools that can provide comfort, like pregnancy pillows. The Momcozy U-shaped Cooling Fabric Pregnancy Pillow is one great example. Besides keeping you cool at night, it also offers full body relief. It is also comfortable and supportive in nature. It fits against the back, hips, or legs, and therefore, can really help you relax.
Another alternative would be the Momcozy Dreamlign Pregnancy Pillow that targets the needs of late pregnancy. With your baby and body changes, this pillow will afford you better support to your abdomen, back, and legs, giving you the space to in the most trying times.
During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can also cause tenderness or changes in breast tissue — a normal but sometimes uncomfortable symptom. Learn how to relieve it naturally in Breast Tenderness Come and Go in Early Pregnancy.
There are signals that your body give, particularly when your progesterone level is too low. These signals can be annoying, and even frightening. That is why it is vital to know what is behind them. The typical symptoms which the women experience with are the following:
You can notice that your cycle has been coming sooner or later than normal. Also, light spotting a couple of days before your period actually begins. This is because progesterone helps maintain your menstrual cycle.
Low progesterone can complicate the process of supporting the fertilized egg by the uterine lining. When you have been attempting conception and struggling with it, it might be one of the concealed causes.
Feeling more emotional, anxious or irritable than usual? The balance of estrogen is regulated by progesterone, and, therefore, the mood will shift in case of its low level.
Most women report being wired but tired. Progesterone is inherently a sedative medication and the lack or low level could make it hard to fall or stay asleep.
You may have soreness and swelling in your breasts before or during your period.
Hormone changes may make you less intimate with your partner than you were in the past.
Headaches have been observed to be caused by fluctuating hormones, especially when progesterone is low.
Low progesterone may be contributing to your problems if you have been forgetting things on a regular basis or if there is a problem with concentration.
The body reacts in different ways but in cases where certain indicators are present, it is advisable to visit a doctor.
A decrease in progesterone levels could happen due to a number of reasons. One of the biggest ones is stress, as the production of cortisol is in excess in your body, the production of progesterone is secondary. It can also happen when you do not ovulate very often, which is the case with such disorders as PCOS or thyroid.
As women approach and finish their reproductive years, progesterone naturally drops. This leads to more noticeable effects around menopause. Poor sleep, deficiencies in nutrients or certain medications can be considered, in addition to lifestyle.
The levels of progesterone do not always remain constant, and they change in response to your cycle or pregnancy. Your levels are naturally low before ovulation. An ovulated egg raises up when it is ovulated to get your body ready in case of a potential pregnancy. Progesterone levels go up after conception to keep the baby alive and healthy during the pregnancy.
Low progesterone and high progesterone are often as easy as having your doctor chat with you about your menstrual history and your symptoms. Your doctor may advise you to test your hormone levels in case you have been having irregular cycles, spotting, or have been unable to conceive. A blood test is the most common method of diagnosing low progesterone, usually a few days following ovulation, when the levels of progesterone are supposed to be the highest.
To check whether your ovulation is going on and whether your uterine lining looks ready to receive implantation, an ultrasound may also be prescribed by your doctor in certain situations. Considering these results will give you a clearer understanding of what is going on with your hormones, and will it be the low levels of progesterone that are causing your symptoms.
Treating low progesterone is different according to your symptoms and health objectives. One way your doctor may prescribe medical means will be directly increase progesterone. Also you can change your lifestyle so that your body will naturally regulate hormones. Common treatments include:
If you’re breastfeeding or recently postpartum, you may also experience body pain and hormonal changes similar to those from low progesterone. Understanding how your body responds can help you recover better — see Body Pain While Breastfeeding for detailed insights.
Your body can work to support healthier hormone levels by adopting natural habits. Some simple steps include:
Take note that these simple steps cannot be substituted with any medical intervention. However, they can relieve the symptoms and enhance balance in general.
Yes, you can ovulate with low progesterone. However, the low levels of progesterone can make the uterine lining harder to implant, and this can have an impact on fertility.
Too much of it can cause drowsiness, while too little can cause insufficient sleep and fatigue. Always remember that there should always have a balance.
The best treatment depends on what you need. Progesterone supplements are the popular options. But lifestyle changes, and the treatment of underlying conditions are also useful.
Learning and understanding low progesterone symptoms is important for regaining hormonal balance. Low progesterone may lead to many consequences in the life of a woman like mood disorders and pregnancy complications. But they can be cured by medical treatments, habits and lifestyle that can be undertaken. When you have a feeling that something is wrong with your body, you can consult with your doctor and get a clear answer. Through appropriate assistance, one can find the balance, feel and be more in harmony with the natural rhythm of their body.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
