Progesterone is a hormone which is naturally produced by the ovaries few days before the menstrual cycle to aid in the normal flow of the reproductive organs. However, as the woman approaches the age of menopause, this hormone begins to decrease and it creates an imbalance in the system which leads to many menopausal problems. Research done has found that supplementing Progesterone in the form of creams can help women overcome many of the symptoms they have to otherwise face because of the hormonal imbalance.
Low levels of Progesterone, as well as relatively high levels of Estrogen, can also cause tissue buildup. This combination can lead to the formation of so much excess tissue that there is abnormally heavy flow during menstruation and spotting between periods. Severe Progesterone deficiency can even stop the endometrial shedding process altogether, resulting in missed periods. Prolonged deficiency can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can increase the risk of uterine cancer. And a low progesterone / estrogen ration can cause symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as anxiety, irritability, depression, headaches, dizziness and bloating.
Progesterone is one of your sex hormones and is made in your ovaries before menopause. After menopause, some Progesterone is made in your adrenal glands.
The following are symptoms of decreased Progesterone:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Pain and inflammation
- Osteoporosis
- Decreased HDL
- Excessive menstruation
Causes of low Progesterone levels are:
- Impaired production
- Low luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Increased prolactin production
- Stress
- Antidepressants
- Excessive arginine consumption
- Sugar
- Saturated fat
- Deficiency of vitamins A, B6, C, zinc
- Decreased thyroid hormone
