The hormone progesterone, as the name implies ("pro-gest." meaning "pro-gestation"), is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Sometime around age 30, progesterone levels in women begin a gradual decline. In time you will likely experience at least some of the many symptoms and signs associated with low progesterone levels.
Fluctuating Hormones
As you go through the menopausal transition, your body's production of estrogen and progesterone ebbs and flows. These hormonal variations are the source of the many changes your body goes through during the years leading up to menopause.
Signs of Low Progesterone Levels
Low progesterone levels can wreak havoc on a woman both physically and emotionally. She may become uncharacteristically emotional, anxious, irritable and nervous. It's also possible that her sleep will be compromised. She may awaken multiple times during the night, unable to fall into a deep, restful sleep. As a result she will wake up feeling tired, which only adds to her emotional fragility.
Pain and Swelling
Another symptom of low progesterone is painful or swollen breasts especially in the days leading up to menstruation. There may also be heavier than normal bleeding during periods. Other possible signs of low progesterone are swelling in the hands, feet or abdominal area. Headaches and possible weight gain are also common complaints.
Treating Low Progesterone Levels
Since every woman's body is different, progesterone replacement needs are highly individualized. Your unique genetic makeup, diet and lifestyle habits and medical condition must be taken into account. Your doctor will regularly test your hormone levels until they have stabilized sometime after menopause.
Progesterone Replacement
Natural progesterone that is produced in the body is not identical to the "progestins" found in standard hormone replacement treatment. This minor difference has the potential to cause major problems.
A study conducted by the Women's Health Initiative found that the subtle differences between progestins and progesterone slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots.
Bioidentical Progesterone
According to the Mayo Clinic, a safe and effective progesterone therapy uses bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to natural progesterone. They are available in over-the-counter creams and by prescription.
Less Is More
If you decide to try bioidentical progesterone, take the smallest dose possible that will alleviate your menopausal symptoms for the shortest length of time.
The use of bioidentical progesterone as a long-term anti-aging product is strongly discouraged.
You should always consult with your doctor before starting any type of progesterone replacement therapy.
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