Many women have heard about estrogen, a very common female hormone; however, little is known about progesterone. I think that estrogen has received more attention than other hormones, and estrogen is often the first hormone to take the blame for many symptoms that affect women.
Although many people have heard very little about progesterone, this is an extremely important hormone. I would argue that progesterone is just as important as estrogen, and I’ve noticed that progesterone is quite possibly the most common hormone imbalance that I find in my practice.
Progesterone plays its most important role in preparing a woman’s uterus for pregnancy and helping women maintain their pregnancy. Interestingly, there are progesterone receptors all over the body; therefore, progesterone has many additional functions all throughout the body. So what else does progesterone do in the body? And how would you know if low progesterone is affecting you?
7 Signs Your Progesterone Is Low:
1. Menstrual Irregularities – This can manifest as shortened cycles, longer cycles, heavier or lighter periods, spotting between periods, menstrual cramping, and so on.
2. Infertility – As mentioned above, progesterone is crucial for preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining the pregnancy. As such, a lack of progesterone will make it more difficult for women to conceive.
3. Anxiety & Depression – Many women will mistakingly blame estrogen for mood changes they may experience; however, it’s just as likely that low progesterone levels are the culprit. Interestingly, progesterone works on the same receptors in the brain as powerful anti-anxiety drugs (i.e. Lorazepam, Clonazepam, etc.), so improving progesterone levels will often help women feel less anxious.
4. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats – Oh, and I bet you thought estrogen was largely to blame for these as well. Low progesterone can also cause hot flashes and night sweats, and restoring progesterone levels will often improve these symptoms. I’ve also noticed that many women with these symptoms have a progesterone imbalance, while estrogen levels remain normal.
5. Fatigue, Poor Memory & Low Libido – Low levels of this hormone will leave women feeling fatigued and they will usually describe feeling “foggy-headed”. Progesterone is very important for brain health as well, and low levels can affect memory. Low libido or interest in sex can be one of the earliest signs of low progesterone.
6. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome – Cramping, cravings, bloating, and irritability are common for women to experience 1-2 weeks before their period, and are often a tell-tale sign of low progesterone. Naturopathic Doctors are great at treating PMS symptoms with herbs, supplements, and improving progesterone levels.
7. Weight Gain – As we age, there are many hormones that change, which can slow down our metabolism. As progesterone declines, this can impair one’s ability to burn fat, resulting in weight gain or more difficulty losing weight.
As you can see, progesterone is a very important hormone for women before and after menopause. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms mentioned above, we can test and evaluate your hormones to identify any imbalances.
Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Clinic
16655 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com