Low Progesterone Symptoms | What does it mean?

Progesterone is among the most vital of female hormones, produced primarily made in the ovaries. It is secreted in high concentration during the second, two weeks of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, large amounts of Progesterone are produced by the placenta itself. Progesterone is known to have a myriad of effects on the female body. This includes affecting many of the metabolic processes and preparing the body for pregnancy and sustaining the developing embryo. Progesterone helps to prevent menstrual contractions, acts as a muscle relaxant and helps in the development of the uterine tissues. Thus, low progesterone levels can induce a variety of symptoms that need immediate attention and medical care.

 

Correct Interpretation of Low Progesterone

 

It is an established fact that progesterone levels tend to decline severely with the onset of menopause among women. However, in some women, low progesterone levels have been noted before the onset of menopause. Similarly, men too tend to suffer from low progesterone symptoms.. However, among men, this condition is seldom acknowledged since progesterone is available in very scant quantities. Low progesterone levels in men translate into lowered testosterone levels. This is because progesterone is converted into free testosterone in the male body. Thus, both men and women are likely to develop low progesterone symptoms. However, among men, this condition is likely to be interpreted as that of having 'low testosterone'. Thus, Low Progesterone Symptoms commonly refer to symptoms found among women.

 

Common Symptoms of Low Progesterone Levels

 

Women suffering from low progesterone levels are prone to suffering from a host of problems including severe migraine attacks, symptoms that resemble PMS, irregular periods, unexplained anxiety and feeling of malaise. The indications can also include hot flashes, poor sleep patterns and dryness of vagina. However, the most pronounced effect of lowered progesterone levels is the decrease in libido. This is why post-menopausal women are often referred to as being 'sexually inactive' though this is not applicable to all women. Further, women suffering from low progesterone are likely to age faster, developing wrinkles at a faster rate, and tend to suffer from unexplained symptoms like burning or itching along the breasts and water retention.

 

Estrogen & Low Progesterone

 

Along with progesterone, estrogen is the other, most dominant hormone in females. Estrogen indirectly affects the progesterone levels. It is noticed that when estrogen levels rise beyond the usual range, progesterone levels tend to plummet. Such women become more vulnerable to weight-gain, mood swings, chronic tiredness and depression-like symptoms.. This also referred to as a case of Estrogen Dominance. It is now believed that this condition represents a serious hormonal imbalance and can be a precursor to breast cancer! In fact, low progesterone accompanied by Estrogen Dominance is known to stimulate fibroids. Similarly, women with disturbed menstruation due to low progesterone levels are more prone to developing endometrial cancer, i.e. uterine cancer.

 

Can I Guard Myself Against Low Progesterone?

 

Surprisingly, this condition is not hard-to-diagnose. The usual, wellness exams or routine check-ups recommended for women can easily establish this hormonal imbalance via blood tests. The therapeutic measures too are not demanding and numerous progesterone aids are now available. However, the biggest deterrent to seeking medical help remains realization of low progesterone symptoms and understanding their severity - this portal is dedicated to helping you understand the many aspects of Low Progesterone Symptoms, presenting the information in an easy-to-understand manner.