It is safe to say that no one goes through as many changes as a woman. These transformations, which begin in childhood and continue throughout adult life, are natural and common to all women, but that doesn’t mean that a woman doesn’t feel all the effects they bring. From the onset of ovulation with menstruation, going through pregnancy and menopause, there are several true hormone storms that the body receives. But during all these ups and downs, some problems can occur, such as low progesterone in women, for example. Explaining why this happens is not a simple task, which is exactly why we will talk in detail about every aspect of this phenomenon and point out the best treatments for it. But first of all, do you know what progesterone is?

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries and is present throughout the menstrual cycle, released in the second phase of the cycle, that is, between 14 and 15 days after menstruation. This hormone is very important in the pregnancy process for women, being responsible for preparing the endometrium for a possible pregnancy. When fertilization does not occur, the level of progesterone drops and the body starts the menstruation process, beginning a new cycle. Otherwise, the progesterone level increases to protect the uterus during pregnancy1.

What are the Normal Levels of Progesterone?

Before anything else, it is important to understand that during the entire menstrual cycle, the level of progesterone varies, being lower in the first phase of the cycle and higher in the second phase, so when analyzing the levels, one must take into account the moment of the menstrual cycle. Keeping this in mind, the normal progesterone levels are:

  • Up to 1 ng/ml at the beginning of the period
  • Less than 10 ng/ml before ovulation
  • More than 10 ng/ml after ovulation

Progesterone During Pregnancy

As we mentioned before, during pregnancy the levels of progesterone in a woman’s body are higher, and they can reach up to 90 ng/ml in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Its main role throughout this period is precisely to protect the uterus, and help in the development of the embryo, preventing miscarriages, that is, when there is low progesterone in women at the beginning of pregnancy, there are higher risks of miscarriage. Mood swings in pregnant women and the early nausea are also caused by progesterone.

Progesterone Test

The test to measure the level of progesterone in women is done by blood tests. It is usually performed during prenatal care to measure the increase in this hormone, but this test may be needed at other moments in a woman’s life. For example, in cases where there are difficulties getting pregnant, checking to see if the body is producing the ideal levels of progesterone and if the woman has any infertility problems, as well as in cases of irregular menstruation, to identify the cause of the problem. Since progesterone levels vary greatly, the test may need to be repeated more than once on the same day or over several days. When getting the test, it’s important to tell your doctor if you are taking any contraceptive pills. Many of them contain progesterone, which can affect the test result.

Problems Caused by Low Progesterone in Women

After getting a blood test, the result may indicate that hormone levels are normal, or that you have high progesterone or low progesterone. We will explain in more detail what these results may mean and their possible problems.

High Progesterone

When the test result points to high progesterone, it can be a good sign for women who wish to become pregnant, but if the result exceeds the normal levels, it is important to pay attention, especially if there is no pregnancy2. High progesterone can indicate ovarian cysts, abnormal hormone production by the adrenal glands, ovarian cancer, or even menopause. Some symptoms that some women may feel due to increased levels of this hormone are:

  • Excessive fatigue and weakness;
  • Fluid retention and swelling;
  • Increased appetite.

Low Progesterone

In some cases, tests can also indicate low progesterone in women, which can be extremely negative during the fertile years, as this is one of the main hormones needed for pregnancy to occur and continue. When these levels are low during pregnancy, the chances of miscarriage are higher. This result may be linked not only to infertility, but also to irregular menstrual cycles, stress, and even poor nutrition. The symptoms some women may feel are:

  • Loss of libido;
  • Irregular menstruation;
  • Mood swings and weight gain.

That is, low progesterone levels can indicate infertility, but tests should be repeated over several days to check whether the levels really remain low. Furthermore, in some cases it is possible to reverse this result. For those trying to get pregnant, this news is not at all pleasant, but it is important to stay calm and see a doctor to begin treatment. As we saw, stress is one of the possible causes of low hormone levels, so it is very important to control anxiety at this time.

Treatment for Low Progesterone

To treat low progesterone in women who are trying to get pregnant or regulate the menstrual cycle, you need to see an endocrinologist, who will analyze each case individually. The most recommended way to replace progesterone is hormone therapy3, which can be done through oral medications, vaginal or topical gels or creams, and even vaginal rings. In addition, it is crucial to combine this treatment with emotional control. Stress can also be a major enemy to increasing progesterone levels. You need to ease stress and anxiety. Try doing physical activities, or relaxing activities such as yoga.

Foods That Help Increase Progesterone

Furthermore, you also need to watch your diet, as often, the problem of low progesterone is linked to a lack of nutrients and a poor diet. In this case, you should eat plenty of greens, vegetables, and fruits. Look for organic foods and avoid processed foods like canned and packaged foods. As you can see, progesterone is a type of hormone with which women will have to deal with at practically all stages of life, whether due to their sex life, weight gain or loss, or simply their overall health. It is something that is part of every woman’s life and that is why it is so important to always keep your tests up to date to see if there are any problems with high or low progesterone in women. Remember that there are always ways to treat and solve the problems caused by this, so do not despair if it is happening to you. Always follow medical guidance and do the treatment correctly. Over time, everything will resolve, and you will be completely healthy. Also see: Coffee-Ground Period – What is it? Photo: GabiSanda