Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in the fertility cycle of a woman. During ovulation, progesterone is produced by the ovary and is responsible for the maintenance of a pregnancy. Following conception, moderate levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulate the production of progesterone. If conception does not occur, LH levels are too low to maintain steroid production. This fall in progesterone leads to the loss of the endometrium and the beginning of menstruation. Low levels of progesterone are associated with infertility, thyroid disorders, gallbladder disease and many other health issues.
Definition
Progesterone is an endogenous hormone involved in the female reproductive cycle. Progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries during ovulation. In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone causes a rise in body temperature and is responsible for producing the endometrium. Progesterone also stimulates the production of a low-pH cervical mucus that is not conducive to sperm survival. During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone maintain the endometrium and prevent menstruation from occurring. A sudden drop in the level of progesterone can induce a miscarriage. Progesterone is also responsible for the rise in body temperature and growth of breast tissue during the duration of the pregnancy.
Causes
There are multiple explanations for why your progesterone levels may be low. A common cause of decreased progesterone levels is an overabundance of estrogen, which can mask the effects of progesterone. Other causes include chronic stress, poor diet, insufficient exercise, thyroid disorders, a tolerance to insulin production and certain medications.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms of low progesterone. You may experience one or more of these symptoms, which include infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, blood clots during menstruation, changes in appetite, frequent urination, depression, magnesium deficiency, breast tenderness, weight gain, night sweats, cold chills, hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Low progesterone levels can also become apparent during menopause. This may lead to severe cramps during menstruation. A decreased appetite, vaginal dryness and bleeding may also occur. Always consult your physician if you believe that you may be suffering from low progesterone.
Tests
Low progesterone can be detected by undergoing a blood test following ovulation. Another helpful diagnostic tool is the use of a fertility chart. One common sign of low progesterone levels is a shortened luteal phase lasting for ten days or less. You should considering having a progesterone test if you are dealing with infertility, wish to detect a possible risk for having a miscarriage, or suspect that you may have low progesterone menopause.
Treatment
Several treatment options have been shown to be successful in raising levels of progesterone. Consult with your physician to determine the cause behind your low progesterone levels. Hormone replacement therapy may be effective as a short-term solution. Progesterone injections may also be given to help sustain a pregnancy and decrease the risk of having a miscarriage. Progesterone cream may be a beneficial way to supplement natural progesterone following ovulation. If progesterone levels fall too low during menopause, short-term hormone replacement therapy may be a successful treatment option.
References
- "Essential Reproduction"; Martin Johnson and Barry Everitt; 2000
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Correlation Between Estradiol and Progesterone in Cycles with Luteal Phase Deficiency; D. Goldstein, et al.; March 1982
