Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries, according to Dr. Frederick Jelovsek on Women's Health Resource. If a woman is experiencing difficulties related to menstruation or conception, progesterone levels may be adjusted in order to reduce painful symptoms or improve fertility.
Function
Progesterone helps to thicken the uterine lining, which can reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding, according to Dr. Jelovsek. The ovaries release this hormone during the second and third weeks of the menstrual cycle. In addition to the menstrual cycle, progesterone becomes important when a woman is pregnant, according to Just Mommies, a health resource for mothers. During the menstrual cycle, progesterone signals the body to create a corpus luteum, which is responsible for producing hormones that support a baby's life until the placenta can take over. When the corpus luteum dies, progesterone levels sink and a woman begins her menstrual cycle.
Infertility
Progesterone is often referred to as the "pregnancy hormone," according to Just Mommies. Low levels can result in infertility and miscarriage. These are perhaps the most significant symptoms associated with low progesterone levels. If you are having difficulty becoming pregnant, your physician may recommend a blood test to examine your progesterone levels.
Symptoms
Because progesterone regulates bleeding, a lack of progesterone can cause excessive menstrual bleeding in terms of time or blood volume, according to Dr. Jelovsek. When the body does not produce enough progesterone, it must use different hormones to function, according to Diagnose Me. As a result, low progesterone symptoms can cause masculine effects, such as facial hair.
Low levels of progesterone also may be associated with pre-term labor. For this reason, mothers who may be at risk for pre-term labor are given progesterone shots. Progesterone also affects your mood---those with low levels may experience mood swings, depression, irritability and an inability to concentrate.
Contributing Factors
If you suspect you have low progesterone levels, you may need to examine lifestyle factors that can contribute to low progesterone levels, according to Just Mommies. For example, high stress levels, inactivity and poor nutrition can all contribute to low progesterone levels. If your lifestyle has been affecting your ability to care for yourself, low progesterone levels can follow suit. However, some low progesterone levels have no clear medical explanation.
Prevention/Solution
Low progesterone levels can be treated with a synthetic hormone known as progestin, according to Ovulation Calculator. This can be given in shot form, applied as a cream or taken in pill form. Because timing is important in terms of when and how progesterone is given, you should discuss treatment options with your physician in order to choose the option that suits your lifestyle yet helps to combat the symptoms of low progesterone.
