A low progesterone level is an expected finding in a perimenopausal woman. In fact, according to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education, perimenopausal progesterone levels can decline to undetectable levels postmenopausally. Although low progesterone is a common finding during this stage of a woman's life, the associated effects are often cause for concern. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, talk to your doctor about a simple blood test to detect this hormonal imbalance. If low progesterone is the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
Cosmetic Effects
Cosmetic effects are sometimes the first notable signs of a hormonal imbalance such as a low progesterone level. They are also many times the cause of greatest concern. You may notice the development of acne and/or growth of body hair in undesirable places such as on the face. Conversely, you may begin to lose hair from your scalp at a sometimes alarming rate. You may also notice weight gain, which although cosmetic at first, in even moderate amounts extra pounds can quickly become a risk to your health.
Talk to your doctor about these symptoms. She will likely ask you additional questions, your response to which might warrant a look at your hormonal profile. There are several treatment options available to slow the progression of these cosmetic manifestations, and if she detects a hormonal imbalance in your case, she will discuss those options with you.
Emotional Unpredictability
As rings true with many hormonal imbalances, you may begin to experience emotional lability. You may experience irritability, anger, mood swings and fatigue. Many women will describe to their doctors that they just do not feel like themselves. The emotional lability associated with a low progesterone level will persist until your body acclimates itself, or until you decide to seek treatment.
There are several treatments for the emotional side effects of a shifting progesterone level, one of which is a low-dose of a daily antidepressant medication. Another treatment is hormone replacement therapy to help replenish a declining progesterone level.
Irregular or Absent Periods
Progesterone is crucial during a woman's reproductive years. A therapeutic level of the hormone is essential for fertility and for maintaining pregnancy. During the latter phase of your menstrual cycle, progesterone prepares the lining of your uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg. A few days later, and in the absence of a fertilized egg, your body triggers an abrupt decline in progesterone. The result of this process brings about many unwanted premenstrual side effects--bloating, acne, mood swings and fatigue--and eventually the shedding of your uterine lining, the beginning of your menstrual period.
As your body ages and reproductive years come to an end, the natural need for progesterone declines, which results in a natural decrease in your body's production of the hormone. This will result in the irregular periods associated with perimenopause, as well as menstrual flow that contains more blood clots than usual. Menopause occurs when your body permanently ceases menstruation. Irregular periods are common, but what you may not know is that a low progesterone level increases your risk of excessive menstrual bleeding, referred to as "menorrhagia." The occurrence of menorrhagia is uncommon; however, report any bleeding that is heavier than normal to your provider.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness is a common symptom of a low progesterone level. This may be further compounded by water retention and bloating that are also associated with a deficiency of the hormone. Whereas you may experience this often, you should report it to your doctor. He may want to perform a thorough breast examination to rule out the development of breast disease and cancer, as the hormonal imbalances of perimenopause have been associated with an increased risk of both.
Increased Breast Cancer Risk
There is emerging research that suggests a correlation between low progesterone levels and an increased risk of breast cancer. Several studies exists that suggest that progesterone offers a protective factor in the development of breast carcinomas; therefore, a declining level of the hormone has triggered the hypothesis that peri- and postmenopausal women may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, according to research published in Cancer Research in 1984.
