Signs of Low Progesterone

Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone made in the ovaries to assist with conception and sustaining pregnancy. During a female's normal menstrual cycle, the level of progesterone fluctuates depending on what stage of the cycle she is in. During the latter stage of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels normally increase. Progesterone is produced only in ovulating women; those in menopause no longer produce the hormone. Low progesterone, also referred to as luteal phase deficiency, can produce several symptoms.

Infertility

A deficiency in progesterone can result in woman's inability to conceive or carry a fetus to term. Infertility is classified as the failure to conceive after one year or more of actively trying. Progesterone assists the uterus by making conditions favorable for the fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall. In a woman with low progesterone, the fertilized egg would be unable to attach itself to the wall. In some cases, the fertilized egg is able to attach itself within the uterus; however, if progesterone levels remain low or do not increase at an adequate rate, the pregnancy will not be viable, resulting in spontaneous miscarriage.

Irregular Menstruation

Luteal phase defects commonly cause irregular menstruation in women. For menstruation to occur, estrogen levels decrease in the first half of the cycle and progesterone levels increase, allowing for ovulation. Women with low progesterone levels may notice periods that do not occur in predictable intervals, making them difficult to monitor and track. In extreme cases when no progesterone in being produced, there is usually an absence of menstruation, also referred to as amenorrhea.

Other Symptoms

Low progesterone is commonly seen in women approaching menopause; many of the symptoms of progesterone deficiency are similar to those seen in menopause. Symptoms such as fluctuating moods, increased irritability, fatigue, sleep pattern disturbance and depression are often reported by those suffering from low progesterone levels. These symptoms may make it difficult to diagnose low progesterone levels in younger women, because the level of the hormone naturally fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. A younger woman with these symptoms may mistake her symptoms for PMS or premenstrual syndrome.