Progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate monthly periods in women or support a pregnancy. It collaborates with estrogen during a monthly cycle to build up the lining of the uterus and release an egg from the ovary. During the second half of a cycle, the progesterone levels peak in preparation for a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop and a period begins. If there was a fertilized egg, the progesterone levels would be maintained in order to carry a pregnancy for 39 to 40 weeks. After pregnancy, progesterone levels drop once again. Some women experience side effects to this deficiency.
Postpartum Depression
Progesterone fluctuates during and after pregnancy. In a healthy pregnancy, the placenta secretes progesterone throughout the entire gestation so levels are kept within a normal range. When the baby is delivered, so is the placenta. This drop in progesterone has been linked to postpartum depression. This is a condition that may become apparent within the six weeks postpartum. A woman may have depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and crying episodes, according to the NaProTechnology. Some health care providers use progesterone medications to treat this diagnosis.
Water Retention
Retaining fluid in the body is a sign of progesterone deficiency. This is also referred to as generalized edema in more severe cases. Progesterone at normal levels acts as an effective diuretic. This means if excess fluid builds up in the body, the diuretic is activated to excrete the fluid in the urine. This action is similar to what a water pill does. A women may notice puffiness in her hands and feet after delivery. If these conditions persist or worsen, the ob/gyn provider should be notified immediately.
Irregular Periods
Normal period cycles can vary from woman to woman after delivering. Breast-feeding may be the reason because when the body produces milk, a message is sent to the brain not to ovulate thus there will not be a period. But, a progesterone deficiency could also be the reason. A period starts when normal values drop during the monthly cycle. If there are not adequate levels to begin with, the period will be altered. Irregular periods need to be discussed with your ob/gyn.
