Progesterone is a hormone that is predominant in women and helps regulate menstrual cycles and pregnant women to reach term. As you age, progesterone levels naturally decrease. Cerain factors, such as exercise, can affect the amount of progesterone your body releases. Depending on your activity level, you may have too much or too little progesterone. Consult with your doctor, if you suspect any hormonal imbalances, and don't start a rigorous exercise program without his advice.
Effects of Exercise
Aside from the external benefits of exercise, regular activity controls different internal body functions. The University of New Mexico says that all hormones in the body are affected by exercising, including progesterone. Exercise stimulates the release of hormones and helps them move throughout the bloodstream. If you are new to exercise, you will likely experience an increase in progesterone levels.
Lack of Activity
Just as exercising helps to regulate progesterone levels, too little activity can result in the opposite effect. Hormones can become stagnant if an absence of exercise fails to help move them throughout the body. Stress can also increase with a lack of working out, resulting in decreased progesterone. Some symptoms of low progesterone levels include insomnia, weight gain, depression and menstrual changes.
Pregnancy
Progesterone is an important hormone during your entire pregnancy, as it plays numerous crucial roles to help your baby reach full term. The American Pregnancy Association says that progesterone prepares your uterus for the initial implantation and prevents miscarriage. Exercise is generally safe during pregnancy with your doctor's consent, and it can help you feel better and build needed muscles for delivery. According to the Baby Center website, exercising should not impair your fertility, unless you are working out so much that your body loses hormones like progesterone. Without progesterone, your eggs will not be able to implant into the uterus to complete the process of conception.
Considerations
Reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen naturally decline with age, leading to menopause. One potential risk of decreased progesterone levels is osteoporosis, because the hormone helps create bones. Exercise may help boost progesterone levels as you age, and regular activity is even helpful in preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises should especially be considered as part of your routine. Exercise can also increase progesterone levels but it should not be the sole method considered if you are experiencing abnormally low amounts of progesterone. See your doctor if you suspect low progesterone levels despite regular exercise.
