Your endocrine system is a complex group of hormone-producing organs. Your adrenal glands are part of this system, sitting atop your kidneys, producing key hormones for physiological functioning. Adrenal dysfunction, also known as insufficiency, is a hormonal condition where your adrenal glands produce little to no hormone. This can cause a deficiency in certain hormones, including progesterone. When this happens, your doctor can prescribe progesterone replacement therapy.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Your pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland in your brain, controls adrenal hormone levels. When levels decline, your pituitary gland secretes an adrenal-stimulating hormone which increases production. In some individuals, the pituitary gland does not secrete enough stimulating hormone, which leads to insufficiency. In other individuals, the adrenal glands are damaged, which prevents them from producing enough hormone. Another insufficiency cause is an abnormal immune response when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your adrenal glands.
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of two female sex hormones; the other is estrogen. Your body makes it from a parent hormone called pregnenolone, which is synthesized from cholesterol. Female sex hormones play a critical role in reproduction. Since your ovaries also produce progesterone, this is sometimes enough to prevent deficiency; thus, replacement is not always needed if you have adrenal insufficiency. However, your doctor can determine whether you have a clinical progesterone deficiency due to adrenal insufficiency.
Replacement
Progesterone deficiency can cause symptoms, including irritability and sleep problems. This is commonly seen in menopausal women, since their sex hormone levels naturally decline as their reproductive capacity comes to an end. Your doctor can prescribe hormone replacement, if these symptoms become uncomfortable. If you are of reproductive age and your period has stopped due to progesterone deficiency, replacement can help return your menses. Doses range according to the severity of your deficiency. Doctors generally use the lowest dose necessary for your situation.
Precautions
Pregnenolone use can increase your risk for blood clots, breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a history of any of these conditions. Progesterone side effects include nausea, joint pain, acne and weight changes. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if you experience more serious side effects, including confusion, numbness on one side of your body and unusual vaginal bleeding.
