What is the link between progesterone deficiency and hormonal imbalance ?

Find out more about progesterone deficiency and hormone imbalance.

A hormone level is always assessed in relation to another hormone. For example, estrogen and progesterone work in tandem, so the slightest imbalance in one inevitably leads to an imbalance in the other. Progesterone deficiency and estrogen dominance result in similar symptoms and hormonal imbalance.

What is progesterone ?

Progesterone is a crucial hormone in the female reproductive system. It is produced in the ovaries and plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle. A lack of progesterone can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain and reduced libido.

Progesterone levels naturally decline as menopause approaches, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. However, other factors can contribute to progesterone deficiency, including stress, obesity and certain medications. Treatments for progesterone deficiency vary according to the underlying cause. In some cases, a change in lifestyle may be enough to correct the imbalance. For example, weight loss or stress management can help boost progesterone levels. In other cases, more aggressive treatment may be required, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

If you think you may be suffering from progesterone deficiency, it’s important to consult your healthcare professional to get you on the road to recovery. Don’t let a hormonal imbalance control your life – take back control with the help of healthcare professionals who are here to help you feel your best!

What are the symptoms of low progesterone levels ?

There are a variety of symptoms that can indicate low progesterone levels. They include:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Weight savings
• Bloating
• Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Causes of progesterone deficiency

Many different factors can contribute to a progesterone deficiency. One of the most common causes is simply aging. As women approach menopause, their bodies begin to produce less and less progesterone. This natural drop in progesterone levels can lead to hormonal imbalance and all the symptoms associated with it.

However, other factors can lead to a drop in progesterone levels, including:

• Stress: Excessive stress can lead to a reduction in all hormones, not just progesterone. This is because the depleted adrenal glands will break down progesterone into cortisol to maintain sufficient cortisol levels. If you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise or yoga. Reducing stress levels can help increase progesterone production.

• Overweight: Being overweight or obese can also lead to lower progesterone levels, as fat cells produce estrogen. Losing weight can help increase progesterone production and correct the hormonal imbalance.

• Certain medications: Some medications, including birth control pills, can lower progesterone levels. If you think your medications may be causing a hormonal imbalance, talk to your healthcare professional about other options.

Progesterone deficiency is a frequent cause of hormonal imbalance in women of all ages.

Causes of a natural drop in progesterone levels

Luteal phase: After ovulation, one of the woman’s ovaries forms the “corpus luteum”. Its function is to produce the natural hormone progesterone after ovulation. In the first cycle, the lining of the uterus develops thanks to estrogen and luteinizing hormone, preparing the uterus for fertilization. If the ovaries do not produce enough progesterone, there will be a deficiency of certain hormones produced by progesterone. Luteal insufficiency is then observed during this phase, which can lead to the various symptoms mentioned above.

Consequences of progesterone deficiency

Low progesterone levels are a sign of poor ovulation quality in women, resulting in reduced fertility and hormonal imbalance. But beyond fertility problems, this lack of progesterone can also have repercussions on daily life as a whole, and in particular on ..:

• On sleep: if progesterone levels are insufficient, sleep is affected, with nocturnal awakenings and insomnia, which can lead to a vicious circle of stress and permanent fatigue. Its role as a soporific hormone is the cause of greater fatigue, particularly during the luteal phase.

• On mood: Given its role as a natural antidepressant, progesterone at low levels can lead to deficits in concentration and memory, as well as facilitating mood swings, anxiety and depression in some women.

• On appetite: The effect of progesterone on the dopaminergic system is clear, and in cases where the brain may find itself lacking in dopamine it will seek to compensate by pushing us to eat more in an attempt to reduce this feeling of chronic fatigue.
  

How can I make up for a progesterone deficiency ?

Anti-stress herbs are highly recommended (rhodiola, ashwagandha, lemon balm, etc.), as well as zinc and vitamin B6 supplements (see glossary).

Increase your intake of healthy fatty acids (oilseeds, rapeseed oil, etc.) and boost your vitamin C intake.

Discover the ingredients found in several of our flagship products, our [MY] Equilibre Féminin and [MY] Essentiels Sérénité dietary supplements.

That’s why we created MiYé, which means “the good friend” in Provençal, a wellness brand adapted to women’s cycles, providing expert, natural and caring support for women at key stages of their hormonal life, with the minimum of contraindications. We have developed a range adapted to the female metabolism to help our bodies naturally regain their state of equilibrium during these periods of hormonal disturbance, based on 3 main pillars: physical comfort, mental well-being, and the condition of skin and hair.

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