Experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle or facing fertility concerns? Knowing how to identify low progesterone symptoms and signs is crucial in unraveling the mysteries behind hormonal imbalances — and potentially unlocking your fertility.

Progesterone, a vital hormone in the reproductive system, plays a significant role in regulating menstrual cycles and preparing your body for potential pregnancy. Inadequate progesterone production can lead to hormonal imbalances with various implications for your health. By recognizing low progesterone symptoms, you can take control of your reproductive well-being and seek appropriate support when needed.

What it is     Causes     Symptoms     What to do     How to fix

What is low progesterone?

Progesterone, an essential hormone in the female reproductive system, plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. When progesterone levels drop below the normal range, it leads to a condition known as low progesterone. 

Low progesterone occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of this hormone during specific phases of the menstrual cycle or during early pregnancy. It can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance and interfere with the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Understanding the fundamentals of low progesterone, including symptoms of low progesterone, is essential in recognizing its impact on your health and seeking appropriate interventions.

>>MORE: Is Low Progesterone Hurting Your Fertility?

Causes of low progesterone

Low progesterone can stem from various underlying factors that disrupt the hormone's production and balance within the body. Here are five common factors that can contribute to low progesterone:

• Anovulation: Anovulation occurs when you don’t ovulate — your ovaries fail to release an egg during the menstrual cycle. This can can lead to low progesterone levels. Anovulation can occur due to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress, excessive exercise, certain medical conditions, or issues with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
• Luteal phase defect: The luteal phase is the second half of your menstrual cycle, during which progesterone levels rise to support a potential pregnancy. A luteal phase defect occurs when this phase is shorter than normal or when there is inadequate progesterone production. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction, uterine abnormalities, or disruptions in the feedback loop between the ovaries and the brain.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations or imbalances in other hormones, such as estrogen or thyroid hormones, can impact progesterone production. Conditions like hypothyroidism or estrogen dominance, where estrogen levels are relatively higher than progesterone, can contribute to low progesterone levels.
• Chronic stress: Prolonged periods of stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in your body, including progesterone. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can interfere with the production and regulation of progesterone, leading to lower levels. (Learn how to reduce stress.)
• Certain medications or treatments: Some medications or medical treatments, such as certain types of hormonal birth control, chemotherapy, or hormone replacement therapy, can affect progesterone levels. It's important to discuss any medications or treatments you are taking with your healthcare provider to understand their potential impact on progesterone levels.

Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologist, can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment strategies for addressing low progesterone levels.

Low progesterone symptoms to look out for

Recognizing the symptoms of low progesterone is crucial in identifying potential hormonal imbalances and seeking appropriate interventions. While individual experiences may vary, here are common low progesterone symptoms:

• Irregular cycles: One of the hallmark signs of low progesterone is irregular periods. You may experience shorter or longer cycles, inconsistent cycle lengths, or missed periods altogether.
• Abnormal bleeding: Low progesterone can lead to abnormal bleeding patterns, such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, or breakthrough bleeding.
• Premenstrual (PMS) symptoms: Low progesterone levels can intensify premenstrual symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, breast tenderness, bloating, and food cravings.
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving: Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Low progesterone levels can make it challenging to conceive or increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Changes in basal body temperature: Monitoring your basal body temperature can provide insights into your menstrual cycle. Low progesterone can cause fluctuations in basal body temperature, leading to irregular or inconsistent patterns.
• Fatigue and low energy: Low progesterone levels can contribute to feelings of fatigue, low energy, and a general sense of lethargy.
• Sleep disturbances: Hormonal imbalances, including low progesterone, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.
• Decreased libido: Progesterone influences sexual desire and arousal. Low progesterone levels can lead to a decrease in libido or a diminished interest in sexual activity.
• Vaginal dryness: Insufficient progesterone can impact vaginal lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
• Changes in breast tissue: Low progesterone levels may cause changes in breast tissue, such as breast tenderness, swelling, or lumps.

What should I do if I'm experiencing low progesterone symptoms?

If you suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms of low progesterone, it's important to take proactive steps to address your concerns.

Test your progesterone levels

You can test and monitor your progesterone levels from the comfort of your home without the need of a blood test. Oova uses urine test strips and a connected mobile app to track hormone levels and provide personalized recommendations based on your individual hormonal profile. It offers a convenient and user-friendly way to monitor progesterone levels and optimize your fertility journey.

What is the low progesterone range?

If you’re testing your hormone levels because of your low progesterone symptoms, what’s the range you should look out for? First, you’ll want to be sure you’re testing in the luteal phase of your cycle. In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels typically range between 5 and 20 ng/ml. If progesterone levels fall below this range, it may indicate low progesterone.

>>RELATED: What Is A Short Luteal Phase And How Does It Affect My Ability to Get Pregnant?

Consult with a healthcare professional

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in reproductive health or endocrinology. They can evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform relevant tests to determine if low progesterone is the underlying cause.

Based on their diagnosis, they can recommend appropriate treatment options or refer you to a specialist if needed.

How do you fix low progesterone levels?

Addressing low progesterone symptoms and levels is important for optimizing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with low progesterone or suspect it as a potential concern, there are various treatment options available. 

Progesterone supplementation

Progesterone supplementation is a common treatment for low progesterone. It involves the use of progesterone medications, such as oral capsules, vaginal suppositories, or injections, to supplement the body's natural progesterone levels.

This helps to support the luteal phase and maintain adequate progesterone levels during early pregnancy. Progesterone supplementation is often prescribed by healthcare professionals and tailored to individual needs.

Fertility medications

In some cases, fertility medications may be used to stimulate the production of progesterone or regulate ovulation. These medications, such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole, can help promote the development of mature follicles and enhance progesterone production.

Fertility medications are typically prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals with expertise in reproductive medicine.

Lifestyle modifications

Making certain lifestyle modifications can also have a positive impact on progesterone levels. These include adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients, managing stress levels, engaging in regular exercise, and getting sufficient sleep.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support hormonal balance and improve overall fertility health.

Identifying and addressing underlying causes 

In some cases, low progesterone may be caused by underlying conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders. Identifying and treating these underlying conditions can help restore progesterone levels to normal.

A healthcare professional can evaluate your specific situation and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the underlying cause.

It's important to remember that the most suitable treatment for low progesterone levels will depend on the underlying cause, individual circumstances, and guidance from a healthcare professional.

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to receive personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs. 

Takeaway

Facing low progesterone symptoms—and discovering you have low progesterone—while trying to conceive can be discouraging, but remember that you are not alone. With the guidance of a reproductive health specialist, there are options to address this challenge.

From progesterone supplementation to lifestyle adjustments, treatment plans can be tailored to your needs. Stay positive, seek emotional support, and remember that you have the strength to overcome obstacles. 

By taking proactive steps, seeking appropriate treatment, and embracing a holistic approach to your well-being, you can empower yourself on the path toward optimizing your progesterone levels and improving your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.