“I don’t have the energy to go out, I feel like sleeping in all week”, “the headaches and migraines keep on increasing”, “arrrgh, I feel so depressed, it is inexplicable”, “why is it difficult for me to conceive?”, “what’s up with this sudden weight gain and excess craving for sugar?”, are some expressions that could be an indication of low progesterone.
One of the vital hormones that cannot be missed is the progesterone. You want to know why? It is very important in regulating numerous body functions ranging from maintaining a healthy pregnancy to regulating a woman’s cycle; basically all functions that are essential for reproduction, health and longevity.
Now, don’t be deceived by thinking it is solely for the female! The males and children also produce this hormone. It is however more prominent in women and when this hormone is low in supply, they are likely to experience low progesterone symptoms. It should be noted that generally, progesterone goes on a decline as menopause approaches and is at its lowest in children.
When there is a deficiency of progesterone in your body, the following symptoms are likely to be experienced. Of course, some of these symptoms present themselves in a subtle manner while some are actually quite obvious.
Progesterone, as said earlier, is essential in regulating functions that are necessary for reproduction. In order for the embryo to be implanted, the progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus, thus helping to maintain a healthy pregnancy. When you experience difficulty in conceiving or perhaps had one or many miscarriages, it is high time you checked yourself.
Here are some low progesterone symptoms you’d never want to overlook:
1. Mood swings
Experiencing constant mood shifts, depressing thoughts or anxiety? This can be a pointer that your progesterone levels are decreasing. Well, this is because this hormone also performs a mood-stabilizing function.
2. Weight gain
Did your sugar-cravings increase a notch? You probably ignored the weight you gained around your midsection which has defied all efforts to be reduced. The reduction in progesterone can slow the body’s ability to burn fat; hence the unnecessary weight gain.
3. Brain Fog
Foggy thinking is a symptom that should not only be attributed to ageing. Or perhaps you felt like you have to rack your brain really hard just to remember events, names and words as you did before. You need to test your progesterone levels.
4. Short or irregular menstrual cycles
It is common practice for women approaching menopause to experience shorter menstrual cycles. When your progesterone levels are low, your menstrual cycles become shorter even as a young woman. Your cycles become irregular and difficult to predict. Still on your periods, light vaginal bleeding and spotting before your period can be an indication of low progesterone levels.
5. Premenstrual Syndrome
With Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) come the regular stomach spasms, unpredictable mood swings, depression, bloating and a host of others. Reduced levels of progesterone can make matters worse, further aggravating these symptoms. According to a Harvard Review, it was discovered that the increase in progesterone levels led to a reduction in mood swings.
6. Other symptoms
Are you nails starting to crack, split or peel? Do you notice you have dry and cracked skin or acne? Do you experience bouts of hot flushes? All these are likely symptoms of low progesterone levels.
You need to take your health seriously. There are still more symptoms that are tied to low progesterone levels. Stop self medication and visit the doctor for a proper examination if you notice the persistence of some of these symptoms.
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