What causes low progesterone?

When discussing hormones in women, the most important factor is the ratio of estrogen and progesterone that keeps each other balanced. In some cases - a deficiency in progesterone causes estrogen levels to be in excess leading to estrogen dominance symptoms.

Common signs of low progesterone:

• Irregular menstruation

• Depression, anxiety, mood swings

• Low libido

• Infertility

• Foggy brain

• Slow metabolism, weight gain around the midline

• Sugar cravings

• Migraines, headaches

• Joint pain

• Allergy

The main causes of low progesterone include:

• Stress

• Excess in working out

• Environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens)

• Aging

• Menopause

• Diet

• Weight gain

When our bodies are under extreme stress, we overproduce cortisol (a stress hormone) and that decreases progesterone, as progesterone is used to help make the cortisol required for the continual stress response.

If you want to find out whether your hormone imbalance is due to progesterone deficiency. Schedule an appointment with our acupuncturist and functional medicine experts at Meta Health to discuss your health, as well as using diagnostic hormone panels so we can address the root cause of your hormone imbalance with acupuncture, herbs, dietary and lifestyle recommendations.