Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam PA
Reading time: four minutes
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels fluctuate, leading to noticeable changes in your body and mood.
One of the most significant shifts is low progesterone in perimenopause, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms affecting sleep quality, mood swings, and overall well-being.
This blog explains the common symptoms of low progesterone in perimenopause, why they occur, and how to restore hormonal balance naturally or through treatment options like bioidentical hormone therapy.
Key Takeaway
Low progesterone in perimenopause can cause irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and other bothersome symptoms. Since progesterone plays an important role in balancing hormones and supporting overall health, its decline can significantly impact your quality of life.
What Is Progesterone and Why Is It Important?
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that plays a big role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting the preparation for pregnancy, and maintaining reproductive health.
It balances estrogen levels, helps sustain the uterine lining, and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. Progesterone production is vital for bone health, as it supports bone formation and prevents bone density loss.
Progesterone also promotes restful sleep, regulates blood sugar, and has a calming effect on the brain, making it essential for managing mood swings and reducing stress levels.
When progesterone levels decline, these functions become disrupted, leading to hormonal imbalances and bothersome symptoms.
When Do Women Start Perimenopause?
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s, though it can start earlier for some. Perimenopause ends when you transition to menopausa; when you have been without a menstrual period for one full year.
During perimenopause, ovulation becomes irregular, causing fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen levels. As ovulation decreases, progesterone deficiency leads to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, which triggers the many perimenopausal symptoms women experience.
Key Symptoms of Low Progesterone in Perimenopause
When progesterone levels drop, the balance between estrogen and progesterone shifts, which can result in estrogen dominance, leading to the following variety of symptoms:
- Irregular periods: Shorter, longer, heavy periods, or missed cycles due to hormone imbalances.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often waking up feeling unrested due to wakefulness in sleep.
- Increased anxiety and mood swings: Progesterone in perimenopause affects neurotransmitters, leading to progesterone for menopause anxiety relief becoming a common concern.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep. Persistent fatigue is a common symptom during menopausal transition.
- Brain fog: Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and hormone-related mental cloudiness.
- Hot flushes and night sweats: Sudden feelings of heat, sweating, and temperature dysregulation influenced by hormonal changes. Learn more in our blog: Hot Flashes and Menopause: What to Expect and How to Find Relief
- Weight gain and bloating: Hormonal imbalances can slow metabolism and cause fluid retention.
- Breast tenderness: Increased sensitivity and swelling due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Migraines and headaches: Fluctuating hormone levels can trigger hormone-related headaches.
Hormone health is directly linked to mental well-being. Read more in The Chemical Connection: Hormones and Mental Health
How to Support Progesterone Levels Naturally
While progesterone production naturally declines with age, you can take steps to balance your hormones and ease menopausal symptoms:
- Prioritize stress management: The adrenal glands play a role in hormone production, and high cortisol from chronic stress further lowers progesterone levels.
- Improve sleep quality: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to address sleep disturbances and improve restful sleep.
- Eat progesterone-supporting foods: Include magnesium-rich foods, vitamin B6, and healthy fats to support hormone health.
- Consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy: This treatment can help restore hormonal balance and improve overall well-being.
We offer hormone therapy for women to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Learn more about our hormone therapy services here.
Is Progesterone Therapy Right for You?
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause that are affecting your quality of life, hormone replacement therapy may help restore hormonal balance and improve your well-being.
At our Medical Spa in Madison, AL, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using EvexiPEL® hormone pellets, which provide a steady release of hormones for consistent symptom relief.
Since every person’s hormone levels and needs are unique, a comprehensive hormone evaluation can help determine the best treatment for you. Schedule a consultation today to learn how hormone pellet therapy can support your health and restore balance.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
Perimenopause is a transition, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. With expert care and personalized solutions, you can move forward feeling strong, balanced, and in control of your health.To book an appointment at our Medical Spa in Madison, AL, call (256) 248-9199 or visit us at 844 Slaughter Rd. Suite A, Madison, AL.
