Progesterone Deficiency

Progesterone deficiency often occurs by the mid-thirties, often dropping by about 75% between the mid-thirties and menopause. Since progesterone is produced by the ovaries, women whose ovaries have been removed are likely to be progesterone deficient.  Also, women on birth control pills, patches, or injections are not allowed to ovulate. That is how these birth control methods work. However, ovulation must take place in order for women to produce appreciable amounts of progesterone.

General Physical Symptoms or Related Conditions:
__ Weight gain
__ Fluid retention
__ Low body temperature
__ Hypothyroidism (under-activity of the thyroid gland)
__ Headaches
__ Pain and inflammation
__ Allergies/sinusitis
__ Insomnia or sleep disturbances
__ Hair loss
__ Bone loss

Gynecological Symptoms or Related Conditions:
__ PMS
__ Cramps
__ Breast pain/benign cysts
__ Heavy periods
__ Irregular cycles (periods too close together)
__ Spotting before period or break-through bleeding
__ Fibroids
__ Endometriosis
__ Infertility
__ Miscarriage
__ Luteal phase deficiency (a common cause of infertility)

__ Emotional Symptoms or Related Conditions:
__ Depression
__ Anxiety
__ Irritability
__ Mood swings
__ Tendency to be stressed easily