Progesterone deficiency can cause some nonspecific medical conditions and, last but not least, can be responsible for an unfulfilled desire to have children. This article explains causes and options for treatment and prevention.
What is progesterone deficiency?
Progesterone is a female sex hormone. It is also known as the “corpus luteum hormone” because it is produced in the ovary by the corpus luteum. The hormone is also found in the male body, where it is produced in the testes. However, it is only produced in very small quantities. In the female body, progesterone regulates the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus and the maintenance of pregnancy. After ovulation, the shell of the egg follicle reshapes itself into the corpus luteum. Progesterone is formed from this. This process is controlled by the LH hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. In the course of pregnancy, the placenta ensures the production of large amounts of the progesterone so that the pregnancy persists. In addition, progesterone is also tree material for the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Causes
The cause of progesterone deficiency is luteal insufficiency. Follicles do not mature sufficiently, which also prevents the formation of eggs. As a result, a complete corpus luteum cannot develop. The lack of progesterone leads to estrogen dominance, which is already considered a disease of civilization. This estrogen dominance can in turn have many causes, which often occur in combination with each other and reinforce each other. On the one hand, genetic factors play a role. There can also be cycles without ovulation due to taking the pill. The onset of menopause is often characterized by a lack of progesterone. Furthermore, food may contain estrogens or other substances that affect hormone balance (e.g., aids to fattening, plastic bottles, canned and bagged soups, additives in spreadable fats and bread, etc.). Chemicals that are capable of sensitively disrupting the cycle can also be found in the environment. These are, for example, xenoestrogens found in varnishes, wall paints, pesticides, building materials and exhaust fumes. Certain medications can also have a negative effect, for example psychotropic drugs, drugs for menopausal symptoms, thyroid disorders and antidiabetics. Improper diet, stress, lack of light, lack of exercise and ovarian damage can do the rest.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Deficiency of the hormone progesterone can occur in both men and women, although the latter are more often affected. Especially in stressful situations, a disturbance of the hormone balance can occur, with increasing age, the probability increases. However, symptoms also frequently occur during pregnancy, lactation and menopause. In both men and women, a progesterone deficiency can manifest itself in the form of sleep disturbances, heavy sweating, cardiac arrhythmia or emotional imbalance. Women are also affected by other complaints. These include ovarian cysts and fibroids, severe iron deficiency (especially during menstruation) and the occurrence of breast cancer. Failure to become pregnant or miscarriage can also be the result of the disease in severe cases. Often, a deficiency occurs in conjunction with other diseases, which is why the doctor will also ask about symptoms of thyroid disease during the medical history. Cold hands and feet, swelling of the fingers, dry and irritated skin and low blood pressure can therefore also be signs of a progesterone deficiency. Depressed moods, panic or anxiety and reduced performance also occur. These are just a few of the symptoms, which can vary in severity. If they occur in a corresponding life situation, they are however well diagnosable on the part of a physician.
Diagnosis and course
A progesterone deficiency can be manifested by various symptoms that provide a starting point for further diagnosis. These include difficulty concentrating, listlessness, lassitude, anxiety, depressed mood, water retention, nausea, weight gain, tender, swelling breasts, cysts and fibroids, and pain during menstruation. Miscarriage may occur in pregnant women. Shortened cycles and spotting are also typical.If progesterone deficiency is suspected, the doctor will suggest a progesterone test. This involves determining progesterone and estrogen levels around the 19th, 20th, or 21st day of the cycle using a saliva test. Such tests can also be performed by taking samples and sending them to a laboratory for evaluation. In support of this, a basal body temperature chart can be obtained prior to diagnosis by the physician. Adrenal insufficiency should be ruled out to determine progesterone deficiency with certainty.
Complications
Due to progesterone deficiency, affected individuals suffer from various symptoms that can lead to different complications. In the worst case, however, progesterone deficiency can lead to an unfulfilled desire to have children. Not infrequently, this also leads to psychological complaints or severe depression. The quality of life is also considerably restricted and reduced as a result. Furthermore, patients not infrequently suffer from disturbances in concentration and coordination. Also a fatigue and a lack of drive can occur and have a very negative effect on the everyday life of the affected person. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from anxiety and confusion due to progesterone deficiency. Women also experience breast tenderness and often period pains. If progesterone deficiency occurs in women who are already pregnant, it can lead to miscarriage in the worst case. Treatment is usually carried out with the help of medication. There are no particular complications. Furthermore, various natural aids are also available to the affected person, which can significantly limit and reduce the symptoms of progesterone deficiency.
When should one go to the doctor?
Couples or women who have an unfulfilled desire to have children should obtain comprehensive information about the optimal conditions for conceiving offspring. If all the requirements are met and yet pregnancy remains absent for several months, a follow-up visit to a doctor should take place. In this, a renewed clarification of the optimal conditions for fertility takes place. In addition, a comprehensive examination should be initiated to provide information about the fertility status of the affected person. Persistent sleep disturbances, irregularities of the heart rhythm as well as abnormalities of the hormonal system should also be discussed with a doctor. If mood swings, depressive phases or peculiarities in the behavior of the affected person occur, an examination is necessary. Heavy sweating, swelling of the fingers or a diffuse feeling of anxiety should be presented to a physician. The complaints indicate a health impairment that must be diagnosed and treated. Lumps in the breast, irregularities in the female menstrual cycle, and a decrease in well-being are further signs of a disease. If the affected person suffers from changes in libido, severe weepiness as well as changes in skin appearance, a visit to the doctor should be made. Inner restlessness, fluctuations in weight and apathy are indications of a health disorder and must be clarified by a doctor. In case of cold limbs, hypersensitivity to temperature effects and rapid exhaustion, a doctor should be consulted.
Treatment and therapy
There are several approaches to treating luteal insufficiency. If a deficiency of progesterone has been identified, the body is usually supplied with progesterone by medication. Medications that come into question here are
Clomiphene, dydrogesterone and Utrogest. Ideally, therapy is carried out as soon as the follicle matures, as this is where the cause of luteal insufficiency lies. In some cases, estrogen is also administered. Furthermore, the pregnancy hormone is used when luteal weakness is to be treated. Estrogen dominance can be treated in several ways. Which treatment is preferred depends on the severity of the progesterone deficiency (and thus estrogen dominance) and the preferences of the patient in question. In addition to treatment with chemical progesterone, for example, treatment with plants that have progesterone-like active ingredients (phytohormones) and can be used to stimulate natural progesterone production can also be considered. The treatment of progesterone deficiency can also be supported with exercise, a healthy diet, water, light therapy and natural healing methods.Acupressure, homeopathy, Schuessler salts and esoteric healing methods can be tried if the mental disposition is appropriate.
Prevention
To prevent progesterone deficiency, it is helpful to eat a healthy diet and live as low-stress as possible. Walks, especially in daylight, moderate exercise (e.g., jogging or swimming), reducing excess weight, and avoiding alcohol, sugar, nicotine, and animal fats are helpful. The ideal diet is one that contains sufficient protein and, in addition, is rich in fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals (especially magnesium), vitamins (especially vitamins B6, B12, C and E) and trace elements (especially selenium and zinc).
Aftercare
Progesterone deficiency is basically not to be considered as an independent clinical picture, but occurs as a consequence or symptom of a hormone disorder. This can happen at different stages of life, but can also be related to the hormonal system as a whole. Therefore, there is no firmly defined aftercare for progesterone deficiency. Follow-up can vary from a lifelong compensatory supply of hormones to no necessary follow-up or therapy. If a lifelong supply of hormone replacement therapy is found to be necessary, it is necessary for the patient to see a specialist, preferably an endocrinologist, on a regular basis. The latter examines the hormone status at fixed intervals and, depending on the situation, can adjust the treatment individually. In the case of treatment during certain phases of life or after certain events, such as pregnancy and childbirth, it is no longer necessary to take hormones after a certain period of time. Here, the corresponding drugs can then usually be discontinued completely or gradually reduced. However, after each hormone replacement therapy, it is necessary to check whether the body is once again capable of independently ensuring the necessary hormone levels on a permanent basis. Follow-up care therefore refers primarily to regular check-ups to guarantee that hormone deficiencies requiring treatment do not reoccur in the patient.
Here’s what you can do yourself
A deficiency of the hormone progesterone is clearly noticeable in everyday life. Symptoms range from sleep disturbances to exhaustion to emotional imbalance. The doctor will suggest hormone therapy, which many sufferers view with a critical eye, however, because this therapy involves administering an artificially produced hormone to the body, which can have serious side effects. For this reason, the question of an alternative is great. Since hormones are always influenced by certain behavior, it is possible to also support the formation of the body’s own progesterone by taking a closer look at one’s own lifestyle. Even a change in exercise behavior can be beneficial here. Those affected should make sure to exercise regularly, be it in sweaty sports or extended walks in the fresh air. In addition, a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and fiber should be observed. Too much sugar, caffeine or bad fats have a negative effect on the hormone balance. Sunlight can also counteract the lack of progesterone, with 15 minutes of daily sunbathing usually being enough. If the deficiency does not recede with these measures, homeopathy, Schuessler’s salts or other natural remedies can be resorted to as an alternative to hormone therapy.
