When progesterone levels in the body are lower or higher than normal, a condition called progesterone imbalance is created. Since hormones are chemical messengers that move around the body via fat cells and issue directives to each system, hormonal imbalance can cause a great deal of discomfort, especially in women.
Progesterone levels, however, change frequently since they can be affected by menopause, pregnancy, ovulation, and even the time of day.
What Is Progesterone Imbalance?
Progesterone imbalance is a disproportionate amount of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the body. Optimal female health depends upon a careful balance of progesterone and estrogen. If the two fall out of balance – for example, in the event of a progesterone deficiency – uncomfortable side effects will almost invariably result.
Causes of Progesterone Imbalance
There are different causes of progesterone imbalance, but the most common is menopause, which marks the end of menstruation and fertility. Once ovulation ceases permanently, the ovaries begin to produce less progesterone, creating an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen in the body.
Progesterone imbalance may also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and regular exercise are important for maintaining health, particularly during menopause. An unhealthy body is less able to maintain hormonal balance.
Symptoms of Progesterone Imbalance
Among the first symptoms of imbalance usually noticed are irregular periods and fatigue. Other symptoms can appear either psychologically or physiologically.
Commonly-reported physiological problems include:
- Breast tenderness
- Vaginal and urinary infections
- Heightened risk of endometrial cancer
- Lowered libido
- Night sweats and hot flashes
Psychological symptoms frequently experienced include:
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
Fortunately for women, the symptoms mentioned above can be treated and relieved, but as with all matters, accurate information about possible treatments is vital. To learn more about them, click on treatments for progesterone imbalance.
|Symptoms of Progesterone Imbalance|
Progesterone, the chemical messenger hormone, sends signals to the body regarding menstruation and fertility. Progesterone dominance indicates a surplus of progesterone, and can lead to drowsiness, acne, mood swings and depression. Progesterone deficiency indicates an absence of progesterone, and causes absence of menstruation, decreased libido, osteoporosis, and night sweats. (...)
|How Do My Progesterone Hormone Levels Fluctuate during My Lifetime?|
Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and fluctuates throughout a woman’s lifetime. It functions to prepare an egg for fertilization during ovulation, to develop and nourish the placenta during pregnancy, and may be produced in lower or higher levels during menopause.