Progesterone is a vitally important female hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries. Low progesterone levels have the potential of causing a variety of health concerns. Some of the most common low progesterone symptoms include headaches, anxiety, and menstrual abnormalities. Hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal dryness are also frequently reported the symptoms of low progesterone. Fibroid tumors may begin to form in the reproductive organs, or a medical condition called osteoporosis may develop. Any questions or concerns about the different potential symptoms should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Fatigue, anxiety, and nervousness are often overlooked as possible low progesterone symptoms, although the majority of women who are diagnosed with this hormone deficiency report these as being among the most significant symptoms present. Headaches are also common, especially around the time of the monthly menstrual period. Painful menstrual cramping or periods that are considerably heavier or lighter than usual may also be low progesterone symptoms.
Hot flashes are a common occurrence during menopause, the time in a woman’s life when menstrual periods cease and fertility ends. This is typically due to a decline in the body’s production of progesterone. Younger women who have not experienced menopause may also develop hot flashes if there is a progesterone deficiency present. Hormone replacement therapy may help to ease some of these symptoms and restore normal hormone levels.
Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that may develop in the uterus. The direct cause of these fibroids is not always known, although this condition is particularly rampant among those with diagnosed progesterone deficiencies. These tumors may sometimes grow large and become painful, sometimes requiring surgical intervention to remove the uterus, a procedure known as a hysterectomy.
Osteoporosis is also among the possible low progesterone symptoms. This is a medical condition that causes the bones to become weak and break much more easily than normal. Osteoporosis often leads to a loss of physical height due to posture changes that occur due to the weakened bones of the spine.
Additional low progesterone symptoms may include a loss of sexual desire, constipation, or brittle nails. Unexplained abdominal fat deposits and associated weight gain, when coupled with other symptoms, often indicate the presence of low progesterone levels. There may also be increased risks of certain forms of cancer, especially cancer affecting the reproductive organs. Simple blood tests can help the doctor to determine if there is a progesterone deficiency so that an individualized treatment plan can be developed.