When it comes to hormones, progesterone doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Most people know about estrogen and its role in the body, but progesterone is just as important. Whether you’re thinking about starting a family or just trying to feel your best, progesterone is key to keeping your body functioning smoothly.
This hormone does much more than support fertility. It plays a role in your menstrual cycle, your mood, your sleep, and even your energy levels. If your progesterone levels are out of balance, your body lets you know through a range of symptoms. Let’s dive into what progesterone does and how to make sure your levels are where they need to be.
What Is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone produced primarily by your ovaries during the second half of your menstrual cycle, right after ovulation. While it’s most well-known for its role in preparing your uterus for pregnancy, progesterone is important for everyone—regardless of whether you’re trying to conceive or not.
What Does Progesterone Do?
Progesterone plays a variety of roles in keeping your body balanced and healthy.
1. Regulates Your Menstrual Cycle
Progesterone helps ensure a healthy, regular cycle by coordinating estrogen. It supports the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy and signals your body to shed that lining during your period if pregnancy doesn’t occur.
2. Keeps Estrogen in Check
Think of progesterone as estrogen’s counterpart. When these two hormones are in balance, your body thrives. But if progesterone levels drop too low, it can lead to issues like heavy periods, mood swings, and bloating.
3. Supports Your Mood
Progesterone has calming properties because it interacts with GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. This can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and stabilize your mood.
4.Improves Sleep
If you’ve ever experienced insomnia before your period, low progesterone might be to blame. Progesterone has a sedative-like effect on the brain, helping you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.
5. Protects Bone Health
Progesterone plays a role in maintaining bone density by stimulating the production of new bone tissue. This becomes especially important as you age and hormone levels fluctuate.
Signs of Low Progesterone
When progesterone levels are low, your body may send you signals like:
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Irregular or missed periods
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Spotting between cycles
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Fatigue or low energy
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PMS symptoms, like mood swings or bloating
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Trouble sleeping or feeling anxious
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Difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to check your hormone levels.
How to Support Healthy Progesterone Levels
The good news is there are natural ways to support your progesterone levels and help bring your body back into balance.
1. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can cause your body to prioritize cortisol (the stress hormone) over progesterone production. Mindfulness practices, yoga, or even a simple deep-breathing exercise can make a difference.
2. Focus on Nutrition
Certain nutrients support hormone production:
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Magnesium: Found in almonds, spinach, and dark chocolate
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Zinc: Found in pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and seafood
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Vitamin B6:Found in bananas, salmon, and sweet potatoes, Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. Adding these foods to your meals can help support healthy progesterone levels.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is when your body does its best work in coordinating hormones. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night and try to stick to a consistent bedtime routine. Reducing screen time before bed and creating a calming environment can also help.
4. Monitor Your Hormones
Understanding your hormone levels is an important first step. Tools like Eli’s Hormometer™ can give you real-time insights into your progesterone levels, helping you identify patterns and make informed decisions about your health.
Progesterone Is Key to Feeling Your Best
Progesterone is an essential hormone that does much more than support fertility. It plays a critical role in your mood, energy, sleep, and overall health. If you’re noticing symptoms like irregular periods, trouble sleeping, or low energy, it might be worth exploring how to support your progesterone levels.
At Eli Health, we’re here to help you understand your body and take control of your health. With tools like the Hormometer™, you can track your progesterone levels, get personalized insights, and make proactive changes to feel your best.
Join the waitlist today and take the first step toward balanced hormones and better health. Your body deserves it.
