Low Progesterone Symptoms In Women: Taking Control Of Your Well-Being

Hormones can be complex and often impact various areas of health and well-being, including mental health. Those with gynecological reproductive systems normally produce the hormone progesterone in higher quantities. This hormone can impact mood, personality, and bodily function. Some people have chronic low progesterone, which can negatively affect these areas of their well-being. It can be important to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of low progesterone. Working with a therapist can also be helpful. 

Address mental health symptoms related to low progesterone

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Understanding low progesterone

Progesterone is categorized as an endogenous steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex and gonads, including the ovaries and testes. Both males and females typically have progesterone in their bodies. However, people with a uterus usually produce more progesterone, which is released when the uterus prepares for potential pregnancy by ensuring a healthy uterine lining. Women are often highly impacted by this hormone, and they can experience challenging psychological symptoms when progesterone is low. 

Low progesterone can lead to health concerns like the following: 

• Fertility issues 
• Lack of ovulation
• Ectopic pregnancies 
• Weight gain 
• Breast tenderness
• Preeclampsia while pregnant
• A thin uterine lining 
• A risk of miscarriage 
• Irregular periods or a complete lack of periods (amenorrhea) 
• Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety 
• A risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from birth trauma or miscarriage 

Low progesterone can have many causes, including stress, hyperprolactinemia (abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood), age, hypothyroidism, eating habits, menopause, ovarian conditions, and fertility issues.

Mental health challenges resulting from low progesterone and hormone imbalance 

Low progesterone can lead to various mental health symptoms and conditions in women, including those discussed below. 

Depression

Anxiety

Both low and high progesterone may be associated with anxiety, although more research is necessary to fully understand the connection. Anxiety symptoms might include racing thoughts, distressing physical symptoms like headaches, constant worrying, a sense of impending doom, and difficulty concentrating. 

Low GABA levels 

Low progesterone can result in lower gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, which can lead to sadness, depression, and anxiety. 

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can impact how other neurotransmitters and cells send signals to each other. In addition, it may block certain impulses. Because this neurotransmitter affects the nervous system, it can impact mood. 

Fertility-related stress or trauma 

Low progesterone can lead to infertility and struggles to conceive. Some people might have miscarriages, stillbirths, or ectopic pregnancies. These experiences can be traumatic, potentially contributing to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Because fertility-related trauma is often stigmatized, people might believe they are alone in their struggles, which can lead to loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. If you’re experiencing stress or trauma related to fertility, consider speaking to a therapist with experience in fertility-related mental health challenges. 

Can low progesterone be reversed?

Low progesterone can often be reversed or treated with medical support. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure how to improve your progesterone levels. A gynecologist can also provide support and a progesterone test, especially if you’re looking to understand your fertility or want to get pregnant. A licensed medical professional may prescribe progesterone supplements or hormone therapy, depending on your specific situation.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. This content provides generalized information that is not specific to any one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Can low progesterone cause premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? 

Some people may believe that low progesterone causes premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, current studies reveal mixed results. Progesterone may be helpful in treating some symptoms of this condition but does not appear to be the cause of PMDD. However, high levels of progesterone during certain phases of one’s menstrual cycle, such as the luteal phase, may be associated with PMDD. More research is needed. 

How does low progesterone impact personality? 

Some research has investigated whether progesterone could be connected to personality. According to a 2023 study, aggressive behavior and fatigue could be observed in reproductive-age women with low progesterone levels. Low hormone levels may also contribute to mood swings and difficulty processing emotions, and these symptoms can resemble common mental health conditions.

How to support your mental well-being

If you’re living with low progesterone, there are a few ways you can protect your mental health. 

Practice self-care

Self-care can regulate the body and mind, promoting whole-system wellness. You can practice self-care by caring for your body and practicing evidence-based coping skills to improve mental well-being. Below are a few self-care activities to try: 

• Exercise: Exercise may help the body regulate hormone levels. You might try dancing, walking, hiking, swimming, or joining a group exercise class at the gym.
• Nutrition: Eating nutritious foods can help regulate your hormones and satisfy your nutritional needs. Talk to a registered dietician or doctor to find the best eating plan for your unique body. 
• Journaling: Journaling can improve mental health. If you struggle with free-form journaling, consider a guided journal or gratitude journal. 
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. To practice mindfulness, find a calm, quiet location to take deep breaths and focus on the sensations in your body. You can then observe your environment and the thoughts that arise. Let the thoughts pass without assigning judgment. 
• Nature: Spending time in nature can improve mental health and help you reconnect with your body. You might have a sense of being more grounded when you’re outdoors. 

Talk to your doctor

The physical symptoms of low progesterone may lead to mental health challenges. Consider talking to your doctor about potential treatments, such as progesterone medications or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Your doctor might run blood tests to evaluate the fluctuations of your progesterone levels. Talk to them about the potential side effects, and do not start, change, or stop a treatment without consulting your provider. 

Address mental health symptoms related to low progesterone

Chat with a therapist online

Finding mental health support 

If low progesterone has impacted your mental health, support is available. However, some people might avoid talking to a therapist about these challenges due to potential barriers like embarrassment, financial struggles, or lack of local treatment options. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be helpful. You do not need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to seek support. 

Online platforms typically allow clients to meet with a therapist from home via phone, video, or live chat, which may be helpful for those who are feeling unwell. In addition, these platforms frequently offer resources like journaling prompts and group sessions, which can provide additional support. 

Studies generally support the use of online therapy for treating various mental health conditions. A 2018 study reported that an online intervention could be more effective in increasing the quality of life of clients with depression and anxiety than face-to-face therapy.