Progesterone is a critical hormone for women’s health and fertility.  When progesterone levels are low, we see several adverse effects on a women’s reproductive system.

1. Irregular menstrual cycles: insufficient progesterone can lead to a shortened luteal phase (second half of the cycle) and irregular bleeding between periods.  It can also contribute to PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, night sweats and depression. 
2. Fertility issues: Low progesterone levels can interfere with the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterus and establish an early pregnancy. 
3. Miscarriage: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and low levels can increase the risk of miscarriage and poor pregnancy outcomes.
4. Menopausal symptoms: Peri menopause is a time when women often experience low progesterone levels leading to symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances.     

I offer many of my patients the option of supplementing with progesterone, especially during early pregnancy and the perimenopausal years.  However, a lot of women wonder how they can increase their progesterone levels naturally. 

A healthy ovulation, and healthy corpus luteum are key to healthy progesterone levels. 

The corpus luteum is a temporary structure formed in the ovary after the egg leaves the follicle at ovulation.  One of its primary functions is to produce progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle and during early pregnancy.  However, various factors can contribute to low progesterone levels. 

1. Stress: Chronic stress can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the proper functioning of the corpus luteum.  Elevated levels of cortisol may disrupt the delicate hormone balance needed for successful ovulation and sustained progesterone production.  
2. Nutritional imbalances: A diet lacking in essential nutrients and anti-oxidants can impact the corpus luteum’s ability to produce progesterone.  Adequate intake of vitamins such as vitamin C and zinc are essential for ovarian function.
3. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common ovulatory disorder that leads to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation.  Women with PCOS often experience insufficient corpus luteum development, resulting in lower progesterone levels.  
4. Obesity: Excess body fat can disrupt hormone regulation and contribute to low progesterone levels.  Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance and inflammation which can negatively impact ovarian function.   
5. Thyroid disorders:  Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can disrupt the menstrual cycle and impair corpus luteum function and hormone balance.
6. Age: The quality and quantity of follicles in the ovaries decline with aging.  This can impact ovarian function especially in the peri menopausal and early menopausal stages.
7. Ovulatory disorders: Conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea or chronic anovulatory cycles directly affect progesterone levels due to lack of ovulation.
8. Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation and the production of reactive oxygen species affects the quality of the corpus luteum that develops, and thus progesterone levels.  This often goes hand in hand with chronic illness, aging, and obesity.   

Recognizing and addressing these factors through lifestyle modifications, proper nutrition and supplementation, and medical intervention, when necessary, can help restore hormonal balance and support overall well-being.  If you suspect low progesterone levels are affecting your fertility or hormonal balance, book in today for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.