Symptoms of progesterone deficiency
• Breast tenderness
• Migraines
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• PMS/PMDD symptoms
such as fluid retention, bloating, headaches, constipation, backache, acne
• Interrupted sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Emotional sensitivity
• Severe fatigue
Progesterone, produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and in the placenta during pregnancy, influences a series of vital functions, including sleep, and plays a major role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
During a woman's menstrual cycle, production of progesterone rises after ovulation (approximately day 14), peaking around day 21. The hormone's primary function is to stabilize the uterine lining (or endometrium) to create a supportive environment for a fertilized egg. If a woman does not become pregnant, her progesterone levels begin to fall.
By day 28 of her cycle, her uterine lining sheds, and she menstruates. If she does become pregnant, her progesterone levels continue to rise after day 21. The hormone is produced by