Progesterone for Women

Function, Deficiency, and Hormone Support


Progesterone is a critical hormone produced primarily by the ovaries after ovulation (corpus luteum), and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and during pregnancy by the placenta. It plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and balancing the effects of estrogen.



 How Progesterone Is Made in the Female Body

  • Produced from cholesterol, through conversion to pregnenolone, then progesterone
  • Synthesized in the corpus luteum after ovulation in the second half of the menstrual cycle
  • Also secreted by the adrenal glands during stress and by the placenta during pregnancy



   Progesterone in Perimenopause & Menopause

  • Ovulation becomes irregular, leading to insufficient progesterone production
  • Estrogen may remain high or fluctuate, creating "estrogen dominance" relative to low progesterone
  • In menopause, progesterone production drops to near zero unless supplemented



   Effects of Low Progesterone-System Effect of Deficiency

Brain & Sleep - poor sleep quality, insomnia, increased anxiety or worry

Mood & Anxiety - Increased risk of depression, irritability, mood swings

Reproductive System - Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, PMS, infertility

Uterus - Higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia (if unopposed estrogen)

Post-hysterectomy - Still beneficial for sleep, mood, and breast protection



  Progesterone Metabolism: Key Pathways

  • Pregnenolone → Progesterone →Allopregnanolone:

 Neuroactive metabolite that enhances GABA, promoting calm, sleep, and reduced anxiety

  • Other pathways include cortisol and aldosterone synthesis



  Optimal Dosing & Forms of Progesterone


Oral micronized (bioidentical) - Best for sleep, converts to allopregnanolone in liver

Topical cream - Useful for mood/PMS, bypasses liver metabolism

Vaginal (capsules/gel) - Local uterine effect, fertility support

 Typical Dose for Menopausal Support:

  • Oral: 100–200 mg at bedtime (micronized, bioidentical)
  • Topical: 20–40 mg/day (adjust based on labs and symptoms)



   Risks of High Progesterone (Uncommon but Possible)

  • Sedation, fatigue
  • Dizziness or brain fog
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating
  • Depressed mood (rare)
These are usually dose-related or due to metabolic sensitivity and resolve with dosage adjustment.

Summary

Progesterone is a cornerstone hormone in women's health, supporting mood, sleep, cognition, menstrual regulation, and cancer protection. Its decline in perimenopause and menopause can trigger a cascade of symptoms—but when restored safely through bioidentical hormone replacement, it can dramatically improve quality of life.

Even post-hysterectomy, progesterone offers neurological, psychological, and metabolic benefits, making it a key component of balanced hormone therapy when used thoughtfully and monitored with labs.

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