5 symptoms of low progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone responsible for producing the lining of your uterus and preparing it for pregnancy. This innermost lining is the endometrium, which progesterone helps thicken to prepare for a fertilized egg.

If fertilization occurs, progesterone levels continue to rise throughout your pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t occur, levels of the hormone will drop. This helps trigger your periods. 

Progesterone is important for a healthy female reproductive system. If you don’t produce enough progesterone, it can cause various symptoms and make it more difficult to conceive.

Having irregular periods and frequent headaches could signal low progesterone levels. These and other symptoms are detailed below.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you think you could have low progesterone levels. They can check your levels and arrange any necessary treatment options.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the terms “women,” “men,” or both when discussing people assigned female or male at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials. 

While gender is solely about how you identify yourself, independent of your physical body, you may need to consider how your personal circumstances will affect diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Learn more about the difference between sex and gender here.

1. Irregular periods

Menstruation cycles usually last between 24 and 34 days. If your progesterone levels are not high enough, you will likely notice your cycles vary in length.

You may also find it difficult to know when to expect your period. For example, a period is irregular if your cycle length is fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days long.

This can happen with low progesterone levels due to irregular ovulation. If your ovary does not release an egg, it will prevent the increase in progesterone that usually occurs. This stops the endometrium from thickening and can delay your period.

2. Tender breasts

After your body releases an egg and it does not get fertilized, your progesterone levels will naturally drop as your estrogen levels rise to prepare for your period.

Many people experience breast pain and tenderness at this point in their menstrual cycle. This is known as “cyclical mastalgia” and is a symptom of low progesterone levels. You may notice breast soreness more often if you have consistently low progesterone levels.

3. Headaches

Changes in progesterone levels may lead to headaches or even migraine, and people with low progesterone are more likely to notice frequent headaches.

Migraine is also more prevalent in women than men, with 18% of women experiencing them at some point.

This happens because low progesterone results in estrogen dominance, where you have excess estrogen compared to the progesterone levels in your body. Estrogen causes your body to hold onto more fluid, which can lead to headaches.

4. Mood changes

As progesterone levels naturally dip during the luteal phase of your cycle, this can cause premenstrual symptoms to worsen if you are also experiencing lower levels of progesterone.

According to a 2019 study, the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can worsen with low progesterone include:

• depressive symptoms
• aggression
• anxiety
• fatigue
• guilt
• hopelessness

5. Increased risk of pregnancy loss

Progesterone is a vital hormone for pregnancy. If you become pregnant, the amount of progesterone your body produces will continue to rise throughout your pregnancy. If your progesterone levels are too low, it may cause pregnancy loss.

According to a 2018 study of 929 pregnant people, those who experienced spontaneous pregnancy loss saw no significant increase in their progesterone levels between weeks 5 and 13 of their pregnancy.

The researchers noted that having less than 35 nanomoles per liter of progesterone in the bloodstream during early pregnancy causes the risk of pregnancy loss to be 23 times more likely.

Treatment for low progesterone

Depending on your treatment goal, several options for low progesterone levels are available.

For example, if you have low progesterone levels and are pregnant, a doctor may recommend progestogen treatments to help prevent premature birth and pregnancy loss. These are available as injections or suppositories inserted into your vagina.

If you often experience headaches or migraine, certain types of oral birth control can help relieve symptoms. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, this treatment is only suitable if you are below the age of 35 and do not experience an aura with your migraine.

These types of birth control are known as “mini pills” and only contain progestin. Examples include:

• norethindrone (Camila)
• drospirenone (Slynd)
• medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera)

If you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy — for example, to help manage symptoms of menopause — you may need extra progesterone supplementation. A doctor may prescribe this to people who are postmenopausal to help reduce the risk of heart and cancer.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

When to speak with a doctor

You may wish to speak with a doctor if you notice irregular periods or any other symptoms of low progesterone levels. They will likely perform a progesterone test to help them identify if your hormone levels are low. This is a simple and quick blood test.

A doctor will likely refer you to a specialist, such as a gynecologist or an endocrinologist, for treatment.

Summary

If you experience headaches, irregular periods, or severe mood changes before menstruation, you may have low levels of progesterone. This may also make it more difficult to get pregnant.

If you think you might have low progesterone levels, speak with a healthcare professional about having a test.

Depending on your symptoms, a doctor may prescribe progestin-only birth control or another type of the hormone. They can help identify the best treatment option for you.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.