Many women suffer from sleep deprivation. Low progesterone levels may be the cause. Learn the signs and symptoms. Steps can be taken to raise levels and promote sleep.
Millions of women are diagnosed with depression, and depression can cause insomnia. Many doctors prescribed anti-depressants to treat what appears to be symptoms of depression, but this may be a misdiagnosis. Symptoms of low progesterone are similar to those of depression. Thorough testing should be conducted before any medication is prescribed.
Symptoms of Low ProgesteroneThese are just a few of the possible symptoms of low progesterone. Some women may have only a few of them. Others may have all these symptoms. However, low progesterone can be the sign of other underlying medical conditions such as an ovarian cyst, luteual phase defect or estrogen dominance. Left untreated, low progesterone can lead to infertility issues and
recurrent miscarriage in women of child bearing age.Symptoms of low progesterone can include:
- Depression
- Irritability and Anxiety
- Low Blood Sugar
- Panic attacks
- Water retention
- Migraines
- Night sweats
- Sleeping problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory loss
Causes of Low ProgesteroneProgesterone is vital to the reproductive process. Without it, a pregnancy cannot be sustained. Each month, the body produces progesterone in preparation of egg implantation. However, if conception does not occur, progesterone levels naturally drop and menstruation will begin. In a normal body, if conception has occured, progesterone levels will not drop. In a body suffering from low progesterone levels, the ovaries are not producing enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy and in most cases, miscarriage occurs within the first trimester.Factors that may cause low progesterone:
- Estrogen Dominance
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition
- Insufficient exercise
- Medications
Notice stress was one of the factors that could cause low progesterone. Many
health problems can be directly related to stress and how an individual responds to that stress. Continued exposure to stressful experiences can not only lower progesterone levels, but can cause irregular menstrual cycles, depression, insomnia, heart attack and stroke.
What Can Be Done to Restore Progesterone Levels and Hormonal BalanceIf low progesterone is suspected, a physician will probably
perform a series of tests over a period of days and weeks. Individuals will be instructed on how to take their basal temperature, test for ovulation and chart their fertility cycle at home.If tests conclude that low progesterone is indeed the problem, the physician can prescribe progesterone supplements to be taken at certain times during the month to promote normal reproductive cycles. If a woman is desiring pregnancy and becomes pregnant while taking progesterone supplements, she will continue taking those supplements until the second trimester of pregnancy. It is then that the placenta will begin producing progesterone on its own. Women who have a history of miscarriage are usually prescribed progesterone supplements in hopes of preventing recurrent miscarriages due to
low progesterone production from the ovaries.Making simple lifestyle changes may also help. Get into a
regular routine of going to bed at a certain time every night and waking at a certain time every day. Reduce or eliminate any form of stress. Try to incorporate regular exercise into daily routines. Evaluate eating habits and make wise food choices. These simple steps can help regulate and maintain hormonal balance, promote better sleep pattens and overall well being.
Side Effects and Benefits of Progesterone SupplementsWomen taking progesterone supplements may experience nausea and nightmares until the body adjusts to the medication. However, the benefit of taking the supplements is eventually balancing out the body's hormonal levels. This will promote better sleep, help stabilize moods, and regulate menstrual cycles. In a woman of child bearing age, it can help maintain a pregnancy. In a woman beyond her child bearing years, it can alleviate many of the irritating symptoms associated with menopause. The benefits far out weigh the short term side effects. If low progesterone is suspected, contact a physician for a thorough exam.
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