What Are Symptoms of Low Progesterone in Perimenopause

In my previous post, I discussed the four cardinal signs of progesterone deficiency:

1. Irregular Periods
2. PMS and other signs of estrogen dominance
3.  Irritability, anxiety and mood swings
4.  Infertility or miscarriages

During perimenopause, you may begin to experience some of these symptoms, develop certain new symptoms, or find your existing symptoms worsen.

This is because progesterone begins a journey of gradual decline in perimenopause, which can start in our mid-to-late 30s, through our 40s, until menopause, which begins at an average age of 51, when progesterone drops to a minimal level (along with estrogen).

4 Most Common Symptoms of Low Progesterone in Perimenopause

For example, you may notice that your periods become sporadic and your PMS symptoms get worse. You might begin to develop severe headaches or have trouble sleeping, or your moods may start flying all over the place.

Below are some common changes you may encounter as you journey through the perimenopausal phase.

Unpredictable Periods

Perhaps the most important sign of perimenopause is irregular periods. As the ovarian reserve diminishes over time, the ovaries may not produce a mature egg each month despite the increasing attempts of the FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) to promote ovulation.

And without regular ovulation, your periods will become irregular (and often unpredictable).

Heavy Periods

When there’s a mature egg in the making (on speed dial), you may have higher levels of estrogen and experience heavy periods.

Light Periods

And when there’s none, you may miss your periods or have light bleeding.

Long Cycle

The length of the menstrual cycle also fluctuates. It may take a longer time for the egg to mature, despite the trying attempts of the FSH, which results in a longer follicular phase and a longer cycle.

Short Cycle

But other times the FSH may succeed in producing a mature egg quickly, leading to a shorter follicular phase and a shorter cycle.

My cycles used to be very regular. But since last year they‘ve become quite sporadic. I may go without a period for 2 months. Then I’ll get a light period, followed by a heavy one in less than a month.

What about you? Have you notice any changes in your cycles?

This change is natural and inevitable, and there’s not much you can do about it. However, it’s important to pay attention and learn to differentiate unusual signs from normal changes.