Progesterone and Perimenopause

As women approach perimenopause—the transitional phase before menopause—hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Along with these fluctuations come some miserable symptoms which are often the reason women seek out Functional Medicine practices like Nourish House Calls. One of the key hormones affected during this time is progesterone. Understanding the role of progesterone and how it changes during perimenopause can help you identify and manage symptoms and maintain your well-being.

What Is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries that plays a crucial role in:

• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Preparing the uterus for pregnancy
• Balancing estrogen levels
• Supporting mood and sleep

During perimenopause, progesterone levels often drop, leading to a range of symptoms.

How Progesterone Changes During Perimenopause

As ovulation becomes less regular in perimenopause, progesterone production decreases. This can cause an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen, often referred to as “estrogen dominance.” When progesterone is low, the body’s natural balance is thrown off, and symptoms may arise.

Common Symptoms of Low Progesterone During Perimenopause

Low progesterone can lead to:

• Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles may become unpredictable, with heavier or lighter bleeding.
• Mood swings: You may feel more irritable or anxious.
• Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is common.
• Hot flashes and night sweats: These symptoms are often linked to hormone fluctuations.
• Breast tenderness: You might experience soreness due to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.

Why Progesterone Matters During Perimenopause

Progesterone isn’t just about regulating your periods—it also has a calming effect on the brain and body. It helps support mood, improves sleep quality, and balances the stimulating effects of estrogen. Without enough progesterone, these benefits are reduced, leading to more noticeable perimenopausal symptoms.

How to Support Progesterone Levels

There are several ways to support healthy progesterone levels during perimenopause:

1. Lifestyle changes: Managing stress, getting regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet (focusing on protein and produce) is a foundation of regulating hormone levels naturally. 
2. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): BHRT uses hormones identical to your body’s natural hormones to help restore balance. This can include progesterone therapy to ease symptoms and support overall health.
3. Supplements: Some supplements, like vitamin B6 and magnesium, can support progesterone production.

The Role of BHRT in Perimenopause

For women experiencing significant symptoms, or those who want to be more proactive in addressing hormone imbalances early, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may offer relief of symptoms and prevention of health issues down the road. By restoring progesterone levels, BHRT can help:

• Regulate periods
• Improve mood and reduce anxiety
• Promote better, deeper, more restorative sleep
• Reduce hot flashes and night sweats

BHRT is customized to your specific needs, ensuring that your body gets the right amount of progesterone (and other hormones) to restore balance.

Key Takeaways

• Progesterone levels drop during perimenopause, causing symptoms like anxiety, irregular periods, and poor sleep.
• Supporting progesterone levels can help improve overall well-being.
• BHRT is a personalized, effective way to restore progesterone balance during perimenopause.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low progesterone during perimenopause, schedule your free 15-minute discovery call to explore treatment options that can help you feel your best.

Nourish House Calls provides Functional and Regenerative Medicine services to patients in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In-person house calls are available in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, and surrounding areas. Telemedicine is available both inside and outside of Illinois, including Chicago, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Phoenix, and Portland.
If you would like to learn more about how Nourish House Calls can help you balance your hormones, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute discovery call.