Lack of Progesterone: Symptoms, Causes & What You Can Do
Low progesterone can mess with your cycle, mood, and fertility. If you’re spotting between periods, having irregular cycles, or noticing mood swings and low libido, low progesterone might be one reason. This page gives straightforward signs to watch for, likely causes, how it’s tested, and quick actions you can talk about with your healthcare provider.
What progesterone does and common signs of a shortage
Progesterone is a hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. When levels are too low you may see: light or missed periods, spotting before your period, trouble getting pregnant, breast tenderness, bloating, anxiety or mood swings, and trouble sleeping. After menopause, low progesterone is expected — but if you’re still having symptoms, mention them to your clinician.
Typical causes and how it’s checked
Causes range from natural phases of life to medical issues. Common reasons include: anovulatory cycles (no ovulation), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high stress or rapid weight change, thyroid problems, and certain medications. Use of hormonal birth control can suppress natural progesterone production as well. Your doctor usually checks a blood test timed to the luteal phase (about a week before your period) to see if levels are low. Sometimes ultrasound or tracking ovulation at home with LH kits helps confirm ovulation.
Treatment depends on your goals. If you want to get pregnant, doctors focus on restoring ovulation — lifestyle changes, metformin for PCOS, or fertility drugs may be options. For cycle regulation or heavy spotting, short courses of progesterone pills or gels can be used to reset the cycle. For menopausal symptoms, progesterone is often paired with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy if you still have a uterus. Always discuss risks and benefits with your provider before starting any hormone treatment.
Small lifestyle steps can help too. Manage stress with regular sleep and moderate exercise, avoid extreme dieting, and aim for a balanced diet with enough healthy fats — your body needs fat to make hormones. If you smoke or use excessive alcohol, cutting back often improves hormonal balance.
When should you see a doctor now? If your periods change suddenly, you’re trying to conceive without success, you have heavy or very painful bleeding, or you notice unexplained mood changes, book an appointment. Bring a log of your cycle dates, symptoms, and any medications or supplements you take — that detail speeds up diagnosis.
Bottom line: low progesterone is common and treatable in many cases. A simple timed blood test and a clear plan with your healthcare provider will point you toward the right next steps for your situation.
