For most women, progesterone is good for mood because it converts to a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone which calms GABA receptors.
Progesterone plays such a big role in our body - improving sleep and mood, reducing PMS, affecting our sex drive, supporting bone health, and is necessary for getting pregnant and supporting that baby.
Promotes memory. Helps to prevent overgrowth of certain types of cells, which can help protect against some cancers including those of the breast or the uterus. Helps to prevent overgrowth of cells of the endometrial lining and prevent endometriosis from forming. Helps prevent fibrocystic disease and ovarian cysts.
Common side effects include breakthrough bleeding, weight changes (increase or decrease), abdominal cramps, breast tenderness and galactorrhea (milk production), dizziness, headache, and mood changes. Anxiety, bloating, cough, diarrhea, fluid retention, muscle pain, nausea, and tiredness may also occur.
Progesterone has been suggested to increase serotonergic neurotransmission via the regulation of the expression of serotonin-related genes and proteins (Bethea et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2004; Sanchez et al., 2005).
When fertilization doesn't occur your progesterone levels drop resulting in an imbalance of your sexual hormones. During this period you are likely to feel more irritable, anxious and experience mood swings. You might recognize this imbalance as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) (1).
How does progesterone affect my mood? Also known as nature's anti-anxiety hormone, progesterone has a more calming effect than estrogen.
It plays an important role in brain function and is often called the “feel good hormone” because of its mood-enhancing and anti-depressant effects. Optimum levels of progesterone promote feelings of calm and well-being, while low levels can cause anxiety, irritability, and anger.
For most women, progesterone is good for mood because it converts to a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone which calms GABA receptors. Progesterone's calming neurosteroid effect is why progesterone capsules are usually tranquillizing and why times of high progesterone (luteal phase and pregnancy) can cause sleepiness.
Progesterone acts as a natural antidepressant to lower anxiety, help with mood swings, and can even aid in relieving postpartum depression. Progesterone can relieve menopause symptoms. Many menopause symptoms are caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone as hormones change over time.
Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as part of hormone replacement therapy by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing.
Progesterone plays a role in many body functions, including: Helps prepare your uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg and maintains your pregnancy. Regulates blood pressure. Improves mood and sleep.
Estrogen and Progesterone
These hormones also help with hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing (anagen) phase.
Progesterone also stimulates GABA, the feel-good/stay-relaxed neurotransmitter that's also affected by the thyroid. When progesterone levels drop, GABA levels can drop too leading to feelings of both anxiety and depression.
Progesterone can alleviate mood swings, irritability, and depression, having an overall calming effect. Testosterone is an uplifting hormone and helps with a sense of wellbeing and confidence.
Low levels of progesterone decrease serotonin, which can result in poor sleep and depression. Also, diminished amounts of progesterone prevent the balancing of the stimulating effects of estrogen and can lead to anxiety.. Learn more about progesterone therapy here.
When the body is under stress for extended periods, it works to produce higher levels of cortisol to counteract the stress effects. Progesterone is a precursor to cortisol. This means that progesterone is needed to form cortisol in the body, causing progesterone levels to decrease when cortisol levels rise.
The sex hormone progesterone not only triggers ovulation but also promotes sleep. It does this by stimulating your brain to produce a neurotransmitter (a chemical that has an effect on your brain) called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The more progesterone you have, the more GABA you'll produce.
Benefits of progesterone. Boosts energy by stimulating the thyroid and increasing metabolic rate. That's why your body temperature goes up half a degree when you make progesterone after ovulation.
Dopamine: Often called the "happy hormone," dopamine results in feelings of well-being.
Better Quality Sleep
Another benefit of progesterone is that it helps postmenopausal women sleep better. Taking the progesterone pill at night enhances the quality of sleep by promoting deep sleep.
Topical progesterone takes two to three months to reach the peak therapeutic effect. However, oral progesterone's effect on sleep is very quick, within 30 to 60 minutes. This helps us to determine the right dose for each individual woman. It is always best to start low and slow when it comes to hormone therapy.
While progesterone doesn't directly cause weight gain, it does increase your hunger levels which may make you feel like you're eating more and therefore gaining weight. But progesterone is just a small player in hormone balance and weight management. There are other hormone imbalances that may cause weight gain.
This treatment has become a valuable ally in managing outbursts associated with menopausal rage due to its ability to normalize hormone levels in the body. You'll need to do hormone testing with a qualified medical professional before starting HRT.