If the second half of the cycle is shortened and only spotting occurs instead of menstruation, this is usually the first sign of a progesterone deficiency. But what exactly happens in luteal insufficiency? We explain why you lack progesterone and how you can regulate your cycle.
Normally, the rise and fall of female hormones month after month ensure that we get our period . After puberty, the menstrual cycle usually sets in, so a quick look at the date is enough to let us know when it’s that time again. However, some women miss their periods. A lack of progesterone during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.
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Table of Contents
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is one of the most important female sex hormones, the gestagens , and is produced in the ovaries in the follicle and later in the corpus luteum. During pregnancy, progesterone is produced in the placenta and to a small extent in the adrenal cortex.
Progesterone builds the lining of the womb and prepares it for implantation of a fertilized egg. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy . There it also ensures that the mammary glands condense in order to prepare them for milk production. The hormone is also responsible for the body storing water before the period.
Yellow body weakness – the symptoms
The main feature of yellow body weakness or a lack of progesterone is the shortened second half of the cycle . This takes about 14 days. However, if there is a shortage, it can be reduced to 12 days or less. At the same time, spotting occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle and menstruation is more likely to be absent, since the deficiency could not build up a mucous membrane. The normal level of progesterone in the blood should be 10 to 15 ng/ml.
Other symptoms are as follows:
- severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- muscle and joint pain
- tumors of the uterus
- cysts
- increased prolactin levels
- bladder weakness
- too many androgens (male hormones)
- Overactive or underactive thyroid
- Mellitus diabetes
- early menopause
- cardiac arrhythmias
- water retention
- weight gain
- hot flashes
- sweats
- Inner unrest
- anxiety states
- depressive moods
- mood swings
- sleep disorders
- Dry skin and mucous membranes
- cold hands and feet
- dizziness
- Libidoverlust
Progesterone deficiency: what are its effects?
Causes of progesterone deficiency
There are many causes of a progesterone deficiency. The most common cause is disturbed follicle maturation , so that the corpus luteum does not produce enough hormones. The deficiency is often related to stopping the birth control pill , since the hormone balance first has to regenerate and regulate itself. It takes different amounts of time. In fact, there can be up to seven cycles of progesterone deficiency.
If in doubt, always consult your doctor, as it can also be a case of PCO syndrome (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Disorders of the adrenal glands, thyroid, intestines or pancreas are also possible . Infections can also damage the ovaries, resulting in a deficiency.
In older women, the onset of menopause is marked by a lack of progesterone. In addition, with a progesterone deficiency, there is often a lack of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D3, selenium and magnesium. Chronic stress and obesity can also promote a progesterone deficiency.
Diagnose des Progesteronmangels
In order to be able to determine a progesterone deficiency, both the measurement of the basal body temperature and a blood test are suitable. With the basal body temperature method, the body temperature is measured and noted every morning after waking up. Normally , the body temperature in the first half of the cycle (from the period until the next ovulation) is around 36.5 degrees Celsius. After ovulation, it rises by at least two tenths of a degree Celsius and remains high for the next 14 days until the next menstrual period. With a lack of progesteroneOn the other hand, the second half of the cycle is shortened, so that the temperature curve is also shorter and the so-called high altitude does not last long. Even if the rise in temperature after ovulation is gradual, a deficiency can be assumed.
In order to confirm the suspicion of a progesterone deficiency, blood is taken several times in the second half of the cycle , since the value is subject to daily fluctuations.
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Treatment of progesterone deficiency
If there is a deficiency, it is often treated with preparations such as clomiphene. These contain low-dose estrogen, which has few side effects. It is also possible to use a progesterone cream , which combines different hormones.
As a natural medicine, chaste tree is said to be effective, as several small studies have shown that taking this plant can regulate hormone levels. During pregnancy and if you are taking medication that affects the body’s own substance dopamine , you should not take monk’s pepper or consult your doctor beforehand.
Foods containing progesterone
Certain foods that contain natural progesterone help provide additional support for the body in the event of a progesterone deficiency, pregnancy or menopause:
- lenses
- buckwheat
- Yamswurzel
- oats
- Pineapple
- Cocoa
- linseed
- black tea
During menopause, it can be the case that the progesterone level is already so low that a healthy diet, dietary supplements or physiotherapeutic measures alone are no longer sufficient to alleviate the hormone-related symptoms. In this case, the use of transdermal creams with bioidentical hormones is recommended.
