What Causes Low Progesterone?
Low progesterone most commonly occurs when ovulation does not happen consistently. Chronic stress can also contribute by elevating cortisol, which shifts the body away from progesterone production.
Biological Explanation:
Progesterone is produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum. Without ovulation, production drops. Elevated cortisol from stress can further suppress hormonal balance.
Common Causes:
- Irregular ovulation
- Chronic stress
- Environmental estrogens
- Aging ovarian function
- Blood sugar instability
Symptoms:
- PMS
- Anxiety
- Sleep disruption
- Irregular cycles
What You Can Do:
Support ovulation, reduce stress, stabilize metabolism, and consider body-identical progesterone when appropriate.