Progesterone – The Calming Influence
Estrogen and progesterone are complementary hormones. A healthy balance between the two ensures optimal reproductive health, controlled weight, stable mood, and a reduced risk of other hormone-related concerns. If either hormone is out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, which is why hormonal balance is key in women’s health.
Progesterone’s main function is to help the body prepare for and maintain pregnancy. Ovaries produce this hormone during the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle (the two weeks before her period), helping to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg. It also prevents the uterine lining from becoming too thick, which can cause heavy periods.
The adrenal glands also produce progesterone, which helps reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. When it comes to mood, progesterone boosts serotonin and dopamine, creating a calming and stabilizing effect. It also helps prevent water retention, supports bone density, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. As you can see, progesterone has many benefits beyond reproduction.
Men also produce progesterone in the testes and adrenal glands, though in much smaller amounts. Similar to estrogen, fluctuating or declining levels associated with aging can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
Progesterone tends to decline before estrogen does – often starting in a woman’s 30s. This imbalance, known as low progesterone, is one of the most common hormonal concerns seen in women aged 30 to 40, especially during perimenopause. Having too much progesterone is rare and usually results from taking an excessive dose of progesterone replacement therapy (pills or creams).
Progesterone and Weight
The relationship between progesterone and weight is complex. Both high and low levels can affect metabolism, appetite, water retention, and overall hormone balance. Progesterone naturally fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle after ovulation).
Symptoms of Low Progesterone
- Headaches or migraines
- Mood changes
- Anxiety or depression
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Restless sleep
- Water retention or bloating
- Weight gain
- Infertility
- PMS or PCOS symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
How Does Low Progesterone Lead to Weight Gain?
Low progesterone is a common issue during perimenopause, post-menopause, PCOS, PMS, postpartum depression, or PMDD. Weight gain or fluctuations may occur due to several factors:
1. Estrogen Dominance
When progesterone is low relative to estrogen, fat storage increases—especially in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
2. Water Retention, Puffiness, and Bloating
Progesterone helps reduce fluid retention. When levels drop, bloating and puffiness increase, particularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle. While this isn’t true fat gain, it can feel like it.
3. Increased Insulin Resistance
Low progesterone can make the body more insulin-resistant, leading to higher blood sugar levels and fat storage.
4. Increased Appetite
Lower progesterone levels may heighten appetite and cravings—especially for sugar, carbs, and fats—during the luteal phase. Over time, this can lead to weight gain.
5. Thyroid Connection
Low progesterone can disrupt thyroid function, slowing metabolism and contributing to fatigue and weight gain. Progesterone and thyroid hormones are closely linked—when one is off, the other often follows.