Progesterone vs Premenopause
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What is progesterone and how does it work in our bodies?
Progesterone is an important hormone that is mainly produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It plays a crucial role in women's health, especially during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. This hormone belongs to the group of progestogens and is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy and supports the early stages of pregnancy.
Progesterone production is stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is released during ovulation. After the egg is released, the corpus luteum (yellow body) forms in the ovary. This corpus luteum produces progesterone, which in turn helps maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone levels decrease, leading to the onset of menstruation.
Progesterone is broken down mainly in the liver, where it is converted into inactive substances and excreted in the urine. Healthy liver function is therefore essential for good hormone balance.
How does progesterone compare to other hormones in women?
Progesterone works closely with other hormones such as estrogen. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen is dominant, which causes the lining of the uterus to grow. After ovulation, progesterone takes over to stabilize the lining and prepare it for implantation. A good balance between estrogen and progesterone is essential for a healthy cycle. If estrogen becomes too dominant over progesterone, this can lead to symptoms such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), weight gain, mood swings and an irregular cycle.
In addition, progesterone also plays a role in regulating cortisol, the stress hormone. With chronic stress, progesterone production can decrease, because the body prioritizes the production of cortisol.
Progesterone and premenopause
During perimenopause, the transitional period that begins a few years before menopause, the body’s hormone balance changes significantly. Progesterone, one of the first hormones to decline during this phase, plays a major role in this. This leads to a series of physical and mental changes that are different from the effects of the regular menstrual cycle or menopause.
Premenopause vs. Menstrual Cycle: During a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone and estrogen are in balance, with a distinct peak of progesterone in the luteal phase. In perimenopause, this balance can be disrupted as ovulation becomes less regular. As a result, less progesterone is produced, while estrogen levels remain relatively high. This is known as estrogen dominance, and can lead to symptoms such as heavier periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue.
Premenopause vs. Menopause: In menopause, menstruation stops completely and both estrogen and progesterone drop to very low levels. During perimenopause, however, hormone levels are erratic, with fluctuations that are sometimes more noticeable than the steady low levels of menopause. These unpredictable hormone fluctuations can cause symptoms such as night sweats, anxiety, and irregular cycles.
How do you recognize that it is due to premenopause?
Several symptoms may indicate that you are in perimenopause, such as:
- Irregular periods (longer or shorter cycles).
- Heavier or lighter periods than normal.
- Tender breasts.
- Increase in PMS-like symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability or depressive feelings.
- Night sweats and hot flashes.
- Decreased libido and vaginal dryness.
If these symptoms occur in women aged 40-50, there is a good chance that premenopause is the cause.
What can LunaVital do for you during premenopause?
I offer personal support to balance your hormones during this challenging transitional phase. I help you gain insight into the changes your body is going through and offer practical advice and customized solutions. Think of:
- Restoring hormone balance: Together we look at your complaints and draw up a plan with nutritional advice, exercise and natural supplements that support your hormone levels.
- Reduce complaints: With personal guidance we can tackle symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems.
- Information and education: I explain in an understandable way what happens in your body, so that you can gain control over your hormone balance.
Whether you are struggling with intense fluctuations or have mild symptoms, I am here to help you get through this phase as smoothly as possible.
