Progesterone is an important hormone of the female body, which is produced by the ovaries and is responsible for the regularity of the menstrual cycle, as well as for successful fertilization. It is often called the hormone of pregnancy, because it relaxes the muscles of the uterus, preventing their premature contraction. Moreover, an increase in its level does not cause concern among doctors. A lack of progesterone, the treatment of which should be carried out immediately, can lead to termination of pregnancy and loss of the baby.
Causes of Low Progesterone
A deficiency of this hormone is observed in cases of dysfunction of the corpus luteum, hormonal failure after abortion, subject to the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, in case of renal failure or uterine bleeding, as well as in the presence of oncopathologies and while taking certain medications. Adverse factors include emotional stress, physical stress, smoking and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition and negative environmental effects.
Symptoms of progesterone deficiency
In women who are diagnosed with a low concentration of this hormone, the following is detected:
• tension in the mammary glands and excessive sensitivity of the nipples;
• heaviness in the legs;
• the appearance of edema;
• increase in body weight;
• depressive state;
• high blood pressure;
• cold to the touch limbs due to low body temperature;
• migraine.
In addition, when there is a lack of progesterone, the symptoms of this disorder may include hair loss, the appearance of acne and spotting. Often the duration of the menstrual cycle is reduced . In patients with low progesterone levels, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts can occur. Excessive irritability and bad mood become a fairly frequent manifestation. When there is a lack of progesterone, the symptoms of this hormonal imbalance are most pronounced in the premenstrual period. Women have painful periods, and the discharge is massive. Other signs of progesterone deficiency can be observed - excessive sweating, dry skin and mucous membranes, the appearance of stretch marks, insomnia and constipation. When a progesterone deficiency is diagnosed, the symptoms and their intensity in different women may differ, so only a qualified doctor can prescribe treatment.
Progesterone deficiency treatment
Drug therapy is carried out after a clear determination of the level of progesterone in the blood. If necessary, appoint "Utrozhestan", "Dufaston" or other progestins, the dose of which is determined individually. To correct the level of progesterone, you need to eat right. It is recommended to eat more poultry, legumes, fatty varieties of cheese, milk and eggs. When a woman has a lack of progesterone, the symptoms and disorders that occur in this case can be corrected using alternative methods of treatment. Infusions and decoctions from plants with a progestogenic effect are used (plantain seeds,
cuff grass, barley fruits,
raspberry leaves). To achieve a better result, they should be taken in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It should be remembered that it is not necessary to self-medicate, since only a doctor is able to clearly determine the etiology of hormonal imbalance and prescribe effective therapy.