WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LOW PROGESTERONE?
THE AUTHOR: DR. ADAM STATEN
Dr Adam Staten is a NHS GP and part of the Clinical Governance team here at One Day Tests. Dr. Staten trained at Cambridge University and King's College London. He has served as a Medical Officer in the British Army. Dr. Staten is a firm believer in educating people about common health problems to empower them to understand and manage their own health.
Progesterone is an important hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle, early pregnancy, and general wellbeing. When progesterone levels fall below the expected range, a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms can appear. Because these symptoms often overlap with other hormonal conditions, understanding the signs of low progesterone can help you recognise when it may be time to explore your hormone health more closely.
If you want to check your hormone levels, you can use a progesterone blood test from One Day Tests, with home or clinic sample collection and fast laboratory reviewed results.
UNDERSTANDING HOW LOW PROGESTERONE AFFECTS THE BODY
Progesterone is produced mainly after ovulation. Its role is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy, regulate the menstrual cycle, support early pregnancy, and help stabilise mood and sleep patterns. When progesterone levels are low, these processes can become disrupted, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Low progesterone affects each person differently. Some may notice emotional changes, while others experience physical symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. The timing of the symptoms also varies depending on whether someone is approaching perimenopause, experiencing irregular ovulation, or dealing with stress related hormonal changes.
Because progesterone interacts closely with other hormones, even small fluctuations can have noticeable effects across the body.
RECOMMENDED BLOOD TESTS
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW PROGESTERONE
Low progesterone can cause symptoms that affect mood, sleep, the menstrual cycle, and fertility. Many of these symptoms are subtle at first but can gradually become more noticeable over time.
Anxiety And Mood Changes
Low progesterone may cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, or emotional sensitivity. These changes often intensify in the second half of the cycle, when progesterone would normally be higher. Some people describe feeling tense or overwhelmed without an obvious reason.
Sleep Disturbances
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain. When levels are low, falling asleep or staying asleep may become more difficult. Light sleep, restlessness, or waking during the night can become more common, especially in the days leading up to a period.
Irregular Or Changing Periods
Low progesterone can disrupt the menstrual cycle. This may lead to short cycles, cycles that vary in length, spotting before a period, or missed periods. Because progesterone stabilises the uterine lining, low levels may cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods.
Premenstrual Symptoms That Worsen Over Time
Worsening premenstrual symptoms are a common sign of low progesterone. These may include bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, cravings, headaches, and fatigue. The luteal phase may feel more uncomfortable or emotionally intense.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are typically associated with perimenopause, when progesterone levels start to decline naturally. However, anyone with low progesterone may experience warmth, flushing, or sudden feelings of heat.
Bloating And Weight Changes
Low progesterone may affect water balance and digestion, leading to bloating or abdominal discomfort. Some people notice weight changes, particularly during the second half of the cycle.
Low Libido
A reduced interest in sex can occur when progesterone levels fall. This symptom is often linked to the emotional and physical changes associated with low progesterone.
Headaches Or Migraines
Hormone related headaches are common in people with low progesterone. These may occur more frequently before a period or during times when hormone levels fluctuate.
Breast Tenderness
Low progesterone can contribute to breast tenderness, particularly if the hormone balance between progesterone and oestrogen becomes uneven.
Spotting Or Breakthrough Bleeding
Spotting is one of the most recognised signs of low progesterone. Because progesterone supports the uterine lining, low levels may cause the lining to shed earlier than expected.
Difficulty Conceiving
Progesterone is essential for preparing the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. Low levels may make it harder for fertilisation to result in implantation. People trying to conceive may discover low progesterone as part of fertility investigations.
WHY PROGESTERONE LEVELS DROP
There are several reasons why progesterone levels may fall.
Perimenopause And Menopause
Progesterone naturally declines with age. As ovulation becomes less regular, progesterone production decreases.
Irregular Ovulation
If ovulation does not occur regularly, progesterone levels may remain consistently low. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or disrupted cycles can contribute to this.
Thyroid Issues
An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect progesterone production.
Stress
High stress levels may impact the hormones that trigger ovulation, leading to low progesterone.
Pregnancy Related Changes
In early pregnancy, progesterone should rise. Low levels may require monitoring depending on symptoms and clinical advice.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor sleep, extreme exercise, and nutritional gaps may affect hormone regulation.
Low progesterone is not always a sign of illness, but understanding the cause can help determine the right next steps.
WHEN TO TEST FOR LOW PROGESTERONE
You may want to check your progesterone levels if:
You have irregular periods
You experience spotting before your period
You are trying to conceive
You have persistent premenstrual symptoms
You notice sudden changes in mood, sleep, or energy
You have symptoms linked to hormonal imbalance
The most accurate time to test progesterone is around seven days after ovulation or seven days before your next expected period. This is when progesterone should be at its highest.
Testing can help identify whether low progesterone is contributing to your symptoms, and if needed, whether additional tests such as oestrogen or thyroid hormones may be helpful.
SUMMARY: UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFYING LOW PROGESTERONE
Low progesterone can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting mood, sleep, the menstrual cycle, fertility, and general wellbeing. Because these symptoms often overlap with other conditions, testing your progesterone level offers the clearest way to understand what is happening in your body.
If progesterone levels are lower than expected, this may help explain irregular periods, anxiety, sleeplessness, spotting, or difficulty conceiving. Identifying the cause gives you a clearer path towards improving your hormone balance and understanding your cycle with confidence.
A progesterone blood test from One Day Tests offers a simple, reliable way to check your levels and take the next step in understanding your hormone health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Does Low Progesterone Feel Like?
It can feel like heightened anxiety, emotional sensitivity, poor sleep, or changes in your cycle.
Can Low Progesterone Cause Anxiety?
Yes. Low progesterone is closely linked to increased anxiety or irritability.
Is Low Progesterone Linked To Irregular Periods?
Yes. It can cause spotting, short cycles, or unpredictable timing.
Does Low Progesterone Affect Fertility?
Low progesterone can make implantation more difficult, which may affect fertility.
Should I Check My Progesterone Levels?
Yes. If you have symptoms linked to hormone imbalance or fertility concerns, a progesterone test can provide valuable insight.