How progesterone supports pregnancy, improves mood and balances hormones
Hormones play a big role in how we feel every day. One of the most important hormones for women is progesterone. It's not only known for supporting pregnancy but also for helping balance other hormones, ease PMS symptoms and even support better sleep. At Hummingbird Healthcare, I often talk about the benefits of progesterone and how it can improve the quality of life for many women.
If you're dealing with hormone issues, mood swings, sleep troubles, or menstrual problems, this hormone might be the missing piece. And if you’ve been told you don’t need it especially after menopause or a hysterectomy, keep reading. There’s more to the story.
What Is Progesterone and Why Is It Important?
Progesterone is a hormone that works alongside estrogen in the body. It helps regulate your menstrual cycle, supports a healthy pregnancy and keeps your mood balanced. In fact, progesterone supports pregnancy by creating a healthy environment in the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Low levels of progesterone can lead to irregular periods, trouble conceiving, or even miscarriages.
When progesterone levels drop suddenly, as they often do after childbirth or during PMS, it can lead to symptoms like mood swings, anxiety and irritability. That’s why it’s often called the feel-good hormone.
The Difference Between Progesterone and Progestins
Here’s something I feel strongly about: not all progesterone is the same. There’s a big difference between bio-identical micronized progesterone and synthetic progestins.
Many doctors and researchers use the word “progesterone” to describe both types, but they are not the same. Micronized progesterone has the same chemical structure as the hormone your body naturally produces, which makes it safer and easier for your body to use. On the other hand, synthetic progestins are chemically different and can increase the risk of side effects like blood clots, breast cancer, weight gain and heart disease.
Unfortunately, the FDA puts the same warnings on both forms even though research shows bio-identical progesterone does not carry the same risks.
At Hummingbird Healthcare, I always recommend using bio-identical hormones when possible, especially as part of a personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy plan.
How Progesterone Helps with Mood and Sleep
One of the lesser-known benefits of progesterone is how it helps regulate mood. When you take oral progesterone, it activates a part of the brain called the GABA receptor, which helps you feel calm and relaxed. That’s why it’s best to take it at night. It often makes you sleepy and it can even help you sleep better.
Many women going through menopause or perimenopause struggle with disturbed sleep. Taking oral progesterone at night can improve both the quality and duration of sleep, making a big difference in how you feel during the day.
The Role of Progesterone in Hormone Replacement Therapy
If you’re using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), you’ve probably heard that you only need progesterone if you still have a uterus. This advice comes from older studies that focused on preventing uterine cancer. Estrogen alone can cause the uterine lining to grow too much, which raises cancer risk, so doctors started adding progesterone to balance it out.
But here’s the truth: even if you’ve had a hysterectomy, your body still needs progesterone. It doesn’t just protect the uterus. It also helps with bone health, mood, heart health and sleep. When used together, progesterone and estradiol (a form of estrogen) work as a team to support your entire body during and after menopause.
Progesterone for PMS and Menstrual Issues
You don’t need to be nearing menopause to benefit from progesterone. Many women suffer from painful or uncomfortable periods. If you deal with PMS symptoms like:
- Menstrual migraines
- Mood swings
- Bad cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Ovarian cysts
...progesterone may be exactly what your body needs.
Here’s what I recommend: use oral progesterone at night (to help with sleep and overall hormone support) and a rapid-dissolving progesterone tablet during the day. These fast-dissolving tablets absorb through the mouth and won’t make you sleepy. You can take them when you have symptoms like during your period to get fast relief from headaches, cramps and irritability.
This method works beautifully and can change the way you feel during your cycle. No more dreading that time of the month!
Weight Gain and Hormones: Is Progesterone the Key?
Many women ask me about weight loss and hormones. While there is no “magic pill,” keeping hormones in balance including progesterone levels is key to maintaining a healthy metabolism. Hormonal imbalances can lead to stubborn weight gain, especially around the middle. That’s why I often include progesterone as part of a complete plan that includes HRT, nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Take the First Step Toward Better Hormone Health
Whether you’re struggling with PMS, preparing for menopause, or dealing with sleep and mood issues, don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you. Hormones affect nearly everything. Your energy, emotions, weight and quality of life.
At Hummingbird Healthcare, I work with women just like you to create custom treatment plans that bring relief and balance. If you think progesterone might help, let’s talk about it. I’ll help you understand if it’s right for you and how to use it safely and effectively.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Let’s take the next step together. Contact me at Hummingbird Healthcare today to schedule a consultation and learn how hormone replacement therapy can help you thrive at every stage of life.
