Low progesterone but my doctor did not care

by Jody Tracy
(Minneapolis, MN)

I am 26 years old, female, and have been experiencing anxiety, poor sleep, tiredness/sleepiness, exercise aversion, heart palpitations, perceived difficulty breathing, achy joints, and low sex drive. I went to see my doctor and he did a few blood tests and checked my hormones to see if they could determine a cause for my low sex drive. They found low progesterone, and told me about it, but they did not feel it was an issue. My testosterone was on the low end as well. If they didn't feel it was an issue, and weren't going to do anything about it, I don't understand why they even tested for it.

I am on NuvaRing birth control and have been for about 5 years. Could that have caused the dip in my progesterone levels? Should I go off NuvaRing and on a non-hormone birth control method, like a copper IUD, in order to get my levels back to normal? Will it be a problem if I take progesterone cream while I am on NuvaRing birth control (do I risk making the birth control ineffective), and can this alone bring me back into balance?

In a separate test done by the sleep study lab, they found I had low ferritin levels and started me on iron supplements. This seems to help matters and gives me more energy. I don't know how this is interacting with the low progesterone.

Also, I am a thin person and I have been losing a litle weight. Not surprising since the anxiety and lack of good sleep has tired me out and honestly, I don't feel like eating much (which is not usual for me AT ALL).

Any suggestions?

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Low progesterone but my doctor did not care

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Feb 17, 2009
 It will help
by: Carrie

Jody

All of the symptoms that you have I have had. I thought I had an anxiety disorder! I couldn't sleep and I had all of the symptoms that you are talking about. I just went on Progesterone cream that you can buy in the Health Food store without a prescription. It is made by Lifeflo and is called progesta-care and also I am taking the estriol care. They will change your life girlfriend.
Feb 18, 2009
 Low progesterone but my doctor did not care
by: Wray

Hi Jody. The low progesterone is an issue, but many doctors don't know it's influence on us, in many areas besides the reproductive side. Please have a look at this web page, I think you'll find most of your symptoms listed under the side effects for the NuvaRing. Click on page 4 for warnings.

Some of the side effects are due to low progesterone. All OC's prevent ovulation, which means you are not making any progesterone in your ovaries, something none of us can afford to do. The only contraceptive I advise is the copper IUD.

The anxiety and breathing difficulties are due to a drop in your GABA levels. GABA is our most calming neurotransmitter. Low levels cause anxiety, panic attacks and a tight chest. The best way to raise levels is by using progesterone, as this activates the GABA receptor sites. Taking GABA itself is another option, but if too much is taken the same symptoms can occur again. Progesterone should help with sleep too, as it raises levels of serotonin, which is the precursor to melatonin our sleep hormone. So it would be advisable to switch to the copper IUD and use supplemental progesterone. Take care Wray
Jul 24, 2009
 Naturopath
by: Anonymous

Go see a Naturopath. If you don't know of one, go to you local Health Food store and ask them. My ND found that I have low iron and low progesterone in one visit.
Feb 25, 2010
 Low progesterone levels
by: Anonymous

I also have low levels and went to my doctor. My symptoms, light sleeping, tired, low or no sex drive, headaches (more so during and towards the time of the month) and my PCP stated that it was also my levels. She stated that she could put me on replacement cream, however it would also increase the risk of strokes. She suggested that I take B12 and B12 complex, my prenatal vitiman along with the folic acid and iron, also an energy drink for during the day (one without the caffeine). There is one, it is made by Amway and you have to have to order it. I used to be a member and I ordered it all the time and love them. And have started ordering more. Back to the topic I have noticed a differance now and going back for a follow up next month. Hope this helps!
Mar 03, 2010
 Low progesterone levels
by: Wray

Your doctor is incorrect in saying that a progesterone cream would increase the risk of stroke, oestrogen yes, but not progesterone. Progesterone acutely inhibits cholesteryl ester formation which is associated with atherosclerosis, it confers coronary vascular protection, it has a neuroprotective and antioxidant effect in injured nervous system, it reduces programmed cell death and the synthesis of inflammatory factors that can kill neurons hours to days after traumatic brain injury. Systemic injections of the neurosteroid progesterone given after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been shown to improve cognitive, sensory and motor recovery, enhancing both short and long term recovery. It reduces lipid peroxidation and the generation of isoprostanes, which contribute to post-injury ischaemic conditions. It reduces the area of necrotic cell death and improves behavioural outcomes in traumatic brain injury.

Finally, unlike oestrogen, which can exacerbate brain injury, especially in animal models of ischaemic stroke, progesterone can be given to both males and females without affecting gender and sexual functions. Take care, Wray
Apr 20, 2010
 Anxiety, panic attacks.
by: Anonymous

I'm 33 years old and for the past 8 years after my last child have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks which highly increases around my cycle and ovulating. I have had a serious head injury when 16 and on that particular side during this period has side effects such as loss of balance, dizziness, foggy thinking. The doctor has put me on antidepressants and Valium which has helped slightly but does nothing to stop the above from happening. I suggested to him about a hormonal imbalance but does not think that is an issue for me. I believe I shall go to a health food and naturopath store and inquire about some progesterone. I don't want this, I'm determined to find the answer!
Apr 22, 2010
 Anxiety, panic attacks
by: Wray

Progesterone and serotonin both drop after birth, causing post natal depression in some women. It sounds very much like this occurred to you, and you possibly still have it. We do have a page on anxiety, please see here. The page also gives a list of natural anti-depressants, far safer than the drugs you were offered.

The few days before our period progesterone drops sharply, causing the problems you've encountered. Incidentally, progesterone is now being used via IV transfusion for brain trauma victims. It prevents the oedema and inflammation which occurs due to the injury. Judging by the timing you get your worst symptoms, I would say your hormones are definitely in need of help, neurotransmitters too. Progesterone is excellent at helping anxiety, as it activates the GABA receptor sites, GABA is one of our most calming neurotransmitters. I certainly think it's worth trying, if you do, please use between 100-200mg/day. For more information see here. Please also read the page on oestrogen dominance as that can occur when first using progesterone. The amino acid taurine is also very calming, you could consider taking some of this too, about 2000mg/day. Take care, Wray
May 10, 2010
 Me too!
by: Lurkinator

I read your post and felt I was practically reading my own story! I am newly 27 and have been on the ring - with a two-year break due to childbirth - since 2003. I started developing several symptoms in 2009 identical to yours. I also developed a near-obession with chocolate cake and Cokes, because the chemicals and caffeine seem to be the only things that balance me out. I began to have anxiety attacks, and consulted my OB/GYN who is an Osteopathic Doctor and my PCP.

OB/GYN wants to put me on a multivitamin, 1200 UIs of Vitamin D (I have a deficiency), Omega-3 (to help control my hereditary elevated cholesterol levels), and the progesterone cream some others have mentioned. We're also changing me from the ring to Mirena and I'm (ideally) going exercise more and eat better.

PCP wants to put me on Celexa and of course, eat better and excerise. (My BMI is 25, for Pete's sake! Chill!)

I have no idea which one to do.
May 10, 2010
 Me too!
by: Wray

The ring contains etonogestrel (synthetic progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (synthetic oestrogen) which leak slowly into the system. The Mirena does the same, but only contains levonorgestrel a synthetic progestin. This will counteract the benefits you should derive from any progesterone you might use. Both come with adverse side affects, please see here. And here.

The drop in progesterone and serotonin after birth causes a huge upset in many women, in fact up to 25% have some form of problem after birth. Both progesterone and serotonin help control blood sugar, it seems yours is unbalanced too. The synthetic hormones in both the ring and IUD would not help either, as they stop all ovarian function, as is intended. But by doing so you will not be making any progesterone in your ovaries. If you have anxiety, please see here.

Vitamin D is good, but the dose you are on is not high enough, particularly if you already have a deficiency, it should be a minimum of 5000iu's per day, please see here. Omega 3 is good too, but the best thing at controlling cholesterol levels is taurine. It's an integral part of bile, without adequate taurine the liver cannot manufacture bile, so cholesterol builds up. Most people lack taurine. It's best to take at least 2000-5000mg/day Take care, Wray
Aug 29, 2010
 IUD
by: Anonymous

I just had an IUD removed, a tubal and an eblation after having it for 5 years. I recently went on progesterone cream before this and it was going well. Now a few days out from surgery I am very anxious, nervous and fatigued. I am thinking I need more progesterone?
Aug 30, 2010
 IUD
by: Wray

Hi there I'm pleased you had the IUD removed if it was impregnated with synthetic progestins. But if it was the copper T IUD these are by far the best and safest form of contraceptive. I'm a bit confused though, do you mean when the IUD was removed you had a tubal ligation done? If I am correct, this is most probably why you are feeling the way you are, please see this web site on Tubal ligation. I'm not sure how much progesterone you are using, but it does seem as if you need more. I recommend between 100-200mg/day, so try increasing the amount and see if it helps you. You might need a high amount initially, it's easy enough to reduce once symptoms have been helped. For more info please see our page on How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
Dec 07, 2010
 Could be hypothyroid.
by: Anonymous

I've had similar symptoms, and just found out that I have low thyroid. It's ironic because I'm actually being treated for high thyroid, but a new doctor recently ran a whole series of tests, and my progesterone level is at zero. He explained that hypothyroid can sometimes look like hyper, and that docs tend to stop at pretty basic testing, like TSH, which can be misleading.

I also have the shortness of breath thing...when I'm working out, I almost immediately lose my breath. If I slow down, I recover quickly, but then it happens again. It's really frustrating because I'm otherwise young and relatively fit. And I'm exhausted during the day, sleepless at night, and tend towards anxiety.

Check out this series of videos. This is the doc I'm seeing now, and even though this lecture is mostly about cholesterol, he explains the hypothyroid misconception very clearly...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35TObk1_60w (skip to about 3 mins; the intro is boring).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyAwfx5bLlg&feature=related (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n26ECcuOH6Q&feature=related (Part 3)

Find yourself a doc that's willing to do some more testing and not so bought into the mainstream. Good Luck!
Dec 10, 2010
 Could be hypothyroid.
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for the links. Please have a vitamin D test done, this is rarely if ever checked with thyroid problems. If low it impacts on the thyroid, as parathyroid hormone rises, this slows the thyroid. Vitamin D is essential for the lungs, a lack of it causing asthma, see here. A lack also causes insomnia and fatigue. Please also consider progesterone, it is thermogenic which does help the thyroid, as it speeds metabolism slightly. It also suppresses excess oestrogen which slows the thyroid down. Progesterone is excellent for fatigue and anxiety too, and essential for the lungs as it's a brochodilator. Please see our page on Anxiety. Take care Wray
Mar 02, 2011
 My mom is going through this
by: Anonymous

Ok, well my mom has had panic attacks, low sleep, weakness to the point where she can't walk long distances, heart palpitations, chest tightness, and numbness in her muscles specially the neck. All this symptoms appeared in 2 months. We went to a lot of doctors and all of them said that she was having mental problems and that she needed to go to the psychologist. Finally i found DR. ROGER SPAHR and did some blood tests and found that she had low iron, calcium and progesterone. Right now the panic attacks have lowered thanks to some neurotransmitters and iron and calcium. She been on this for a week now and is feeling a little better now. The doctor said that she should be well in 6 months, i hope that she feels better. I hope that this comment helps other people with the same symptoms.
May 11, 2011
 Comfort in Numbers
by: Anonymous

I'm so happy to have found this resource!! I've been experiencing many of these same symptoms and feel like I'm going crazy after consulting with my traditional family MD who said "hormone imbalance is not something we generally consider treating since we cannot prove the effects on the body and they are constantly changing throughout the month".

While I'm not looking for a pill to make it go away, I'm hoping to find some natural sources for relief from the anxiety/panic attacks, low libido, etc.
May 18, 2011
 My mom is going through this
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for the comment, I would agree she's low in progesterone. Panic attacks are easy enough to stop, they are caused by both a drop in GABA levels, and an unstable blood glucose. Progesterone stimulates the GABA receptor sites, which is why it helps. It also helps to stabilise blood glucose. If this drops to fast and too low, adrenaline is released. This stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose to bring the glucose level up. But adrenaline also causes a tight chest and palpitations. Excess oestrogen also causes palpitations, as it causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia and Torsades de Pointes. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here and here. Progesterone also reverses myopathy, or muscle weakness, see here and here. Vitamin D is essential too, see here. Please ask her to have a test done, most of us have too low a level. For more info see the Vitamin D council and GrassrootsHealth websites. Progesterone also helps sleep, see here. I do hope she's using enough progesterone, I recommend 100-200mg/day. For more info see our page on Peri-menopause, unless she's in Menopause now. She might like to read our page on Oestrogen Dominance too, in case she hasn't been warned about it. Finally we do have a page on Anxiety. Take care Wray
May 23, 2011
 Thanks
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for the kind words! I hope the answer I gave to the above comment helps you. But if you have further queries, please come back to me. Take care Wray
Jun 05, 2011
 ON MY WAY BACK
by: Amy Lauren

Thanks for being such a good resource...My story is more like a nightmare that I am just finally waking up from...It started at 35 and is only starting to get better at 44 after a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. In between 35 and 44 I developed, Sarcoidosis, Sjogrens, RA, Lupus, Premature Ovarian failure, adrenal failure, Shingles, Thrush, Thyroiditis or Hashi's. I was born with 2 congenital heart issues (one that was operated on when I was 7) the other they are watching..but over the last year my heart has really taken a beating...They even think the hole that was closed(VSD) in 73 may be open again! Anyway..after tons of doctors all of whom had my blood work which showed a massive hormone imbalance... Estradiol 157 and Progesterone.228 is a good representation of what it has been like...And NO ONE SAID A WORD!!! Except my Rheumy who said NO HORMONES they make auto immune disease worse! The Mayo clinic doctor dismissed that theory with my lack of protection from CANCER and since I just had a bleed who was I to argue!

Finally on my way back without the help of doctors in my home town!
Jun 10, 2011
 ON MY WAY BACK
by: Wray

Hi Lauren Thanks for the kind words. And yes, more like a nightmare, but you could have done with some progesterone, that's only too obvious. And possibly vitamin D too, although many papers warn about taking it with sarcoidosis, please see these which explain why, see here and here. Sjogren's has high oestrogen levels, see here. RA too, see here and
here. Lupus too, see here. Premature ovarian failure suggests a lack of progesterone and vitamin D. Incidentally all the above diseases/syndromes, which are inflammatory, have low vitamin D levels. Adrenal failure is extremely rare and often fatal. For adrenal stress I've found progesterone of benefit, as the adrenals make cortisol from progesterone. By supplying extra, there's no need for the adrenals to rob other sources, notably the ovaries. Stress stops ovulation, I wouldn't be surprised if the POF was due to this. Progesterone is always used in IV treatment if a woman has POF, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. I've run out of space, so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray
Jun 10, 2011
 ON MY WAY BACK
by: Wray

Hi Lauren Vitamin D is vital for a heathly skin, as it stimulates cathelicidin production. This is a natural antibiotic we make which protects cells from attack by pathogens, including those in the skin, see here. Excess oestrogen exacerbates thrush, progesterone is protective, see our page on Candida. Hashi's is often caused by a lack of vitamin D, as parathyroid hormone increases, this suppresses the thyroid, see here and here. Your progesterone to oestrogen ratio is 1.45:1, extremely low. We've found from Saliva Tests we run, that to feel well the ratio should be 600:1 and over. If you are using progesterone, or thinking of it, please use sufficient. I recommend 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. You have several severe ones, which I believe are due to excess oestrogen, so you might suffer from bad Oestrogen Dominance initially. Please be aware of this, and if it should occur, increase the amount you're using. You might like to see this comment here for encouragement. Take care Wray
Feb 09, 2012
 A little bit of everything......
by: Anonymous

Hello!!
I am also seeing a lot of similarities with other posters and have been forced to share my own story.

I will try to be brief:
In mid 2009 I began having chronic nausea, fatigue, aches & pains that were unexplained. Doctor after doctor and blood test after blood test said nothing was wrong. Finally, I opted to see an Endocrinologist in May 2011 as the nausea was CONSTANT! Low & behold she ran my Vitamin D level and said I was "insufficient" at level 23. She said that nausea is not a symptom of deficiency but that it should help the other symptoms.Anyway, since June 2011 I have been doing Sun Therapy to get my Vitamin D and after a couple of weeks began to get EXTREME heart palpitations (but the nausea disappeared). So, I stopped the Sun Therapy and within a week or so, the palps were completely GONE! I tested this about 5 times to be sure it was from the introduction of the Sun. Anyway, long story short I found out that the palps are a symptom of Magnesium deficiency that is being caused by the Vitamin D as Vitamin D needs Mag to do its thing.
So, I added Magnesium...it helped the palps but not enough. So, starting in December 2011 I added a multivitamin and added calcium (I don't get much calcium in my diet)and I feel a good difference so far, but I am still getting the palps all day/night for about 20-25 days of any given month. I am frustrated and other symptoms are rearing their ugly heads; dizziness/light headedness/spaciness.
This most recent period I had about 6 days PALPS FREE....and then 1 day before my period I got the palps and they have not gone away since. (that was 1/27/11). Could taking the D (by Sun or supplement) causing this imbalance? It seems hormonal to me...but, not sure. Would a natural progesterone help??
A little info about me:
37 yr old female
Never had children/0 pregnancies
Frequent ovarian (painful) cysts around 5-7 cm in size that typically disappear after a couple of cycles
I don't take any birth control or any medications
I take a whole food multi vitamin and a Calcium/Magnesium supplement 1:1 ratio (about 664 mg a day)
Rarely get caffeine, don't drink alcohol or smoke
Eat 80% organic, natural foods

I am sooooo glad the nausea disappears by getting the Vitamin D from the sun (it also returns when I quit getting sun)but, the alternate are these CHRONIC palps. Could progesterone be of some help here??
Thank you!
Tam

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