How Do Progesterone Levels Impact Fertility?

By Sarah P. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

During menopause, progesterone levels can drop and cause hair loss.

Hormones are vital to the proper functioning of your body; they regulate mood, hunger, sodium, and fluid retention, as well as sexual reproductive functions, among other things. During menopause, hormonal production can fluctuate and levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. This often results in menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, hair loss, and depression. The decreased production of progesterone during menopause can affect your fertility.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that controls various bodily functions, including the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual cycle, your levels of progesterone rise. This increase in progesterone levels causes the thickening of the uterine wall, which is needed to make a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to grow in. However, during menopause your levels of progesterone are disrupted. Read on to learn what this means for your fertility.

Progesterone and Fertility

During menopause hormone levels fluctuate, which can lead to disruptions that resonate throughout the body. One major area that can be disrupted is the menstrual cycle. When levels of progesterone drop, this can mean that your uterus is not properly prepared for receiving a fertilized egg, making pregnancy impossible. However, there are ways to combat the fluctuating levels of hormones.

Fighting Back

There is no stopping the eventual infertility caused by menopause; once a woman has stopped ovulating, she can no longer conceive. However, while you are still ovulating in the phase preceding menopause, there may be ways to help boost your progesterone levels in order to increase fertility. One way to do this is by making a few simple lifestyle changes.

Herbs such as black cohosh contain phytoestrogens and boost hormonal levels

Lifestyle changes are often very simple and can be one of the most effective and least costly ways to boost your hormone levels. You should try to maintain a diet that is low in saturated fats, sodium, alcohol, and caffeine. Herbs such as black cohosh contain plant compounds called phytoestrogens that have been shown to boost levels of hormones, and supplements like Macafem encourage the body to produce hormones naturally.

It is also important to exercise regularly. You may want to try activities like running, swimming, or cycling. Find an exercise that you enjoy, and ask a friend or your partner to join you for motivation. Anything that keeps your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day is going to be beneficial. If you find that these simple lifestyle changes aren't helping, you may want to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and alternative treatment suggestions.

Click on the following link to learn about the connection between progesterone and menopause.

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