Estrogen might get all the attention, but when it comes to feeling calm, centered, and well-rested, progesterone is key. Known as the "calming hormone," it plays a vital role in emotional well-being, reproductive health, and overall hormonal balance. In this article, we’ll explore what progesterone is, why it matters, and how Thrivelab's bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help you achieve optimal balance.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced mainly in the ovaries after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is also synthesized in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and, during pregnancy, by the placenta. Often referred to as the body’s natural tranquilizer, progesterone helps stabilize mood, support sleep, and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. 

Progesterone is often referred to as the "happy hormone" for its calming and mood-stabilizing effects. According to Brittany Meeker, Nurse Practitioner at Thrivelab, "Progesterone helps you sleep. It really works on the central nervous system, especially through its effect on GABA. That’s why I call it the ‘relaxing twin.’" It works together with estrogen, balancing and supporting a range of functions in the body, including sleep, metabolism, and even mental health.

As Dr. Bimisa Augustin of Thrivelab explains, "I call progesterone our happy hormone. It prevents anxiety, depression, agitation, mood swings - it brings calm to the chaos." This calming effect can be life-changing for many women, especially those suffering from stress, insomnia, or mood disorders.

Key Functions of Progesterone

1. Mood Regulation and Sleep: Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain. It modulates the activity of GABA receptors, which promote relaxation and sleep (Paul & Purdy, 1992). Low levels of progesterone have been linked to anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, especially during perimenopause. Progesterone helps the body enter a state of relaxation, allowing women to achieve deeper, more restful sleep. Brittany Meeker shares, "I had a patient come off trazodone completely. She’s menopausal and no longer produces hormones naturally, but with progesterone, she sleeps, no prescriptions needed." Dr. Bimisa Augustin also sees the importance of progesterone in helping women achieve restful sleep: "I’ve seen patients who were only getting four to five hours of sleep a night. After starting progesterone, their bodies finally calm down and reset. It’s transformative."‍
2. Menstrual Cycle and Fertility: Progesterone is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterine lining for implantation. Without sufficient levels, conception and pregnancy maintenance become challenging (Stanczyk et al., 2013). For women with conditions like PCOS, where estrogen is often overactive, progesterone helps restore balance. As Dr. Bimisa Augustin points out, "In women with PCOS, progesterone helps calm symptoms, reduce heavy bleeding, and even lighten cycles. It’s the overlooked twin to estrogen."‍
3. Bone and Heart Health: Progesterone supports bone density and may have protective cardiovascular effects. Some studies suggest it helps balance the effects of estrogen on heart tissue and blood vessels (Simoncini et al., 2006). Progesterone also has significant benefits on joint health and regulates the thyroid. Brittany Meeker explains, "Progesterone acts as a natural diuretic, anti-inflammatory, helps ovulation, supports thyroid health, builds bones, and even supports joint pain like fibromyalgia."‍
4. Neuroprotective Properties: Research has shown that progesterone contributes to brain health, helping with myelin formation and potentially reducing the impact of traumatic brain injuries (Wright et al., 2007).‍
5. Skin and Hair Health: Another benefit of progesterone is its positive effect on skin. Brittany Meeker shares, "One of the signs that progesterone is working? Clear, glowing skin. It’s nature’s skin cleanser in a capsule." Progesterone helps reduce acne, especially for women with PCOS who suffer from cystic acne due to hormonal imbalance. Beyond skin health, progesterone also supports overall metabolism and helps maintain healthy hair. The hormone’s role in balancing estrogen levels can contribute to a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

What Happens When Progesterone is Low?

When progesterone levels drop, a cascade of symptoms and disruptions can occur across the body. Some of the most common and impactful signs include:

• Mood swings and anxiety: Low progesterone often leaves individuals feeling emotionally unstable or more anxious than usual. This is because of its impact on calming neurotransmitters in the brain.
  
  
• Insomnia and poor sleep quality: A dip in progesterone can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Many individuals begin to notice middle-of-the-night wakeups and restlessness during the luteal phase of their cycle.
  
  
• Irregular or heavy periods: Without enough progesterone to balance estrogen, the uterine lining can become too thick, leading to heavier or unpredictable menstrual bleeding.
  
  
• PMS or PMDD symptoms: Many symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, like irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness, are tied to insufficient progesterone levels.
  
  
• Headaches or migraines: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a lack of progesterone, are common migraine triggers in women.
  
  
• Infertility or miscarriage: Progesterone is essential for maintaining the uterine lining needed to support a fertilized egg. Chronic low levels can make conception and pregnancy maintenance difficult.

Studies such as those by Prior (2015) underscore how widespread progesterone deficiency is among perimenopausal women and how it contributes to symptoms often misattributed solely to estrogen imbalance.

Who Might Benefit from Progesterone Support?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, irregular periods, or worsening PMS, low progesterone could be to blame. Individuals in the following groups often benefit from progesterone support:

• Women in perimenopause or menopause
  
  
• Those with irregular menstrual cycles
  
  
• Individuals experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage
  
  
• Women with diagnosed luteal phase defect
  
  
• Anyone with high stress levels, which can deplete progesterone over time
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• Women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, including lower-than-optimal progesterone levels, which may contribute to irregular cycles and difficulty with ovulation.
  
  
• Women with endometriosis – Progesterone can help counteract the effects of excess estrogen, reduce inflammation, and support better symptom management in endometriosis.
  
  
• Women with uterine fibroids – Fibroids are often associated with estrogen dominance; balancing progesterone levels can help manage symptoms and slow fibroid growth.

Supporting Progesterone Levels with BHRT

Progesterone does more than improve sleep and mood. It supports women through various stages of life, from menstruation to pregnancy to menopause. Brittany Meeker explains, "Hormones work from the inside out. You start to notice the internal effects, which is sleep being the number one thing. And I think that just kind of resets things when it comes to the outcomes." As Dr. Bimisa Augustin adds, "Progesterone may not be as loud as estrogen, but it’s essential. I tell my patients, they’re twins, and this one’s the calm, steady one. They balance each other, and when one is out of sync, everything else can fall apart."

Thrivelab specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), using hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body produces. BHRT offers a safer, more natural alternative to traditional synthetic hormones and is personalized based on lab results, symptoms, and medical history.

Our licensed providers carefully assess your hormone levels and create a tailored plan to optimize your progesterone levels and support whole-body wellness. Through consistent monitoring and adjustments, BHRT can help restore hormonal harmony and relieve symptoms of imbalance.

When your body is no longer producing enough progesterone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the symptoms and unsure of what to do next. As Brittany shares: “Now what we’re gonna do is reverse it. We’re gonna replace that hormone, and you’re gonna feel better. We’re gonna get you back to how you felt before. And I think that’s the enlightenment of the appointment. Yes, you're digging deep, it’s never fun to expose all these symptoms and what you’re going through, but the beauty is having that answer, and knowing we’re going to get to the root. This is not the end. This is not your destiny. We’re going to reverse this issue. It’s amazing.”

This is the hope and empowerment hormone therapy offers: you're not stuck with the symptoms. With personalized care and bioidentical hormone replacement, we help you restore balance and rediscover the energy, clarity, and confidence that may have felt out of reach.

The Thrivelab Difference

‍Virtual Care
Easy, convenient, and accessible.

Personalized Care
Treatment plans are built around your unique biology and needs.

Ongoing Support
You’ll have regular check-ins with your provider to track your progress and adjust dosages as needed.

Holistic Approach
We look at the full picture, from hormone levels to lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health.

Final Thoughts

Progesterone is more than just a reproductive hormone, it’s a key player in your emotional and physical health. Whether you're struggling with symptoms of perimenopause or simply seeking greater hormonal balance, understanding and supporting your progesterone levels is essential.

If you think you may be experiencing a progesterone imbalance, take the first step with Thrivelab. Our symptom self-assessment and expert team are here to help guide you back to feeling your best. Book your appointment here

‍Watch the full podcast episode, The Benefits of Progesterone