Ali Chappell, RD, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist in Houston and a polycystic ovary syndrome and hormone expert at Lilli Health, says it is wise to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Irregular periods, or anovulation
- Difficulty conceiving or unexplained infertility
- Miscarriage
- Symptoms of “unopposed estrogen,” such as heavy periods, spotting, and mood swings
“A common reason for low progesterone in females is polycystic ovary syndrome, which is due to these patients not ovulating regularly,” Chappell says. “Because persistent anovulation can contribute to health risks, it’s important to have a healthcare provider address it.”
If you are not in perimenopause, the time frame leading up to menopause, it is a good idea to seek medical advice if you have not had a period in three months, says Anne Hussain, ND, author of The Period Literacy Handbook. The same is true if you are in perimenopause and have significant insomnia, she says.
Your healthcare provider can:
- Help you choose the best progesterone-boosting methods that work for you, depending on what has caused your progesterone to drop in the first place
- Recommend a personalized treatment plan and establish a timeframe in which you might see results
- Recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT), in some cases
- Advise on any potential safety risks that may come with herbal supplements or HRT
Chappell recommends lifestyle changes to address low progesterone levels for premenopausal patients. But she adds discussing HRT with a healthcare provider can be helpful for those with perimenopause who experience symptoms such as heavy or irregular periods, sleep disturbances, night sweats, and mood swings that affect quality of life.