Progesterone is a hormone created by the ovaries. It is important for the female menstrual cycle and pregnancy. There is also a relationship between progesterone levels and anxiety. When the levels of progesterone in the body become unbalanced, people can experience increased anxiety. This is because progesterone has a calming effect, similar to that of serotonin, in the brain. Women more often experience progesterone hormone imbalances during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, which can increase anxiety.
The relationship between progesterone and anxiety is also influenced by estrogen, which is another hormone produced by the ovaries that is important for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Estrogen is different from progesterone in that it has the opposite effect on the brain and increases anxiety. Like progesterone, estrogen levels also fluctuate, especially during menopause.
Women are twice as likely to experience anxiety as men. The degree caused by a lack of progesterone can manifest itself in many different ways. Fear, panic, depression, and lack of sleep usually come with increasing levels of anxiety, affecting many different areas of a woman's life. Many women who experience these problems first try antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, only to find that they are not effective.
Although the lack of progesterone and anxiety is a problem mostly experienced by women, men have a form of this hormone in their bodies. Progesterone in men is also important for the sexual organs, but it is present in their bodies in smaller amounts. In general, men do not experience problems with lack of progesterone and anxiety like women.
A blood test is required to establish that the reason for the anxiety is due to a lack of progesterone. This test measures the level of hormones in the body. If the results show a hormonal imbalance, doctors can choose the best treatment route to meet the needs of each patient.
Relief of anxiety symptoms caused by a progesterone imbalance is often achieved through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are different forms of HRT available. These include therapies that use natural or synthetic hormones.
Women considering HRT should be aware of the risks and benefits associated with it. There is evidence showing that HRT is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. For this reason, HRT should be done for limited periods of time and at the lowest possible doses.