Can too much progesterone cause anxiety and/or depression? How does a hormonal imbalance between progesterone and estrogen impact a woman’s mental health?
If you’ve suffered from extreme highs and lows during your monthly cycle, how can supporting healthy hormone levels impact your well-being?
Today, we’re talking about hormonal imbalances related to progesterone, estrogen, thyroid, insulin, cortisol, PMS, and PMDD. Then we’ll discuss how to end the cycle of misery.
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Seek Professional Medical Advice
This is NOT medical advice. I’m not a doctor, but an educator with a passion for researching, learning, health, and supporting the neurodivergent community. As such, this is for educational purposes only. I encourage you to learn as much as you can by learning, reading, and seeking the insight of multiple experts. Please discuss your healthcare decisions with a trusted healthcare provider.
We Weren’t Taught About Our Cycles
Women have been struggling with mood swings and anxiety symptoms associated with their cycles since time began. Sadly, other than a quick,
“You’ve started your period. Here’s a box of tampons,”
We were taught very little about our menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, that’s caused generations of girls and women to suffer needlessly.
Nowadays, researchers know much more about women’s cycles than they did when I was growing up. Specifically, how changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle impact how we feel physically, emotionally, and cognitively at any given time.
In other words, we’re not crazy, Friend. Hormone imbalances lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Progesterone and Estrogen
Progesterone is a primary female sex hormone that works with estrogen to support women’s health.
Both progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones produced by the ovaries, and to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands.
In our premenopause years, the ovaries secrete estrogen to thicken the uterine lining while promoting the growth of an egg.
Estrogen peaks at ovulation when the egg is released from the ovary.
At that point, the ovaries release increasing levels of progesterone to prepare for pregnancy.
Clearly, progesterone and estrogen rise and fall each month, working together to support female reproductive health. But what happens when these hormones stop working well together?
Friend, let’s talk about hormonal imbalance.
For a deeper review of the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, watch this menstrual cycle video.
Hormone Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are the root of much distress for women, and range from mood changes and physical symptoms such as weight gain and hot flashes.
Let’s talk a bit more about some of the consequences of hormonal imbalances.
What’s PMS?
PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is considered a medical condition represented by physical and emotional symptoms typically the week leading up to a woman’s period.
Signs of PMS (as if you didn’t know) include:
- mood swings,
- bloating,
- breast tenderness,
- exhaustion,
- headaches
Most of us have experience with at least some PMS symptoms. However, truth be told, premenstrual syndrome is a walk in the park compared to PMDD.
What’s PMDD?
PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, affects approximately one in twenty women.
Often described as an extreme form of PMS, in PMDD women experience severe anxiety and mood swings during the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase). These symptoms are so debilitating that they impact the quality of life.
The luteal phase is when estrogen peaks and progesterone levels begin to rise. As such, severely unpleasant symptoms of PMDD begin.
Negative mood symptoms related to PMDD include:
- anger,
- irritability,
- feelings of anxiety,
- depression,
- fatigue,
- focus and ADHD symptoms,
- insomnia,
- confusion,
- panic attacks,
- and more
Physical symptoms of PMDD include:
- Breast tenderness,
- Digestive distress including constipation,
- Water retention,
- Migraines
While experts are still unsure of the exact cause of PMDD, they have a few areas of suspicion.
Progesterone & PMDD
Some scientists believe hyper-responsiveness to low progesterone levels may be at the root of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
Here’s what I mean.
In general, progesterone and its metabolites have a calming effect by working with GABA to relax the brain and body.
However, the opposite appears true in women with PMDD.
You see, progesterone breaks down into a metabolite called Allopregnanolone (ALLO). This ALLO, also a hormone, produces an excitatory response when it binds to GABA.
So, instead of these women experiencing relaxation, they suffer negative and triggering mood symptoms.
To reiterate, researchers believe it’s not the progesterone itself, but the ALLO made from progesterone causing the PMDD symptoms.
As such, research is ongoing on whether blocking the development of ALLO will be an effective treatment for PMDD.
The jury’s still out.
Progesterone Treatment for Anxiety
While the research is definitely still ongoing for PMDD, if you’re navigating PMDD, functional medicine doctors may recommend bioidentical progesterone.
This may seem contradictory, but it’s not. Specifically, research demonstrates higher amygdala activation (fight-or-flight center of the brain) in the presence of low levels of progesterone (during the follicular phase).
However, supplementing with bioidentical progesterone (Prometrium) at doses of 50-200 mg can relieve these symptoms.
Other progesterone experts, like Kitty Matrone of Healthy Gut Girl, prefer the use of topical progesterone creams made from yams.
My Story
Personally, taking between 100-200 mg of bioidentical progesterone during my luteal phase has greatly improved my sleep, lowered my levels of anxiety, and supported my overall mood.
However, I’ve been working with a functional medicine doctor for almost two years and have worked on my thyroid hormones as well as my lifestyle.
My body is different from your body and vice-versa. Every woman’s body is different and multiple variables are at play.
In the end, it’s critical to understand that hormones all impact one another. This is why working with a qualified health professional is a good idea.
Estrogen’s Estradiol
Estrogen is made of three hormones with estradiol being the primary form dominating our overall reproductive health during our childbearing years.
And sadly, it’s the same one that plummets after menopause.
Besides driving healthy function in our reproductive system, estradiol promotes:
- muscle development
- mitochondrial function (i.e. energy function)
- supports healthy blood sugar
- regulating inflammation
- controlling appetite
- maintains healthy mood
- estradiol acts as a natural antidepressant by modulating serotonin
- it also contains cortisol, the body’s stress hormone
- supports healthy blood pressure
Girlfriend, estrogen is a rockstar hormone and so it’s important that we understand and appreciate its impact on our daily lives.
Here’s the thing, though.
During times of hormonal change, like the “normal” hormone changes in our monthly cycle, the ratio of progesterone to estrogen can get out of whack.
Estrogen Dominance: Ratios Matter
As mentioned earlier, estrogen and progesterone are the primary sex hormones for women. Again, when working well, they’re meant to complement one another.
However, when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone is off, estrogen dominance rears its ugly head.
According to Dr. Stacy Sims, over time, women have more and more anovulatory cycles (cycles without ovulation of an egg).
Because of this, estrogen and progesterone levels get wonky and lead to estrogen dominance.
When a woman is estrogen dominant, her body produces too much estrogen compared to progesterone. And then come the distressing physical and mental consequences.
Common symptoms associated with high estrogen levels related to estrogen dominance include:
- irregular periods,
- heavy periods,
- low libido,
- bloating,
- increased anxiety levels,
- depression,
- weight gain,
- fibroids,
- and endometriosis
As you can see, the causes of anxiety and other symptoms related to reproductive hormones are complex and have a lot of overlap.
And this makes getting to the root issues essential.
Next Level by Dr. Stacy Sims
- Audible Audiobook
- Stacy T. Sims (Author) – Gina Daniels (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/17/2022 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
Dr. Stacy Sims’ book, Next Level, is jam-packed with information that will blow your mind and then, empower you to take back your life.
Learn about your hormones in perimenopause and how to overcome hormone fluctuations to improve your mental and physical health, workouts, and thrive.
Low T Isn’t Just a Guy Thing
Additionally, these same symptoms can be related to other hormones such as low testosterone. Yes, women make testosterone just like men make estrogen and progesterone.
(Men and women share sex hormones at different levels.)
Back to low testosterone. Low testosterone in women can lead to similar physical and mental signs and symptoms including:
- depression,
- low libido,
- no drive to get anything done
Ask your doctor to consider your testosterone as part of your hormone panel.
Progesterone and Thyroid
Here’s another thing to consider.
High estrogen to progesterone levels can also impact the thyroid gland which can also significantly impact mood and overall brain function.
When the thyroid gland produces low levels of thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism can occur.
Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid can result in symptoms of:
- depression,
- hair loss,
- constipation,
- dry skin,
- low energy,
- always feeling cold,
- and more.
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can lead to hyperthyroidism:
- anxiety,
- diarrhea,
- heat intolerance,
- heart palpitations,
- skin rashes,
- and more
So, again, see a qualified healthcare professional to work on supporting a healthy hormone balance.
Stress, Insulin, and Cortisol
States of chronic stress can influence hormone balance in the body. These high-stress levels increase cortisol (the body’s stress hormones) levels throughout the bloodstream.
Chronic stress and high cortisol can lead to a number of distressing symptoms including:
- decreased energy levels,
- inflammation and joint pain,
- brain fog,
- mood disturbances,
- anxiety symptoms,
- hair loss,
- elevated blood pressure,
- and more
Additionally, according to leading experts like Dr. Benjamin Bikman,
Having too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity.
Again, the overlap in hormonal imbalance symptoms related to thyroid, cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones is uncanny.
It’s all connected which is why we need a holistic approach that looks for root issues.
Why We Get Sick
- Bikman, Benjamin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 280 Pages – 09/07/2021 (Publication Date) – BenBella Books (Publisher)
In Dr. Benjamin Bikman’s Why We Get Sick, learn about insulin resistance and its relationship with hormones, cardiovascular diseases, and more.
How to Support Hormonal Balance
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to support overall health and restore hormonal balance. And truth be told, there will not be one right answer or magic pill to solve all of these problems.
However, by working with a hormonally-informed healthcare professional to get a full hormone panel assessing the larger picture, you’re on your way to improved health.
There are a number of foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can radically support your mental and reproductive health.
Foods to Support Hormone Health
Some foods to consider to improve your progesterone, estrogen, and other hormone levels include:
- Fish
- High-quality Omega-3 Oils
- Nuts
- Cruciferous Veggies
- Protein
- and more
Lifestyle factors:
- Improve sleep
- Exercise regularly
- (include lifting heavy weights)
- Find a safe community of friends
- Reduce stress
- Work with a mental health professional
Please know that I understand that these lifestyle factors can seem daunting and overwhelming. This is especially true if you’ve been living in a state of chronic stress.
Many women who’ve been with me for a while know what it’s like to live in a chronic state of fight-or-flight. If you’re one of those women, I get it. I hear you and I see you.
Don’t do it alone. But, please, one step at a time, prioritize yourself.
You’re worth it.
Women, Food, and Hormones by Dr. Sara Gottfried
- Gottfried, Sara (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages – 12/13/2022 (Publication Date) – Harvest (Publisher)
Dr. Sara Gottfried, an MIT and Harvard-educated doctor, is an expert in women’s health. Women, Food, and Hormones is full of valuable information about hormonal changes and how to get your life back.
Recap: Can Too Much Progesterone Cause Anxiety?
In the end, does too much progesterone cause anxiety? The estrogen dominance? Are your stress levels impacting your thyroid or insulin?
For me personally, it’s been a combination of it all. We are complex human beings with a body made up of systems that work together. This makes it essential to seek support from healthcare professionals that are willing to partner with you to serve you best.
- Functional Medicine Doctors
- Anti-Aging Doctors
- Naturopathic Doctor
So, friend. What do you think? Have you been struggling with anxiety and are wondering which if any hormones could be at play?
Let’s chat. In this together!
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
