8 Signs of Low Progesterone That May Be Affecting Your Fertility
In the second half of your menstrual cycle, the corpus luteum produces progesterone. This is the leftover sac that remains after the egg is released each cycle.
You HAVE to ovulate to make progesterone.
Progesterone:
🌻Makes the uterine lining sticky for egg implantation
🌻Protects the uterine lining
🌻Has anti-anxiety benefits
🌻Has muscle relaxation effects
🌻Balances out estrogen levels
If progesterone is low, not only does it impact fertility but it can result in cyclical symptoms like cramps, pain, headaches, and more. You may either KNOW you have low progesterone - based on testing & cycle tracking or SUSPECT you have low progesterone based on symptoms.
Thankfully, it is possible to increase progesterone levels naturally to support optimal fertility.
Struggling with low progesterone or irregular cycles while trying to conceive?
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Signs & symptoms of low progesterone:
Anxiety
PMS
Infertility
Irregular cycles
Cyclical headaches
Irritability
Poor Sleep
Breast tenderness
It is helpful to test your progesterone level 5-7 days after confirmed ovulation to assess if you are low.
Ideally we want:
✅ ovulation = yes | ✅ progesterone = optimal
But these scenarios can impact your fertility:
✅ ovulation = yes | ❌ progesterone = suboptimal
❌ ovulation = no | ❌ progesterone = low
Here are 8 signs of low progesterone that may be affecting your fertility:
1. Short luteal phase (<10 days)
A luteal phase shorter than 10 days can be a key indicator of low progesterone. The luteal phase occurs after ovulation and is essential for supporting implantation and early pregnancy. Research suggests that a short luteal phase is associated with lower serum progesterone levels, which may reduce the chances of conception. Ensuring adequate progesterone production can help lengthen the luteal phase and improve fertility outcomes. Whether you’re testing progesterone on a blood test or on a urine test like the DUTCH hormone test, I like to see levels at 15 ng/mL tested 7 days after confirmed ovulation.
2. Spotting Before Your Period Starts
Experiencing brown spotting a few days before your period may indicate insufficient progesterone production. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining, and when levels drop too early, the lining may begin shedding prematurely. This early shedding can make implantation more difficult and lead to challenges with sustaining a pregnancy. Estrogen rises in the first half of your cycle building up the uterine lining. Progesterone is produced after ovulation and works to keep the uterine lining intact. Estrogen is like bricks and progesterone is like mortar. Without enough progesterone in the luteal phase, spotting can occur.
3. Difficulty Maintaining a Pregnancy (Recurrent Chemical Pregnancies or Early Miscarriage)
Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and sustaining it in the early stages. Studies show that low progesterone levels are linked to early pregnancy loss, as they may prevent the uterine lining from remaining thick enough to support implantation and fetal development. In some cases, progesterone supplementation may be recommended for women with recurrent pregnancy loss. When working with my fertility clients, if progesterone is low or suboptimal upon testing we discuss how to navigate discussing possible progesterone supplementation with their healthcare provider during the first trimester should they get pregnant before progesterone levels restore to healthy levels..
4. Low Basal Body Temperature in the Luteal Phase
Tracking basal body temperature (BBT) can provide insight into hormone balance. Progesterone has a thermogenic effect, meaning it increases body temperature after ovulation. If your temperature remains low throughout the luteal phase, it may indicate insufficient progesterone production, which can impact implantation success.
Want to know if low progesterone is an issue for you? A DUTCH test can give you clear insights into your hormone balance. I offer comprehensive hormone testing + interpretation—learn more here.
5. Breast Tenderness or Swelling Before Your Period
While some breast sensitivity is normal before menstruation, excessive swelling, soreness, or even a lack of tenderness when you normally experience it can signal progesterone imbalances. Progesterone counterbalances estrogen, and if levels are too low, estrogen dominance can occur, contributing to excessive PMS symptoms, including breast pain.
6. PMS Symptoms Like Mood Swings and Anxiety
Progesterone is sometimes referred to as the "calming hormone" due to its ability to interact with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and mood stability. Low progesterone can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, and even difficulty sleeping before your period. Research suggests that progesterone fluctuations play a role in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and mood disturbances related to the menstrual cycle.
7. Irregular or Anovulatory Cycles
Progesterone is only produced after ovulation, so if you experience long, irregular cycles or frequent anovulatory cycles (when ovulation does not occur), progesterone may be insufficient. Conditions like PCOS or hypothalamic dysfunction can interfere with ovulation and result in chronically low progesterone levels. Restoring ovulation through nutritional, lifestyle, and hormonal support can help regulate progesterone levels.
8. Migraines or Headaches in the Luteal Phase
Hormonal migraines are commonly linked to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, particularly when progesterone levels are too low to counterbalance estrogen. Some studies suggest that progesterone's role in neurotransmitter modulation and vasodilation may contribute to these migraines, especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Final Thoughts
Balancing progesterone naturally is possible with the right foods, lifestyle shifts, and targeted support. If you're wondering whether your hormones are impacting your fertility, functional testing can provide real answers. Learn more about my fertility testing package!
