Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Table of Contents
What Progesterone Does in the Body
Before menopause, progesterone is produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum. The second half of the menstrual cycle is the progesterone dominant phase called the luteal phase. The role of progesterone at this stage is to stabilize the uterine lining, support pregnancy, and balance estrogen.
Beyond reproduction, it:
- Promotes calmness and better sleep by acting on brain receptors.
- Helps preserve bone density by stimulating bone-building cells.
- Supports heart health by working with estrogen to improve cholesterol and blood vessel function.
- Balances estrogen’s effects on breast and uterine tissue, helping regulate healthy cell growth.
These effects explain why many women in peri- and postmenopause notice changes in mood, sleep, and bone health after progesterone production declines.
How Levels Change Post Menopause
Once ovulation stops, progesterone production drops to nearly zero. Estrogen also falls, but often more gradually. That imbalance — low progesterone with fluctuating estrogen — can contribute to hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, anxiety, and heavier bleeding in perimenopause.
In postmenopause, both hormones are low. Typical progesterone levels are less than 1 ng/mL. While that is “normal,” symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and bone loss can still persist. This is why many women look into progesterone post menopause as part of hormone therapy to restore balance and improve quality of life.
Why Progesterone Is Prescribed After Menopause
Progesterone is usually prescribed as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially if you still have a uterus. Estrogen alone can overstimulate the uterine lining, raising cancer risk. Progesterone protects the uterus and restores balance.
Other benefits of progesterone therapy may include:
- Improved sleep and mood thanks to its calming effect on the brain.
- Bone support when used alongside estrogen to reduce osteoporosis risk.
- Better tolerance of HRT by reducing estrogen-related bloating or breast tenderness.
For women without a uterus, estrogen therapy alone is usually enough. But some still benefit from progesterone for sleep or anxiety relief.
Dr. Bruice’s Expertise
With decades of experience, Dr. Bruice specializes in hormone therapy. He begins with thorough consultation, review of your symptoms and blood tests. He then develops a treatment plan that may include oral progesterone or other personalized options. His goal is simple: to restore balance safely and help women feel their best before after menopause.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy in Centennial, CO
If you are navigating peri- or postmenopause and experiencing symptoms tied to low progesterone, help is available. Dr. Bruice specializes in bioidentical hormones and offers individualized care designed to improve sleep, restore energy, and protect long-term health.
To book an appointment at the Centennial Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or visit 7009 South Potomac St, Suite 111, Centennial, CO 80112.
📍Other locations:
Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado
90 Madison Street Suite 704 Denver, Colorado 80206
📞(303) 957-6686
St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.
📞(314) 222-7567
FAQs
What are the symptoms of low progesterone?
When progesterone is too low, some women may notice irregular or heavy periods, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, anxiety, headaches, or trouble conceiving. Low levels can also contribute to fatigue and changes in weight.
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone can sometimes cause bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, dizziness, or shifts in mood such as irritability or low energy.
What are normal progesterone levels?
Progesterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. They are low during the first half, rise after ovulation to prepare the body for pregnancy, and then drop again if pregnancy does not occur. Because of these changes, what is “normal” depends on the timing in the cycle and whether a woman is pregnant.
Does progesterone cause weight gain?
Not directly. However, imbalances can affect appetite and fluid retention, which may influence weight.
Does progesterone make you tired?
Progesterone has a calming effect, so it can cause drowsiness especially if taken at night, which many women find helps with sleep.
Are there natural ways to increase progesterone?
Healthy lifestyle habits may support balance, but after menopause the body produces very little progesterone. Hormone therapy is usually needed for meaningful results.
What are the side effects of progesterone?
Some women experience mild side effects, such as breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, or dizziness. Oral progesterone can also cause drowsiness, which is why it is often taken at bedtime. Most side effects improve with proper dosing and monitoring.
Is there a hormone specialist near me in Centennial?
Dr. Kenton Bruice sees patients from Centennial and surrounding communities. To book an appointment, call (303) 957-6686 or visit 7009 South Potomac St, Suite 111, Centennial, CO 80112.