The calming sea of progesterone

Written By Nina Çapar

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! I’m thrilled to have you here again. Today, we're diving into a fascinating topic that highlights just how incredible our bodies are—specifically, the powerful hormone progesterone and its remarkable ability to help us handle stress. Whether you’re someone who experiences heightened stress during certain times of your cycle or you’re just curious about the role hormones play in our emotional and physical well-being, this post is for you. So grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's explore the calming influence of progesterone together.

Progesterone

In research, scientists explored the complex relationship between the female estrous cycle (analogous to the human menstrual cycle) and stress, particularly focusing on the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is triggered by the corpus luteum. Around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland triggers ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. Following ovulation, the follicle's remnant transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone prepares the body for potential pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum disintegrates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels. Consequently, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding and the start of a new cycle.

The findings suggest that progesterone, which peaks after ovulation, may play a crucial role in protecting the brain from stress-related damage and mood disorders. During certain phases of the cycle, when progesterone levels are lower, or when hormone levels are off-balance, females might be more susceptible to stress, leading to potential mood disturbances. 

So, progesterone is known for its calming effects on the brain, primarily by enhancing the function of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. This calming effect is particularly significant during the luteal phase of the cycle, where progesterone levels are high. However, when progesterone levels drop rapidly in the late phase of the cycle, it can cause a "withdrawal-like" effect. This makes certain brain areas, like the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), more sensitive to stress. The drop in progesterone reduces the calming effects of GABA, the neurotransmitter, leading to heightened stress responses. This effect can potentially be managed by gradually reducing progesterone levels, rather than letting them drop suddenly. 

GABA

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in reducing neural activity and promoting relaxation. It works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it decreases the likelihood of neurons firing, thereby calming the nervous system. GABA helps manage stress, anxiety, and fear by dampening the activity of certain brain regions. When GABA levels are balanced, it promotes a sense of calm and well-being. However, disruptions in GABA function can contribute to anxiety, stress, and other mood disorders.

The Pill

Something you should know and something doctors don’t inform you properly about, is the fact that hormonal birth control pills work primarily by preventing ovulation, which means the body does not release an egg. Without ovulation, the corpus luteum does not form, and therefore, progesterone is not produced in significant amounts. As a result, users of the pill miss out on the natural benefits of progesterone, described above. The absence of these natural progesterone peaks can have varying effects on emotional and physical well-being and should be taken into consideration before promoting the pill. 

Implications for Mental Health

Understanding the role of progesterone in stress response opens up potential avenues for addressing mood in women. For example, during phases of the menstrual cycle where progesterone is low, women may experience heightened stress and anxiety, suggesting a need for targeted stress management strategies during these times.

Practical Takeaways

  1. Cycle Awareness: Being aware of your menstrual cycle and understanding when progesterone levels are low or significantly drop can help you anticipate and manage stress more effectively.

  2. Stress Management: Incorporating relaxation techniques and self-care practices during low progesterone phases can mitigate the effects of stress.

  3. Consulting Healthcare Providers: If you experience significant mood swings, anxiety or chronic low progesterone, discussing progesterone supplementation or other interventions with a healthcare provider could be beneficial. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the powerful role of progesterone in managing stress and mental health is key for every woman. This hormone, particularly active in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, enhances the calming effects of GABA, helping you navigate stress with greater ease. However, hormonal birth control pills, which prevent ovulation, may limit your body’s natural production of progesterone, impacting your emotional well-being.

By becoming more aware of these hormonal shifts, you can better manage stress and support your mental health throughout your cycle. If you're interested in learning more about how to align your lifestyle with your cycle, what to eat and what to do to promote progesterone and optimize your well-being, I encourage you to explore my course on Cycle Living. It offers in-depth knowledge and practical tools to help you harness the power of your hormones for a healthier, more balanced life.

Source

Nina Çapar
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