Health/Wellness

Low Progesterone Could Be Why You’re So Tired, Bloated, and Anxious

June 24, 2025 /

If you’ve been wondering why you feel like a completely different person the second half of your cycle—more anxious, wired, emotional, and maybe even a little bit sleepless—you’re not alone. These can all be signs that your progesterone levels are too low.

As a Functional Medicine Nurse and mom of four, I’ve worked with countless women who are doing “all the right things” and still feel off. The truth? Low progesterone is incredibly common—and most women have never even heard of it.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Progesterone—and Why Do You Need It?

Progesterone is a hormone your body produces after ovulation. It plays a critical role in:

  • Balancing estrogen
  • Supporting your mood
  • Regulating your sleep
  • Maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle
  • Supporting pregnancy and fertility

But here’s the catch: you can’t make progesterone unless you ovulate. And in today’s busy, high-stress world, ovulation can easily be delayed—or not happen at all.

Signs of Low Progesterone

Low progesterone isn’t always obvious on standard lab work, but your body may be telling you something is off. Here are some common symptoms I see in clients:

  • Short cycles (less than 26 days)
  • Spotting before your period
  • Difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant
  • PMS that feels like a rollercoaster
  • Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety after ovulation
  • Breast tenderness or bloating
  • Waking up around 3 a.m.
  • Insomnia or restless sleep in the second half of your cycle

What Causes Low Progesterone?

There are several reasons why your progesterone may be low:

  • Chronic stress (emotional, physical, or metabolic)
  • Under-eating or over-exercising
  • Coming off birth control
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Perimenopause or natural age-related decline
  • Mineral deficiencies, like low magnesium or potassium

How I Help Clients Rebuild Progesterone Naturally

I use a blend of functional testing, including HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) and DUTCH hormone testing, to get to the root of why progesterone is low.

We look at:

  • Whether you’re actually ovulating
  • If estrogen is too high relative to progesterone (estrogen dominance)
  • Cortisol patterns and adrenal function
  • Mineral deficiencies affecting hormone production

From there, we build a custom plan that may include:

  • Nutrient-dense foods and adrenal support
  • Gentle cycle-syncing strategies
  • Blood sugar balance
  • Targeted supplementation
  • Mindset work to manage stress

You’re Not Broken—You Just Need Better Support

If you’ve been brushed off or told everything looks “normal” but you know something isn’t right—trust your gut.

Progesterone is the calm, soothing hormone your body needs. When levels are too low, it’s no wonder everything feels harder.

Want to find out if low progesterone is behind your symptoms? I’d love to help.

👉 Apply to work with me 1:1 and let’s uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface so you can feel like yourself again.

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