Addressing Progesterone Deficiency During My Perimenopause Journey

I was having severe anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings. My doctor tested my progesterone and found it was severely deficient. She prescribed progesterone and within weeks, my symptoms improved dramatically. I had no idea that progesterone deficiency was driving my worst symptoms.

How I got here

My anxiety and insomnia were getting worse. My mood swings were severe. I was taking anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills but nothing was helping enough. My doctor suggested testing my progesterone levels. I was expecting them to be low but I was shocked at how low they actually were.

What I actually did

My doctor explained that during perimenopause, progesterone levels drop significantly. Low progesterone can cause anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and depression. She offered me progesterone therapy. I started with a low dose of micronized progesterone taken at night. Within one week, my sleep improved. Within two weeks, my anxiety decreased significantly. Within a month, my mood swings were much better. I realized how much of my suffering was caused by low progesterone.

What actually changed

My anxiety improved dramatically. My sleep improved. My mood stabilized. I could think clearly. I felt like myself again. I was shocked at how much better I felt once my progesterone was addressed.

What my routine looks like now

I take progesterone as prescribed by my doctor. I have regular follow-up appointments to monitor my levels. I track my mood, sleep, and anxiety using PeriPlan. My symptoms remain well-managed with progesterone therapy.

If you are struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or mood swings during perimenopause, ask your doctor to test your progesterone levels. Low progesterone is treatable. You do not have to suffer. This is not medical advice about progesterone therapy. Please talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and whether progesterone therapy might help.