Progesterone and Healthy Aging

Introduction

Many people want to age with energy and good health. Hormones are one part of that picture, and research in this area is ongoing. In this article we look at progesterone, how its levels change with age, and what is and is not yet known about progesterone therapy.

Understanding Progesterone and Aging

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries in women and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands in both men and women. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for pregnancy, and supporting fetal development during pregnancy. Progesterone is also thought to play a role in bone health, metabolism, and mood.

As we age, our bodies undergo hormonal changes, including a natural decline in progesterone levels. In women, this decline often begins in the mid to late 30s and becomes more pronounced during perimenopause and menopause. In men, progesterone levels may also decrease gradually with age, although to a lesser extent compared to women.

Lower progesterone, together with the other hormonal changes of midlife, has been linked to some of the changes many people notice with age. For instance:

• Skin changes: Hormonal changes with age are associated with drier, thinner and less elastic skin.
• Memory and focus: Progesterone plays a role in brain health and is being studied for its effects on memory and concentration. Some women notice memory problems or difficulty concentrating around menopause.
• Bone health: Progesterone may play a role in bone formation. Bone density tends to fall after menopause, which raises the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Mood: Progesterone influences brain chemicals involved in mood, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Lower progesterone levels may contribute to mood swings and anxiety in some women. Ongoing anxiety or low mood should always be discussed with a physician.
• Menstrual irregularities: In women, declining progesterone levels can lead to menstrual irregularities, such as heavier or lighter periods, irregular cycles, or skipped periods. Very heavy bleeding, or any bleeding after menopause, should be checked by a doctor.

Understanding how progesterone and aging interact can help you and your physician decide whether hormone testing or therapy makes sense for you.

What the Research Says

Researchers have studied progesterone, alone or together with estrogen, in relation to skin, brain function, mood and bone health. Some studies report encouraging results, but findings are mixed, many studies are small, and research is ongoing. Progesterone is not an approved anti-aging treatment.

Skin

Some studies, mostly of progesterone applied to the skin, have looked at skin hydration, elasticity and collagen. These results are early, and progesterone has not been shown in well-designed trials to treat wrinkles or sagging skin.

Memory and mood

Progesterone receptors are found throughout the brain, and researchers are studying how progesterone affects brain chemicals, memory and mood, particularly in postmenopausal women. Results so far are mixed. Progesterone should not be used for anxiety, depression or memory problems without a physician's evaluation.

Bone health

Progesterone is being studied for a possible role in bone formation. Whether progesterone therapy lowers the risk of fractures is still being researched, and your physician can discuss well-established ways to protect your bones.

Working with other hormones

Progesterone works alongside other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. One well-established role is protecting the lining of the uterus: for women who still have a uterus and take estrogen, physicians usually prescribe a progestogen as well, because estrogen alone can cause the lining to overgrow. Researchers are also studying how progesterone interacts with testosterone.

Is Progesterone Therapy Right for You?

Whether applied to the skin or taken by mouth, progesterone therapy should be guided by a physician who reviews your symptoms, health history and lab results, and follows up with you over time. At AWAREmed, Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD, MPH offers physician-led hormone evaluation to help you understand your options.

Summary

Progesterone is an important hormone whose levels change with age. Research into its possible roles in skin, brain, mood and bone health is ongoing, and results vary from person to person. Healthy aging also depends on sleep, nutrition, physical activity and stress management.

To learn more, read about BHRT for women and Hormone Optimization, or book a consultation. Related reading: nine tips to support the hormones involved in weight gain and what to know about anti-aging supplements.