From the FDA Drug Label
When the estrogen levels begin dropping, some women get very uncomfortable symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (“hot flashes” or “hot flushes”). In some women the symptoms are mild, and they will not need to take estrogens. In other women, symptoms can be more severe Treatment of Menstrual Irregularities Progesterone capsules are used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in women who have previously had a menstrual period) due to a decrease in progesterone When you do not produce enough progesterone, menstrual irregularities can occur.
The symptoms that women experience when they have a deficiency in estrogen include:
- Feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest
- Sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (“hot flashes” or “hot flushes”)
- Mild to severe symptoms
The symptoms that women experience when they have a deficiency in progesterone include:
- Menstrual irregularities
- Secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in women who have previously had a menstrual period)
- The symptoms are due to a decrease in progesterone.
The main difference between the symptoms of estrogen and progesterone deficiency is that estrogen deficiency is associated with hot flashes and other symptoms related to the drop in estrogen levels, while progesterone deficiency is associated with menstrual irregularities and secondary amenorrhea due to a decrease in progesterone 1, 2.
From the Research
Women with progesterone deficiency typically experience irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and decreased libido, whereas estrogen deficiency symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary tract infections, mood changes, fatigue, and decreased bone density. The differences in symptoms between progesterone and estrogen deficiency are due to the distinct roles of these hormones in the female body. Progesterone primarily regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy, while estrogen maintains reproductive tissue health, regulates body temperature, and supports bone density 3.
Some key symptoms of progesterone deficiency include:
- Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Decreased libido
In contrast, estrogen deficiency symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary tract infections
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Decreased bone density
It is essential to note that both hormonal deficiencies can cause mood disturbances and sleep problems, but progesterone deficiency primarily affects menstrual regularity and premenstrual symptoms, whereas estrogen deficiency more prominently causes vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) and vaginal/urinary tract issues 4. Hormone testing can help determine which deficiency is present, and treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision 5.
The most recent and highest quality study 3 suggests that estrogen deficiency has a significant impact on menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms, urogenital issues, and psychological problems. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen is often recommended to alleviate these symptoms, while progesterone replacement may be necessary to regulate menstrual cycles and prevent endometrial hyperplasia 6. However, the decision to use HRT should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the woman's medical history, risk factors, and personal preferences.