The connection between lack of progesterone and autoimmune diseases

May, 6 2023 Casper Thornebridge

Understanding Progesterone and Its Functions

As a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries, progesterone plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Its primary responsibility is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening its lining. However, progesterone also contributes to other aspects of our health, including the immune system. In this section, we'll delve into the importance of progesterone and how it affects our overall well-being.


Progesterone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, regulating the menstrual cycle, and supporting the immune system. This hormone also aids in the production of other essential hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone. By understanding the various roles progesterone plays in our bodies, we can better comprehend the connection between its deficiency and autoimmune diseases.

The Immune System: A Delicate Balance

The immune system is our body's defense mechanism against harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It consists of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect and maintain our health. A balanced immune response is vital for our well-being, as an overactive or underactive immune system can lead to various health issues.


Progesterone plays a significant role in regulating the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to modulate the immune response. When the levels of progesterone in our body become imbalanced, it can lead to immune system dysregulation and potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Diseases: When the Body Attacks Itself

Autoimmune diseases occur when our immune system mistakenly attacks our body's healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This can result in inflammation, pain, and damage to various parts of the body. Some common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.


Although the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown, various factors are believed to contribute to their development. These can include genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and hormonal imbalances, such as a lack of progesterone.

How Low Progesterone Levels Contribute to Autoimmune Diseases

Insufficient progesterone levels can lead to an overactive immune response, which may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. A lack of progesterone can also cause an imbalance in the production of other hormones, such as cortisol, which is essential for regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.


Furthermore, low progesterone levels can exacerbate existing autoimmune conditions by impairing the body's ability to control inflammation and maintain a balanced immune response. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms and an increased risk of further health complications.

Identifying Progesterone Deficiency

Recognizing the signs of progesterone deficiency is essential for addressing the issue and potentially preventing or managing autoimmune diseases. Some common symptoms of low progesterone levels include irregular menstrual cycles, heavy or prolonged periods, mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue.


If you suspect that you may have a progesterone deficiency, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle changes, to help restore your hormonal balance and support your immune system.

Boosting Progesterone Levels Naturally

There are several natural ways to support healthy progesterone levels and promote a balanced immune system. Some of these methods include:


  1. Managing stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact progesterone production and contribute to hormonal imbalances. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress and support hormone balance.
  2. Maintaining a healthy diet: Consuming a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can support progesterone production and overall hormonal health.
  3. Getting regular exercise: Physical activity can help regulate hormone levels, including progesterone, and support a healthy immune system.
  4. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals: Certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc, can support progesterone production and promote hormonal balance.

Conclusion: The Importance of Hormonal Balance in Autoimmune Diseases

In conclusion, the connection between a lack of progesterone and autoimmune diseases highlights the importance of maintaining a hormonal balance for overall health and well-being. By understanding the role of progesterone in our bodies and taking steps to support healthy hormone levels, we can potentially reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases and improve our quality of life.


Remember, always consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect a hormonal imbalance or are experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease. They can provide guidance and recommend appropriate treatment options to help you achieve optimal health.

Parenting and Women's Health

8 Comments

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    shridhar shanbhag

    May 6, 2023 AT 12:38
    I've seen this pattern in my patients from rural India - low progesterone isn't just about cycles, it's about immune chaos. Many women with unexplained fatigue and joint pain? Their labs show progesterone below 5 ng/mL in the luteal phase. We start them on natural progesterone cream and watch the inflammation markers drop. Not magic, just biology.

    Also, stress is the silent killer here. When you're juggling three jobs and a family, your body stops making progesterone like it's a luxury. Cortisol eats it alive.
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    John Dumproff

    May 6, 2023 AT 15:48
    This hit home. My sister was diagnosed with lupus after three years of being told she was just 'stressed out.' Turns out her progesterone was practically gone. She started on bioidentical hormones and within six months, her joint pain cut in half. No more daily naps. No more ER visits. It’s wild how one hormone can flip the script.

    Why isn’t this standard testing? Why do we still treat autoimmune stuff like it’s just ‘bad luck’? We need to stop ignoring the endocrine-immune link.
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    Lugene Blair

    May 6, 2023 AT 21:53
    If you're dealing with autoimmune symptoms and your doctor says 'it's just hormones' and walks away - find a new doctor. Progesterone isn't just for fertility. It's your body's natural anti-inflammatory. Low levels = your immune system throwing a tantrum. I've helped dozens of women reverse their symptoms by fixing this first - before drugs, before diets, before anything else.

    You don't need to suffer. Your body wants to heal. It just needs the right signals.
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    William Cuthbertson

    May 7, 2023 AT 07:39
    One cannot help but reflect upon the profound philosophical implications of hormonal regulation as a gatekeeper of immune tolerance. In the grand tapestry of human physiology, progesterone emerges not merely as a reproductive molecule, but as a subtle arbiter between self and non-self - a quiet sentinel in the cathedral of the immune system. Its decline, therefore, is not merely a biochemical anomaly, but a metaphysical rupture in the body’s covenant with itself. How many autoimmune flares are, in truth, silent cries for hormonal restoration? And why, in our mechanistic medical paradigm, do we so often mistake the symptom for the source? The ancients knew - balance was sacred. We have forgotten.

    Perhaps the real epidemic is not lupus or MS, but the systemic neglect of the feminine endocrine rhythm in clinical practice.
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    Eben Neppie

    May 8, 2023 AT 06:29
    Let’s be precise: progesterone doesn’t 'cause' autoimmune diseases. It modulates them. The evidence is clear - low progesterone correlates with increased Th1/Th17 activity and reduced Treg function, both of which drive autoimmunity. But correlation ≠ causation. Genetic susceptibility, gut permeability, and environmental toxins are primary drivers. Progesterone deficiency is a permissive factor - not the root.

    Also, 'natural' progesterone creams? Most are unregulated. Bio-identical, physician-supervised, serum-tested dosing is the only reliable approach. Don’t waste money on Amazon supplements that say 'natural' but contain zero actual progesterone.
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    Hudson Owen

    May 8, 2023 AT 17:01
    I appreciate the depth of this post. As someone who has spent years working with patients with chronic autoimmune conditions, I can attest that hormonal imbalances are often overlooked in favor of immunosuppressive treatments. While pharmaceutical interventions are necessary in acute cases, the long-term management of these conditions must include attention to endocrine health. Progesterone, as a key immunomodulator, deserves far more clinical attention than it currently receives. I encourage practitioners to integrate hormone panels into routine autoimmune workups - not as an afterthought, but as a foundational component.
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    Steven Shu

    May 8, 2023 AT 18:54
    I used to think this was all woo. Then my wife’s RA went into remission after she started on progesterone. Not magic. Not placebo. Just science. The data’s there. Stop dismissing it because it’s 'women’s health.' It’s human health.
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    Milind Caspar

    May 9, 2023 AT 09:14
    This is all a distraction. The real cause of autoimmune disease is glyphosate poisoning, 5G radiation, and the global depopulation agenda. Progesterone is a red herring. Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know that the real cure is iodine, clay baths, and avoiding all processed food. The FDA has suppressed studies showing that progesterone therapy increases cancer risk - that’s why they push synthetics. Your doctor is paid by the pharmaceutical industry. Don’t trust them. Look into the work of Dr. Mercola and Dr. Mercola’s cousin. They’ve been silenced. You’re being lied to.

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