If you feel worse in the second half of your cycle—more anxious, bloated, moody, or exhausted—you’re not alone. Many women automatically blame progesterone for these symptoms. But in most cases, it’s not progesterone itself—it’s the imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone that’s to blame.

This imbalance, often called oestrogen dominance, can occur even when your oestrogen levels appear “normal.” Contributing factors include chronic stress (which raises cortisol), cellular hypothyroidism, disrupted ovulation, inadequate nutrition, poor detoxification, and exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment. Understanding the difference between oestrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency is key to restoring hormone balance—and feeling like yourself again.

Progesterone: The First Hormone to Decline

Long before menopause, progesterone is typically the first hormone to drop. Why? Because it’s only produced when you ovulate—and ovulation often becomes less consistent as early as your mid-30s.

Even if your cycles seem regular, you might not be ovulating every time. Without ovulation, there’s no corpus luteum (the temporary gland that produces progesterone), which leaves oestrogen unopposed and can result in symptoms such as:

• Mood swings or anxiety
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flushes
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Bloating, water retention, and weight gain
• Poor sleep or waking around 3 a.m.

Conditions commonly associated with oestrogen dominance and/or progesterone deficiency include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Lumpy breasts or cysts
• Low libido
• PMS or PMDD
• Endometriosis

For women with PCOS, this imbalance may begin even earlier, as ovulation is often irregular or absent for long periods—leading to chronically low progesterone while oestrogen remains relatively high.

The Hidden Hormonal Burden of Modern Life

One major but often overlooked factor? Xenoestrogens—synthetic chemicals found in everyday products that mimic oestrogen in the body. These include:

Plastics	(e.g., water bottles, containers, food wraps, seafood)
Personal care products	Cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, sanitation products & lotions
Cleaning products and household chemicals	laundry powders, fabric softeners, and dishwashing liquids, all fragrances
Pesticide, Herbicides, fungicides	on non-organic fruit and vegetables
Hormones	In non-organic meat, eggs and dairy
Industrial materials	like paint, carpets, and furniture
Air pollution	car exhaust, industrial fumes etc

These compounds bind to oestrogen receptors and disrupt natural hormone signalling. Some increase oestrogenic activity; others desensitise receptors. Either way, they tip your system into imbalance—especially when progesterone is already declining.

Stress and Progesterone: A Complex Relationship

Let’s face it—who can honestly say they’re completely free from stress? For women, the pressure to appear as though we “have it all” is stronger than ever, often at the expense of our own well-being. Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or navigating life solo, the mental load is real.

This chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it directly impacts your hormonal balance.

When cortisol (your primary stress hormone) stays high, it can block progesterone receptors, making it harder for progesterone to function—even if you’re producing enough. This can lead to:

• Fatigue and burnout
• Anxiety or irritability
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Disrupted sleep
• Lowered immunity and increased inflammation

Even if you’re eating well, exercising, and taking supplements—if stress isn’t addressed, hormonal imbalances can persist.

Why Progesterone Still Matters—Even After Menopause

Many women are prescribed oestrogen-only hormone therapy or synthetic progestins—but these don’t mimic the effects of natural progesterone. (See our blog: “The Benefits of Personalised Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy”)

What also matters is how you take progesterone.

Bioidentical progesterone, which matches your body’s natural structure, offers wide-ranging benefits:

Calms the nervous system and improves sleep and mental health

Buffers the effects of stress and cortisol

Supports metabolism, thyroid, and brain function

Reduces inflammation and supports immune regulation

Balances estrogen’s growth-stimulating effects in breast and uterine tissues

Protects the heart, bones and skin

After menopause, oestrogen production continues at low levels via fat cells and the adrenal glands. But progesterone production stops entirely, increasing the risk of functional oestrogen dominance—even into your 60s and 70s.

Does Topical Progesterone Have Systemic Effects?

Yes—when used properly, topical progesterone can have systemic effects. Clinical experience and research show that it:

• Relieves symptoms like anxiety, sleep issues, and hot flushes
• Is well tolerated by women sensitive to oral forms
• Offers steady support, though it may take longer to build therapeutic levels

As with all hormone therapy, personalisation is key—including the form, dose, and monitoring plan.

Hormone Balance Is a Two-Way Street

It’s not about demonising estrogen—or blindly replacing progesterone. It’s about restoring the right ratio between the two:

• Oestrogen prepares the body and encourages growth
• Progesterone counterbalances oestrogen’s growth-stimulating effects helps guide cells to develop in a more stable, mature way
• Both influence brain function, metabolism, immune response, and cycle regularity and much more.

Hormones follow the Goldilocks principle—they need to be ‘just right.’ Too much or too little of either can throw your body and mind out of balance.

At Preciva Health, We See the Full Picture

We don’t just treat symptoms—we uncover why they’re happening. Whether you’re navigating PCOS, perimenopause, or postmenopause, we assess:

• Your unique hormone patterns
• Stress load and lifestyle factors
• Environmental toxin exposure
• Nutritional and metabolic needs

Your hormones are powerful messengers. Your body is wise. Your symptoms are signals—asking for deeper support.

So you not only feel better now, but protect yourself for a better future.