You’ve heard all about Oestrogen and how it fluctuates during your midlife years. Other hormones produced by your ovaries - progesterone and testosterone also change around the same time. 

Our focus today is on progesterone.

Progesterone, what even is that?" Dear goddess, it's a hormone that plays an important role in your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Progesterone is a hormone primarily produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It plays a key role in preparing the body for pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone levels rise after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone then drops, the uterine lining sheds and voila...menstruation.

However, that drop in progesterone levels is the main culprit for premenstrual symptoms that you might experience – mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, anxiety and appetite. FUN.

But even better... as progesterone levels fluctuate and start to decline in women over 40, you may start to experience some even more interesting symptoms. For example, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle, such as heavier or longer periods. Heard of flooding…?

So sometimes, in your 40’s, you may get to experience what we call a supercharged PMS. You may find yourself feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster, with no end in sight.

On the bright side, some women may also notice improvements in their skin and hair as progesterone levels decline. So, there's that to look forward to, right?

Lucky this is exactly why we developed Eir – to help you feel more like you.

Show Up, Reboot and Zipped all work together to help balance hormones and help you feel more like yourself.

Keep reading our series on hormone changes in women over 40. 

Love Eir x