Signs & Symptoms of Low Progesterone During the First Trimester

Chronic Fatigue

• While it is common for a woman to experience fatigue during her first trimester, chronic fatigue may be a sign of low progesterone levels. If you constantly feel tired, even after a full night̵7;s sleep, you should consider having your progesterone levels checked.

Low Blood Sugar

• Feeling light-headed, shaky, sweaty and weak can all be signs of low blood sugar. Low blood sugar during the first trimester of pregnancy can sometimes indicate low progesterone. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be prevented by eating regularly to help ensure glucose levels in the body do not drop too low. If you frequently experience low blood sugar during pregnancy, your doctor may need to test you to ensure you are not experiencing gestational diabetes.

Breast Tenderness

• Though it is common for some pregnant women to experience breast tenderness during pregnancy due to the production of milk for the fetus, having constantly sore and tender breasts during the first trimester of pregnancy is another sign and symptom of low progesterone and should be reported to your obstetrician.

Vaginal Dryness

• Low progesterone levels will prevent the body from producing the amount of mucus that it normally should. Experiencing frequent vaginal dryness that causes discomfort can indicate a drop in progesterone levels and should be reported to your doctor.

Spotting

• During the first trimester of pregnancy, a small amount of spotting is often normal. Women that notice small amounts of blood when they wipe after urination or light stains in their undergarments are experiencing spotting. Heavier signs of blood should not be considered spotting and may be an indication that there is a serious complication with the pregnancy. Light spotting can be triggered by low progesterone levels during the first trimester of pregnancy. Regardless of the reason for the spotting, any amount of blood or bloody mucus should be reported immediately to your doctor.

Psychological Effects

• Some of the psychological effects that can indicate low progesterone levels during the first trimester of pregnancy include panic attacks and memory loss. Though both of these problems may be experienced by all pregnant women as their bodies adjust to pregnancy, they can also be an indicator that the progesterone hormone in their body is low. If you are plagued by frequent paranoia and worry, or find yourself often having difficulty with your memory, consult your physician to determine whether you should have your progesterone levels checked to see if there is a problem.