How Ovulation Impacts Progesterone Production
Without ovulation, you can’t produce adequate levels of progesterone. This is absolutely crucial when it comes to supporting the balance of estrogen to progesterone in the body.
When we don’t ovulate and/or are not producing adequate levels of progesterone, estrogen will be left unopposed in the body and will lead to numerous symptoms of imbalance. Your ratio between estrogen and progesterone can influence everything from menstrual health and fertility to metabolic health and energy levels. Symptoms of low progesterone include:
PMS
irregular cycles
Light/scanty periods
PCOS
reoccurring miscarriages
acne
anxiety
low libido
asthma
weight gain
etc…
One of the main suppressors of ovulation and progesterone production is CORTISOL
When our body does not feel safe, it will not prioritize fertility. Instead, our body will prioritize the production of cortisol over progesterone. Furthermore, when cortisol is present, the progesterone receptors will not transport progesterone into the cells.
So it is crucial that we find ways to reduce avoidable stressors in our body and eat in a way to supports ovulation and progesterone production. Here are a few ways you can do this:
Eat enough food over all. 1200 calories is enough for a toddler… you are a grown woman. Most women need a bare minimum of 1800 and likely need significantly more if you are active, pregnant, or breastfeeding
Balance your Blood Sugar. When blood sugar is on a roller coaster, cortisol steps in to save the day and mobilize fuel for your cells. Your body is capable of doing this but this is its emergency back up system.
Consume Vitamin C and Vitamin E rich foods (or supplement as needed) - these nutrients support progesterone and can have progesterone like affects in the body
Avoid overexercising, fasted cardio, or skipping meals - basically stopping running off of stress hormone to “feel good”. At first most people will notice feeling more alert and energize when doing these activities. That is because your body is using cortisol to fuel your body. Overtime those good feeling will fade and you will be left feeling exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, and will likely notice a slowing metabolism.
Incorporate mineral rich foods like beef liver, oysters, and/or bee pollen to support overall mineral replenishment
Consume Vitamin A (retinol) rich foods like beef liver, cod liver, or full fat dairy to support thyroid health and copper regulation
Ask yourself if your body feels safe enough to ovulate. I think this is a HUGE thing we can ask ourselves as women. Do you feel safe in your own skin, your home, your work place, etc? If you are dealing with any type of trauma, big or small, past or present, this can influence how your body feels. Working with a professional to deal with trauma can provide much need healing to make your body feel safe.