sixtyandme logo
We are community supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Why We Need Progesterone – Especially in Our 50s and Beyond

I’ll never forget the day I looked down in the shower and saw clumps of hair swirling around the drain. My heart sank. I was just 48.

“What’s happening to me?” I thought. Was it stress? Diet? Something more serious?

My Story: When the Hairs in the Drain Told the Truth

That moment turned me into a detective of my own health. After digging into the research and working with my PA, I discovered the culprit: low progesterone. Once I started bio-identical progesterone, the shedding stopped – and my hair has been thick and full ever since.

Even more good news arose as I noticed the benefits didn’t stop with just my hair:

Mood Lifting

Whenever I felt overly weepy or emotional (so not me), I realized my body was crying out for progesterone. A small dose, and it was like the emotional clouds lifted almost immediately.

Restored Desire and Pleasure

Progesterone makes a profound difference in both sexual desire and the ease of orgasm. I’ve found it works in as little as 20 minutes – and the fact that I can just rub it on my forearm and let it absorb transdermally makes it simple and stress-free.

Balanced Shape

So many women notice their “hourglass shape” turn into a “soda can shape” after 40. With bio-identical hormones, I began to notice my waistline returning – my curves came back, and with them, my confidence.

Peace of Mind

Each year, I get my hormones tested – progesterone, estrogen, testosterone – to stay balanced. Having the data takes away the guesswork and lets me feel in control of my body again. (If you’d like to know more about the lab I use for testing, I’m happy to share details – just reach out.)

Why Progesterone Matters

Fertility and Conception

Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation. Without enough, even a fertilized egg won’t “stick.”

Holding a Pregnancy

In early pregnancy, progesterone maintains the uterine lining and keeps the uterus from contracting. Low levels can lead to early miscarriage.

Hormonal Balance

Progesterone helps counterbalance estrogen. Without it, estrogen dominance can trigger mood swings, irritability, heavy periods, weight gain, and even cancer risk.

Nervous System Support

Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain – it’s often called the “feel-good” or “chill” hormone.

When Does Progesterone Decline?

Progesterone starts to decline in your mid-to-late 30s, often dropping off more dramatically during perimenopause (usually mid-40s to early 50s). It can decline years before estrogen does – and this imbalance is where many symptoms begin.

Research shows that women in perimenopause can lose up to 75% of their progesterone production while estrogen levels remain relatively high – a recipe for estrogen dominance and its frustrating symptoms (Prior, 2005).

By the time we’re in our 60s, progesterone is down 90–95% from youthful levels, leaving only small amounts from the adrenal glands to sustain the delicate hormonal symphony. True aging can really hit hard during these years if every hormone is operating at a bare-bones level.

Signs Your Progesterone Might Be Low – From Your 30s Forward

  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Difficulty getting or staying pregnant
  • PMS or PMDD
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Poor sleep
  • Low libido
  • Weight gain (especially around the belly)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Brain fog or poor memory
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex

Why Progesterone Is Worth Your Attention

If you’re noticing changes in your mood, weight, energy, or even your hair or sleep – don’t ignore the signs. Hormones are powerful messengers, and progesterone in particular plays a starring role in how we feel every single day.

The good news? You don’t have to just “accept” the changes of midlife. With safe, bio-identical progesterone therapy and regular testing, you can restore balance, protect your health, and rediscover the vibrant, confident, joyful version of yourself.

In fact, studies show that:

  • Women using natural progesterone therapy experienced a 50% reduction in night sweats and hot flashes compared to placebo (Hitchcock & Prior, 2012).
  • Progesterone supplementation has been linked to better sleep quality and duration in peri- and postmenopausal women (Schüssler et al., 2008).
  • Bio-identical hormones, including progesterone, are associated with improved mood, energy, and quality of life compared to synthetic options (Holtorf, 2009).

Because truly – your 40s, 50s, and beyond can be your most radiant decades yet. 🌸

Free Master Class Invitation

Here’s the truth: whether your body is building up (regenerating) or breaking down (degenerating) has very little to do with age. In fact, science shows that 80% of this process is under our control.

I have created an empowering class where I share the 5 secrets that determine which direction your body is heading – plus simple, natural steps you can start today to shift into regeneration mode. You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize the red flags of degeneration before they turn into disease.
  • Activate your body’s built-in ability to renew and repair.
  • Make small, daily choices that add up to big changes in energy, mood, weight, and longevity.

🌟 You’ll get instant access when you enroll – and you may be surprised at how much of your health is still in your hands, no matter your age.

You can sign up for this free masterclass here:

Are You Regenerating or Degenerating? 5 Ways to Know for Sure

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tested your hormone production? What symptoms made you do so? Did you know that female health is different than male health and also less investigated?

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
21 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Linda

I use a low dose progesterone cream called Serenity which comes as a dual version containing a very small amount of bio identical oestrogen (I avoid this version as I had breast cancer). The company who produce it ship globally, I order from the UK and have it shipped to Switzerland.

You only need a small pea sized blob rubbed on fatty tissue. It really takes the edge off things like mood swings and my gynaecologist approves of me using it.

For vaginal dryness I use Gynoflor pessaries containing a small amount of Estriol. I’m 64 and have been post menopausal since the age of 46.

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

I’m so happy you found a solution that works for you…well done!

Maureen

I tried to do the “natural” peri-menopause journey and just couldn’t do it. Menopause really kicked my butt. It was the most awful time. Before my period actually ended completely, I went on bio-identical hormone therapy with estradiol and progesterone. I was luckily able to dial down the estradiol to 1/2 of the lowest dose they actual make by cutting the pill in half every day. I stopped it for a while before a big surgery and immediately felt the effects. Hot flashes like you wouldn’t believe. Anxiety off the charts. Pain in all my joints. Just terrible. I went back on, and within a few days, I was back to being able to live life. I’m never going off.

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

What a beautiful story! I’m so happy for you…and all the women you are encouraging with your words of inspiration…well done, Maureen!

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

I hear you, Maureen! After you’re balanced and then have to stop, so many of the issues come raging right back…I’m so glad you’re back!

SBP

Does this help if you’ve had a total hysterectomy?

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Yes, the professionals at Trident Anti-Aging take every medical piece of our history to create a specific program based on our needs…I get tested every year to allow for any changes that may have occurred…. If you do go with them, they have a space for a coupon code that gives you 20% off-it’s Shirley20 Good luck!

Elaine

I’m wondering the same thing!

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Yes, absolutely. When you talk to the professionals at Trident Anti-Aging, they take a full med history, then an oral one and put together what you need based on a deep dive blood test. Most costs are out of pocket so the 20% discount (code shirley20) really can help, too.

Kay

Thank you for this article. Being post menopausal, I can relate to the loss of curves, weight gain around the belly, poor sleep quality, and loss of hair. Which lab do you use for testing and what progesterone product do you use?

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Hi Kay! Thanks for writing! I use Trident Anti-Aging…you can find them online and after the consult and testing I order from them, and they FedEx me out the product in just a few days. You can use Shirley20 as a coupon code to receive 20% off like I do-every little bit helps! Bio-Identical hormones can really change your life. Do let me know if I can help in any way!

cheri

I would like that information as well.

Sam

Yes I’m also interested. Are we talking US or UK?

Lisa Stege

Google it; it’s in Florida, and does telehealth treatments. I am going to be investigating it too.

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Yes, Trident is located in Florida. There’s a code to save 20% Shirley20 if you do end up finding them a good fit. You’ll get your blood done locally, then do a history then have an appointment tele-health. Products get sent out right away.

Sandi Mitchell

What kind of progesterone can you recommend for someone who has autoimmune and sensitivity issues. Bioidentical hormones seems to be prescribed generically and by protocol and not individually and when I did try, had an unpleasant reaction. Also do you have to take estrogen at the same time. I have a difficult time tolerating estrogen because I think I’m overloaded with it. I’m post menopausal.

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Hi Sandi, I’m not a medical Doc, but the pros at Trident Anti-Agin have a PA and doc on staff and do a very thorough med exam by intake form and orally during your tele-appointment. I personally take progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. I do take my estrogen separate from the other two as I like to control that some!

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Hi Sandi!
I now work with a professional grade over the counter Apothecary that has high-grade progesterone at a very low price (around $35). You can find those options at http://www.drshirleysays.com. :)

Shirley Anne Piccarreto

Hi Sandi, I’m not a med doc, but the people at Trident Anti-Aging do a great job getting your blood results, doing a thorough written med history and a full consultation before suggesting what amounts of what will be best for you. Very specific to you and all your needs. I take my progesterone and testosterone together and estrogen separately so I can control it better. :) There is a 20% discount code of Shirley20 if you end up wanting to give them a try…

The Author

Dr. Shirley Piccarreto is a Doctor of Naturopathy with 30+ years of experience helping women identify root causes of imbalance naturally. Founder of Dr. Shirley’s Body Scan Center, she uses remote bioenergetic testing with hair, skin, nail, and urine samples to create personalized wellness programs supporting energy, hormones, digestion, and vibrant health at any age.

You Might Also Like