09/15/2025
We all know progesterone has a very important role in supporting healthy cycles, fertility and pregnancy. What about its role in our brains? Let’s break it down.
Progesterone and its metabolites are neurosteroids that have multiple effects at the cellular level of the brain. They promote neuron production and survival, as well as transmission of information between neurons in areas of the brain that affect mood, behavior, and cognition.
The most notable effect of progesterone on the brain is its upregulation of GABA neurotransmitters (think fatigue or lower mood). In the luteal phase and in the first trimester of pregnancy, when progesterone is at a higher level, these are common symptoms. Progesterone also helps to protect individual neuron health, mainly by supporting its myelin sheath coating.
Estrogen has complementary effects on the brain, through upregulation of glutamate (learning, memory), serotonin (sense of well-being, positivity), anddopamine (working memory, libido). The alternating dominance of estrogen and progesterone each cycle is crucial, as this allows each hormone to have its fullest effect.
Several studies have shown that low levels of allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone, are associated with depression. When hormonal contraception is used, women have lower allopregnanolone levels, which can lead to multiple potentially harmful effects on brain health. Another example is in the postpartum period, when progesterone and its metabolites abruptly decrease, commonly leading to postpartum “blues” or depression.
The medical community is learning more and more about the role of hormones, which is ultimately going to provide more effective treatments. By practicing with the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, you are allowing yourself greater insight into the patterns of your hormonal health and how this impacts your brain health.
Source:
Del Río JP, Alliende MI, Molina N, Serrano FG, Molina S, Vigil P. Steroid Hormones and Their Action in Women's Brains: The Importance of Hormonal Balance. Front Public Health. 2018 May 23;6:141. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00141. PMID: 29876339; PMCID: PMC5974145
