Hormones regulate almost every function in the body, from skin health and mood to metabolism. But when they’re out of balance, they can affect your body in unusual ways that you might not think are due to hormones and many people experience the symptoms without knowing what’s causing them.
One unusual warning sign is yawning even though you’re not tired, and feeling breathless, according to hormone health expert Mike Kocsis of Balance My Hormones. The organisation works with patients to help them “overcome a range of hormone imbalances and other medical conditions”.
Explaining why people should not ignore how they feel when they yawn, and how often they do so, Kocsis said: “A hormone called progesterone helps to regulate the respiratory system by increasing your sensitivity to carbon dioxide and regulating your breathing patterns. It also reduces the sensation of feeling short of breath by having a calming effect on the body.”
He added: “But when your progesterone levels are too low, it can make it more difficult for your body to regulate your breathing and you might experience shallow breaths, frequent yawning when you’re not tired, and feeling breathless.”
If you think you might have a hormonal imbalance, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor to talk about your symptoms and worries. They can arrange for blood tests to assess your hormone levels and identify the underlying cause of the imbalance.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical signals created by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. They play a crucial role in managing numerous bodily functions, such as metabolism, sleep patterns, blood pressure, and reproductive cycles.
When there is a hormone imbalance—where the body either overproduces or underproduces a particular hormone—it can lead to a range of symptoms that affect different bodily functions and may result in conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders.
Several factors can contribute to hormone imbalances, including lifestyle habits, medications, thyroid issues, and diabetes. Stress, diet, and certain health conditions can also be significant contributors.
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a key female hormone classified as a progestogen. It is essential for the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryo development. It helps prepare the uterus for implantation and supports a healthy pregnancy.
Studies show that high cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can also cause yawning. Besides yawning and breathlessness, low progesterone levels can cause other symptoms and health problems, such as irregular and heavier periods, spotting, difficulty conceiving, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and muscle and joint aches and pains.
Progesterone is crucial for preparing the uterine lining for implantation, so low levels can make it difficult to get pregnant and maintain a pregnancy. If pregnant with low progesterone, there’s a higher risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.
A progesterone imbalance can be caused by poor production during a female’s younger years, low cholesterol levels and a natural decline since ovarian output winds down during perimenopause and menopause. A blood test called a progesterone test (PGSN) can measure your progesterone levels.
Progesterone treatment
If your symptoms and results suggest low progesterone, your doctor can create a treatment plan. To address low progesterone levels, healthcare professionals might recommend progesterone supplements, which are available in different formats, such as pills, injections, creams, or suppositories.
Oral progesterone medications, such as Provera, are frequently prescribed to help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and address uterine bleeding. Vaginal suppositories can also be utilized to enhance the chances of conception by boosting progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Some individuals may choose topical progesterone options to avoid the possible side effects associated with oral medications. In specific situations, like preventing premature birth, healthcare providers may recommend intramuscular progesterone injections.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes—such as managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity—can significantly improve hormone levels. Engaging in moderate exercise can enhance hormone balance and lower cortisol levels, which may otherwise hinder progesterone production.
Stress can have a detrimental effect on hormone levels, particularly progesterone. Consider incorporating mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to manage stress effectively.
A well-rounded diet with vital nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium can help maintain healthy hormone levels. Focusing on a diet that promotes overall health and supports hormone production—featuring lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables—can be especially helpful for those looking to conceive.
Ensure you get enough sleep, ideally around eight hours, as lack of sleep can interfere with hormone production. Both being overweight and underweight can disrupt hormonal balance.
Important points to remember
Hormonal imbalances can take various forms, depending on which hormone is involved. You might experience mood swings, tiredness, fluctuations in weight, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, decreased libido, and trouble sleeping.
It’s important to communicate openly with your doctor, sharing detailed information about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any medications you currently use to aid in diagnosis. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your hormone levels and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Exercise caution when using natural products that assert they contain progesterone, as their effectiveness can be questionable, and some may pose safety risks.