Progesterone stimulates GABA.
Have you ever had a luteal phase where you felt mentally off? Have you ever felt like this on hormonal birth control? Here might be a reason why: when progesterone is low, GABA is low.
GABA, also known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that works to inhibit activity and slow things down. It can help us feel calm and relaxed.
Allopregnenalone, which is synthesized from progesterone, has a kickstart effect on GABA receptors. The more progesterone, the more allopregnanolone, and the more GABA we can make.
High levels of progesterone during pregnancy could potentially explain the euphoric mood women sometimes feel.
“Whereas estrogen seems to suppress GABA inhibitory input, progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites seem to facilitate GABAergic transmission through their action at GABAA receptors.
Particularly, allopregnanolone acts like a positive modulator and potentiates the inhibitory action of GABA by increasing channel openings of the GABA-gated chloride channels and augmenting other inhibitory neuronal responses to GABA.” (Barth et al)
In simpler terms, estrogen = excitatory. Progesterone = relaxing.
Women that don’t cycle or have suppressed cycles (aka most hormonal contraceptives) can have lower levels of naturally occurring anti-anxiety neurotransmitters.
Hormonal contraceptives have been shown to decrease GABA levels in rats by 79% within just 3 months. (Hill)
“When GABA receptors aren’t being properly stimulated, it’s known to make people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and depressed. Not surprisingly, a number of mental-health-related issues, including panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and the mood-related symptomatology of PMS are characterized by lower-than-average GABAergic activity.” (Hill)
The good news is that there are steps that we can take to optimize our progesterone production. See my post called “Ways to Boost Progesterone.”
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Al-Dahan, M. Thalman, R.H. (1996). Progesterone regulates gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptors in the neocortex of female rats. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0006899396003381.
Barth, C. Villringer, A. Sacher, J. (2015). Sex hormones affect neurotransmitters and shape the adult female brain during hormonal transition periods. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335177/
Hill. S.E. (2019). This is Your Brain on Birth Control.
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