High Progesterone Symptoms and Causes
Normal Changes in Progesterone
Women’s hormones naturally change throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main reproductive hormones. First, an egg develops in the ovary. When it is ready, it is released for possible fertilization. This phase is called ovulation. After ovulation, progesterone levels start to rise.
Progesterone is produced by a temporary structure in the ovary called the corpus luteum. This phase is known as the luteal phase. If the egg is not fertilized (that means no pregnancy), progesterone levels drop sharply. This drop triggers the start of your next menstrual period. These monthly changes help maintain the reproductive system’s health and balance.
Progesterone and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body produces much higher amounts of progesterone. This is because the progesterone hormone helps maintain the uterine lining throughout the pregnancy. It also supports the growth of the placenta and reduces the risk of miscarriage. The placenta is a disc-shaped temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It acts like a bridge between mother and baby, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the baby. In the early weeks, the corpus luteum maintains high progesterone levels. Around week 10, the placenta begins producing most of the progesterone. In a normal pregnancy, progesterone can reach 100–200 ng/ml or more. These high levels are necessary for a healthy pregnancy. However, they can cause noticeable progesterone symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of High Progesterone?
These are some common symptoms of high progesterone in women:
- You may experience persistent fatigue and low energy.
- Breast swelling or tenderness can occur as one of the increased progesterone symptoms.
- Some people develop frequent headaches (or migraines).
- You may experience more frequent mood swings and increased irritability.
- It is common to experience digestive issues, such as bloating or mild nausea.
- Some skin changes can also appear. These include increased oiliness or acne.
- Some people report feeling dizzy or lightheaded. However, this happens in severe cases.
What are the Symptoms During Pregnancy?
Some signs that pregnant women observe with high progesterone include:
- Breast tenderness may become stronger than usual with high levels of progesterone in pregnancy. You could even experience nausea lasting throughout the day.
- Nipples can become more sensitive. They may also darken in colour. Increased progesterone levels, combined with high estrogen in women, cause these changes.
- Mild cramping or abdominal discomfort is common in early pregnancy. This is because progesterone relaxes the uterine muscles, which can cause these sensations.
- Food cravings or changes in appetite often appear in the first weeks.
What are the Side Effects of High Progesterone?
These are some of the common side effects of having high progesterone levels:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding may happen. This is more common if you take hormone replacement therapy, as it affects progesterone levels.
- You may gain unexplained weight, as it is one of the high progesterone side effects. This is because high progesterone causes your body to hold more water, leading to weight gain. Your appetite may also increase.
- High progesterone can lower sexual desire in some people. You might notice less interest in intimacy or find it harder to feel aroused. These changes in sexual response can also affect satisfaction during intimacy.
- Sleep disturbances are also common side effects of high progesterone. This is because hormones like progesterone influence your natural sleep-wake cycle.
- High progesterone sometimes affects blood pressure and circulation. This may lead to light-headedness, dizziness, or even brief episodes of faintness during the day. These sensations can feel stronger when standing up quickly.
- Some people find it difficult to focus when progesterone stays high for a long time. So, you may experience difficulty remembering things or thinking clearly. This can feel like brain fog, forgetfulness, or slower thinking during daily tasks.
- Certain vision changes can happen. You may notice blurred vision or experience difficulty focusing. These changes are usually temporary but can be concerning if they persist for an extended period.
- Sometimes, allergic reactions are also possible. You could get rashes or itching. This can occur if you take progesterone through supplements or medication. However, severe reactions are rare.
What are the Causes of High Progesterone?
Here are a few causes of high progesterone levels:
- Pregnancy naturally leads to high progesterone. These levels rise, especially in the early weeks. This supports the developing baby and maintains the uterine lining.
- Specific natural changes in the adrenal glands can sometimes increase progesterone. The adrenal glands are located on top of your kidneys. They help produce several hormones, including progesterone.
- You might also have high progesterone if you use progesterone-based birth control or hormone replacement therapy. These treatments supplement your body with extra progesterone, which can increase your overall levels.
- Some disorders of the corpus luteum can also be the cause.
Conclusion
Your body sends clear signals when progesterone levels become too high. You should not ignore these signs, especially if they are persistent. A simple blood test can reveal what is happening with your hormones. Acting early helps protect your fertility and overall health. So, stay proactive and seek medical guidance when needed.
FAQs
High progesterone means your body produces more of this hormone than the normal range. It can occur naturally during pregnancy or be caused by medical conditions.
Pregnancy is the most common cause of high progesterone levels. Other causes include hormone therapy, ovarian cysts, and adrenal gland disorders.
Yes, high progesterone can impact your health. It can cause fatigue, mood changes, and digestive issues. However, most symptoms are manageable if you take proper medical care.
Yes, chronic stress can increase progesterone production in your body.
Increased progesterone often causes tiredness and mood swings. You might also experience breast tenderness and bloating.