High Progesterone Symptoms and Treatment

What is Progesterone?

It's important to note that progesterone is not exclusive to women. This sex hormone is naturally present in the bodies of both women and men, albeit with different functions. In women, it plays a crucial role in reproductive health, particularly in the late phase of the menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, and during pregnancy. This knowledge allows both genders to be aware of their own bodies and their natural processes.

The hormone progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the second phase of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. Understanding the nature of progesterone production is essential, as it helps us better understand our bodies and their natural processes.

In the early stages of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels are very low, and these levels begin to rise after ovulation. This leads to the thinning of the uterus lining to facilitate the implantation of the fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop again, which leads to the shedding of the uterine lining and the menstrual cycle. When the egg is fertilized and pregnancy happens, progesterone levels stabilize. This hormone plays a vital role in the mother’s body during pregnancy, stimulating the blood vessels to nourish the uterine lining and deliver nutrition to the developing fetus. It also plays an essential role in the development of the placenta, and it is worth noting that the levels of this hormone rise between the ninth week and the twenty-third week of pregnancy, contributing significantly to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

This rise in progesterone levels during pregnancy prevents the production of new eggs and helps stimulate the body to produce breast milk to feed the baby after birth.

Progesterone levels naturally decline as we age, while estrogen levels also decline, which leads to the appearance of symptoms that women feel during Perimenopause and Menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, feeling tired, and others.

Normal progesterone levels

Progesterone levels change during the stages of the menstrual cycle. They decrease before ovulation, and then the corpus luteum produces progesterone after it produces the egg. Then, it rises again before dropping again if pregnancy does not occur. The decline leads to the shedding of the uterine lining. As menstruation begins, levels drop again.

Progesterone levels chart

• Before ovulation: 0.89>
• During ovulation: 12>
• After ovulation: 1.8-24
• In the first trimester of pregnancy: 11-44
• In the second trimester of pregnancy: 25-83
• In the third trimester of pregnancy: 58-214
• In perimenopause: 0.89-24
• At menopause: 0.2 or less

It is worth noting that progesterone levels may vary from month to month, especially during perimenopause and menopause. It is normal for the levels of this hormone to be very low during menopause, as their production in the corpus luteum in the ovaries stops, and they are produced only in the adrenal glands.

Causes of high progesterone

Progesterone levels may be higher than their average level in some women for several reasons, the most important of which are:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• High levels of prolactin.
• Ovarian cancer.
• Impaired adrenal gland function.
• High levels of the hormone cortisol Due to chronic stress.
• Menopause.

Symptoms of high progesterone

• Breast tenderness.
• Fatigue.
• Excessive hair loss.
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Water retention.
• Low sex drive.
• Mild dizziness and feeling of imbalance.
• Bloating.
• Complications
• Difficulty urinating.
• Runny nose, sneezing, and cough.
• Mood swings.
• Increase in vaginal discharge.
• Severe headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the limbs and joints.

Treatment

Progesterone works in harmony with estrogen, so the estrogen level should also be checked before resorting to any drug treatment. It is essential not to take any hormones without a prescription. Your gynecologist may prescribe hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. What suits your hormone levels, health status, and age?

Natural treatments for high progesterone

1| Diet modification

Because nutrition is the cornerstone of health, it is essential to follow a diet that contains complex carbohydrates and protein and is low in sugars and processed ingredients. Adding phytoestrogens to your diet also helps balance hormones. These foods include Flax seeds, soybeans, and tomatoes.

2| Exercise regularly

Studies have shown that exercising regularly, for half an hour a day, reduces hormone cortisol levels, which is responsible for stress and fatigue. It also helps balance progesterone and estrogen levels in women.

3| Follow a healthy lifestyle

Start by quitting harmful habits to health, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Get enough hours of sleep every day, go to bed early, and avoid staying up late. In addition, practice habits that reduce stress levels, such as journaling and walking. Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and morning stretching exercises.

Conclusion,

High progesterone is not as serious as low progesterone. However, imbalances in hormone levels directly affect the body's health. Therefore, monitoring symptoms, visiting your doctor for further testing, and obtaining the appropriate treatment plan are essential.