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Symptoms of Too Much Progesterone
Why is Progesterone so important?
Progesterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in both menstruation and pregnancy. Symptoms of too much progesterone can range from having a feeling of being ‘off’ to considerable disruption in sleep, mood, sex drive, and appetite as well as the body’s ability to handle stress. The body must maintain a delicate balance of both estrogen and progesterone to function properly. Progesterone acts in opposition to the estrogen in our bodies. While estrogen promotes growth in breast and endometrial tissues as well as in fat cells, progesterone offsets this by regulating growth. The major function of progesterone is to aid in ovulation and in maintaining pregnancy. This can make pinpointing the cause of the symptoms of too much progesterone difficult as there is a cyclical ebb and flow of the hormone’s optimal levels, and high progesterone symptoms are all relatively common.
Progesterone is highest in the second half of the menstrual cycle. After ovulation until the day prior to menstruation, progesterone levels increase to prepare the body for pregnancy. Just before your period, levels fall dramatically, and the reproductive cycle continues. What then can cause this disruption and the symptoms of too much progesterone?
Causes of High Progesterone Symptoms
Plainly, it is the imbalance between the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Low estrogen levels, changes or issues with the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy can cause high progesterone symptoms. Misuse of supplements can throw off the balance as well. Adrenal problems can also impact progesterone levels as stress has a dramatic effect on hormone regulation and maintaining that necessary balance.
Progesterone cream is often used to help regulate the more common issue of having too much estrogen and too little progesterone in the body. Research demonstrates the overwhelming safety of using natural progesterone products and the benefits are substantial. It is imperative, however, to be aware of the symptoms of too much progesterone so that individuals can adjust usage as needed throughout their cycle if they are experiencing symptoms of high progesterone.
7 High Progesterone Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild and just feeling ‘off’ to having major issues in impactful areas of life. Common symptoms of too much progesterone are:
- Weight gain (or difficulty losing weight)
- Fatigue
- Mood fluctuation
- Stomach irritation and bloating
- Lower sex drive
- Increased appetite
- Increased stress and anxiety
These symptoms may present in many different conditions so can easily be confused or misinterpreted. Therefore knowing the vital role that the balance of estrogen and progesterone plays in our bodies helps in being aware of possible solutions and questions to ask. Women in all stages of menstruation and/or menopause should be aware of the potential ramifications of too much progesterone.
How to Care for High Progesterone Symptoms
The most important factor is knowing your individual norms and maintaining body awareness as much as possible. While studies show the versatility and many benefits of progesterone, balance remains key. Luckily, even when out of balance and experiencing these symptoms, simple changes can alleviate symptoms. Once you recognize your high progesterone symptoms, through saliva hormone testing at home, or a blood test, you can determine your saliva or serum progesterone levels and you can form a personalized plan with your doctor. Note: Saliva hormone testing has been recognized as a more accurate, reliable standard for hormone testing.
