Progesterone is a type of steroid hormone present in both men and women. Still, in different proportions, since in men, it does not exceed 0.64 nmol / l in the blood. In contrast, progesterone in the blood in women of reproductive age tends to be older and decreases with age, especially after menopause.
In your body, the production of this hormone is carried out to a lesser extent in the liver and adrenal glands. Still, the most significant amount of progesterone originates in the testicles of a man and the ovaries if you are a woman. However, its blood level can be altered by different factors. Although having high progesterone levels is not so familiar or alarming, at FastlyHealwe want to help you answer your question if you have been wondering why I have high progesterone.
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Progesterone function
Although progesterone is better known as the female hormone because of its essential role in that sex, you must understand that it has value beyond that and that its presence is necessary for other processes to occur in your body. Some of the functions of progesterone are:
- Promote the elasticity of your skin thanks to the fact that it contributes to collagen production.
- It helps you in the development of the different tissues.
- It is a precursor to other hormones in your body, such as testosterone, estrogens, and cortisol.
- It benefits you in the excellent condition of the heart and blood vessels and regulates the immune response.
- If you have any inflammation, intervene to reduce it.
- Stimulates sexual desire.
- It favors the elimination of liquids if you are presenting retention.
- It balances other of your hormones and inhibits their effects.
- Contributes to the regularization of the activity of your gallbladder.
- If you are a woman, it stimulates sexual development after you start puberty through menstruation.
Increased progesterone in the menstrual cycle
If your health is good and you result in high levels of this hormone, you will inevitably wonder why you have high progesterone. In many cases, it is due to a normal condition of your body, depending on what stage of the menstrual cycle you have done the tests.
You must know your menstrual cycle well during this. A series of hormonal reactions often confuse tests such as progesterone. As you well know, the process begins with the first day of the menstrual period, followed by the follicular phase or the phase where the ideal conditions for the ovum are created. Ovulation occurs, which releases the ovum into the fallopian tubes. During these phases, there is a variation in the level of certain hormones so that everything is done correctly; among them is progesterone, which has been found at low levels.
After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. This is when you present the highest progesterone levels since the ovaries begin to release large amounts in the last weeks of your cycle to prepare the endometrium and be ideal for the implantation of the fertilized ovum. Still, If fertilization does not occur, progesterone production decreases, which causes the shedding of the endometrium and the start of the new cycle, where the level of progesterone has normalized.
Progesterone increases during pregnancy.
In the first months of pregnancy, it is normal for you to have high progesterone levels, so it would answer your question as to why I have high progesterone, and it is a reaction of your own body for the gestation to develop appropriately. To do this, your ovaries begin to produce large amounts of progesterone as soon as the egg has been fertilized, which helps the endometrium release specific proteins that the egg needs to nourish itself once it has been implanted in this layer of the uterus.
From week 9 or 10 of your pregnancy, the placenta is responsible for secreting progesterone, essential for your endometrium to thicken and create cervical mucus. These factors protect the fetus from possible infections or harmful agents. It also prevents you from having premature contractions or another abnormal movement that could lead to a miscarriage. It also benefits you in the growth of the mammary glands and milk production. When the placenta stops producing the hormone, already in the final stage of your pregnancy, you go into labor and begin to secrete milk.
Hormonal treatments that increase progesterone
If you are under any hormonal treatment, especially one that contains sex hormones or progesterone stimulators, a long-term reaction to excessive consumption that you could suffer is the increase in progesterone, which in addition to causing discomfort, can affect the treatment you are taking, For example, cases have been observed in the treatment for assisted reproduction that by stimulating the production of ovules there may be an increase in the secretion of progesterone during the follicular or ovulatory phase, a reaction that does not favor the implantation of the ovum.
This increase can also be caused by the frequent consumption of contraceptive drugs or other hormonal supplements. This, in turn, can cause a rise in the level of testosterone with its consequent reactions. For this reason, it is essential that if you have any discomfort, you keep the specialist who is following the treatment informed to control it, either by reducing the dose or changing the drug.
Neoplasms favor the alteration of hormones
Although it is not very common, there is the possibility that you have a tumor or some disorder in the hormone-producing structures, such as the ovary or the adrenal glands, causing an alteration in the secretion of hormones, including progesterone, so you can consider it as an option if you wonder why I have high progesterone.
The abnormal mass can be benign or malignant, although it is more common than non-cancerous; However, you must go to the doctor before any abnormality. The specialist will indicate if progesterone has influenced the appearance of the tumor since it can originate from other causes, and the magnitude is the same.
On the other hand, high progesterone can also favor the development of cysts in the ovary or increase the size of fibroids, especially if there is an external entry of the hormone, such as that which occurs with the use of certain drugs.
High progesterone symptoms
You may notice a series of signs that you have high progesterone. Although you can easily confuse them with everyday ailments of the menstrual cycle, you must detect when they occur, for example, if it does not coincide with your period or the frequency and intensity with which they do. Go to the doctor to assess your condition and check if the progesterone value you present is abnormal. The main symptoms of high progesterone that you can develop are:
- Headache of varying intensity.
- Hypersensitivity in the breasts.
- Sudden changes in an emotional state.
- Tiredness and nausea
- Alteration of the menstrual period.
- Vaginal bleeding for reasons other than menstruation.
- Inflammation of the prostate when progesterone is very high.
- Erectile dysfunction and urination problems.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.