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What Are the Effects of High Progesterone Levels?

Nicole Madison
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 35,838
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High progesterone levels can have a range of effects on a person's body. For example, pregnant women typically have higher progesterone levels and experience such effects as fewer migraines and increased fatigue. Elevated progesterone levels are also important for conception and sustaining pregnancy. As for men, elevated progesterone levels can be helpful for treating infertility or inducing a calm state. Unfortunately, increased levels of this hormone can also cause negative effects in men, such as fatigue and joint pain.

In women, high levels of progesterone may provide protection from miscarriage. Following ovulation, a woman experiences a rise in progesterone that helps to keep conditions in the uterus favorable for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Once the egg is implanted, however, high levels of progesterone still have an important role to play. In such a case, the increased progesterone helps to prevent the lining of the woman's uterus from breaking down and failing to support her pregnancy. Additionally, the increase in progesterone helps to ensure that the developing baby receives adequate amounts of oxygen in early pregnancy as well as a type of sugar that is referred to as glucose.

High progesterone levels may also help women who suffer from migraines. This effect is often evident in women who are pregnant and experiencing higher levels of progesterone over a longer period of time. In women who had migraines prior to pregnancy, the incidence of migraines may decrease along with the increase in progesterone levels.

Many women also notice that high levels of progesterone cause fatigue. This is due to the fact that progesterone has a sedating effect on the body. This is often seen as a negative effect, as a person with higher levels of the hormone may feel tired and sluggish. The sedative effects of this hormone can be positive, however, such as when it is used to help people who have seizure disorders. In such a case, high progesterone levels may help to decrease types of brain activity that are related to seizures.

Progesterone levels also affect men. High levels may, for example, help men who are struggling with infertility or induce a relaxed, calm state. At abnormally high levels, however, the hormone can cause unpleasant effects. As with women, high levels of progesterone often cause men to experience fatigue. Some men may also suffer from pain in their joints and problems with the way their bodies process glucose when they have high progesterone levels.

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Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

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Discussion Comments
By anon343484 — On Jul 30, 2013

I just did a full cycle saliva test and the Estradiol was very good, with the good curve, highs and lows, but the Progesterone 'base' numbers were over 100 and then it did go up to over 400 after ovulation but did not go back down under 100.

The doctor said it should really be quite low like 30 so I am wondering what may be causing it to be elevated then surge, then go back to about 130 again? My TSH is also high at 4.69 but all other thyroid are in range and no antibodies. My DHEA saliva is low and prog/estrogen ratio is also on the low side. Thanks for any advice on the high progesterone and/or TSH. I am sure they are related!

By andee — On Nov 07, 2011

I have never had problems with headaches, but was extremely tired when I was pregnant, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

I hoped this had something to do with being pregnant because didn't know how I was going to take care of a baby when I was so fatigued.

Thankfully, this was much better after the baby was born, and it must have been because of the higher levels of progesterone.

On the other side of this, my mom has a very hard time sleeping and she says it is because her progesterone levels are low.

It sounds like if you can keep your progesterone levels balanced it makes a big impact on how you feel from day to day.

By honeybees — On Nov 07, 2011

I definitely noticed a difference in my migraine headaches when I was pregnant, and think the increased progesterone had a lot to do with it.

I have struggled with these headaches for most of my life. What I found so strange at the time, is that when I was pregnant, I didn't get any headaches at all.

This was such a relief for me, but shortly after I gave birth, my headaches returned as normal.

I also think that is one reason many women going through menopause suffer from migraine headaches. You have much lower progesterone levels during this time, and it makes sense that this would have the same kind of effect.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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