If a person does not become pregnant, progesterone levels in their body will fall and this sparks menstruation. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone continues to stimulate the body to provide the blood vessels that will feed the growing fetus.
Progesterone levels also remain high throughout pregnancy and may be even higher if you’re carrying more than one baby.
However, a high progesterone level may also happen with ovarian cysts, a disorder of the adrenal glands, or ovarian cancer. It could also be a sign of a molar pregnancy, where abnormal cells grow in the placenta.
Symptoms of high progesterone levels may be hard to define since you may associate them with your period or pregnancy instead.
This article discusses the symptoms of high progesterone and when to see a doctor.
Frequent Symptoms
The increase in progesterone as your body prepares for fertilization is linked to symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome or PMS, including:
Breast swelling Breast tenderness Bloating Anxiety or agitation Fatigue Depression Low libido (sex drive) Weight gain
Complications
High progesterone alone does not cause health complications, but it is a sign that something else is elevating your levels.
High levels of progesterone can occur in a condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This rare disease affects the adrenal glands, the small glands on top of the kidneys that produce hormones. It is the result of a missing enzyme, 21-hydroxylase.
CAH throws off the balance of hormone production (under- or overproduction) and can cause greater male trait expression.
Girls with severe CAH can be born with ambiguous genitalia. For example, the clitoris may be larger than usual to look like a small penis while the labia fuses to look like a scrotum.
People with milder forms of the condition may have early signs of puberty or fertility problems.
Another condition associated with high progesterone is a molar pregnancy. This happens when the embryo doesn’t form correctly and the placenta grows into a noncancerous tumor. High progesterone may also be associated with ovarian cancer.
When to See a Doctor
No matter your age, whenever you feel your hormonal balance is off, you should call your doctor. Your doctor will know what tests to order and what to advise based on your concerns.
Symptoms of low progesterone can signal the start of perimenopause or the time around menopause. The symptoms can also mimic those of menopause.
The only way to know if you have high progesterone is to see your doctor and get a blood test. Note, however, that hormones are constantly fluctuating. Results outside the normal range may not mean anything is wrong.
Call your doctor if you’re older than 35 and having problems conceiving after six months of trying or are experiencing miscarriages. It doesn’t automatically mean there’s an issue with your progesterone production. However, it is something you should have checked. Problems with ovulation are a common cause of infertility.
Summary
High progesterone is often not something to worry about because your levels rise naturally before your period and during pregnancy. However, sometimes it could be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have high progesterone symptoms and are not pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what may be causing it and whether you need treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Progesterone is a powerful hormone, but it doesn’t act alone. Together with estrogen and testosterone, it creates a unique landscape of changing levels throughout your menstrual cycle.
Any symptoms should be looked in relation to how these three hormones operate together. Their collective ebb and flow change your body during different times and life events.
