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Progesterone, often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone,” is one of the sex hormones and plays a central role in both women and men. But what happens when hormone levels become imbalanced? Elevated progesterone levels can cause surprising and often bothersome symptoms that many people do not associate with this hormone – from fatigue and mood swings to physical changes. In this blog, you will learn more about progesterone. The most common symptoms, causes, consequences, and treatment options for elevated progesterone levels will be discussed to help maintain your health and well-being.
Table of Contents
- What is progesterone?
- Symptoms of elevated progesterone levels
- Causes of elevated progesterone levels
- Normal progesterone levels by cycle phase and sex
- How are elevated progesterone levels treated?
- Summary
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone:
In women, progesterone is primarily produced in the ovaries (corpus luteum) after ovulation. During pregnancy, the placenta takes over the production of the hormone. Small amounts of progesterone are also produced in the adrenal glands (Cable JK. et al., 2023). In men, progesterone is also produced in the adrenal glands and the testes ( Oettel M. et al. 2004).
Functions of progesterone in women:
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
- Thickens the uterine lining to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg
- Continues to rise during pregnancy
- Prevents, during pregnancy:
- ovulation
- premature labor by relaxing the uterine muscles
- Prepares the breasts for breastfeeding
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022
Functions of progesterone in men:
Although produced in smaller amounts, it is important for:
- Sperm production
- Hormone synthesis (precursor for testosterone and cortisol)
- Stabilization of hormonal balance
Source: Barros L.A. et al., 2015
Other systemic effects of progesterone (in all sexes):
- Regulates the central nervous system (e.g., mood, sleep), affects the:
- immune system
- cardiovascular system
- kidney function
- fat metabolism
- behavior and respiratory system
Source: Oettel M., et al., 2004
Symptoms of elevated progesterone levels
High progesterone levels generally do not have negative health effects (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In some cases, however, elevated progesterone levels can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can vary individually and depend on the underlying cause of the elevated progesterone level. Common symptoms include: Common symptoms include:
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Mood swings, anxiety or restlessness, depression
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain
Source: Pugle M. 2024
Causes of elevated progesterone levels
Several factors can lead to elevated progesterone levels. It is important to understand the causes to take appropriate treatment measures:
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise significantly. Elevated progesterone levels outside the normal range during pregnancy may indicate a twin pregnancy or an abnormal pregnancy (University of Rochester Medical Center, n.d.).
- Adrenal overactivity: The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones, including progesterone, and overactivity of the adrenal glands can lead to elevated progesterone levels (Krucik G., 2017).
- Hormone therapy: Some women receive progesterone as part of hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms or as part of fertility treatments to promote ovulation and implantation.
- Cysts: (Cyst = a fluid-filled cavity in tissue, consisting of tissue fluid, blood, and a pasty component). Certain types of ovarian cysts, especially so-called luteal cysts, can increase progesterone production. These cysts form after ovulation and can continuously release progesterone (MedlinePlus, 2022).
- Tumor: Elevated progesterone levels, even when not pregnant, may indicate an ovarian tumor known as a lipid ovarian tumor or choriocarcinoma (University of Rochester Medical Center, n.d.).
Normal progesterone levels by cycle phase and sex
Elevated progesterone levels occur when progesterone levels rise above the normal range. Normal progesterone levels vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and whether or not a woman is pregnant. High progesterone levels are usually normal in the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase) and during pregnancy.
Normal progesterone levels (ng/mL):
| Sex | Phase | Progesterone level (ng/mL) |
| Female | ||
| Prepubescent girls | 0.1-0.3 ng/ml | |
| Follicular phase | 0.1-0.7 ng/ml | |
| Lutealphase | 2-25 ng/ml | |
| Pregnancy (first trimester) | 10-44 ng/ml | |
| Pregnancy (second trimester) | 19.5-82.5 ng/ml | |
| Pregnancy (third trimester) | 65-290 ng/ml | |
| Male | ||
| 0.27-0.9 ng/ml |
*Follicular phase: The first half of the menstrual cycle, starting with the first day of menstruation and ending with ovulation.
*Luteal phase: The second half of the menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and ending at the beginning of the next menstruation.
*Trimester: Pregnancy is divided into trimesters. One trimester corresponds to three months.
How are elevated progesterone levels treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. An individualized treatment plan helps restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life.
- Medication-based treatment: Adjustment or change of hormonal medications under medical supervision
- Lifestyle: Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction; avoiding caffeine and smoking may lower progesterone
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests at the doctor’s office or via home test kits to track progesterone levels
Sources: Herrera A. Y., et al., 2016; Kotsopoulos J., et al., 2009; Zumoff B., et al., 1990.
Would like clarity about your hormonal health?
Do you feel tired or notice changes in your mood? These symptoms could point to a hormonal imbalance. With the women’s hormone test from Homed-IQ, you can find out whether your symptoms are caused by elevated progesterone levels or other hormonal irregularities. The test measures important hormones such as testosterone, TSH, LH, FSH, estradiol, and prolactin, which affect fertility, the menstrual cycle, and overall health. This easy-to-use hormone test, which can be performed at home, provides insight into related symptoms. On our website, you can also find other important women’s health tests, such as a fertility test. This way, you can take targeted action and take charge of your health.
Summary
Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone present in both women and men. Elevated progesterone levels can cause a variety of symptoms and health issues, such as mood swings, bloating, or fatigue, which are often not associated with this diagnosis. Causes of elevated levels may be pregnancy-related, but in rare cases, they can also stem from adrenal overactivity or cysts. Suitable treatment options range from medical therapy to lifestyle changes. Monitoring and regulating progesterone levels can alleviate many unpleasant symptoms and improve quality of life.
Referenzen
Barros, L. A., Tufik, S., & Andersen, M. L. (2015). The role of progesterone in memory: an overview of three decades. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 49, 193-204.
Cable JK, Grider MH. Physiology, Progesterone. (2023). In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 29). Progesterone: Natural Function, Levels & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone
HealthMatters. (n.d.). Progesterone (male) – Lab Results explained. HealthMatters.io. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://healthmatters.io/understand-blood-test-results/progesterone-male
Herrera, A. Y., Nielsen, S. E., & Mather, M. (2016). Stress-induced increases in progesterone and cortisol in naturally cycling women. Neurobiology of stress, 3, 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.02.006
Kotsopoulos, J., Eliassen, A. H., Missmer, S. A., Hankinson, S. E., & Tworoger, S. S. (2009). Relationship between caffeine intake and plasma sex hormone concentrations in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Cancer, 115(12), 2765–2774. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.24328
Krucik, G., & Krucik, G. (2017). 17-OH Progesterone Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks. Healthline. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/17-oh-progesterone
MedlinePlus. (2022, October 4). Progesterone Test. MedlinePlus. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/progesterone-test/
Oettel, M., & Mukhopadhyay, A. K. (2004). Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men?. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, 7(3), 236–257. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530400004199
Pugle, M. (2024). High Progesterone Symptoms, Causes, and Conditions. Verywell Health. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-progesterone-symptoms-5185751#toc-symptoms-of-high-progesterone
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Progesterone – Health Encyclopedia. University of Rochester Medical Center. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=progesterone
Zumoff, B., Miller, L., Levit, C. D., Miller, E. H., Heinz, U., Kalin, M., Denman, H., Jandorek, R., & Rosenfeld, R. S. (1990). The effect of smoking on serum progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone levels over a menstrual cycle in normal women. Steroids, 55(11), 507–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128x(90)90089-t
