Excessive progesterone levels can cause physical and psychological side effects, and even death. Women are more likely to undergo progesterone therapy, which can counteract menstrual irregularities and prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. Blood tests and regular checkups are recommended to prevent excessive levels.
Although progesterone is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, it is possible to raise levels of the hormone beyond normal limits. This most commonly occurs in individuals taking progesterone supplements to treat a medical problem. Too much progesterone in the system can lead to numerous physical and psychological side effects and could lead to death in some cases. When supplementing with the hormone, patients are advised to take 20 to 40 milligrams per day to stay within safe levels. Studies have found that a 400mg dose of progesterone can lead to serious medical problems, such as epilepsy and kidney damage.
Symptoms of excess progesterone occur more in women than in men, as women are more likely to undergo progesterone therapy. The hormone works as a stabilizer for the uterine lining; a deficiency can lead to irregular and excessively heavy periods. Hormone therapy can counteract this through medications. Additionally, the treatment is believed to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease.
The hormone can be administered in several ways; suppositories and vaginal creams are among the most common methods. The patient may also choose to take progesterone in the form of pills, skin creams and injections. There are no significant differences in the success rates of each method.
Women with too much progesterone more often report fatigue, abdominal cramps and pain, and vaginal dryness. Physical symptoms of excess also include breast swelling, migraines, and anemia. Female patients may experience psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings and a significant decrease in libido. Though less common, researchers report that men may experience decreased sperm count due to a deficiency of the hormone.
To prevent excessive progesterone levels, experts recommend following a few safety guidelines. Chief among them is the pre-treatment blood test. Each patient’s body chemistry is unique, so there is no universal “correct” dosage for the hormone. Blood tests allow doctors to measure a patient’s current hormone levels and determine the proper amount for supplementation. In the case of creams, the drugs must not be administered in areas close to fatty deposits; the hormone can build up in fat tissue rather than being immediately absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a large spike thereafter.
Doctors also recommend regular checkups during the course of progesterone treatment. This allows them to measure the patient’s hormone levels and examine her for any symptoms. Based on the findings, treatment adjustments can then be made, preventing serious damage to the patient’s system.
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