What Problem Can Progesterone Cause

What Problem Can Progesterone Cause ?

Progesterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in reproduction in women. Although the body produces this hormone naturally, at times doctors may recommend intake of this hormone for several purposes. Despite being safe for use, when taken in excessive amounts, it can result in certain side effects.

An overdose of this hormone over a long period of time leads to the switching off of the progesterone receptors that in turn mars the effectiveness of the hormone, resulting in side effects. One of the repercussions of excessive progesterone is fatigue and sedation. However, the same can prove advantageous to those suffering from epilepsy as when present in high levels, progesterone is believed to reduce the occurrence of seizures.

High dosage of progesterone is also prescribed to decrease the contractions of the uterus in cases wherein there is fear of preterm labor. A dose of 20 to 30 milligrams and 6 to 10 milligrams on a daily basis for women and men respectively is known to cause no harm to the individual. Under special circumstances, progesterone intake of 100 or even 200 milligrams per day may be considered necessary to prescribe. However, it has also been observed that not all women experience side effects of excessive progesterone.

Excessive amount of progesterone has been linked with anesthetic and intoxicating effect experienced in the form of additional sleepiness. A decrease in the dose could aid in reducing the drowsiness symptoms. Women who have suffered from insufficient levels of progesterone for a large duration of time tend to undergo signs of paradoxical estrogen dominance in the first fortnight of the hormone’s administration. These symptoms are apparent in the form of headaches, edema and swollen breasts. Surplus progesterone tends to disrupt the conversion of testosterone to DHT resulting in decreased sexual libido. This side effect is especially observed in men. Bloating and gas are other side effects of too much progesterone owing to the inhibition of anti-Candida white blood cells. Some of the other side effects of excessive progesterone include depression, water retention and elevation in the synthesis of androgen.

Apart from actually being put on a high dose of the hormone, at times excessive levels are a consequence of self administration of topical progesterone cream in an incorrect manner. This cream needs to be applied on body parts that are low in fat and have a good circulation of blood such as the back of the neck, wrist, and under part of the upper arm. Applying the progesterone cream on body parts with high fat deposits causes the body to retain the hormone for a longer period of time. Therefore, areas like the abdomen, buttocks and breasts are highly unsuitable for its application.

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What Problem Can Progesterone Cause