This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Progesterone is a natural hormone related to the thickness of the lining of the uterus in a woman's body. During pregnancy, this hormone will naturally increase to adapt to the growth of the fetus in the uterus. However, in some cases, high levels of progesterone can lead to a variety of unwanted reactions.
1. What Causes High Progesterone?
High levels of progesterone are common in pregnant women. As the fetus grows, progesterone levels also increase. During pregnancy, if progesterone levels rise too high, multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Common causes of high progesterone levels in women:
Change in menstrual cycle (prolongs the luteal phase) Decrease in estrogen levels in the body Too much progesterone supplementation (oral or transdermal progesterone) Supplements Excessive supplementation with precursors or other progesterone precursors Adrenal gland problems, as well as other hormone imbalances. In addition, when the level of progesterone increases, the cause can also be underlying diseases such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer.
2. Manifestations when progesterone is high
These symptoms appear too much when the level of progesterone is high, but not above the allowable limit. Slightly elevated levels can come from taking a lot of progesterone or during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Common symptoms such as:
Weight fluctuations (usually slight weight gain of 5-10 pounds). Drowsiness, waking groggy or tired. Feeling depressed but not too depressed. Feeling physically unsettled, slightly dizzy, anxious, or just feeling tense. Water retention, bloating. Changes in libido (usually decreased sex drive). Symptoms are less common and usually only occur if the level of progesterone is too high:
Hot flashes (due to an overload of estrogen receptors) Insomnia Increased appetite Excessive anxiety or panic Depression Significant weight gain If there are signs related to hormone balance problems, your doctor may order a progesterone test to check. The best time to take a progesterone test is 7 days before your period or 7 days after you ovulate. This is the time when high progesterone levels can be detected.
3. Tests for High Progesterone
Check the BBT basal body temperature chart:
Is the process of recording body temperature every day to capture information related to the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, in women there is a steady but slight increase in basal body temperature. If the temperature is irregular or consistently high, there may be a high progesterone reading. Length of luteal phase:
If ovulation is less than 11 days before menstruation, this could be a sign of a defect related to the luteal phase. Ovulation can be detected through the use of an ovulation detector, or BBT chart. Salivary gland hormone test:
Endocrine tests can be done through saliva testing. After analyzing the saliva, the laboratory can determine whether the level of progesterone is high or low. Blood hormone testing: While a saliva hormone test can be useful and non-invasive, a blood hormone test helps identify some important information about your body.
4. How to treat when the level of progesterone is high
Treatment for high progesterone largely depends on the cause. Therefore, it is necessary to do progesterone tests to determine the cause of high progesterone levels and have appropriate treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy:
This form of therapy involves the use of hormone medications to address an imbalance of progesterone. It should be noted that hormone replacement therapy has many negative effects and can increase the risk of blood clots, breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Herbal solutions:
Some women may want to try herbal therapies to manage symptoms associated with high progesterone levels. The two herbs that are likely to be most effective are:
Phytoestrogen-containing herbs, such as black cohosh, provide the body with plant-based estrogen compounds that help eliminate hormone imbalances. . Herbs that do not contain estrogen, such as macafem, support the endocrine glands to increase hormone production. Note, do not arbitrarily use these herbs without the prescription of the doctor.
Lifestyle changes to maintain hormone balance:
Exercise regularly. Eat healthy, eat foods that increase the amount of estrogen in the body such as soybeans, cherries, potatoes, wheat, rice, apples. Along with stress-reducing practices like meditation and yoga. When there are signs of high progesterone, you should choose a reputable clinic. Your doctor will examine you and may order a test to evaluate your progesterone levels.
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