Can You Have Too Much Progesterone?

Although progesterone is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body, it is possible to raise the hormone's levels beyond normal bounds. This most commonly happens in individuals who take progesterone supplements to treat a medical problem. Too much progesterone in the system can lead to numerous physical and psychological side effects, and might lead to death in some cases. When supplementing with the hormone, patients are advised to take roughly 20 to 40 milligrams per day to keep within safe levels. Studies have found that a 400-mg dose of progesterone can lead to serious medical issues, such as epilepsy and kidney damage.

Symptoms of excessive progesterone are exhibited more in women than in men, as women are more likely to undergo progesterone therapy. The hormone works as a stabilizer for uterine lining; a deficiency can lead to irregular and excessively heavy menstruation. Hormonal therapy can counteract this through medication. In addition, the treatment is believed to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiac disease.

The hormone can be administered in several ways; vaginal suppositories and creams are among the most common methods. The patient can 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 most often report fatigue, cramps and abdominal pain, and vaginal dryness. Physical symptoms of excess also include swelling breasts, migraines, and anemia. Female patients might experience psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and a significant decrease in libido. Although less common, researchers report that men can suffer decreased sperm reduction as a result of a deficiency in the hormone.

To prevent excessive progesterone levels, experts recommend following a few guidelines for safety. Chief among these is blood testing prior to treatment. Each patient's body chemistry is unique, and so there is no universal "correct" dosage for the hormone. Blood tests allow doctors to gauge the patient's current hormone levels and determine the proper amount for supplementation. In the case of creams, medication should not be administered in areas near fatty deposits; the hormone can accumulate in fatty tissue rather than being immediately absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a large spike later on.

Doctors also recommend regular check-ups throughout the course of progesterone treatment. This allows them to measure the patient's hormone levels, as well as examine her for any possible symptoms. Adjustments to the treatment can then be made based on the findings, preventing any serious damage to the patient's system.