When many women think of menopause, they imagine a steady drop in hormone levels, notably estrogen and progesterone. What many women do not know, is that it is possible to have high levels of progesterone during this time, and it is important to know the symptoms of high progesterone levels. Progesterone is naturally secreted in higher amounts two weeks before menstruation and during pregnancy.
Progesterone is an essential hormone during pregnancy. A female's body produces this hormone to prepare the lining of the uterus to accept the fertilized egg. Then, if the egg is not fertilized, the lining is shed and progesterone levels fall again. When doctors are trying to determine if a woman is fertile or not, they will test her progesterone levels. If a woman's progesterone levels are too low during pregnancy, it could be the sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms of High Progesterone
Symptoms of high progesterone in a woman's body can cause many symptoms including: breast tenderness, mood swings, anxiety, depression, bloating, and loss of libido. Although these are some of the most commons symptoms of high progesterone, there are other, less common, side effects as well. These less common symptoms can include: acne and greasy skin, weight gain, hot flashes, urinary infections, headaches, and incontinence. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is possible you are suffering from high levels of progesterone.
Treatments for High Progesterone
There are many different treatments for high levels of progesterone. These can range from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and natural remedies. Some lifestyle changes that will help you lower your progesterone levels include:
- Reduce stress. Higher levels of stress can trigger higher progesterone levels. Try yoga or meditation to help you relax every day.
- Eat healthier. Filling your diet with healthy foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olives, and oils will help your body regulate your hormones.
- Exercise. Exercising will help you build strong body functions that will help keep your hormones in check.
Another treatment, HRT, is extremely controversial but, if taken for a short amount of time and with limited doses, it can help curb the side effects of high progesterone levels or low estrogen levels. If you do not feel that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks of HRT, you can always turn to herbal remedies. There are many herbs that are known to help regulate women's hormones.
It is important to know if you have high progesterone levels but, if you want to learn more, click on the following link about treatments for progesterone imbalance.