9 Signs of Too Much Bioidentical Progesterone
9 Signs of Too Much Bioidentical Progesterone
Signs of too much bioidentical progesterone can be subtle, yet they are symptomatic and potentially damaging. A progesterone imbalance, particularly excess levels, can cause a range of symptoms that affect your overall health and your mood.
Although bioidentical progesterone is supposed to promote balance, dosing it incorrectly can lead to side effects such as fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. These signs must be watched closely, as they can disrupt a person’s life.
In this article, we look at the symptoms of high progesterone, possible causes, and how Oregon Natural Medicine can help you regarding bioidentical hormone therapy to bring your body back to balance, so that you can experience a healthier, more vibrant life.
What is Bioidentical Progesterone?
Definition
Bioidentical progesterone is a hormone derived from plants (usually soy or yam) and is structurally the same as the progesterone produced by the body.Â
Unlike synthetic progestins, bioidentical progesterone has the same molecular structure, so the body can more easily recognize it as a natural substance. This hormone plays a vital role in menstruation and pregnancy maintenance. Thus, it is a fundamental component in many hormone replacement treatments.
How It Works
Bioidentical progesterone is used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help bring balance back to the body’s hormone levels, especially for women going through menopause or andropause.
According to Trive MEDSPA & Wellness, studies show that it also helps to reduce symptoms that may be caused by hormonal imbalance, such as mood swings, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, and can promote a healthy blood pressure level.
Bioidentical progesterone is also believed to be less likely to cause side effects and is less disruptive to the body than synthetic hormones, making it a natural option for hormone balancing.
Difference from Synthetic Progesterone
Bioidentical progesterone is identical to the hormone produced by the body, while synthetic progesterone is modified. This distinction is important because synthetic progesterone (which is used in traditional HRT) can lead to side effects such as mood changes, headaches, and weight gain.
In contrast, bioidentical progesterone seeks to be more closely aligned with natural hormonal rhythms, thereby promoting more individualized therapy with fewer adverse effects.Â
Although a healthy dose of progesterone is beneficial for our body, excessive levels can have significant negative effects. Here’s how to tell if your progesterone levels are higher than your body actually needs.
Symptoms of High Progesterone
You should track your progesterone levels when you’re on bioidentical hormone therapy. Elevated levels of progesterone can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. So, let’s talk about signs of too much bioidentical progesterone and why it’s important for your health.
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Breast Tenderness
High progesterone levels can lead to sore breasts. This is because the hormone can affect the tissues of the breast, causing them to swell and become sensitive. This is a sure sign that your progesterone is off balance, and it can be very distressing if your hormone level is too high.
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Headaches
A sudden rise in progesterone levels could result in headaches or migraines. Elevated levels of progesterone can also affect our blood vessels and nerve endings, which may cause headaches or make your existing migraines worse. In the case of recurrent headaches, it may be necessary to reduce progesterone dosage.
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Increased Appetite or Cravings
There is a potent influence of progesterone on appetite. Increased levels of progesterone can lead to certain food cravings, particularly for salty or sweet foods. If you’re suddenly wanting more food than usual, the culprit might be high progesterone.
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Drowsiness/Fatigue
Progesterone is naturally calming and sedating to the body, creating a relaxation response. But high levels of progesterone can result in severe fatigue or tiredness. It can make you less inclined to do things and really drain your energy.
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Mood Changes (Irritability, Anxiety, Depression)
Excessive progesterone can cause mood fluctuations. When progesterone becomes too high, symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and even depression can appear. This emotional rollercoaster can affect both your everyday existence and your mental well-being, making you feel frustrated or upset.
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Weight Gain
Progesterone leads to water retention and fat storage, especially in the belly. This can lead to bloating or weight gain, even if your eating and workout habits haven’t changed.
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Spotting or Irregular Bleeding
High progesterone levels may interfere with the menstrual cycle. You may experience spotting or abnormal bleeding, periods that are unpredictable, heavier or lighter than you are used to. This is one common side effect of high progesterone.
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Sleep Disturbances
While progesterone promotes good sleep, high levels can actually disrupt sleep. When progesterone is too high, many people experience an inability to fall asleep, frequent awakenings, or very restless sleep.
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Digestive Upset (Bloating, Constipation)
Elevated levels of progesterone can slow digestion by causing muscles in the digestive tract to relax. It can lead to bloating, constipation, and general discomfort. You may be experiencing the effects of progesterone imbalance if you’re struggling with digestive health issues.
Side Effects of High Progesterone
High progesterone is more than just awful to experience—it may lead to worse health conditions in the long run. It’s important to know these side effects so you can make an educated decision.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Excess Progesterone?
Chronic exposure to high progesterone levels causes the:
- Chronic fatigueÂ
- Persistent mood swings
- Weight gain
If not properly managed, long-term symptoms can significantly affect your health and quality of life. Regular check-ups are necessary to prevent these long-term adverse effects.
Can Excess Progesterone Lead to Other Health Issues (e.g., Blood Clots, Anxiety)?
Too high progesterone levels can even lead to higher risks of more severe health issues, like blood clots, anxiety, or depression. If overlooked, these risks can result in even more severe health problems, especially for those on long-term hormone therapy.
Causes of High Progesterone
It’s also necessary to understand that high levels of progesterone are not always harmful. But, hormonal imbalance may also cause several disturbances and health problems. Knowing the common reasons behind high progesterone can help you cope with and treat these symptoms at an early stage.
Why Does High Progesterone Occur?
High progesterone levels happen for many reasons. One of the most prevalent causes is pregnancy, during which progesterone naturally rises to keep the uterine lining full and to keep a pregnancy healthy. Besides pregnancy, progesterone levels can also be raised with hormonal therapy.
Women who are undergoing HRT therapy often have slightly elevated progesterone levels. However, experts like Oregon Natural Medicine always ensure that the progesterone dose stays within a limited range to help you avoid any kind of discomfort.
Additionally, ovarian cysts (especially corpus luteum cysts) can also cause increased levels of progesterone. These cysts secrete progesterone in the postovulation period and may contribute to hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal Imbalance or Overdose
Sometimes, progesterone overdose happens when the body receives more of the hormone than it requires. This can occur if dosages aren’t adjusted correctly or your body doesn’t respond the way it’s supposed to the therapy.
So, it is important to have customized dosage adjustments when using hormone therapy to maintain progesterone in balance.
The Role of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Dosage Adjustment
The goal of bioidentical hormone therapy is to normalize hormone levels to alleviate symptoms and promote wellness. The primary benefit of this therapy is that it enables personalized treatment.
There’s a custom progesterone dose for each patient, so the body only receives the progesterone it needs. By monitoring, healthcare providers can also vary dosages to prevent progesterone levels from becoming too high, which can induce unwanted symptoms.
What to Do If You Experience These Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of too much progesterone, you must act quickly and seek help. The first port of call is to speak to a doctor. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms and run tests to determine your progesterone levels.
If high levels are verified, your bioidentical hormone therapy dose may need to be adjusted, or other treatments may need to be considered. Moreover, regular monitoring of your hormone levels avoids unwanted side effects and keeps your therapy on track.
How Oregon Natural Medicine Can Help: Personalized Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
At Oregon Natural Medicine, we are experts in bioidentical hormone therapy (HRT), individualizing programs for you! Our skilled Naturopathic Doctors, Dr. John Reynolds and Dr. Karina Jarvela, provide individualized treatment plans that aim to rebalance and optimize your overall hormonal health.
What Makes Our Hormone Therapy Different?
Our bioidentical hormone treatment is personalized because there is no one-size-fits-all in terms of hormones. By employing compounded bioidentical hormones, we are able to tailor your treatment to meet the levels that are optimal for your body. With this, you can have safe, natural, and effective treatment that is required for your well-being.
Our focus is on safety and effectiveness. We follow you closely to track results and to avoid any side effects.
Client Testimonials: Success Stories of Hormone Balance Restoration
There are many of real patient stories that testify to the success of our method. One patient shared,
“I saw Dr. Jarvela for my annual check-up, and she helped me achieve better hormonal balance with simple diet and lifestyle changes. The treatment has worked wonders!”
Another patient said,
“Dr. Reynolds’ natural approach has helped me manage my hormone levels better than I ever imagined. I feel more energized and balanced every day!
Conclusion
In summary, signs of too much Bioidentical Progesterone can have a profound effect on your health, trigger complaints such as fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. It is important to be able to identify these signs early to avoid long-term damage.
Understanding the reasons behind high progesterone levels and then addressing those reasons, you can balance your hormones and improve your health. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a natural and effective option for treating hormone imbalance. If you have any of these symptoms, reach out to Oregon Natural Medicine for professional advice.
Our individualized hormone therapy programs are perfectly suited to your specific needs. Call us now to set up an appointment and get on the road to optimal hormonal health.
FAQsÂ
How do I know if my progesterone is high?
You may feel tired, irritable, and may gain weight or have recurring headaches. You can have a blood or saliva test to check the level of your progesterone and see if it’s too high.
How does bioidentical progesterone make you feel?
Bioidentical progesterone may help to balance hormones, and women who use it often report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and retaining a more positive outlook. Still, too much can cause fatigue and emotional instability.
What happens if you use too much progesterone?
Too much progesterone can cause symptoms including bloating, breast tenderness, moodiness, fatigue and irritability, as well as long-term health risks.
When is progesterone highest?
Progesterone levels are at their peak after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy to support the uterine lining.
How do I know if my progesterone is bioidentical?
Bioidentical progesterone, which has the same chemical composition as the natural hormone made by the body, and is derived from a plant source, such as soy or yam, and is then prescribed as part of bioidentical hormone therapy.
Disclaimer: This content serves informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always reach out to a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
