High progesterone levels can have a range of effects on a person's body. For example, pregnant women typically have higher progesterone levels and experience such effects as fewer migraines and increased fatigue. Elevated progesterone levels are also important for conception and sustaining pregnancy. As for men, elevated progesterone levels can be helpful for treating infertility or inducing a calm state. Unfortunately, increased levels of this hormone can also cause negative effects in men, such as fatigue and joint pain.
In women, high levels of progesterone may provide protection from miscarriage. Following ovulation, a woman experiences a rise in progesterone that helps to keep conditions in the uterus favorable for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Once the egg is implanted, however, high levels of progesterone still have an important role to play. In such a case, the increased progesterone helps to prevent the lining of the woman's uterus from breaking down and failing to support her pregnancy. Additionally, the increase in progesterone helps to ensure that the developing baby receives adequate amounts of oxygen in early pregnancy as well as a type of sugar that is referred to as glucose.
High progesterone levels may also help women who suffer from migraines. This effect is often evident in women who are pregnant and experiencing higher levels of progesterone over a longer period of time. In women who had migraines prior to pregnancy, the incidence of migraines may decrease along with the increase in progesterone levels.
Many women also notice that high levels of progesterone cause fatigue. This is due to the fact that progesterone has a sedating effect on the body. This is often seen as a negative effect, as a person with higher levels of the hormone may feel tired and sluggish. The sedative effects of this hormone can be positive, however, such as when it is used to help people who have seizure disorders. In such a case, high progesterone levels may help to decrease types of brain activity that are related to seizures.
Progesterone levels also affect men. High levels may, for example, help men who are struggling with infertility or induce a relaxed, calm state. At abnormally high levels, however, the hormone can cause unpleasant effects. As with women, high levels of progesterone often cause men to experience fatigue. Some men may also suffer from pain in their joints and problems with the way their bodies process glucose when they have high progesterone levels.
