The hormone progesterone is found in the female body. It fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, increasing during ovulation and decreasing just before your period. The regular monthly occurrence of increased progesterone and the effects it has on your body are perfectly normal. However, excess progesterone levels that last longer than the normal two-week period can cause uncomfortable side effects that are not unlike premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, symptoms.
Emotional Symptoms
High levels of progesterone can affect the way you think. You may not be able to remember certain facts and your thinking may become foggy, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. You may experience anxiety and not know why. Excessive progesterone can also cause mood swings. Feelings of sadness, weepiness and depression can overwhelm you for no reason. You may feel tired and almost lethargic at times because of depression, or you may become irritable and short-tempered.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of excessive progesterone include abdominal cramping and unusual mid-cycle pain. Fluctuations in progesterone can affect another hormone known as aldosterone, which controls the salt excretion and water balance in your body. Bloating and puffiness may occur, as well as breast fullness and tenderness. Unexplained weight gain can be attributed to the excess water caused by the aldosterone imbalance. Backache, headache, constipation and dizziness may also be symptoms of too much progesterone.
Other Symptoms
Cravings and appetite changes can be caused by excessive progesterone levels. Joint pain, muscular discomfort, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hot flashes and heart palpitations are all possible symptoms of higher-than-normal levels of progesterone. You may develop acne, or facial hair. You may even lose the hair on your head. Some people bruise easily. Insomnia may be a problem if your progesterone levels remain high for long periods of time.
