Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries of females, as mentioned in MedlinePlus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Progesterone has an important role in pregnancy; it's the hormone responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. Progesterone also helps in breast milk production. Males can produce a minimal amount of progesterone -- approximately 1ng/ml or less. With males, progesterone helps produce other steroid hormones. For females, having too much progesterone at a certain phase of menstruation and pregnancy has several effects.
Breast Tenderness
Kids Health.org says breast tenderness is one of the possible effects of high progesterone levels. Aside from breast milk production in pregnancy, progesterone also facilitates in breast development during puberty. Non-pregnant and pre-ovulating women usually have progesterone levels of 1ng/ml or less. During the mid-menstruation cycle, their progesterone levels increase to 5ng/ml to 20ng/ml. Having higher than normal progesterone levels can make the breast feel sore and tender. The breast can also swell up because of the internal tissue expansion. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and iburprofen can be taken to relieve breast tenderness and discomfort. Wearing a supportive and snug fit bra also helps. Breast tenderness usually goes away once the body's hormone levels are within normal limits.
Decreased Libido
Decreased libido or loss of sexual desire is a possible effect of high progesterone levels, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, an organization supported by the National Institutes of Health. The desire to engage or participate in a sexual activity is called libido. For males, low testosterone levels lead to decreased libido. For females, low estrogen and high progesterone levels makes the vagina dry and lose its natural lubrication, leading to loss of libido and sexual desire. An effective intervention for women is to undergo hormonal therapy to increase their estrogen levels. Living a healthier lifestyle by avoiding stressful activities and habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol also helps. Women can use commercially prepared vaginal lubricants.
Bloating
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, abdominal bloating is among the possible effects of high progesterone. Usually in women, abdominal bloating is associated with menstruation when progesterone levels are high. During this time, the abdominal area may collect gas, making it feel full and appear bloated. Bloating is best managed with moderate physical activity and exercise. Eating items that contains large amounts of fiber also helps.
