Progesterone is a hormone that may be used for hormone replacement therapy and as a means of contraception, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, reports. Progesterone is often paired with estrogen because it counters the thickening effect that estrogen has on the lining of the uterus. You can also use progesterone to normalize your menstrual cycle if you have irregular periods. However, progesterone is not without its possible dangers.
Chest Pain or Numbness
Using progesterone may cause your chest area to become painful or numb, MayoClinic.com and Drugs.com. explain. While this effect is considered rare, you should seek medical attention if you experience chest pain while using progesterone.
Extreme Allergic Reaction
You run the risk of experiencing an extreme allergic reaction when using progesterone, Drugs.com cautions. During an allergic response, you may experience intense itchiness, parts of your body may become bloated and you may have a hard time breathing.
Increased Heart Rate and Dizziness
Using progesterone may cause your heart rate to increase dramatically, Drugs.com explains. You may also experience mild or severe dizziness. The likelihood of such an occurrence varies from person to person.
Insomnia
You may experience some degree of insomnia as a result of using progesterone, MedlinePlus notes. You may also experience an overall feeling of exhaustion and general irritability or depression, MayoClinic.com reports.
Jaundice
There is a risk that using progesterone may cause jaundice, Drugs.com explains. You know you are jaundiced when your eyes and skin become noticeably yellowish. The yellowing occurs when bile is deposited in these areas. This means that progesterone has affected your liver.
Numbness or Weakness of Extremities
Your arms and legs may become numb because of progesterone use, MedlinePlus explains. Furthermore, the numbness may be associated with weakness in the extremities.
Seizures and Vomiting
You run the risk of experiencing seizures as a result of progesterone use, Drugs.com explains. Moreover, these seizures my be accompanied by vomiting and stomach pain.
Severe Headaches
Using progesterone might cause you to experience severe headaches or migraines, MedlinePlus notes. You may also faint or have difficulty walking in addition to the headache.
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding and Nausea
Progesterone may cause unusual vaginal discharges or unexpected bleeding. You may also experiencing nausea and appetite loss, MayoClinic.com explains.
Vision Problems
You may experience problems with your vision when you use progesterone, MedlinePlus explains. These problems may include partial or complete loss of vision. You may also experience blurred or double vision. Additionally, your coordination and sense of balance may become impaired.
