Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNormal CausesSymptomsAbnormal CausesDiagnosisWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Normal Causes
Symptoms
Abnormal Causes
Diagnosis
When to Seek Care
Highprogesteronesymptoms include fatigue, bloating, water retention, and breast tenderness, along with psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression.
While progesterone normally increases during pregnancy and stages of yourmenstrual cycle, it can also sometimes be due to a medical condition likeovarian cysts, a group of inherited disorders known ascongenital adrenal hyperplasia, or a potentially serious condition known as amolar pregnancy. Some hormonal drugs, including certain birth control pills, can do the same.
High progesterone levels are not always a cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing persistent high progesterone symptoms and are not pregnant, it is important to see your gynecologist or healthcare provider.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Progesterone Does and Why Levels Increase
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing the lining of theuterus, called theendometrium, for pregnancy.
During the middle of your menstrual cycle, progesterone levels will naturally increase after the release of an egg from its follicle (calledovulation).
If fertilization of the egg does not occur, the corpus luteum will break down and progesterone levels will return to normal.
Progesterone and Pregnancy
If pregnancy does occur, the corpus luteum will not break down and progesterone levels will continue to rise to maintain the endometrium and support the growth of theembryo.
Once theplacentaforms, it will take over the production of progesterone. Thereafter, progesterone levels will continue to be high, reaching their highest levels during thethird trimester.During pregnancy, your body will produce around 10 times as much progesterone as it does when you are not pregnant.
How to Increase Progesterone Levels Naturally
Symptoms of High Progesterone
A collection of physical and emotional symptoms, calledpremenstrual syndrome (PMS), is the direct result of natural increases in progesterone during the ovulatory phase of your menstrual cycle.
Symptoms of PMS include:
The symptoms typically start five days beforemenstruation(period bleeding) begins and go away within four days of the start of bleeding.
Symptoms During Pregnancy
If pregnancy occurs and progesterone levels continue to increase, it can cause symptoms similar to PMS (like breast tenderness and bloating) along withearly pregnancy symptomslike:
When High Progesterone Is Not Normal
There are no serious medical consequences due to your body making too much progesterone. However, there are times when high progesterone levels are not the result of a normal physiological process, like pregnancy, but rather a sign of a medical issue. Some are serious but some are not.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Your healthcare provider may recommendestrogen and progesterone therapy (EPT)if you are experiencing thesymptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and painful intercourse.
EPT increases your progesterone levels, causing side effects like:
Hormone Contraceptives
Some types of hormonal birth control can cause an increase in progesterone levels over time. These hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic form of progesterone calledprogestin.
Studies have found that second-generation progestins calledlevonorgestrelandnorgestrelare more likely to have this effect as they can accumulate in tissues over time.
First-generation progestins such asnorethindroneand third-generation progestins such asnorgestodeneare less likely to increase progesterone levels.
Ovarian Cysts
High progesterone may also be a sign of a fluid-filled mass called an ovarian cyst. Certain types of ovarian cysts can produce progesterone andestrogen, which can lead to an increase in both of these hormones.
Those associated with high progesterone are mainlycorpus luteum cysts. These fluid-filled masses sometimes grow on the corpus luteum and are usually harmless, painless, and go away without treatment.
If a cyst gets so large that it could harm your ovary or pregnancy, your healthcare provider may remove it, but this is rarely needed.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
High progesterone can occur with a condition calledcongenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH). This group of rare inherited disorders affects theadrenal glands, the small glands on top of the kidneys that regulate the production of hormones liketestosteroneand the stress hormonecortisol.
With adolescents or adults, CAH can lead to symptoms like:
Molar Pregnancy
Another condition associated with high progesterone is a molar pregnancy. This happens when a non-viable, fertilized egg develops into a tumor (called a mole) rather than a fully-formed fetus.
Although the pregnancy is non-viable, it will proceed as if it were. This includes the increased production of progesterone and the formation of the placenta.
A molar pregnancy may seem like a regular pregnancy at first but will eventually trigger symptoms like:
If left untreated, a molar pregnancy has a high risk of turning into a type of cancer calledchoriocarcinoma.
To avoid this, a surgical procedure calleddilation and curettage (D&C)will be performed as soon as possible to remove the mole, placenta, and endometrial tissues from the uterus.Chemotherapymay be needed if there are any signs of cancer.
Diagnosing High Progesterone
Progesterone levels are measured with a simple blood test in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Because levels change during periods and pregnancy, the “normal” reference range of values can also change, as follows:
StageReference range of valuesFollicular stage (the period in the menstrual cycle leading up to ovulation)under 0.7 ng/mLLuteal stage (the period immediately following the release of the egg)2 to 25 ng/mLFirst trimester of pregnancy10 to 44 ng/mLSecond trimester of pregnancy19.5 to 82.5 ng/mLThird trimester of pregnancy65 to 290 ng/mLIf levels fall outside of the range of values during the stages of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, it could be a sign of a medical issue.Low Progesterone Effects: How to Raise Your LevelsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderPMS-like symptoms outside of your regular menstrual cycle warrant a visit to yourgynecologist. This is especially true if symptoms are persistent and you have no indications of pregnancy.The only way to know if you have high progesterone is to get a blood test. If your progesterone levels are abnormal, other tests can be performed to help pinpoint the cause, including additional blood tests and a minimally invasive procedure called atransvaginal ultrasound.In some cases, the underlying condition may be relatively mild and easy to treat or require a simple dose adjustment to help normalize progesterone levels. Though other causes may be more serious, early diagnosis almost invariably improves outcomes.SummaryHigh progesterone can normally occur during ovulation or with pregnancy. If levels are high outside of these situations, it may be due to hormonal medications that cause progesterone levels to spike. It may also be due to medical conditions like ovarian cysts, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or a rare condition called a molar pregnancy.If blood tests reveal that progesterone levels are abnormally high outside of your regular menstrual cycle or pregnancy, other tests may be ordered to explore the possible causes.
If levels fall outside of the range of values during the stages of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, it could be a sign of a medical issue.
Low Progesterone Effects: How to Raise Your Levels
When to See a Healthcare Provider
PMS-like symptoms outside of your regular menstrual cycle warrant a visit to yourgynecologist. This is especially true if symptoms are persistent and you have no indications of pregnancy.
The only way to know if you have high progesterone is to get a blood test. If your progesterone levels are abnormal, other tests can be performed to help pinpoint the cause, including additional blood tests and a minimally invasive procedure called atransvaginal ultrasound.
In some cases, the underlying condition may be relatively mild and easy to treat or require a simple dose adjustment to help normalize progesterone levels. Though other causes may be more serious, early diagnosis almost invariably improves outcomes.
Summary
High progesterone can normally occur during ovulation or with pregnancy. If levels are high outside of these situations, it may be due to hormonal medications that cause progesterone levels to spike. It may also be due to medical conditions like ovarian cysts, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or a rare condition called a molar pregnancy.
If blood tests reveal that progesterone levels are abnormally high outside of your regular menstrual cycle or pregnancy, other tests may be ordered to explore the possible causes.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Progesterone test.Society for Endocrinology.What is progesterone?Nagy B, Szekeres-Bartho J, Kovacs GL.Key to life: physiological role and clinical Implications of progesterone.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Oct;22(20):11039. doi:10.3390/ijms222011039American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are some common signs of pregnancy?Gangakhedkar GR, Kulkarni AP.Physiological changes in pregnancy.Indian J Crit Care Med.2021 Dec;25(Suppl 3):S189–S192. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24039North American Menopause Society.Hormone therapy: benefits & risks.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Progestin (oral route, parenteral route, vaginal route).Herrera AY, Faude S, Nielsen SE, Locke M, Mather M.Effects of hormonal contraceptive phase and progestin generation on stress-induced cortisol and progesterone release.Neurobiol Stress. 2019;10:100151. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100151National Library of Medicine.Ovarian cysts.Bonde AA, Korngold EK, Foster BR, et al.Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics.Abdom Radiol (NY). 2016;41(11):2270-2282. doi:10.1007/s00261-016-0780-1Merke DP, Auchus RJ.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.New England J Med.2020:383(13):1248–1261. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1909786Jha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008ha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008American Cancer Society.What is gestational trophoblastic disease?MedlinePlus.Choriocarcinoma.MedlinePlus.Progesterone test.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Progesterone test.Society for Endocrinology.What is progesterone?Nagy B, Szekeres-Bartho J, Kovacs GL.Key to life: physiological role and clinical Implications of progesterone.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Oct;22(20):11039. doi:10.3390/ijms222011039American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are some common signs of pregnancy?Gangakhedkar GR, Kulkarni AP.Physiological changes in pregnancy.Indian J Crit Care Med.2021 Dec;25(Suppl 3):S189–S192. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24039North American Menopause Society.Hormone therapy: benefits & risks.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Progestin (oral route, parenteral route, vaginal route).Herrera AY, Faude S, Nielsen SE, Locke M, Mather M.Effects of hormonal contraceptive phase and progestin generation on stress-induced cortisol and progesterone release.Neurobiol Stress. 2019;10:100151. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100151National Library of Medicine.Ovarian cysts.Bonde AA, Korngold EK, Foster BR, et al.Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics.Abdom Radiol (NY). 2016;41(11):2270-2282. doi:10.1007/s00261-016-0780-1Merke DP, Auchus RJ.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.New England J Med.2020:383(13):1248–1261. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1909786Jha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008ha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008American Cancer Society.What is gestational trophoblastic disease?MedlinePlus.Choriocarcinoma.MedlinePlus.Progesterone test.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Progesterone test.Society for Endocrinology.What is progesterone?Nagy B, Szekeres-Bartho J, Kovacs GL.Key to life: physiological role and clinical Implications of progesterone.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Oct;22(20):11039. doi:10.3390/ijms222011039American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are some common signs of pregnancy?Gangakhedkar GR, Kulkarni AP.Physiological changes in pregnancy.Indian J Crit Care Med.2021 Dec;25(Suppl 3):S189–S192. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24039North American Menopause Society.Hormone therapy: benefits & risks.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Progestin (oral route, parenteral route, vaginal route).Herrera AY, Faude S, Nielsen SE, Locke M, Mather M.Effects of hormonal contraceptive phase and progestin generation on stress-induced cortisol and progesterone release.Neurobiol Stress. 2019;10:100151. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100151National Library of Medicine.Ovarian cysts.Bonde AA, Korngold EK, Foster BR, et al.Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics.Abdom Radiol (NY). 2016;41(11):2270-2282. doi:10.1007/s00261-016-0780-1Merke DP, Auchus RJ.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.New England J Med.2020:383(13):1248–1261. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1909786Jha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008ha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008American Cancer Society.What is gestational trophoblastic disease?MedlinePlus.Choriocarcinoma.MedlinePlus.Progesterone test.
National Library of Medicine.Progesterone test.
Society for Endocrinology.What is progesterone?
Nagy B, Szekeres-Bartho J, Kovacs GL.Key to life: physiological role and clinical Implications of progesterone.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Oct;22(20):11039. doi:10.3390/ijms222011039
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are some common signs of pregnancy?
Gangakhedkar GR, Kulkarni AP.Physiological changes in pregnancy.Indian J Crit Care Med.2021 Dec;25(Suppl 3):S189–S192. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24039
North American Menopause Society.Hormone therapy: benefits & risks.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Progestin (oral route, parenteral route, vaginal route).
Herrera AY, Faude S, Nielsen SE, Locke M, Mather M.Effects of hormonal contraceptive phase and progestin generation on stress-induced cortisol and progesterone release.Neurobiol Stress. 2019;10:100151. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100151
National Library of Medicine.Ovarian cysts.
Bonde AA, Korngold EK, Foster BR, et al.Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics.Abdom Radiol (NY). 2016;41(11):2270-2282. doi:10.1007/s00261-016-0780-1
Merke DP, Auchus RJ.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.New England J Med.2020:383(13):1248–1261. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1909786
Jha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008
ha S, Turcu AF.Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what do endocrinologists need to know?Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2021 Mar;50(1):151–165. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.10.008
American Cancer Society.What is gestational trophoblastic disease?
MedlinePlus.Choriocarcinoma.
MedlinePlus.Progesterone test.
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