What are Effects of Progesterone?
Progesterone is a female hormone, produced by the ovary that regulates ovulation and menstration [menstruation]. Progesterone is also referred as "pregnancy hormone" since it helps in maintaining pregnancy. There are some positive as well as some negative or side-effects of progesterone.
Positive Effects of Progesterone
As progesterone is a hormone of pregnancy, it has many beneficial effects in the development of a baby.
- An increased progesterone level during ovulation thickens uterus lining (endometrium) making it capable of carrying a fertilized egg. Thus progesterone maintains secretory endometrium. Therefore it is very much essential for the survival of embryo.
- By regulating the effects of estrogen, progesterone prevents endometrial cancer.
- One of the effects of progesterone is that it slows down lactation during pregnancy so that milk doesn't come out before the childbirth.
- Progesterone protects body against breast fibrocysts.
- Progesterone helps in preventing breast cancer.
- Progesterone helps in decreasing the contractility of uterine lining smoothing the muscles.
- The onset of labor is facilitated due to a drop in progesterone levels.
Other than these effects, other beneficial effects of progesterone include:
- Progesterone is a natural anti-depressant and a natural diuretic
- Progesterone reduces gall-bladder activity
- It normalizes blood clotting, zinc and copper levels
- It helps in maintaining blood sugar levels
- It promotes sleep
- It regulates immune response
- It assists in thyroid hormone function
- It assists in the final development of female breast during adolescence
- It helps in preventing autoimmune diseases
- It decreases the risk of prostate cancer
- It helps in improving vascular tone
- It helps in restoring proper cell oxygen levels
- Its helps in preventing cyclical migraines
Negative or Side-effects of Progesterone
Women with low levels of progesterone often take progesterone supplements. These supplements help them in maintaining pregnancy. Post-menopausal woman also takes progesterone during hormone replacement theory. Along with the beneficial effects of progesterone there are several side-effects of progesterone that include:
Common Side-effects of Progesterone
- Fluid retention
- Anxiety
- Acne
- Irritability
- Breast tenderness
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Problems with urination
- Vaginal discharge
- Skin rashes
- Mood swings
- Abdominal pain
Serious Side-effects of Progesterone
As progesterone increase blood clotting it may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes or blood clots in lungs. If you experience the symptoms like blurred vision, tingling or numbness in arms or legs and pain in chest, you are on the way of having serious side-effects of progesterone. Serious side-effects of progesterone include:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe migraine headaches
- Uncontrolled shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Breast lumps
- Heart problems
- Sleeping disorders like inability to sleep
- Hair loss
- Facial hair growth
- Kidney problems
- Premenstrual discomfort
- Decreased blood sugar levels
- Decreased blood pressure
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- An allergic reaction
- A painful, red, swollen leg
The serious side-effects mentioned above may be life-threatening or cause permanent disability. Therefore if you experience any of the above-mentioned side-effects stop taking progesterone and seek a medical advice immediately.