High levels of progesterone can have a variety of effects on a person's body. For example, pregnant women generally have higher levels of progesterone and experience effects such as fewer migraines and increased fatigue. Higher levels of progesterone are also important for conception and maintenance of pregnancy. As for men, higher levels of progesterone can be helpful in treating infertility or inducing a state of calm. Unfortunately, increased levels of this hormone can also cause negative effects in men, such as fatigue and joint pain.
In women, high levels of progesterone may provide protection against miscarriage. After ovulation, a woman experiences a surge in progesterone that helps maintain conditions in the uterus that are favorable for implantation of a fertilized egg. However, once the egg is implanted, high levels of progesterone still have an important role to play. In such a case, the increase in progesterone helps prevent the lining of the woman's uterus from breaking down and she is unable to carry her pregnancy. Additionally, the increase in progesterone helps ensure that the developing baby receives adequate amounts of oxygen early in pregnancy, as well as a type of sugar known as glucose.
High levels of progesterone can also help women who suffer from migraines. This effect is often evident in women who are pregnant and experience higher levels of progesterone over a longer period of time. In women who had migraines before pregnancy, the incidence of migraines may decrease along with rising progesterone levels.
Many women also find that high levels of progesterone cause fatigue. This is due to the fact that progesterone has a sedative effect on the body. This is often seen as a negative effect, as a person with higher levels of the hormone may feel tired and sluggish. However, the sedative effects of this hormone can be positive, such as when it is used to help people who have seizure disorders. In such a case, high levels of progesterone can help decrease the types of brain activity associated with seizures.
Progesterone levels also affect men. High levels can, for example, help men struggling with infertility or induce a calm, relaxed state. However, at abnormally high levels, the hormone can cause unpleasant effects. As with women, high levels of progesterone often cause fatigue in men. Some men may also experience joint pain and problems with the way their bodies process glucose when they have high levels of progesterone.