Will Progesterone Cause Weight Gain?
Progesterone, a key hormone in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, can influence weight due to its effects on water retention, appetite, and metabolism. While some people may experience slight weight gain from fluid retention or increased hunger, others may not notice significant changes. The impact varies based on individual factors such as dosage, hormonal balance, and lifestyle.
This article will go over the factors that affect weight, the connection between progesterone and weight gain, and how to deal with any possible side effects.
Introduction:
One hormone that is essential for controlling the menstrual cycle, promoting pregnancy, and preserving general reproductive health is progesterone. Progesterone is often prescribed to women for a variety of reasons, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control, and medical disorders. People who use progesterone-based therapy frequently worry about whether the hormone may make them gain weight.
Progesterone is a hormone normally generated by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta during pregnancy. It is essential for maintaining the early stages of pregnancy, preparing the body for pregnancy, and controlling the menstrual cycle. Many people, especially those who use hormone treatments or birth control tablets that contain progesterone or artificial progestins, are concerned about the link between progesterone and weight gain.
Weight is not controlled directly by progesterone. Weight changes can be caused by variations in progesterone levels. To maintain balance in the body, progesterone interacts with other hormones, particularly estrogen.
What Is Progesterone?
A naturally occurring hormone, progesterone is generated during pregnancy by the placenta, adrenal glands, and ovaries. After ovulation, it prepares the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy, which is its primary function in the body. In addition to promoting early pregnancy, progesterone keeps the uterine lining healthy and stops additional ovulation.
Progesterone affects mood, metabolism, fluid balance, and other body functions in addition to reproductive health. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills, and menopausal treatments are examples of hormonal therapies that use synthetic progesterone or progestin to imitate the effects of natural progesterone.
What Are the Effects of Progesterone on the Body?
Understanding how progesterone functions in the body is important before delving into whether it can lead to weight gain.
There are several important roles for progesterone:
- Controlling the Menstrual Cycle: Progesterone stops additional ovulation during pregnancy and helps in preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy.
- Supporting Pregnancy: By keeping the body from rejecting the growing embryo, the hormone promotes early pregnancy and helps preserve the uterine lining.
- Hormonal Balance: Throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, progesterone maintains hormonal balance by cooperating with oestrogen and other hormones.
The connection between progesterone and controlling body weight is more complex, given these vital body processes.
How Progesterone Affects Weight:
Progesterone’s interaction with estrogen is one of the main ways it can affect weight. Progesterone and estrogen create a healthy balance in our bodies when hormone levels are most effective, controlling each other’s effects. Progesterone helps regulate the effects of estrogen on some tissues by limiting the function of two estrogen receptors in those tissues.
Progesterone helps our systems digest that fat and burn it for energy, whereas estrogen encourages the storage of energy as fat, especially in the hips and breasts. Progesterone is an effective diuretic that permits water outflow and reduces fluid retention, whereas estrogen (together with the adrenal hormone aldosterone) helps in salt and water retention.
Progesterone does not result in weight loss in any of these conditions. Rather, it lessens the effect of other hormones on weight gain. Together, estrogen and progesterone support healthy, productive weight maintenance by balancing all of these factors.
Weight gain can happen when these systems of balance go awry due to low progesterone levels. Although our bodies benefit greatly from the many amazing things that estrogen does, we may dominate estrogen if we don’t have enough progesterone to control it. Hormonal changes lead us to feel full, cramped, and angry, and our thighs feel like they’re holding on to weight that wasn’t there before.
Can Weight Gain Be Caused by Progesterone?
When utilizing progesterone or progestin-based therapies, weight gain is a common problem. Although it’s frequently believed that progesterone causes weight gain directly, the truth is more complex. Progesterone typically doesn’t cause noticeable weight gain on its own, although it can cause short-term weight changes through a few mechanisms:
- Water Retention
Fluid retention is among the most common side effects of progesterone medication. Water retention and an unexpected gain in weight are caused by progesterone’s potential to cause the body to retain sodium. This kind of weight gain is frequently linked to edema or bloating rather than an increase in fat mass.
When natural progesterone levels rise during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the second half), fluid retention is common and frequently appears as swelling in the breasts, ankles, or abdomen. Even though this weight increase is typically temporary and goes away when progesterone levels fall, progesterone medication users may still find it irritating.
- An increase in hunger
Progesterone may affect hunger as well. When taking progesterone-based medications, some people report feeling hungrier or looking for particular meals. An increase in caloric intake could result from this, which over time might cause weight gain. This impact, however, is different from person to person and might not be felt by everyone.
Progesterone’s activity on the brain’s hunger-regulating regions is assumed to be the mechanism underlying its effect on appetite. Changes in appetite may result from progesterone’s effects on the balance of other hunger-related hormones, including ghrelin and leptin.
- Alterations in the storage of fat
It is currently unclear how progesterone directly affects fat gain; however, it can affect fat metabolism and storage. Progesterone may encourage fat storage, particularly when combined with other hormones or in individuals who are genetically subject to gaining weight. Progesterone’s effect on fat storage leads to weight increase, but this effect is often mild, and it is not a given that everyone will experience it.
- Modifications to Metabolism
Progesterone may affect fat storage and metabolic rate, though these effects are often mild and vary from person to person. Progesterone can increase the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the quantity of energy the body uses when it is at rest. However, any improvement in metabolism might not be sufficient to counteract other factors like changes in hunger or fluid retention.
Progesterone may also have an effect on the distribution of fat, especially during pregnancy when it encourages the storage of fat to supply energy for the growing fetus. Although progesterone is usually not a major contributor to long-term weight gain, its effects on weight gain are more noticeable in pregnant women but can also be seen in non-pregnant people using progesterone medications.
- Stress and Mood Levels
Progesterone is one hormone that might affect mood. Progesterone use may cause changes in mood, irritability, or sadness in certain people. These mood changes might lead to emotional eating or other weight-gaining habits. In this example, people may be more likely to turn to food for comfort if progesterone-induced mood swings raise stress levels.
- Hormonal imbalance
Progesterone therapy may occasionally upset the balance of other hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen. Changes in metabolism, fat storage, or appetite regulation may result from these imbalances, which could affect weight changes.
Additional Factors That Affect Weight Gain:
Progesterone may affect weight; however, when assessing weight changes, other factors should also be taken into account. These could consist of:
- Age: Women’s metabolic rates decrease with age, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
- Lifestyle: No matter what hormone effects, a lack of activity, poor eating, and inactivity can all play a major role in weight growth.
- Other Medications: Weight gain or changes may be caused by additional medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and some forms of contraception.
- Stress and Sleep: Cortisol, a stress hormone that may promote weight gain, is raised by both high levels of stress and lack of sleep.
- Dosage & Progesterone Type: Each person may utilize a different amount and kind of progesterone. Compared to natural progesterone, synthetic progestins, which are found in several medications, may have different side effects. Increased dosages may make fluid retention, hunger, and metabolism more likely.
- Underlying Medical Diseases: Thyroid issues and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are two examples of medical diseases that might alter how the body reacts to progesterone and affect weight changes. When taking progesterone, people with these illnesses may be more at risk for fluid retention or metabolic problems.
What Is the Average Weight Gain?
Any weight gain caused by progesterone medication is usually temporary and light for most people. Progesterone in HRT and birth control frequently only finds slight weight changes. Some individuals may gain a few pounds, although this is more likely owing to water retention, increased appetite, or other indirect factors rather than an actual increase in body fat.
If weight gain happens while taking progesterone, it normally goes away after you stop taking the medication or when your body gets used to the hormone. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare physician about this if you still have trouble changing your weight.
Managing Weight With Progesterone:
The following advice will help you deal with weight gain if it’s a concern of yours:
- Keep an eye on your diet: Try to keep a healthy, nutrient-dense diet and pay attention to how many calories you consume. Monitoring your eating patterns, determining what causes your appetite to increase, and making sure you’re eating healthily can all be achieved by keeping a food journal.
- Exercise Frequently: By improving metabolism, raising the consumption of calories, and decreasing fluid retention, regular exercise can help balance any possible weight gain. For weight control and general health, a mix of strength and aerobic training is best.
- Keep an eye on fluid retention: If you observe that you’re holding onto water, think about reducing back on salty foods and drinking more water. This may lessen some of the edema and gas.
- Keep Hydrated: Water or herbal teas can help prevent excessive bloating and help the body’s natural processes, as progesterone can lead to fluid retention. Stay away from processed foods and high salt intake since these might make water retention severe.
- Remain Aware of Stress and Emotional Eating: Think about using stress-reduction strategies like journaling, meditation, or therapy to help control your mood swings and emotional eating.
- Consult Your Physician: It’s important to talk to your healthcare practitioner about any major weight changes or additional side effects you may be experiencing while taking progesterone. They might advise you to try a different treatment or change your dosage. Weight increase may occasionally indicate a different underlying problem that needs to be managed.
Side Effects of Progesterone:
The hormone progesterone is essential for controlling the menstrual cycle, getting the body ready for pregnancy, and promoting the first few months of pregnancy. Although necessary for reproductive health, progesterone can have several side effects, particularly when taken as a medicine in the form of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or fertility therapies.
People can make better judgments regarding their hormone therapy and better handle any reactions that may arise if they are aware of the possible side effects of progesterone.
Common Progesterone Side Effects:
- Changes in Mood
Mood changes are among the most frequently observed side effects of progesterone. Treatments based on progesterone may cause irritation, anxiety, or even depression in certain people. With larger progesterone dosages, these mood swings may be more noticeable.
- Breast Swelling or Tenderness
Breasts may feel obese, painful, or irritated as a result of progesterone. As the body adjusts to hormonal changes, especially when beginning progesterone therapy, this side effect, which is frequently transient, can appear.
- Migraines and Headaches
Some persons have headaches or migraines as a result of progesterone-induced hormonal changes. This side effect is particularly prevalent in those who are hormonally sensitive, and it can be made worse by other things like stress or dehydration.
- Fluid Retention and Gas
Fluid retention, which has been connected to progesterone, can result in swelling or a fullness sensation, especially in the legs or belly. This side effect normally goes away as soon as the hormone levels return to normal.
- Exhaustion and weakness
Because of the calming effects of progesterone, people may experience particularly high levels of weakness or fatigue. This is particularly prevalent when using oral progesterone supplements or when natural progesterone levels increase during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
- Changes to the Menstrual Cycle
Progesterone, particularly when used as part of birth control or hormone replacement therapy, can change the menstrual cycle in several ways. This could involve missed periods, irregular periods, or spotting. These changes may be expected as a side effect of progesterone for those who use it to manage menstrual problems or as part of fertility treatments.
Less Common Side Effects of Progesterone:
- Weight Gain
As previously mentioned, progesterone can make some people gain weight, usually as a result of impaired metabolism, fluid retention, or reduced hunger. Usually, this weight increase is temporary and goes away when the body adjusts to the hormone or the medication is stopped.
- Changes in Vision
Progesterone may occasionally result in visual problems, such as blurred vision. It’s important to get in touch with a healthcare professional if this happens since it could be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, including elevated eye pressure.
- Digestive Problems (Vomiting, Nausea)
When using progesterone, especially orally, some people have digestive issues like nausea or vomiting. When progesterone medication first starts, these side effects are typically more prevalent and may go away as the body becomes used to it.
- Risk of Blood Clots
Although progesterone by itself is less likely than estrogen to cause blood clots, some progesterone-containing medications, especially those used in conjunction with estrogen, can make blood clots more likely. Those who are at high risk for cardiovascular events or have a history of clotting issues should be especially concerned about this.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Progesterone can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially if you stand up very quickly. This has to do with variations in the body’s fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Risk of Breast Cancer (Long-Term Use)
Long-term use of progesterone as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a marginally elevated risk of breast cancer. This risk seems to rise with the length of usage and is mostly linked to combined estrogen and progesterone therapy.
- Changes in the Skin
When taking progesterone, some people may have skin changes, including rashes or acne. Additionally, skin sensitivity may rise, especially in people who are already at risk for skin problems.
Serious Side Effects:
Progesterone use can have some major side effects; however, they are uncommon. Get medical help right away if you suffer from any of the symptoms listed below:
- Serious migraines or headaches that are continuous.
- Leg swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath could be signs of a blood clot or cardiovascular problems.
- Unexpected changes in vision or trouble seeing well.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe stomach pain, or black urine, all of which could indicate liver problems.
- Severe sadness or changes in mood, particularly if thoughts of self-harm occur.
Summary:
Although some people may gain weight as a result of progesterone, this effect is often mild and temporary. It’s important to realize that progesterone-caused weight gain is not always the result and that managing any possible weight changes can be achieved by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent exercise and a balanced diet.
Progesterone is typically not the sole cause of noticeable weight gain, though it may help with short-term weight changes. Any weight gain typically comes on by changes in hunger, fluid retention, or lifestyle choices. Any possible weight-related side effects can be lessened by being aware of how progesterone affects your body and by managing your diet, exercise, and general health activities.
Discuss potential alternatives or changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider if weight gain while taking progesterone is a concern. They can help ensure that any weight changes are managed and that your health is supported in the greatest way possible.
FAQ:
Is weight gain a direct result of progesterone?
It is doubtful that progesterone will directly result in noticeable weight gain. However, it can cause short-term weight changes, like increased appetite and water retention, which could lead to a few pounds of weight gain. Usually, an increase in body fat is not the cause of this.
Why does water retention result from progesterone?
Your body may retain fluid when progesterone is present, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle or around the time of menstruation. This water retention can cause gas, which can make you feel as though you’ve gained weight, but it normally disappears as soon as the hormone levels return to normal.
What is the effect of progesterone on appetite?
When using progesterone, some women report feeling more hungry, which could result in overeating. Progesterone can affect hormones that control hunger, causing you to feel more hungry than normal. Over time, this may contribute to weight gain if it increases caloric consumption.
Is gaining weight a typical progesterone side effect?
Progesterone medication has been known to cause weight gain; however, this side effect is usually modest and temporary. Rather than significant building up of fat, the majority of people gain weight as a result of water retention or changes in appetite. Progesterone does not always cause weight gain.
To what extent can progesterone cause weight gain?
If weight gain does happen, it’s usually only a few pounds. Rather than an increase in fat, weight gain is frequently caused by changes in eating habits or retaining water. These usually temporary changes may disappear if the body adjusts to the hormone.
Is fat storage a result of progesterone?
Although progesterone might have a minor effect on fat storage and metabolism, usually, there is very little impact on the production of fat. When compared to other factors, including diet, activity, and lifestyle, progesterone use rarely results in significant weight gain via fat storage.
Is it possible to reverse the weight gain caused by progesterone?
Yes, progesterone-caused weight gain, including water retention, is usually reversible. The excess fluid is often eliminated if progesterone is stopped or your body becomes used to it. It’s wise to speak with your healthcare physician if weight gain continues because it could be caused by other issues.
When using progesterone, how can I control my weight?
Keep a balanced diet, exercise frequently, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on your caloric intake to control your weight while taking progesterone. Try to control portion sizes and select healthful foods if you observe an increase in appetite to prevent consuming too much. Exercise can help reduce fluid retention and prevent any possible weight gain.
When taking progesterone, should I stop taking it if I gain weight?
Before changing your medicine, it’s important to consult your healthcare practitioner if you gain a lot of weight or if it causes you any concern. They might change your dosage, suggest an alternative method of treatment or contraception, or help you in resolving other underlying problems that are causing your weight gain.
Is there a progesterone alternative that doesn’t result in weight gain?
Alternative therapies for weight gain concerns include non-hormonal birth control methods or other hormone therapy choices that have less of an effect on weight. Your physician can help you with selecting the right plan of action depending on your preferences and health requirements.
What side effects might progesterone use cause?
Side effects are possible with progesterone. If any of these headache symptoms are severe or persistent, let your doctor know.
Headache
Soreness or tenderness in the breasts
Upset stomach
Diarrhea.
Constipation
Fatigue
If I use progesterone as part of hormone replacement treatment (HRT), would I put on weight?
When using progesterone as part of hormone replacement therapy, some people gain a little weight. This is typically caused by changes in appetite or fluid retention. However, not everyone has this side effect, and the weight increase is usually quite small. During hormone therapy, it’s important to keep an eye on your nutrition, exercise routine, and general health.
Does progesterone promote permanent weight gain?
No, progesterone normally causes a small increase in body weight. Most progesterone-related weight gain is caused by fluid retention, which usually goes away after therapy is finished or hormone levels return to normal. If changes in appetite are the cause of the weight gain, diet and activity modifications may also help control it.
How can I prevent weight gain caused by progesterone?
Hormonal weight gain can be managed and changed, and the associated health concerns that may arise if it is not treated can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, frequent exercise, enough sleep, and stress management.
References:
- C. C. M. Professional, January 9, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone Cleveland Clinic, “Progesterone.”
- Does weight gain occur after taking progesterone? On July 22, 2022, Inito. Progesterone causes weight gain, Inito. https://blog.inito.com/
- J. Brighten (2024, Oct. 4). Does weight gain occur after taking progesterone? Jolene Brighten, Dr. Do progesterone levels contribute to weight gain? https://drbrighten.com/
- Berry, K. June 13, 2024. Does weight gain result from progesterone? It depends… Fertility Mira. Progesterone weight gain: https://www.miracare.com/blog/
- August 7, 2024, Charlotte. Does weight gain occur after taking progesterone? The name is Bio ID Health. You can find out if progesterone causes weight gain at https://bioidhealth.com.
- Does weight gain occur after taking progesterone? 17 March 2024. Does progesterone cause weight gain? https://cabinethealth.com/blogs/journal/does-progesterone-cause-weight-gain?srsltid=AfmBOoqruoXhf3KGfMM93pzKy0ieKR9momgpD6Sh6WlL4TOWdjXJWrvQ