Men’s Health

“Men’s Wellness at Every Stage”

Progesterone in Men:
Symptoms & Benefits

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated – February 05, 2020 ✓ Evidence Based

People don’t often talk about progesterone in men; it does serve an important purpose.

Progesterone is primarily a female sex hormone, but it is produced in small amounts within men. Many people don’t realize that progesterone is a precursor to numerous hormones, including testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. With decreased levels of progesterone, you may experience a lack of sex drive or infertility. This hormone also affects the metabolism, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, when progesterone in men is suppressed, it can lead to estrogen dominance and the manifestation of certain unwanted symptoms.

Progesterone plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.

Symptoms of Low Progesterone in Men

The most obvious symptoms of low progesterone in men include the following:

Nervousness
Prostate enlargement
Fatigue
Low sex drive

Jacob Rajfer, University of California, Los Angeles, published a study in the Reviews in Urology Journal, which states that if estrogen begins to dominate testosterone, it may cause a higher risk of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms and lack a clear explanation, it may be time to see a doctor and have your hormone levels measured.

Benefits of Progesterone for Men

If you have proper levels of progesterone, it can help in the following:

Manage symptoms of depression
Regulate blood sugar
Lower your risk of heart diseases
Anticancer potential
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

The role this hormone plays in regulating several functions is often overlooked, and many people ignore this symptom or are unaware of it until it is too late. As with any hormone in the body, an imbalance can cause problems with the management of stress and can also negatively impact your overall health.

Having the right amount of progesterone will also help to prevent prostate cancer, and improve mineral uptake from your diet, which can protect against osteoporosis. This hormone is even involved in energy metabolism and can ensure that our bodies efficiently use the nutrients that we consume.

Progesterone in Men Side Effects

If your doctor recommends progesterone supplementation, it is important not to consume too much, or there can be side effects since progesterone naturally [6] counters estrogen. In other words, more progesterone means more estrogen, which can lead to the following: