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Progestogen (body-identical progesterone)

Progesterone: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Utrogestan, Prometrium, micronized progesterone, Cyclogest, Crinone.

Ces informations sont fournies à titre indicatif uniquement et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute préoccupation médicale personnelle. En cas d'urgence, appelez votre numéro d'urgence local.

What it is used for

  • Protecting the womb lining as the progestogen part of menopausal hormone therapy
  • Supporting the womb lining in fertility treatment and early pregnancy (under specialist care)
  • Some menstrual cycle and luteal support uses

How it works

It is a form of progesterone very similar to the body's own hormone. It balances estrogen's effect on the womb lining and supports the lining when extra progesterone is needed.

How it is taken

Available as oral capsules and as vaginal capsules, pessaries, or gel. The route and schedule depend on the reason for use. Take or insert it exactly as your doctor directs, as timing matters; oral forms are often taken at night because they can cause drowsiness.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness or dizziness (especially oral forms)
  • Headache
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating
  • Changes in bleeding
  • Vaginal irritation with vaginal forms

Serious effects — get help

  • Signs of a blood clot (painful swollen calf, sudden breathlessness, chest pain)
  • Severe drowsiness or fainting
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Unexpected heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Liver-enzyme-inducing medicines (some epilepsy and TB drugs, St John's Wort)
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines may add to drowsiness with oral forms
  • Tell your clinician about all medicines

Who should take care

  • Tell your clinician about any history of blood clots, liver disease, hormone-sensitive cancer, or unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Oral forms can cause drowsiness, so take care with driving and take at night if advised
  • Report any unexpected bleeding
  • Use the exact route and schedule prescribed

Frequently asked questions

Why is it taken at night?
Oral micronized progesterone can cause drowsiness, so it is often taken at bedtime to limit daytime sleepiness.
Why use the vaginal route?
The vaginal route delivers progesterone closer to the womb and may cause less drowsiness, which is why it is often used in fertility treatment.
Why do I need it with estrogen in HRT?
If you still have a womb, progesterone protects the womb lining from the effects of estrogen alone.
Is this the same as the progestogen pill?
It is closely related to your body's own progesterone, while contraceptive progestogens are different synthetic versions used at different doses.
Is Progesterone safe to take?
For most people it is safe when taken exactly as a doctor or pharmacist advises and as printed on the label. Tell your clinician about your other medicines and health conditions, and seek urgent care for any serious reaction.

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