Print
Email
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not yet reached menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of progesterone in the body. Progesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy. Progesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of progesterone?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
-
sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
-
chest pain, pounding heartbeats;
-
migraine headache;
-
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
a breast lump; or
-
symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild nausea, diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps;
-
dizziness;
-
mild headache;
-
muscle pain;
-
breast pain or tenderness;
-
cough;
-
acne or increased hair growth;
-
changes in weight;
-
vaginal itching, dryness, or discharge; or
-
feeling irritable.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
How should I use progesterone?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Progesterone is sometimes given for only a short period of time, such as 6 to 12 days at a time during each menstrual cycle. Following your dosing schedule is very important for this medication to be effective. Try not to miss any doses. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What is the most important information I should know about progesterone?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
What other drugs will affect progesterone?
There may be other drugs that can interact with progesterone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Progesterone has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed little to no evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm. Studies in women have not demonstrated significant increases in fetal malformations. Progesterone is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
A single case of cleft palate was observed in the child of a woman using progesterone in early pregnancy, however, causality has not been established. Rare instances of fetal death have been reported in pregnant women receiving progesterone for unapproved indications.
Detectable amounts of progesterone have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers, however, the effect on the nursing infant has not been determined. The manufacturer recommends that progesterone be administered to nursing mothers only when clearly necessary.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a progesterone overdose are not known.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using progesterone?
Some forms of this medication may contain peanut oil. Do not use progesterone without telling your doctor if you have a peanut allergy. Do not use progesterone if you have: a history of stroke or blood clot; circulation problems; a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer; abnormal vaginal bleeding; severe liver disease; if you are pregnant; or if you have recently had an incomplete or "missed" abortion. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use progesterone.
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
