Generic
Progesterone
16 brands available in the market
At a glance
Progesterone is a natural female sex hormone used for menstrual and pregnancy-related issues caused by hormonal imbalance, as a part of hormone replacement therapy for preventing endometrial hyperplasia, and for maintenance of pregnancy in women at higher risk of miscarriage.
Description
Progesterone is the main hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. It induces secretory changes in the endometrium, promotes mammary gland development, relaxes the uterus, blocks follicular maturation and ovulation, and maintains pregnancy. The micronized formulation provides better absorption.
Indications
- Progestogen component of menopausal hormone replacement therapy
- Amenorrhea
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Prevention of endometrial hyperplasia
- Maintenance of pregnancy in women at higher risk of miscarriage
Therapeutic class
Progestogen
Pharmacological class
Natural Progesterone (Micronized)
Pharmacology
Progesterone is the main hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. It induces secretory changes in the endometrium, promotes mammary gland development, relaxes the uterus, blocks follicular maturation and ovulation, and maintains pregnancy.
Mechanism of action
Helps maintain pregnancy by relaxing the uterus and inducing endometrial changes.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Menopausal HRT: 200 mg daily as a single nightly dose for 12-14 days each month
- Amenorrhea: 400 mg daily for 10 days
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding: 400 mg daily for 10 days
- Prevention of endometrial hyperplasia: 200 mg at night for 12 days per 28-day cycle
Vaginal Gel Dose:
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding/Amenorrhea: 45 mg every other day from days 15-25 of the cycle; increase to 90 mg in non-responders
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
Precautions & warnings
- May affect driving ability; do not drive if drowsy or dizzy
- Inform doctor if you have breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or liver disease
- Pregnancy testing and uterine monitoring may be required
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to progesterone
- Thrombophlebitis
- Cerebral apoplexy
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Incomplete abortion
- Hormone-dependent carcinoma
- Pregnancy (as a diagnostic test)
Drug interactions
No known interactions.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Progesterone.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Safe during pregnancy; most studies have shown low or no risk to the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant transfer to breast milk and no harm to the baby.
Pediatric use
Not applicable for pediatric use.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; consult your doctor.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information on use in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information on use in liver disease; severe hepatic impairment contraindicated; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if taken in excess.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Progesterone