Progesterone
About
Progesterone belongs to the class of drugs called female hormones primarily used in combination with oestrogen for hormone replacement therapy. Besides this, Progesterone also treat amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods) and prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickened uterus lining). Also, it is indicated for maintenance of pregnancy, in threatened abortion and prevention of preterm labour. Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment to relieve menopause symptoms. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach menopause.
Progesterone contains progesterone which works by replacing oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels in the body and providing relief from menopause symptoms.
You are advised to take Progesterone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, drowsiness, headache, mood changes, diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, joint pain, hot flashes (sudden feeling of warmth) or constipation. Most of these side effects of Progesterone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to soya, Progesterone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Progesterone if you have breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots or blood clotting disorder, liver disease, porphyria (a disorder in the formation of red blood pigment) or cerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain). Avoid taking Progesterone if you are pregnant as it may harm the unborn baby. You are advised to use effective birth control methods while taking Progesterone to prevent pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Progesterone. Drive only if you are alert as Progesterone may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Uses of Progesterone
Medicinal Benefits
Progesterone contains Progesterone that is used in combination with oestrogen for hormone replacement therapy. Also, Progesterone is used to treat amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods due to lack of progesterone) and prevent endometrial hyperplasia (unusually thick lining of the uterus). Progesterone replaces oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels in the body and helps in providing relief from menopause symptoms. Also, it is indicated for maintenance of pregnancy, in threatened abortion and prevention of preterm labour.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Progesterone
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Diarrhoea
- Vaginal discharge
- Joint pain
- Hot flashes (sudden feeling of warmth)
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to soya, Progesterone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Progesterone if you have breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots or blood clotting disorder, liver disease, porphyria (a disorder in the formation of red blood pigment) or cerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain). Avoid taking Progesterone if you are pregnant as it may harm the unborn baby. You are advised to use effective birth control methods while taking Progesterone to prevent pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Progesterone. Drive only if you are alert as Progesterone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine or severe headaches, gallstones, asthma, fits, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease) or if you ever had depression, inform your doctor before taking Progesterone. If you are about to undergo any surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Progesterone.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Progesterone may interact with anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifabutin, rifampicin), anti-HIV drugs (ritonavir, nevirapine, nelfinavir, efavirenz), benzodiazepine (diazepam), water tablet (spironolactone), immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), blood thinners (phenindione), skeletal muscle relaxants (tizanidine), antifungals (terbinafine, ketoconazole, griseofulvin).
Drug- Food Interaction: Progesterone may interact with St. Jonh’s wort (herbal supplement to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Progesterone if you have breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots or blood clotting disorder, liver disease, porphyria (a disorder in the formation of red blood pigment), or cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain). If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine or severe headaches, gallstones, asthma, fits, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), or if you ever had depression, inform your doctor before taking Progesterone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of Progesterone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Progesterone.
Pregnancy
cautionProgesterone supports pregnancy and helps in the maintenance of pregnancy. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before taking Progesterone.
Breast Feeding
cautionProgesterone may be excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionProgesterone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Progesterone.
Liver
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionProgesterone should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeProgesterone is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise and physical activity to minimize hot flushes and improve sleep. Aerobics, yoga, and activities like tai chi may help in relaxing the body and mind.
- Try to wear loose clothes before going to bed and sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room. Doing this can prevent symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats. Take minimum sleep of 8 hours.
- Avoid or limit intake of caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol, and spicy food, as these are known triggering agents for hot flushes.
- Try to be stress-free to improve your mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Quit smoking as it will help to reduce hot flushes and your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Special Advise
If you need to undergo any blood test, please inform the lab technician that you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as it may affect some test results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): It is a treatment to relieve menopause symptoms. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach menopause.
Amenorrhoea: It is the absence of menstrual periods in a woman of childbearing potential due to lack of progesterone.
Endometrial hyperplasia: It is a condition where the uterus lining (endometrium) becomes unusually thick due to excessive cells (hyperplasia).
FAQs
Progesterone contains Progesterone that works by replacing oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels in the body and helps in providing relief from menopause symptoms.
Progesterone may increase the risk of blood clots especially in patients with a history of blood clots. However, if you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty in breathing or painful swelling and redness of legs, stop taking Progesterone and consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs of blood clot.
If oestrogen is used alone for hormone replacement therapy, it may increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of uterus lining) and endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb). Oestrogen in combination with Progesterone reduces this risk.
You are recommended to inform your doctor that you are taking Progesterone as you may need to stop taking Progesterone 4 to 6 weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of blood clot.
Progesterone may increase the risk of uterine cancer. However, if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding, please consult a doctor immediately.
Progesterone is not a contraceptive. You are recommended to use additional contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy while taking Progesterone.
