Progesterone (natural Micronized)
About
Progesterone (natural Micronized) belongs to the class of medicines known as hormones used as hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women who have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Progesterone (natural Micronized) is also used to treat periods/menstruation in women of childbearing age who have not reached menopause but stopped having periods. It is also used to treat endometrial hyperplasia and female infertility.
Progesterone (natural Micronized) contains progesterone which is a female hormone. It helps regulate ovulation and menstruation in women. Progesterone (natural Micronized) induces secretory changes in the endometrium lining of the uterus, promotes breast development, relaxes the uterus, blocks the maturation and release of a follicle and maintains pregnancy.
Progesterone (natural Micronized) should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not break or chew the tablet/capsule in the mouth. This medicine may cause certain side effects such as dizziness, headache, mood changes, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.
Progesterone (natural Micronized) should be avoided if allergic to it. This medicine may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots or breast cancer; therefore, inform your doctor if you have/had any of these conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Progesterone (natural Micronized). This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so it is advised to avoid driving or performing activities that require concentration. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all current and previous medications to rule out any side effects. Avoid alcohol consumption as it might cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Uses of Progesterone (natural Micronized)
Medicinal Benefits
Progesterone (natural Micronized) is a hormone replacement treatment medication used in menopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Progesterone (natural Micronized) aids in the initiation of the menstrual cycle (periods) in women who have not yet reached menopause but have stopped receiving their periods. It also prevents uterine overgrowth in postmenopausal women receiving oestrogen as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Progesterone (natural Micronized) contains progesterone, which regulates ovulation and menstruation in women. It causes secretory changes in the uterine endometrium, stimulates breast growth, relaxes the uterus, prevents follicle maturation and release, and keeps the pregnancy going.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Progesterone (natural Micronized)
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Progesterone (natural Micronized) should be avoided if allergic to it. Use of Progesterone (natural Micronized) with estrogens should be avoided as it may increase the chance of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, blood clots and dementia. Do not use Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you are allergic to peanuts, have unusual vaginal bleeding, have had any cancer (breast or uterus cancer), or undergoing estrogen plus progestin treatment. Tell your doctor before using Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you have had a heart attack, stroke, blood clot, liver problems, kidney problems, asthma (wheezing), epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, migraine, endometriosis, lupus, heart problems, thyroid or have high calcium levels in your blood. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant. Be cautious while driving as Progesterone (natural Micronized) may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Progesterone (natural Micronized) may have an interaction with medicines, including anticonvulsants (acetazolamide and carbamazepine), anti-infectives (metronidazole, clindamycin), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) or herbal preparation (Ginkgo Biloba).
Drug-Food Interactions: Progesterone (natural Micronized) may interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice and St. John’s wort plant (used for anti-depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have breast cancer, liver disease, thromboembolism, depression, fluid retention (oedema), glucose intolerance, retinal thrombosis (blocked vein of the retina of the eye), thyroid disease, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), uterine bleeding, ovarian cyst and weight gain (obesity).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeProgesterone (natural Micronized) is a Category B medicine. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant, or planning pregnancy inform your doctor before starting treatment with Progesterone (natural Micronized). Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionClinical evidence suggests that Progesterone (natural Micronized) may pass into breast milk but its risk is not established. Hence, inform your doctor before starting treatment with Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionProgesterone (natural Micronized) may cause dizziness and drowsiness. It is advised to avoid driving or operating machines after taking this medicine.
Liver
unsafeProgesterone (natural Micronized) is not recommended for use in liver impairment patients. Hence inform your doctor if you have liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionThere is not enough scientific data available for Progesterone (natural Micronized) interaction with the kidney. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeProgesterone (natural Micronized) is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- 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.
- Do regular exercise and physical activity to minimize hot flushes and improve sleep.
- 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.
- Weight-bearing exercises can help in making your bone strong. Aerobics, yoga and activities like tai chi may help in relaxing the body and mind.
Special Advise
- Tell your health care professional that you are taking Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you are scheduled for any laboratory tests.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Female Infertility: It is a condition in which a woman is not able to become pregnant within a year of trying. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also considered infertility.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): It is a treatment that replaces/boost hormones that are at a low level and helps relieve symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and reduced sex drive.
Amenorrhoea: It is the absence of more than three menstrual periods continuously in a woman of childbearing age due to a lack of progesterone.
Endometrial hyperplasia: It is a condition where the uterus lining (endometrium) becomes unusually thick due to excessive cells (hyperplasia).
FAQs
Progesterone (natural Micronized) induces secretory changes in the uterus's endometrium lining, promotes breast development, relaxes the uterus, blocks the maturation and release of a follicle and maintains pregnancy.
Do not use Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you are allergic to peanuts, have unusual vaginal bleeding, have had any cancer (breast or uterus cancer), or undergoing estrogen plus progestin treatment. Tell your doctor before using Progesterone (natural Micronized) if you have a heart attack, stroke, blood clot, liver problems, are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant or are allergic to Progesterone (natural Micronized).
Progesterone (natural Micronized) helps in preparing the endometrium potential for pregnancy after ovulation. It thickens the lining of the endometrium to accept a fertilized egg. It also prevents muscle contractions of the uterus that would reject an egg in the uterus.
Abnormal uterine bleeding, irregular or missed periods (amenorrhea), abdominal pain during pregnancy and frequent miscarriages are the signs of low progesterone. Additionally, low progesterone levels lead to high levels of estrogen, and women can have decreased sex drive, weight gain or gallbladder problems.
