Progesterone

Common use

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. It is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone is produced in high amounts in females by the ovaries. It is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands both males and females.

Dosage and direction

Use progesterone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take the capsule with a full glass of water. It is best to take the medicine at night because this medicine can make you dizzy or drowsy.
Progesterone is sometimes used for only a short time, such as 10 to 12 days during each menstrual cycle. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Precautions

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, circulation problems; migraines; asthma; kidney disease; seizures or epilepsy; a history of depression; or risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, high cholesterol, family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, being overweight).
Using progesterone can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer.

Contraindications

You should not use progesterone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; a history of breast cancer; liver disease; a peanut allergy; if you are pregnant; if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot within the past year; or if you have recently had an incomplete miscarriage or "missed" abortion.
Do not use progesterone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Progesterone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Progesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Possible side effect

Common progesterone side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness; breast pain; mood changes; headache; constipation, diarrhea, heartburn; bloating, swelling in your hands or feet; joint pain; hot flashes; or vaginal discharge.

Drug interaction

There may be other drugs that can interact with progesterone. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose of this medication.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children.