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Overview: Progesterone is a progestin hormone that is available in both capsule and injection forms. Progesterone is used to treat certain menstrual problems or prevent thickening of the uterine lining in certain people after menopause who are taking estrogen. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, breast tenderness, and stomach discomfort. Before using progesterone, make sure to tell your health care provider if you are allergic to peanuts or sesame seeds. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or vision changes.

Uses

What is progesterone used for?

Progesterone is commonly used for the following conditions.

These uses may vary depending on the specific progesterone product prescribed.

Progesterone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does progesterone work (mechanism of action)?

Progesterone is a progestin hormone that is needed for regular menstrual periods. It helps balance the effects of estrogen in the body. This medicine decreases the chance of uterine cancer when taken with an estrogen-containing medicine. Progesterone has an important role in regulating the lining of the uterus, ensuring it grows and sheds properly and does not become overly thick.

How is progesterone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Prometrium

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg, 200 mg oral capsules

Progesterone is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store progesterone?

Progesterone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 Fand 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of progesterone?

The most common side effects of progesterone are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on what progesterone dosage form you use. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach bloating or cramps
  • Drowsiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Vaginal discharge or vaginal yeast infection
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness or pain 
  • Acne
  • Changes in menstrual bleeding (see below) 
  • Changes in mood (see below)
  • Urinary tract infection 
  • Hair loss or growth of new hair 
  • Fluid retention (see below)
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness where the medicine is injected

There may be other side effects of progesterone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of progesterone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of progesterone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Progesterone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using progesterone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Progesterone may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), in the back of your eye (retinal vein occlusion), or in your legs or arms (deep venous thrombosis). Stop using progesterone and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes
  • Double vision

Fluid Retention (Edema). Progesterone can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious problems in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Changes in Mood. Progesterone may cause changes in mood, including depression. Call your health care provider right away if you have new or increased depression or other unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Changes in Menstrual Bleeding. Progesterone can cause your period to become longer, heavier, or painful. It can also cause frequent spotting or light bleeding between periods. For some people, periods will stop after using progesterone. Call your health care provider right away if bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it has been light or absent.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use progesterone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use progesterone.

  • Benzyl alcohol (progesterone injection)
  • Peanuts (progesterone capsules)
  • Progesterone
  • Prometrium
  • Sesame oil or seeds (progesterone injection)
  • Any other medicine known as a progestin 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific progesterone products they stock.

Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Progesterone should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus or vagina that is not part of your menstrual cycle or is unusual.

Cancer. Progesterone should not be used if you have, suspect, or have had breast cancer or a cancer of the genital organs (ovaries, cervix, etc.). Some cancers are sensitive to hormones and could worsen if you use progesterone.

Blood Clots. Progesterone should not be used if you have or have had blood clots, including a stroke, heart attack, blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), blood clot in the eyes, or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Progesterone can increase your risk of developing a blood clot that could be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Liver Problems. Progesterone should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to use this medicine.

Pregnancy. Do not use progesterone if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or have had a recent miscarriage with some tissue from the pregnancy still in the uterus. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about progesterone before using it?

Do not use progesterone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share progesterone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep progesterone out of the reach of children.

Take progesterone capsules once a day at bedtime because the medicine can cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, take the medicine with a glass of water while in the standing position.

Progesterone injection is injected into the muscle. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use progesterone. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Progesterone is not usually taken continuously on a daily basis. Depending on why you are using the medicine, your health care provider may have you use it for a limited number of days each month. Consider using a calendar or app to help you remember when to use it next.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from progesterone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Progesterone can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how progesterone affects you.

Perform monthly self-breast exams and have regular pelvic exams (female exam), breast exams (done by a health care provider), and mammograms (X-ray to look closely at breast tissue) before taking progesterone and during treatment with it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using progesterone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if progesterone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Tobacco Use. Smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk of getting heart disease, which increases your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Tell your health care provider if you use any tobacco products before starting progesterone.

Upcoming Surgery or Bed Rest. You may be at increased risk for some side effects of progesterone if you do not move around normally for an extended period of time. Tell your health care provider if you have any upcoming surgeries or need to be on bed rest. Your health care provider can tell you if or when you need to stop taking progesterone.

Hysterectomy. Tell your health care provider if you have had a hysterectomy and are taking this medicine with an estrogen. Progesterone is taken with an estrogen to decrease the chance of getting cancer of the uterus.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Progesterone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using vaginal progesterone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Progesterone should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using progesterone, stop using the medicine right away and contact your health care provider.

Breastfeeding. Progesterone can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use progesterone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does progesterone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between progesterone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect progesterone.

Does progesterone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with progesterone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much progesterone?

If you or someone else has used too much progesterone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of progesterone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. As this medicine may not be used on some days, call your health care provider if you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose.

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