Drug
Progesterone Micronized
Pronounced
"pro-JESS-ter-own"
Uses
Progesterone is a type of hormone (progestin). This medication is similar to the progesterone that your body naturally makes and is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of it. In women who are not pregnant and not going through menopause, this medication is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months (amenorrhea).
Progesterone is also used as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to reduce menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes). Progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus.
This medication is not for use in children.
Progesterone must not be used to test for pregnancy.
Warning
Progesterone is sometimes used with another medication (a type of estrogen) as combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women after menopause. Combination HRT may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs), dementia, and breast cancer. Some of these risks appear to depend on the length of treatment and other factors. Combination HRT should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose so you can obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Combination HRT should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment and your personal health history with your doctor. If you take combination HRT, check with your doctor regularly (such as every 3-6 months) to see if you still need to take it.
If you use this medication for an extended period, you should have a complete physical exam at regular intervals (such as once a year) or as directed by your doctor. See also Notes section.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to maintain pregnancy.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day at bedtime. If you have trouble swallowing the pills, take with a full glass of water while standing up. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.