prasterone at a glance
Medicine class
Sex-hormone precursor converted locally into oestrogens and androgens
Licensed use
Moderate to severe vulval and vaginal atrophy after the menopause
Administration
A vaginal pessary inserted with a finger or the supplied applicator
Latex barrier devices
Avoid latex condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps because the preparation may damage them
Legal status
Class C, Schedule 4 Part 2 controlled drug
What is prasterone used for?
The selected product is licensed for local treatment after the menopause.
Moderate to severe vulval and vaginal atrophy, which may cause dryness, irritation and pain during sex.
How does prasterone work?
Prasterone is identical to naturally occurring dehydroepiandrosterone. In vaginal cells, it is converted locally into oestrogen and androgen metabolites that act on vaginal receptors, helping restore vaginal tissue and acidity towards postmenopausal normal ranges.
prasterone preparations and strengths
Pessary
Route: Vaginal
Strengths: 6.5 mg
How to take prasterone
Insert the pessary into the vagina as far as is comfortable without force, using a finger or the supplied applicator. Wash your hands first. If using the applicator, activate it before loading the pessary, then dismantle, rinse and dry it after use.
The hard-fat base melts after insertion, so some leakage or discharge can occur.
Treat a vaginal infection appropriately before starting prasterone.
Follow the pack leaflet for full applicator instructions.
prasterone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Vaginal discharge or leakage from the melting pessary base
- Abnormal cervical screening result, usually low-grade changes
- Weight fluctuation
Get urgent medical advice
- Painful red leg swelling, sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- A new migraine-like headache or symptoms of a marked rise in blood pressure
prasterone in pregnancy
Prasterone pessaries are intended only for postmenopausal women and are not indicated during pregnancy. Stop using them and contact the prescriber if pregnancy occurs; human pregnancy safety data are unavailable.
prasterone while breastfeeding
Prasterone pessaries are not indicated while breastfeeding. Discuss alternative management with the prescriber.
prasterone interactions
Combination with other hormonal treatments has not been adequately studied.
Systemic hormone replacement therapy
Combined use has not been investigated and is not recommended by the product information.
Vaginal oestrogens
Combined use has not been investigated and is not recommended.
Androgen treatment
Combined use has not been investigated and is not recommended.
Latex condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps
The hard-fat preparation may damage latex and reduce the reliability of these devices.
Common questions about prasterone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is prasterone the same as vaginal oestrogen?
No. Prasterone is a steroid precursor that vaginal cells convert into both oestrogen and androgen metabolites.
What menopausal symptoms can prasterone help?
It is licensed for moderate to severe vulval and vaginal atrophy, including symptoms such as dryness, irritation and painful sex.
Can prasterone be used after breast cancer?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.