progesterone at a glance
Medicine class
Natural progestogen hormone.
Main uses
Protecting the womb lining with oestrogen HRT, supporting fertility treatment and preventing preterm birth in selected high-risk singleton pregnancies.
Available routes
Depending on the product, progesterone may be swallowed or used vaginally. Cyclogest can also be used rectally for some indications.
Contraception
Progesterone used for HRT or fertility support is not contraception.
What is progesterone used for?
UK progesterone products have formulation-specific licences and are not interchangeable for every indication.
Used with oestrogen as HRT in postmenopausal people who still have a womb.
Luteal support during assisted reproductive treatment, including IVF, using specified vaginal products.
Crinone is licensed for infertility associated with an inadequate luteal phase and specified IVF settings.
Cyclogest is licensed for premenstrual syndrome, puerperal depression and prevention of preterm birth in selected high-risk singleton pregnancies.
How does progesterone work?
Progesterone converts an oestrogen-stimulated womb lining into a secretory lining. This limits excessive thickening during HRT, makes the lining receptive to an embryo and helps maintain early pregnancy. In preterm-birth prevention, it also helps reduce uterine activity and cervical changes.
progesterone preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Vaginal gel
Route: Vaginal
Strengths: 8%
How to take progesterone
Use only by the route stated on the prescription and follow the product leaflet or clinic instructions.
Swallow oral capsules whole and away from food, which increases progesterone absorption.
Insert vaginal capsules deeply into the vagina.
Use the supplied reusable applicator for Lutigest tablets and wash and dry it afterwards.
Use Crinone’s single-use pre-filled applicator and discard it afterwards.
Cyclogest may be inserted vaginally or rectally as directed. Some leakage can occur.
Check with the prescriber before using another vaginal medicine.
progesterone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache, dizziness, tiredness or sleepiness
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort, bloating or cramping
- Mood changes
- Spotting or changes in bleeding
- Vaginal irritation, burning, discharge, soreness or leakage with local products
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, pulmonary embolism, stroke or retinal thrombosis
- Severe allergic reaction
- Yellow skin or eyes or other evidence of liver dysfunction
- New severe headache, sudden visual disturbance or marked neurological symptoms
- Worsening severe depression or concerning mood symptoms
- Persistent, heavy or otherwise unexplained vaginal bleeding
progesterone in pregnancy
Advice depends on the product and indication. Vaginal progesterone may be prescribed by fertility specialists during early pregnancy, while Cyclogest is licensed later in selected high-risk pregnancies to prevent preterm birth. Oral progesterone used for HRT should be stopped and the prescriber contacted if pregnancy occurs. Progesterone is not contraception.
progesterone interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal products and vaginal treatments. Interactions vary by formulation.
Enzyme inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John’s wort
May increase progesterone breakdown and reduce its effect.
Azole antifungals
Some may increase progesterone exposure; vaginal products may alter absorption from local progesterone formulations.
Common questions about progesterone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is progesterone the same as a progestogen?
Progesterone is a naturally occurring progestogen. Micronised progesterone is chemically identical to the hormone produced by the body.
Why is progesterone prescribed with oestrogen HRT?
In someone with a womb, it limits oestrogen-driven thickening of the womb lining and reduces the associated risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
More questions about progesterone
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.