Progesterone supplements are given to women who have trouble getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. Progesterone is also used to induce a withdrawal bleed each month in women taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. Progesterone supplements are injected, taken orally or inserted and absorbed vaginally. All progesterone supplements are synthetic, and different forms can cause different symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects occur commonly in people taking progesterone supplements. Typical side effects include nausea, reported in 22 percent of people using progesterone gel in clinical trials, Drugs.com states. Twenty percent of people report abdominal pain, and constipation occurred in 27 percent in trials. Diarrhea occurred in 8 percent. Other side effects include bloating, reported by 8 percent, vomiting and dry mouth.
Genitourinary Side Effects
Breast tenderness affects 27 percent of women taking progesterone supplements, according to Drugs.com. Increased vaginal discharge affects 10 percent, especially in women taking vaginal progesterone supplements while 11 percent experience urinary difficulties such as urinary tract infections, increased nocturnal urination and difficulty urinating. Vaginal dryness and vaginitis can also occur. Changes in sex drive and difficult or painful intercourse may also affect some women. Increased appetite and fluid retention may also occur.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Headaches affect around 31 percent of women taking progesterone supplements, and dizziness affects 15 percent of women. Progesterone can cause tiredness or severe drowsiness. Progesterone can act like a brain anesthetic, producing sedating and hypnotic effects, according to Women's Health Resource. In high doses, progesterone can reduce epileptic seizures and reduce preterm labor, Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and impaired concentration and insomnia can also occur.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Joint pain affects 20 percent of women taking progesterone supplements and 12 percent report musculoskeletal pain. Around 8 percent complain of back pain, Drugs.com states. Leg cramps, increased muscle tone and arthritis can also occur.
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