Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone that is prescribed to treat several conditions include irregular menstrual cycles, symptoms of menopause, endometriosis and hormonally mediated cancers. This medication is available as a pill and cream and is taken or applied on a rotating schedule in order to follow the body's natural cycle. Progesterone is most often indicated for women who are experiencing menopause, or the cessation of the production of eggs. Progesterone production declines with menopause and many women then have an imbalance of hormones. Supplemental progesterone can help restore balance and decrease symptoms of menopause.
Types
Progesterone is available by prescription as a pill, vaginal suppository, injection and also as a suspension in oil. Injectable and suppository forms of progesterone are less commonly used and the pill form is the most common prescription version. In addition to the prescription form of progesterone, a natural version is also available in a cream made from wild yam or soy extract.
Administration
Dosage and frequency of administration are based on the problem being treated, the patient's age and the method of administration. Generally, when the pill or liquid suspension is administered in conjunction with estrogen therapy, progesterone is usually taken for ten to 12 days of the month and stopped until the menstrual cycle ends. Natural progesterone cream is administered in similar fashion, with rotating application to the face, neck, chest, and insides of the lower arms for approximately 14 days before the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The injectable form of progesterone is usually administered as a single dose once weekly, once monthly or every three months, depending on the condition being treated. Progesterone is an intramuscular injection, usually administered by a physician.
Effects
Common gastrointestinal side effects of oral progesterone include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. These side effects usually only occur initially and subside once your body becomes accustomed to the progesterone. Your physician may be able to prescribe another medication to counter some of these side effects if they cause significant impairment to your daily life. Injection site reactions, including redness, swelling and soreness, may occur for a day or two following a progesterone injection. Topically applied progesterone cream can cause an allergic reaction that can include itching and hives. Natural progesterone cream generally does not cause adverse effects, unless the individual is allergic. Oral progesterone, especially in high dosages, can cause a rise in blood sugar levels, causing symptoms similar to those of diabetes. These side effects can include extreme thirst, frequent urination, appetite decline or increase, fatigue and dry mouth. These side effects are serious and should be brought to the attention of your doctor as soon as possible.
Hormonal Impacts
Because progesterone is a hormone, it is reasonable to expect changes in mood similar to those experienced in response to fluctuating hormones in the menstrual cycle. According to the National Institutes of Health, these side effects include irritability, mood swings, depression, and excessive worrying. These side effects should subside as your hormonal levels become more balanced. If they are particularly severe, see a physician. Any of the prescription versions of progesterone can cause these side effects, which would increase in severity as the dosage increases. Progesterone can cause aching and pain in the joints, muscles and bones. Generally, these go away with time and can be relieved by over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Apply heat to the affected areas for additional pain relief. Vaginal bleeding and discharge may occur as a side effect of progesterone. In addition, regular menstrual bleeding may increase or decrease in volume or your menstrual cycle may stop. These are considered mild side effects, but if you are passing significant amounts of blood or your bleeding is accompanied by lightheadedness, seek medical help immediately.
Considerations
Individuals who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who may already be pregnant should not use high dose progesterone therapy, because it can cause birth defects, according to the Mayo Clinic. Individuals who are receiving normal doses of progesterone therapy via any administration route and who are trying to become pregnant should speak to their physician about dose adjustment or stopping therapy. Individuals who are breastfeeding should discuss the effect of progesterone therapy on the quality of breast milk. Although no potential dangers have been identified in these cases, the quality or amount may change as a result of progesterone. Progesterone therapy may interact negatively with certain medications, including Dofetilide, Felbamate, Isotretinoin, Theophylline, and Tizanidine. Alcohol and over the counter medications may also cause an interaction. Individuals should discuss potential interactions with their physician.
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