Progesterone, a hormone produced by the corpus luteum, the remnant of the follicle that remains after ovulation of an egg, helps an embryo implant in the uterus. Women with infertility take progesterone suppositories for several reasons. They may have with low levels of progesterone may could make them prone to having recurrent miscarriages. While those attempting pregnancy through artificial reproductive technology often take medications that stimulate estrogen production. Added progesterone after ovulation or egg retrieval helps maintain the proper estrogen/ progesterone balance necessary for pregnancy. You can take progesterone supplements orally, by injection, vaginal suppositories or vaginal creams. However, progesterone can have side effects.
Breast Changes
Breast changes affect many women taking progesterone supplements. Progesterone supplements cause the same type of breast symptoms seen in the two weeks before your period starts in a normal menstrual cycle. As many as 27 percent report breast tenderness, according to Drugs.com. Breast pain and enlargement can also occur. Breast lumps should be immediately reported to your medical practitioner, the National Institutes of Health warns.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain occurs in 20 percent of people taking progesterone supplements, Drugs.com reports. Bloating, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and dry mouth can also occur. The method of administration can affect abdominal symptoms; 27 percent of women using progesterone gel 8 percent experienced constipation and 22 percent had nausea.
Dizziness
Progesterone supplements cause dizziness in 15 percent of women taking the drug, Drugs.com states. Drowsiness, confusion and speech disorders can also occur. Headache affects as many as 31 percent of women, Drugs.com adds.
Mood Changes
Mood changes commonly affect women taking progesterone. Depression affects around 19 percent, Drugs.com warns. Anxiety, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and personality disorders can also occur. Irritability and excessive worrying affect around 8 percent taking the drug.
Joint and Muscles Aches
Joint pain occurs in 20 percent of women using progesterone supplements, Drugs.com reports. Around 12 percent experience musculoskeletal pain and 8 percent have back pain. Arthritis, leg cramps, bone pain and increased muscle tone can also occur.
Vaginal and Urinary Problems
Vaginal symptoms include dryness, which occurs in 6 percent of women, pain or burning, infection and fungal infections, Drugs.com states. Discharge increases with the use of progesterone vaginal suppositories, Getting Pregnant reports. Urinary tract infections, cystitis and difficult urination can also occur.
