Progesterone is a natural and synthetically produced steroid hormone. Progesterone is essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Progesterone is indicated for the treatment of several conditions, including absent menstruation, assisted reproduction, post-menopausal uterine health and to control abnormal uterine bleeding. Progesterone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1976 and has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post-marketing research. Progesterone has proven generally safe and effective, but may cause several side effects.
Reproductive and Urinary Side Effects
Patients taking progesterone may experience several side effects involving the the reproductive and urinary systems. According to Drugs.com, 27 percent of patients taking progesterone experience breast tenderness. Eleven percent experience urinary problems, and 10 percent have irregular vaginal discharge. Other reproductive and urinary side effects include vaginal dryness, breast pain, irregular breast lumps, irregular uterine growths, vaginal and urinary tract infections, acne and increased hair growth. Any patients who experience side effects that become serious should inform their physicians immediately.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Progesterone may also cause several gastrointestinal side effects. According to the prescribing label for Prometrium, a trade name of progesterone, up to 20 percent of patients experience abdominal cramping. Eight percent of patients experience abdominal bloating. Diarrhea and nausea are also experienced by up to 8 percent of patients. According to Drugs.com, other gastrointestinal side effects may include constipation, dry mouth, intestinal bleeding and vomiting.
Neurological and Psychiatric Side Effects
Patients may also experience several neurological and psychiatric side effects. According to the prescribing label for Prometrium, up to 24 percent of patients experience dizziness, and another 16 percent of patients experience headaches. Eight percent report feeling irritable. Drugs.com also states that up to 19 percent of patients may experience depression. Other neurological and psychiatric side effects may include confusion, insomnia, poor concentration, migraine, nervousness, tremor, speech problems and fainting.
Other Side Effects
There are several other side effects that patients may experience when taking progesterone. The prescribing label for Prometrium states patients may experience back pain, musculoskeletal pain, viral infections, coughing and fatigue. In the April 2007 issue of "The Annals of Emergency Medicine," Dr. David Wright and associates report they found progesterone included common serious side effects including irregular heart rhythm, excess blood sugar, fever, high blood pressure, reduced blood oxygen levels and pneumonia. Rxlist states patients should inform their physicians if they experience any serious side effects such as sudden numbness or weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, chest pain, fever and breast lumps.
