Progesterone supplements, also called progestins, may be used to treat for a variety of medical conditions in both men and women. However, some of the more common of these conditions are related to lower levels of progesterone in a woman's body. These include menopause, fertility issues and the disruption of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of the many hormones that occurs naturally in women's bodies, and is responsible for controlling various parts of the menstrual cycle, as well as pregnancy. Women may need progesterone supplements for several reasons, many of which are related to menstruation and fertility. Progesterone supplements may be prescribed to women of childbearing age if they have suddenly stopped having periods; it may induce a period and restart the menstrual cycle. Progesterone may also be used by women who are undergoing fertility treatments, as well as some menopausal women who are candidates for hormone replacement therapy. When you read about hormone therapy, you may notice references to a substance called progestin. Progesterone and progestin are actually the same thing. The difference is that progestins are man-made, and progesterone is manufactured naturally in the body.
Fertility
Some women of childbearing age may struggle with fertility, and a low progesterone level can potentially be the culprit. Women with fertility issues may be prescribed progetins, especially if their natural levels of progesterone are low. Progestins may also be prescribed for those undergoing certain fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization, or to maintain pregnancy if a successful conception takes place.
Menopause
Perhaps one of the most common uses of progesterone supplements is in menopause treatment. Early in menopause, a woman's levels of both estrogen and progesterone gradually decline, causing many of the common menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy may include both estrogen and progesterone, and can help reduce certain symptoms, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. In women who have not had a hysterectomy, taking estrogen alone may alter the lining of the uterus, potentially increasing the risk for uterine cancer. Taking progesterone supplements along with estrogen can reduce this risk.
Side Effects
Progesterone supplements may come with a few side effects. Some are bothersome, but not necessarily serious, such as body aches, headaches and irritability. Some women may even experience digestive troubles such as constipation or diarrhea as a result of progestin use. More serious side effects include lumps in the breast, visual problems, numbness or difficulty moving the limbs, and tremors. These symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you notice any unusual changes while taking progesterone supplements, even if they do not seem serious, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
