Progesterone is a natural female hormone used to prevent abnormal thickening of the lining of the womb after years of menopause in women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
This medicine may also be used in the management of absence of menstruation and symptoms of menopause in women who still have a womb.
Take Progesterone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach. Try to take it at the same time each day, preferably before you go to bed.
If you have difficulties swallowing the capsule, take it with a glass of water in an upright or standing position.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Progesterone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Progesterone if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- unusual or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- known or suspected cancer of the breast or genital organs
- blood clots due to swollen veins or a blocked blood vessel
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
- missed abortion or miscarriage (fetus dies but the body does not recognize pregnancy loss)
- ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the womb)
- severe liver disease
as Progesterone may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Progesterone if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Progesterone may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- migraine
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- diabetes
- high cholesterol level
- history of depression
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- history of blood clots in the vein such as in the legs or lungs
- obesity
- tobacco use
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for any laboratory tests or operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. cholesterol levels, thyroid function test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Breast and pelvic examination may also be done before or during treatment.
Progesterone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness, irritability, fever, cough, weight gain or loss, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand, muscle and joint pain, headache, nervousness, skin rash, patches of discolouration in the face, hair loss, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, a sudden feeling of heat (hot flush), urinary problems, decrease sex drive, menstrual flow changes, and breast pain, swelling, or tenderness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- a lump in the breast, breast pain, nipple discharge
- excessive menstrual cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
- blurred vision, changes or any problems in your eyesight
- chest pain or pressure, difficulty of breathing, irregular heartbeat
- leg or arm swelling, warmth, numbness, change of colour, or pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e,g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. griseofulvin, ketoconazole
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- spironolactone (water pill)
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines for diabetes
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
- other vaginal products e.g. antifungal
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Progesterone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
