Progesterone
A progestogen. Where estrogen is taken and the uterus is still present, an adequate progestogen is what reduces the raised risk of endometrial cancer.
Not for
- Anyone with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
- Anyone with a history of, or suspected, breast cancer.
- Anyone with active or past blood clots, or a clotting disorder.
- Anyone with liver impairment or disease.
- Anyone allergic to peanuts, where the product is formulated in peanut oil, ask which this one is.
Common effects
- Drowsiness or dizziness. The oral capsule is usually taken at bedtime for this reason.
- Headache, breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, and irregular bleeding.
Serious effects
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Breast cancer, reported for estrogen plus progestin therapy.
- Severe allergic reaction, including in anyone with a peanut allergy where the product contains peanut oil.
Get medical help if
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg pain and swelling.
- Severe dizziness, or fainting.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, or trouble breathing.
Tell your provider
- Whether you still have a uterus, which is what decides whether you need this.
- Any peanut allergy, before the first dose.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
Sources
- Progesterone capsules prescribing information. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved labeling
- Estradiol tablets prescribing information, Warnings and Precautions. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved labeling