Prometrium: Body-Identical Progesterone for Menopause

During the menopausal period, levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone fall. As a result of low oestrogen levels, many women experience troublesome symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, sleeping difficulties, bodily aches and pains, dry skin, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, urinary frequency and mood and memory changes. Replacing lost oestrogen can be helpful in managing many of the symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flushes and night sweats.

Why Progesterone Matters in Menopause Treatment

However, oestrogen also causes the lining of the uterus to thicken, and without additional progesterone, the lining would thicken excessively. Replacing lost progesterone is a critical element to protect the lining and is known as ‘endometrial protection’.

Prometrium is micronised progesterone derived from plants and is body identical to our body’s own progesterone. It is used as part of combined menopausal hormone therapy alongside oestrogen replacement. It is a soft capsule taken orally.

How to Take Prometrium

Your doctor will advise you on appropriate dosing for your reproductive stage of life. The usual dose is 200 mg on days 15-26 of your cycle – after that time, you will have a few days like a period. If it is more than 12 months since your last period, your dosing may be 100 mg on days 1-25 of your cycle, which may result in less withdrawal bleeding or no bleeding. Take the capsule at bedtime whole with water and on an empty stomach.

If you miss a dose, then take it when you remember, unless it is close to your next dose, when you would just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose and keep the product in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Do not refrigerate.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects include headache, abnormal breakthrough bleeding or spotting, tiredness, weakness, weight gain, acne, breast pain or tenderness, mild mood changes, changes in libido and insomnia. Most of these side effects are minor and short-lived.

When Prometrium Should Not Be Used

Contra-indications to Prometrium include allergy to soya, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe liver problems, cancer of the breast or genital tract, blood clots, bleeding on the brain and porphyria.