Progesterone is a natural female hormone which is found in our bodies. It is used to treat various conditions related to the menstrual cycle, including premenstrual syndrome (physical, emotional or mood change prior to a woman’s menstruation) or amenorrhoea (missing one or more periods). It is also used for abnormal uterine bleeding, female infertility, and depression that occurs after giving birth.
Progesterone can be taken by mouth as a capsule, inserted into the vagina as a vaginal tablet, a vaginal capsule, inserted into the vagina or rectum as a pessary or a suppository, or applied in the vagina as a gel.
For oral capsules, you should take them at bedtime on an empty stomach. Swallow the whole capsule and do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
For suppositories, you should insert it after evacuation. Remember to remove the packaging before use.
Abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhoea
Adult
Oral: 400 mg daily for 10 days.
Vaginal: 45 mg every other day from the 15th to the 25th day of menstrual cycle. May increase to 90 mg if necessary.
Menopausal hormonal replacement therapy
Adult
Oral: 200 mg once daily at night for 12-14 days of each month.
Premenstrual syndrome, postnatal depression
Adult
Vaginal/rectal: 200 mg daily, which may increase to 400 mg twice daily. Treatment is usually started on days 12-14 of the menstrual cycle and continues until menstruation begins.
Infertility due to inadequate luteal phase
Adult
Vaginal gel: Insert 1 dose using the applicator. Start treatment with in-vitro fertilization after ovulation or on day 18-21 of menstrual cycle. Continue daily application for 30 days after laboratory evidence of pregnancy.
Common side effects of Progesterone include headache, menstrual cycle irregularities, constipation, stomach cramps, mood swings, painful/swollen breast, drowsiness and gastrointestinal discomfort (with oral or vaginal use). There may also be soreness in your rectum, diarrhea or flatulence with rectal use.
Common dosing schedule:
For oral capsules, take them at night on an empty stomach.
For vaginal forms, use once or twice daily as instructed by your doctor.
For rectal insertion, use after evacuation.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Progesterone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Progesterone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Progesterone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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