Progesterone acts as a chemical messenger in your body and functions as a powerful steroid hormone. Your corpus luteum, a temporary gland that develops after ovulation, makes most of this vital hormone. The adrenal glands and placenta also help produce progesterone. This powerful hormone is a vital part of female reproductive health, especially when you have to support menstruation and maintain the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone plays a significant role in preparing the uterus lining (endometrium) so a fertilised egg can develop into a baby. Women with low progesterone levels often find it harder to conceive and face a higher risk of miscarriage. On top of that, recent research has opened new treatment paths for postpartum depression by better understanding progesterone and its metabolites.

How Does Progesterone Work?

Progesterone's biggest job is to get your uterine lining ready for a fertilised egg to implant and grow. The hormone thickens the endometrium after ovulation to create an ideal environment for conception. Your corpus luteum breaks down if pregnancy doesn't happen, which makes progesterone levels drop and starts your period. The corpus luteum keeps making progesterone until the placenta takes over if you conceive.

Progesterone does more than just reproductive work. It also:

• Supports thyroid function

• Helps improve mood

• Regulates bleeding during menstruation

• Suppresses uterine contractions during pregnancy

Uses of Progesterone

Important uses are:

• Preventing uterine lining changes during hormone replacement therapy

• Starting menstruation in women with absent periods (amenorrhea)

• Supporting early pregnancy stages

• Regulating menstrual cycles

• Managing perimenopause symptoms

How & When to Take or Use Progesterone?

You can take progesterone in many forms like pills, injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal gels, and skin patches. Your doctor will pick the best method for you.

Take oral capsules once daily in the evening or at bedtime. Your doctor might set up a rotating schedule - usually 10 to 12 days on and 16 to 18 days off. Taking it at the same time each evening helps it work better.

What Are the Side Effects of Progesterone?

Common side effects:

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness or pain

• Upset stomach or nausea

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

Serious but rare side effects:

• Breast lumps

• Migraine headaches

• Depression

• Hives

• Breathing problems

• Body swelling

Can I Take Progesterone Daily?

Your specific medical condition and doctor's advice determine if you should take progesterone daily. Adults usually take 200 mg daily for 12 continuous days per 28-day menstrual cycle to prevent uterine lining changes during hormone replacement therapy.Stick to your doctor's instructions exactly - never take more or less than prescribed.

Precautions 

You should inform your doctor about any allergies to medications, foods, or other substances before starting progesterone treatment. 

Your complete medical history needs discussion, particularly if you have experienced:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

• Previous miscarriage or abortion

• Cancer of the breast, cervical or vaginal areas

• Seizures or migraine headaches

• Blood clots or stroke

• Heart, liver, or kidney disease

• Depression or asthma

Progesterone might cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially during the first days of therapy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery. 

Your safety requires getting out of bed slowly - rest your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up to prevent lightheadedness.

What If I Missed a Dose?

You should take the missed dose when you remember it. Notwithstanding that, if your next scheduled dose is approaching, skip the missed one and stick to your regular schedule. A double dose should never be taken to compensate for a forgotten one – this could increase side effects without additional benefits.

What If I Overdose?

Progesterone overdose signs include:

• Extreme drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Breast tenderness

Stop taking the hormone immediately and seek medical help if you suspect an overdose. 

Drug Interactions

Progesterone interact with many medicines. Avoid combinations with:

• St. John's wort

• Ketoconazole

• Rifampin

• Carbamazepine

• Cyclosporine

• Warfarin

Avoid using other vaginal products within 6 hours of vaginal progesterone.

Dosage for Progesterone

Your medical condition determines the dosage:

• To prevent endometrial hyperplasia: 200 mg orally at bedtime for 12 consecutive days per 28-day cycle

• To treat amenorrhea: 400 mg orally at bedtime for 10 days

• To treat uterine bleeding: 5-10 mg intramuscularly once daily for 6 doses

Progesterone vs Oestrogen 

A woman's body depends on two key hormones that work together but serve different purposes. These hormones explain the many changes women experience throughout their lives.

Progesterone and oestrogen are steroid hormones that exist in every human body—male, female and intersex. Biological females have higher concentrations of these hormones. The hormones coordinate reproductive functions and affect many body systems beyond reproduction.

Aspect	Progesterone	Oestrogen
Production	Mainly by the ovaries	Corpus luteum secretes it
Menstrual cycle	Released in the second half of cycle; maintains and thickens the uterine lining	Released in the first half of the cycle; stimulates the proliferation of uterine lining
Pregnancy role	Maintains pregnancy; reduces uterine contractility; prepares breasts for milk production	Induces labour at full term; improves blood supply to the placenta and the baby
Bone health	Low levels are linked to poor bone health	Low levels are linked to poor bone health
Brain function	Low levels cause impaired CNS functions	Low levels result in diminished brain function

FAQs

1. FAQs

   What is progesterone used for?

   Progesterone plays several key roles in the body. Women taking oestrogen after menopause use it to prevent uterine changes. The hormone helps regulate menstrual cycles and treats missing periods (amenorrhea). It also supports early pregnancy and helps prevent miscarriage in women who experience recurring pregnancy loss.

2. How does progesterone work in the body?

   The hormone gets your body ready for pregnancy by preparing the endometrium for a fertilised egg. It changes the endometrium to its secretory stage and makes cervical mucus thick enough to block sperm. During pregnancy, progesterone reduces uterine contractions.

3. What is the usual dosage of progesterone for adults?

   The dosage varies based on your needs. 

   • To prevent endometrial hyperplasia - 200 mg orally at bedtime for 12 consecutive days per 28-day cycle

   • For amenorrhea - 400 mg orally at bedtime for 10 days

4. Can progesterone be used for menstrual disorders and hormone therapy?

   Yes! The hormone helps stabilise the uterine lining, which can fix irregular periods or heavy bleeding. It works with oestrogen to help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep problems.

5. What are the common side effects of progesterone?

   Common effects include:

   • Headaches 

   • Breast tenderness

   • Stomach upset 

   • Fatigue

   • Mood swings 

   • Joint pain

6. Is progesterone safe for long-term use?

   Most people can use progesterone safely. Long-term use with oestrogen might increase your risk of:

   • Blood clots

   • Heart problems

   • Stroke

   • Dementia

7. Can progesterone interact with other medications?

   Many drugs interact with progesterone. Common interactions are:

   • Antifungals like ketoconazole

   • Carbamazepine or rifampin

   • St. John's wort

   Your doctor recommends avoiding other vaginal products for 6 hours after using vaginal progesterone.

8. Is progesterone safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

   Doctors prescribe progesterone during pregnancy only in specific cases. The hormone reaches breast milk in small amounts but doesn't harm nursing infants. 

9. What precautions should be taken while using progesterone?

   Note that your doctor needs to know about these specific health conditions:

   • Unexplained vaginal bleeding

   • Blood clots or heart problems

   • Liver or kidney disease

   Progesterone's side effects include dizziness, so taking it at bedtime proves safer.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose of progesterone?

    The medication should be taken once you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next scheduled dose approaches. The golden rule remains - never take two doses together.