Progesterone is prescribed in early pregnancy in specific situations, most often after fertility treatment such as IVF, and sometimes where there has been bleeding in early pregnancy or a history of recurrent miscarriage. It is given as tablets, vaginal pessaries or gel, and is prescribed by a specialist team rather than routinely.
The most important thing on this page: do not stop it on your own. If side effects are troubling you, or you have bleeding, contact the team who prescribed it rather than deciding yourself. They will want to know either way, and stopping without advice removes support that was prescribed for a reason.
Common hormonal medicine side effects
- Drowsiness and tiredness, particularly with tablets
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Headache and dizziness
- Mood changes
- Vaginal discharge or irritation with pessaries and gels
A genuine difficulty here: these overlap almost entirely with early pregnancy symptoms. Tiredness, nausea, breast tenderness and bloating are all common in early pregnancy regardless of medication, so telling the two apart is often impossible and rarely necessary. What matters is whether anything is severe, not what is causing it.
Discharge from pessaries is expected and mostly the base rather than the medicine. It does not mean the dose has been lost. See progesterone pessary side effects.
Bleeding, mood, skin, weight and cycle changes
Report any bleeding to your team, even light spotting, and even if you have been told some spotting is common with pessaries. Assessing it is their decision, not yours to make at home.
Mood changes are commonly reported, and early pregnancy alongside fertility treatment is a demanding period in its own right. If your mood is low enough to concern you, say so; it is a reasonable thing to raise with a fertility or maternity team, not a distraction from the medical side.
Serious warning signs that need medical attention
Contact your team urgently, or seek emergency care, for:
- Vaginal bleeding, particularly if heavy or with pain
- Severe abdominal or one-sided pelvic pain, which needs assessment to exclude ectopic pregnancy
- Shoulder tip pain, dizziness or fainting
- Severe vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down
- Pain or swelling in one calf, sudden breathlessness or chest pain
- Severe headache with visual disturbance
If you have had fertility treatment, also report marked abdominal swelling, rapid weight gain or severe bloating, which can indicate ovarian hyperstimulation. See ovarian hyperstimulation symptoms.
Who may be at higher risk?
Tell your team about a history of blood clots, liver conditions, or an allergy to any ingredient, including peanut oil in some capsules.
Check before taking anything else, including over-the-counter remedies and supplements, since early pregnancy changes what is appropriate. See OTC medicines in pregnancy.
What to discuss with your doctor, pharmacist or clinic
- How long will I be taking this, and how does it stop?
- What should I do if I have any bleeding?
- Who do I contact out of hours?
- If the drowsiness is difficult, is a different form an option?
- What do I do if I miss a dose?
Related contraception, HRT and hormonal medicine guides
- Hormonal medicine side effects
- Women’s health and hormonal medicine side effects
- Progesterone tablets side effects
- When to see a doctor about hormonal medicine
- Report a hormonal medicine side effect
See also fertility medication side effects and IVF medication side effects.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis, prescription, or professional advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist regarding any medicine or health concern.