Progesterone tablets are used in several different situations, and knowing which applies to you changes what to expect. The main uses are protecting the lining of the womb during HRT, supporting the early stages of fertility treatment or pregnancy, and treating irregular or heavy bleeding.
One effect is expected rather than unwanted: micronised progesterone commonly causes drowsiness, which is why it is usually taken at bedtime. If you have been told to take it at night, that is the reason, and taking it in the morning instead is likely to leave you sedated during the day.
Common hormonal medicine side effects
- Drowsiness, often noticeable within a couple of hours of the dose
- Dizziness
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Spotting or changes in bleeding
Some preparations can be taken vaginally instead of by mouth, which reduces the drowsiness for people who find it difficult. That is a question for your prescriber, since it depends on the product and what it is treating.
Bleeding, mood, skin, weight and cycle changes
In HRT, progesterone may be taken continuously or for part of each month, and the pattern determines whether you have a regular bleed. Irregular bleeding is common in the first months and should settle. Bleeding that starts after a settled pattern, or persists beyond the early months, needs investigating.
Mood changes are among the more commonly reported effects and are a legitimate reason to review the dose, the schedule or the preparation.
Serious warning signs that need medical attention
Get emergency help for:
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one calf or thigh
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain worse on breathing in, or coughing up blood
- Sudden severe headache unlike any you have had before
- Weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, or sudden loss of vision
- Severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin
Contact a doctor promptly for unexpected or heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe or persistent low mood, or a new breast lump.
If you are taking progesterone as part of fertility treatment or in early pregnancy, do not stop it without speaking to the team who prescribed it, and contact them about any bleeding.
Who may be at higher risk?
Tell your clinician about a history of blood clots, liver conditions, a history of breast or other hormone-sensitive cancer, depression, or unexplained vaginal bleeding not yet investigated.
Some preparations are made using peanut oil, so mention a peanut allergy. Alcohol and other sedating medicines add to the drowsiness, and you should know how it affects you before driving.
What to discuss with your doctor, pharmacist or clinic
- What is this treating for me, and for how long?
- Should I take it at night, and can it be taken another way if drowsiness is a problem?
- What bleeding pattern should I expect?
- What should I report, and to whom?
- Is it safe for me to drive after taking it?
Related contraception, HRT and hormonal medicine guides
- HRT side effects
- Hormonal medicine side effects
- Women’s health and hormonal medicine side effects
- When to see a doctor about hormonal medicine
- Report a hormonal medicine side effect
See also Utrogestan, progesterone in HRT and progesterone pessaries.
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.