Common use

Prometrium (progesterone) is a naturally derived female hormone classified as a progestin. This progesterone medication is bioidentical to the hormone your body produces, making it an essential choice for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When your body is not making enough progesterone on its own, Prometrium steps in to restore hormonal balance and support overall reproductive health.

In women who are not pregnant and have not yet reached menopause, Prometrium is primarily used to treat menstrual disorders and restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months — a condition known as amenorrhea. By supplementing your body's natural progesterone levels, this medication helps regulate the menstrual cycle and promote healthy endometrial function.

Prometrium is also widely prescribed as part of combination hormone replacement therapy alongside estrogens. This approach is particularly effective for menopause treatment, helping to alleviate common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. Importantly, progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to provide endometrial protection — significantly reducing the risk of uterine cancer that can occur when estrogen is used alone. Prometrium also plays a critical role in luteal support for women undergoing fertility treatments, helping to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.



Dosage and direction

Take Prometrium by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Taking it at bedtime can help minimize dizziness and drowsiness, which are common when first starting progesterone therapy. If you have trouble swallowing the pills, take them with a full glass of water while standing up. You may also take Prometrium with food if it helps reduce stomach discomfort.

Follow the dosing schedule carefully and take your medication at the same time each day for consistent hormone levels. The dosage is based on your medical condition, hormone levels, and response to therapy. For HRT, the typical dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg daily, though your doctor will determine the appropriate amount for your specific situation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your dosing regimen.



Precautions

Before taking Prometrium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to progesterone or to peanuts, as the capsules contain peanut oil. Also inform your healthcare provider if you have any other allergies. A thorough medical history review is essential before starting this hormone medication.

Before using Prometrium, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), a history of bleeding in the brain, liver disease or impaired liver function, cancer of the breast or other female organs, unexplained vaginal bleeding, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), or a recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year).

Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps while taking progesterone. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Regular check-ups and monitoring of your hormone levels are recommended throughout your treatment with Prometrium to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.



Contraindications

Prometrium may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can intensify these effects. Do not smoke while taking progesterone, as smoking increases the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular complications.

This medication may be used during pregnancy only as directed by your doctor. There is conflicting information about whether progestins may cause harm to an unborn baby, although bioidentical progesterone like Prometrium is generally considered safer than synthetic progestins. Discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly with your doctor before use during pregnancy.

Prometrium passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding while taking this medication to weigh the potential risks and benefits for both you and your infant.



Possible side effects

Nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, change in vaginal discharge, mood swings, blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur when taking Prometrium. These side effects are typically mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Many people using this progesterone medication do not experience serious side effects. However, contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of a blood clot (such as leg swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain), unusual vaginal bleeding, signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine), or severe allergic reactions.



Drug interaction

Before using Prometrium, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin). These medications can reduce the effectiveness of progesterone by increasing its breakdown in the liver. Your doctor may need to adjust your Prometrium dosage accordingly.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Prometrium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Consistent daily use is important for maintaining stable progesterone levels and achieving the best therapeutic results from your hormone replacement therapy.



Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of progesterone overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, and dizziness. Consult your doctor for more details about overdose management and prevention.



Storage

Store Prometrium at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom, where humidity levels are high. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not use Prometrium after the expiration date printed on the packaging.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.