Progesterone

Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on May 30, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved progesterone for use in adults to:

• prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus) in certain people who have gone through menopause
• treat absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• treat abnormal uterine bleeding due to a hormonal imbalance that isn’t caused by a known condition such as uterine cancer or uterine fibroids

These approved uses differ based on the form of progesterone your doctor prescribes.

This article describes progesterone’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of progesterone.

Boxed warnings

Progesterone has boxed warnings about the following risks when prescribed with estrogen therapy. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA. These include:

• serious heart and blood vessel problems with progesterone oral capsule
• dementia with progesterone oral capsule
• breast cancer with progesterone oral capsule

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for progesterone” section below.

Progesterone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of progesterone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about progesterone’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for progesterone.

* To view progesterone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of progesterone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of progesterone you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about progesterone’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for progesterone.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Progesterone oral capsule’s mild side effects include:

• headache
• breast tenderness or pain
• dizziness
• fluid retention
• mild allergic reaction†

Progesterone liquid solution for injection’s mild side effects include:

• injection site reactions, such as irritation, pain, or swelling
• breast tenderness or pain
• fluid retention
• breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view progesterone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for progesterone” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of progesterone are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about progesterone’s serious side effects, see the prescribing information* for progesterone.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, progesterone’s serious side effects include:

• depression
• suicidal thoughts
• liver problems, including cholestasis (slowed or stopped bile flow from the liver)
• boxed warning: risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems
• boxed warning: risk of dementia
• boxed warning: risk of breast cancer
• severe allergic reaction†

For progesterone oral capsule, the following serious side effects can include:

• severe dizziness or sleepiness
• blurry vision
• difficulty speaking or walking
• generally feeling unwell

* To view progesterone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for progesterone” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about progesterone.

Is it safe to take progesterone with estrogen?

It depends.

Progesterone is approved for use with estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus) in people who have gone through menopause. It can also be prescribed to people who have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus), and who are taking a conjugated estrogen medication. Conjugated estrogens, such as Premarin, are used to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and low estrogen levels.

However, there are risks to taking progesterone with estrogen. Progesterone has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about these risks when prescribed with estrogen. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Interactions and warnings for progesterone” section below.

Can progesterone be taken by men or transgender people?

Progesterone is not approved for use in males* or transgender people. Transgender refers to a person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.

But doctors may still prescribe the drug off-label for other uses. Off-label use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to learn more about possible off-label uses for progesterone.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

How does progesterone compare with other progestin drugs?

Different progestins have different uses. For example, levonorgestrel (Plan B) is prescribed only as emergency contraception. It’s also commonly used in birth control pills along with an estrogen, such as ethinyl estradiol.

Other progestin drugs besides progesterone include:

• medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera, others)
• norethindrone (Errin, others)
• levonorgestrel (Mirena, others)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how progesterone compares with other progestin drugs.

Can progesterone be prescribed to help with getting pregnant or preventing pregnancy loss?

Progesterone is not approved to help with getting pregnant or preventing pregnancy loss. However, doctors may still prescribe the drug off-label for these or other uses. Off-label use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to learn more about possible off-label uses for progesterone.

Does progesterone cause breast growth?

No, progesterone isn’t known to cause breast growth as a side effect. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies of progesterone oral capsule or liquid solution for injection.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about breast growth. They can review your medications and help determine what’s causing this side effect.

How does progesterone work? And how long does it take to start working?

Progesterone is a copy of the hormone progesterone made by your body. It functions the same in your body after you take a dose. Taking progesterone can help replace progesterone levels if your body no longer makes its own progesterone or doesn’t make as much as it used to.

Progesterone begins working after you take a dose. But it may take several weeks before you notice improvements in your symptoms. Your doctor can provide more information on how they’ll monitor whether progesterone is effective for you.

If you have questions about how progesterone works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below, you’ll find information about progesterone’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of progesterone

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take progesterone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Interactions and warnings for progesterone” section below.

Warnings for progesterone

Some people should not take progesterone, and others should use it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Progesterone oral capsule has boxed warnings about the following risks when used with estrogens. None of these warnings apply when progesterone is used without an estrogen drug. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Note: Progesterone injection doesn’t have these boxed warnings, but the following side effects may still happen if it’s prescribed with an estrogen.

Because of the risks described below, doctors will avoid prescribing progesterone with an estrogen unless the benefits outweigh the risks. For example, they may prescribe this combination if there are no other suitable treatments for your condition, and you agree that the benefits outweigh the risks.

If your doctor does prescribe progesterone with an estrogen, they’ll do so at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest time needed to treat your condition.

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Using progesterone with an estrogen increases your risk for serious heart and blood vessel problems. These problems are rare but serious.

Examples of these problems include stroke, heart attack, and blood clots.

Due to this risk, doctors avoid prescribing progesterone plus an estrogen to prevent cardiovascular disease.

If you have side effects of heart or blood vessel problems such as those described above, call 911 immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.

Risk of dementia. Using progesterone with an estrogen increases your risk for dementia. This side effect is rare but serious. This is based on a study in people ages 65 years and older, but doctors believe this risk applies to people of any age who are prescribed progesterone with an estrogen.

Dementia is a condition that causes a decline in brain function. This leads to issues with functioning related to memory, judgment, behavior, thinking, and communication. Symptoms may include changes in mood, difficulty completing everyday tasks, and confusion.

Due to this risk, doctors avoid prescribing progesterone plus an estrogen to prevent dementia.

If you experience symptoms of dementia during progesterone treatment with an estrogen, tell your doctor right away. They can recommend the best way to address your symptoms. This may include stopping your progesterone (and estrogen) treatment.

Risk of breast cancer. Using progesterone with an estrogen increases your risk for breast cancer. This side effect is rare but serious.

Breast cancer happens when breast cells grow and multiply out of control. Symptoms may include a lump or other unusual thickening in the breast, breast pain, and swelling in all or part of your breast.

If you experience symptoms of breast cancer while taking progesterone with an estrogen, tell your doctor right away. They can recommend the best way to address your symptoms. This may include stopping your treatment.

Other warnings

Progesterone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether progesterone is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for progesterone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Progesterone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to progesterone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe progesterone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to progesterone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and progesterone

Information about progesterone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Progesterone and pregnancy

Progesterone should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with progesterone.

Progesterone and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether progesterone should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as progesterone for certain conditions. Approved uses for progesterone are described below. These uses differ based on the form of progesterone prescribed.

Use for treating absence of menstrual periods or certain conditions of the uterus

Doctors may prescribe progesterone oral capsule and liquid solution for injection to:

• prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus) in certain people who have gone through menopause and who are taking a conjugated estrogen medication. Conjugated estrogens, such as Premarin, are prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and a low estrogen level.
• treat absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• treat abnormal uterine bleeding due to a hormonal imbalance that isn’t caused by a known condition such as uterine cancer or uterine fibroids

It’s used for these purposes in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term or short-term treatment.

Here is some brief information on the conditions progesterone is approved to treat:

• Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition where your endometrium (the lining of your uterus) thickens. This can lead to unusual or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) refers to missing a menstrual period. It’s common not to experience a period while pregnant or after menopause. But missing periods at other times can be a symptom of a medical condition. Amenorrhea may happen on its own or may be caused by other medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to any bleeding from your uterus that is longer than usual or happens at an irregular time. For example, spotting or bleeding between periods is a type of abnormal uterine bleeding.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for progesterone by using our Optum Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for progesterone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

The dosage of progesterone your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take or receive.

Taking and injecting progesterone

Progesterone oral capsule is taken by mouth with or without food.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take progesterone capsules. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Progesterone liquid solution for injection is given as an injection into your muscle by a healthcare professional.

Your doctor will explain how progesterone liquid solution for injection will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.

Overdose of progesterone

You should not take more progesterone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much progesterone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

This article describes progesterone’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about progesterone or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can progesterone cause acne, nausea, or cramps?
• Are brand-name drugs available for progesterone?
• Do any of my medications interact with progesterone?
• What should I do if I accidentally miss a progesterone dose?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Progesterone capsules. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/cfbb709f-7c95-4c68-912c-39d1f655ce4a/spl-doc
• Progesterone injection. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/dcfa4050-d142-b774-369f-8a421eb23c62/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.