Progesterone (Prometrium) Drug for Menopause: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Progesterone (micronized)
(Prometrium, Canada)

Use:

Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium is used in hormone replacement therapy.

How It Works:

Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium acts as the body's natural progesterone would. In menopause, given cyclically with estrogen, it mimics the body's own natural progesterone production, and prevents the overgrowth of the lining of the uterus - the endometrium.
Hormone replacement therapy helps maintain bone integrity and helps prevent osteoporosis.

Side Effects:

Side effects of Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium include break through bleeding. Fatigue, vertigo, and headache have been reported, but taking the Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium at bed time reduces these effects.

Cautions for People:

People who are allergic to peanuts must avoid Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium because it contains peanut oil.

Drug Interactions:

Micronized Progesterone or Prometrium does not blunt the beneficial effects of estrogen on lipid levels.

Further Reading:

JAMA 1995;273:199,240
Obstet Gynecol 1990;75:59S

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.