Cyclogest

Progesterone is a prescription medication used to cause menstrual periods in women who are premenopausal but have stopped having periods due to low progesterone levels in their bodies. It is also used to prevent abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus in women taking estrogen.

Progesterone belongs to a group of drugs called progestins, which work to bring menstruation by causing "withdrawal" bleeding when the medication is stopped. 

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken once a day, at bedtime for 10 or 12 continuous days per cycle, depending on the condition being treated.

Common side effects of progesterone include headaches, breast pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how progesterone work. Progesterone may also affect how your other medicines work.

• Progestins with estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia.
• Using progestins with estrogens may increase your chance of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots.
• Using progestins with estrogens may increase your chance of getting dementia, based on a study of women age 65 and older.
• You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with progesterone.

Do not start taking progesterone if you:

• Have unusual vaginal bleeding
• Currently have or have had certain cancers
  Estrogen plus progestin treatment may increase the chance of getting certain types of cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or have had cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should take progesterone.
• Had a stroke or heart attack
• Currently have or have had blood clots
• Currently have or have had liver problems
• Are allergic to progesterone or any of its ingredients
• Think you may be pregnant

Capsules

Do not start taking progesterone capsules if you are allergic to peanuts. THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PEANUT OIL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS.

• Progesterone are to be taken at bedtime as some women become very drowsy and/or dizzy after taking progesterone. In a few cases, symptoms may include blurred vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty with walking, and feeling abnormal. If you experience these symptoms, discuss them with your healthcare provider right away.

Capsules

• If you experience difficulty in swallowing progesterone, it is recommended that you take your daily dose at bedtime with a glass of water while in the standing position.

Capsules:

• Prevention of Endometrial Hyperplasia: A postmenopausal woman with a uterus who is taking estrogens should take a single daily dose of 200 mg progesterone at bedtime for 12 continuous days per 28-day cycle.
• Secondary Amenorrhea: Progesterone may be given as a single daily dose of 400 mg at bedtime for 10 days.

If you take too much progesterone, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.