What should you know about natural micronised progesterone?

It is made from progesterone with a structure matching the hormone produced by the body. Your clinician chooses the dose, route, and timing for the reason it has been prescribed; these details should not be changed without advice.

Progesterone acts on the lining of the uterus. In fertility treatment, it can help prepare or maintain that lining after ovulation or an embryo transfer, depending on the treatment plan. It may be used as part of a frozen embryo transfer plan rather than as a fertility treatment on its own.

During menopause hormone therapy, progesterone may be paired with prescribed oestrogen when the uterus is present. This combination helps reduce the stimulation of the uterine lining caused by oestrogen. It does not treat every menopause symptom by itself, and it is not suitable for everyone.

Common effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, breast tenderness, bloating, headache, or changes in bleeding. Vaginal use and oral use can have different instructions and effects.

Follow the prescription label for when and how to take or insert the medicine. If it makes you sleepy or dizzy, avoid driving or operating equipment until you know how it affects you. Keep a record of unexpected bleeding, missed doses, and other new symptoms so your clinician can review the pattern.

Tell your prescriber about pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, previous blood clots, hormone-sensitive cancer, allergies, and all medicines or supplements you use. Ask what to do after a missed dose rather than taking extra medicine without instructions.

Contact your fertility or menopause team promptly if bleeding is new, heavy, persistent, or occurs after your clinician told you to expect no bleeding. Also report severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, or a suspected pregnancy complication.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or pain, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, or a serious allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Ask which treatment goal the progesterone serves, whether you should use it by mouth or vaginally, when to start and stop it, and what bleeding or discomfort is expected. Confirm what to do if you miss a dose, vomit after taking it, or receive a positive pregnancy test.