Progesterone mini pill: what to know

The progesterone mini pill is a progestogen-only contraceptive taken on a regular schedule to prevent pregnancy. It thickens cervical mucus and may prevent ovulation, depending on the formulation. It contains no oestrogen, so it may suit people who should avoid combined contraception, although a clinician still needs to check your history.

The mini pill must be taken according to the instructions for its specific product. Some types allow only a narrow delay, while others have a different missed-pill window. Irregular bleeding, spotting, lighter periods, or no bleeding can occur. Nausea, breast tenderness, headache, or mood changes are possible, and persistent or troublesome effects deserve review. The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Medicines and herbal products can interfere with contraception, so mention every product you use. Levonorgestrel is one progestogen used in reproductive health; your prescriber can explain which ingredient is in your pack.

Take the tablet at the same time each day and follow the pack leaflet for late or missed tablets. If vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs soon after a dose, ask a pharmacist what to do. Keep a backup contraception plan for situations covered by the leaflet, and ask promptly about emergency contraception if pregnancy protection may have been reduced. A [Combined Pill](/treatments/contraception-and-family-planning/combined-pill/) is a different option because it contains oestrogen as well as progestogen; it is not suitable for everyone.

Contact a clinician if you have a positive pregnancy test, severe lower abdominal pain, very heavy or prolonged bleeding, or bleeding after a long period without periods. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, coughing blood, a painful swollen leg, sudden neurological symptoms, or a severe allergic reaction. These symptoms need assessment rather than a change to your next tablet.

Ask which mini pill ingredient and missed-dose window apply to you, when protection begins, whether your other medicines interact with it, and what bleeding pattern should trigger a review. Ask what contraception to use during illness or after a missed dose.