Prometrium for menopause: what to know

Prometrium is a prescription form of progesterone. In menopause care, progesterone may be paired with oestrogen for someone who has a womb, because it helps protect the womb lining from excessive stimulation. It is not a general treatment for every menopause symptom and is not suitable for everyone. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes and low sex drive may need separate discussion.

Take Prometrium only in the dose and schedule prescribed, and check whether your clinician intends oral or vaginal use. Mention liver problems, unexplained bleeding, previous blood clots, hormone-sensitive cancer, allergies and all other medicines. Drowsiness or dizziness can occur, so ask when to take it and whether driving is sensible. Do not change the schedule or stop treatment without discussing the reason with the prescriber.

Contact your clinician about unexpected, heavy or persistent bleeding, marked mood changes, troublesome dizziness or a possible allergic reaction. Get urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, or painful one-sided leg swelling. Any bleeding after periods have stopped should be assessed rather than assumed to be a medication effect.

Ask why progesterone is recommended, how it protects the womb lining, which route and schedule apply, what side effects to watch for, and when your treatment should be reviewed.