Is your menstrual cycle irregular? Or has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Progesterone for some health condition that occurs after menopause? You may be a little scared or curious when you hear this name. That's normal. So today, let's talk about what Progesterone is, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using this medication.
What is Progesterone?
Simply put, Progesterone is a very important hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies, especially in women. This is the hormone that this medicine contains. Doctors usually prescribe this medicine for two main reasons.
1. Post-menopause: Some women are given estrogen as a treatment after menopause. When given this way, progesterone helps prevent the lining of the uterus from thickening unnecessarily.
2. Irregular menstrual cycle: This medicine is also used to restore the cycle when menstruation is irregular, late, or absent for months.
To be precise, this medicine works by increasing the level of the progesterone hormone in your body to the required level and correcting the hormonal balance. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under the brand name `(PROMETRIUM)`.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
Although progesterone is a very useful medication, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is extremely important that you tell your doctor your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell him or her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you or someone in your family has had breast, cervical, or vaginal cancer . | Some types of cancer may be sensitive to hormones. |
| If you have blood vessel disease, blood clotting problems , or have had a previous stroke . | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. |
| If you have heart disease, high blood pressure , or have recently had a heart attack . | You need to take special care of your heart health. |
| If you have liver or kidney disease . | Their function is important because medications are eliminated from the body through these organs. |
| If you have diabetes . | Hormones can affect blood sugar levels. |
| If you have dementia or autoimmune diseases such as SLE . | Your doctor should be aware of these conditions. |
| If you are a smoker . | The combination of smoking and hormonal medications increases the risk of blood clots. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to progesterone, peanuts , other medicines, foods or dyes. | Some progesterone capsules may contain peanut oil. |
| If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or are a nursing mother. | In these cases, medical advice regarding the use of hormonal medications is essential. |
How do you use this medicine correctly?
This is very simple.
- This medicine is taken orally . Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the right time . Don't skip doses.
- Never take more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
- Read the patient package insert that comes with your medicine carefully. It may contain important information.
Very important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never give this medicine to a friend or family member thinking, "He or she has the same problem as me." It can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If that happens, don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect that you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed.
- Bleeding gums: Sometimes, your gums may become swollen and bleed. So, be careful while brushing your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly to check on your dental health.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking. Some medications can interact with Progesterone. For example, anticonvulsants such as `(Carbamazepine)` and `(Phenytoin)`, antifungals such as `(Ketoconazole)`, and tuberculosis medications such as `(Rifampin)`.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, progesterone can have side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Serious symptoms that should alert your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, redness, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, pain, redness, and discharge from the nipple. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and dark urine. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, double vision. |
| Mental changes | Increased depression, severe mood swings. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, dizziness, drowsiness | Fullness of the stomach, nausea |
| Breast pain or tightness | Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles |
| Minor mood swings | Spotting |
Take-Home Message
- Progesterone is a hormonal medication that should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Never use it on your own.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious symptoms such as leg swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headache while taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
- Never share your medicine with others.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, talk to your doctor about it openly.
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