Progestan (Progesterone) 100mg

Progestan general information

What is Progestan used for?

Progestan capsules 100mg are used as part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regime in women with an intact uterus, to reduce the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, which can develop in response to oestrogen only HRT.  Progestan capsules 100mg counteract the stimulating effect of oestrogen on the endometrium, thereby reducing the risk of endometrial cancer in women using HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms.  Progestan capsules 100mg are also used for infertility treatments to provide luteal support during assisted reproductive techniques and improve the success rate of embryo implantation; also to prevent preterm delivery due to threatened abortion, treat post-partum depression and treat menstrual irregularities.  Adding a progestogen with an oestrogen is thought to help the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals and Progestan capsules 100mg are used as a component of transgender hormone therapy, to help stimulate breast development and reduce the production of testosterone

How does Progestan work?

Progestan capsules 100mg contain the female hormone progesterone in micronised form, which is reduced to tiny particles, so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally as capsules.  Endogenous progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the second phase of the menstrual cycle.  It acts on the endometrium (lining of the uterus) converting the proliferating phase to the secretory phase.  This causes the endometrium, which has thickened in response to oestrogen during the first half of the cycle, to stop growing and start secreting hormones and other proteins needed to maintain a pregnancy, if conception occurs; if not, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall and the endometrium is shed (menstruation).  When used for combination HRT, Progestan capsules100mg, containing micronised natural progesterone, works in the same way as natural progesterone and regulates endometrial growth in response to oestrogen, causing the thickened endometrium to be shed so that you will have a few days of withdrawal bleeding at the end of each month like a period.  Progestan capsules 100mg reduce the risk of endometrial cancer which can be caused by oestrogen only HRT, without interfering with the beneficial effects of oestrogen, such as preventing bone loss and regulating cholesterol. 

What does Progestan contain?

Progestan capsules 100mg contains the active ingredient progesterone in micronised form, used to reduce the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer which can develop in response to an oestrogen only HRT regime.  They also contain gelatin in the capsule and titanium dioxide.

Progestan for hormone replacement therapy

Progestan capsules 100mg contain the female hormone progesterone in micronised form, which is reduced to tiny particles so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally as capsules.  Progestan 100mg capsules are used as part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regime, to reduce the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, which can develop in response to an oestrogen only HRT regime.  Taking oestrogen for HRT helps reduce symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, including, hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.  Oestrogen also has several other beneficial actions in various metabolic processes including bone turnover and lipid (fat) metabolism, but its effect of thickening the endometrium can lead to endometrial cancer in some menopausal women taking oestrogen only HRT.  The micronised progesterone in Progestan 100mg capsules counteracts the effect of oestrogen and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer without interfering with the beneficial effects such as preventing bone loss and regulating cholesterol. 

What is the difference between a natural progesterone like Progestan (micronised progesterone) and a synthetic progesterone (progestin)?

Progestan 100mg capsules contain natural progesterone which is the female sex hormone belonging to the progestogen group, whereas progestins are synthetic progesterones which act in the same way as natural progesterone, but unlike natural progesterone they can be taken orally, as they are readily absorbed into the blood if swallowed.  Natural progesterone is not well absorbed in tablet form and until recently the only way to administer it was by injection.  Micronised progesterone is natural progesterone reduced to tiny particles and mixed with oil so that it is better absorbed by the gastrointestinal system.  Progestan capsules 100mg contain micronised progesterone and is available for use as part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regime to counteract the effect of oestrogen and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer without interfering with the beneficial effects, such as preventing bone loss and regulating cholesterol. 

Progestan for transgender treatment

Progestan capsules 100mg contain the female hormone progesterone in micronised form, which is reduced to tiny particles so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally as capsules.  Progestan capsules 100mg are used as a component of transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals, to help stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics, such as breast development.

What are the side effects of Progestan?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Progestan capsules 100mg include drowsiness and sleepiness (which is why it is best taken at night).  Other side effects include are breast tenderness and pain, abdominal bloating and pain, pre-menstrual symptoms, nausea, oedema, headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression.  More severe side effects include jaundice.

What are the health risks of Progestan?

Long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Progestan capsules 100mg does have associated health risks, particularly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer compared with oestrogen alone HRT, but it does reduce risk of endometrial cancer.  Combined HRT with oestrogen and progesterone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

When should Progestan not be used?

You should not use Progestan capsules 100mg if you:

• are allergic to micronised progesterone or any ingredients in Progestan
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver or kidney disease
• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
• have a history of thrombosis (blood clots) or stroke
• have porphyria (a metabolic disease resulting in abnormal pigment in the urine and skin)
• have abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in Progestan capsules
• are taking other medications that may interact with Progestan, such as
• are taking medicines that interact with Progestan including anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine and efavirenz for HIV, bromocriptine (for menstrual problems)

How should Progestan be taken?

You should take your Progestan capsules 100mg with water but without food (one hour before or after a meal) once a day preferably at bedtime, in addition to your usual oestrogen tablets, for the last 12-14 days of a 28-day cycle.  Alternatively you can take your Progestan capsules 100mg in two divided doses morning and evening.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated or and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You should continue taking your Progestan capsules 100mg for as long as your doctor recommends.

Note: For some treatments vaginal application may be recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Progestan?

You should continue taking your Progestan capsules 100mg for as long as your doctor recommends.

Missed dose of Progestan

If you miss a dose of Progestan capsules 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Progestan be stored?

You should store your Progestan capsules 100mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.