Patient's question:
How to take progesterone? I am taking progesterone for the first time. How should I take it orally? What is the dosage? How many days should I take it? Are there any taboos? What should I avoid during this period? Who should not take it? What are the side effects?Doctor's answer:
The pharmacological effects are primarily as follows:① In the late stage of the menstrual cycle, it promotes the growth of glands in the endometrium, causes uterine congestion, thickens the endometrium, and prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. After implantation, it helps form the placenta and reduces the excitability of the pregnant uterus, inhibiting its activity to ensure the safe growth of the fetus.
② In conjunction with estrogen, it stimulates the full development of the breasts, preparing them for lactation.
③ It closes the cervix, reduces and thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate. At high doses, it inhibits the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins through negative feedback on the hypothalamus, leading to ovulation suppression.
This medication is taken orally, reaching peak blood concentration within 1–3 hours. Due to rapid metabolism and inactivation, it is generally administered via injection. However, sublingual administration or vaginal/rectal application is also effective. Absorption through the vaginal mucosa is rapid, with peak blood concentration achieved within 2–6 hours.
Clinically, it is primarily used for habitual abortion, dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia, and amenorrhea. High oral doses are also used for conditions caused by progesterone deficiency, such as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual disorders due to anovulation, benign breast disease, and premenopausal and postmenopausal states. Vaginal administration can replace oral use, especially for patients with liver disease.
Oral or vaginal administration: 100 mg once daily, morning and evening (2 hours before bedtime), for 10 consecutive days per cycle.
Possible side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, depression, and breast tenderness. Long-term use may lead to endometrial atrophy, reduced menstrual flow, and increased susceptibility to vaginal fungal infections. Patients with liver disease should not take oral doses.
Progesterone is a progestogen, and its use for fetal preservation is very limited. It is effective for threatened abortion caused by insufficient luteal secretion or progesterone deficiency. However, it is essential to first determine whether progesterone deficiency exists. This can be confirmed through biochemical tests or by monitoring basal body temperature.