Progesterone - Overview

Progesterone is a prescription hormone used most often to protect the uterine lining in women who are taking estrogen, for secondary amenorrhea, and for fertility support. Women who need a progesterone prescription can connect with a medical provider through Push Health who can prescribe the medication to a local or retail pharmacy when appropriate to do so.

What Is Progesterone Used For?

Progesterone medication, marketed under the brand Prometrium and others, is sometimes prescribed to women with perimenopause symptoms, fertility issues, and amenorrhea. Progesterone is a type of steroid hormone and is also an ingredient in certain kinds of birth control medications. Progesterone prescription medication is very similar in structure and effect to the medication medroxyprogesterone. Progesterone medication is combined with the medication estradiol in the medication Bijuva. Progesterone medication plays a role in the health of the uterine lining and may also be involved in mood and stress.

Progesterone - Dosage and Cost

Common oral micronized progesterone regimens are as follows:

• Cyclic (with estrogen): 200 mg at bedtime for 12-14 days per month.
• Continuous combined: 100 mg (sometimes 200 mg) daily at bedtime.
• Amenorrhea: often 400 mg daily for 10 days (per some labeling).

Oral capsules are typically taken at bedtime because of mild sedative effects. Patients should discuss the right prescription plan for them with their medical provider.

Generic micronized progesterone is relatively affordable, often costing well under $1 per 100 mg capsule at many pharmacies. Insurance frequently covers it and coupons and savings cards can further reduce cost. Some oral capsules (including Prometrium) do contain peanut oil so tell your provider and pharmacist about any nut allergies.

Progesterone - Capsules, Creams and Suppositories

Form	Uses	Dosing	Absorption
Oral micronized capsules	Endometrial protection / HRT	Daily	Systemic
Cream	Symptom management	1-2 times / day	Local (mostly)
Vaginal (suppository / gel / insert)	Fertility / luteal support	1-3 times / day	Local

Can I Get Progesterone Online?

Progesterone is a prescription medication in the United States and is not available over the counter. Women who might need a progesterone prescription can use Push Health to connect with a medical provider who can prescribe the medication to a local or retail pharmacy when appropriate to do so.

Who Can Use Progesterone?

Progesterone is prescribed to adult women for hormonal indications, most often alongside estrogen for uterine protection during perimenopause or menopause, or for amenorrhea and fertility support.

Progesterone - Side Effects

Progesterone can cause side effects in patients, including headaches, mood changes, nausea, breast tenderness, dizziness and abdominal pain. Side effects from the medication use can vary from person to person. Care should be taken when progesterone is used in combination with other hormones.

Progesterone should not be used by women with abnormal genital bleeding, a history of breast cancer, thromboembolism, liver disease or a known or suspected pregnancy. Alcohol should be used with caution as it can enhance sedative effects. Questions and concerns about possible side effects should be directed to one's medical provider.

How to Get a Progesterone Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Share menopause / perimenopause symptoms, whether you take or are planning to take estrogen, and relevant medical history (e.g. hysterectomy, bleeding, cancer).
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review whether micronized progesterone or another medication is appropriate and which schedule (cyclic vs continuous) to use. Same-day consultations are usually available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. If approved, your prescription will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice - no routine office visit required.
4. Start treatment as directed. Take your capsules as prescribed and report abnormal bleeding or other symptoms to your medical provider.

No health insurance or subscription is required for the consultation itself. Medical providers are available now.

More Progesterone Information

• Progesterone - Medline