Utrogestan 100mg (progesterone)

Utrogestan general information

What is Utrogestan used for?

Utrogestan capsules 100mg are used as part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regime in women with an intact uterus, who are using HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms caused by oestrogen deficiency.  These include, hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.  Utrogestan capsules 100mg are used in combination with an oestrogen to reduce the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, which can develop in response to an oestrogen only HRT regime.  Utrogestan capsules 100mg are also used as a component of transgender hormone therapy, to help stimulate the development breast development and reduce the production of testosterone, as adding a progestin with an oestrogen is thought to help the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals.

How does Utrogestan work?

Utrogestan capsules100mg contains the female hormone progesterone that is micronized, or reduced to tiny particles, so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally.  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, Utrogestan 100mg, containing micronized 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.  Utrogestan capsules100mg 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 Utrogestan contain?

Utrogestan capsules 100mg contain the active ingredient progesterone that is micronized in a suspension of in oil, and is used to reduce the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer which can develop in response to an oestrogen only HRT regime.  They also contain sunflower oil (refined), soya lecithin, gelatin, glycerol, titanium dioxide

Utrogestan for hormone replacement therapy

Utrogestan capsules 100mg contains the female hormone progesterone, that is micronized, or reduced to tiny particles, and mixed with oil so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally.  Utrogestan capsules 100mg 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 micronized progesterone in Utrogestan capsules 100mg 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. 

Utrogestan for transgender treatment

Utrogestan capsules 100mg contains the female hormone progesterone, that is micronized, or reduced to tiny particles, and mixed with oil so that it is better absorbed and can be taken orally.  Utrogestan 100mg capsules 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 is the difference between a natural progesterone like Utrogestan (micronized progesterone) and a synthetic progesterone (progestin)?

Utrogestan capsules 100mg contains micronized 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 as a tablet.  Natural progesterone is not well absorbed in tablet form and until recently the only way to administer it was by injection.  Micronized progesterone is natural progesterone reduced to tiny particles and mixed with oil so that it is better absorbed by the gastrointestinal system. 

What are the side effects of Utrogestan?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Utrogestan 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.  

When should Utrogestan not be used?

You should not use Utrogestan capsules 100mg if you:

• are allergic to micronized natural progesterone or any ingredients in Utrogestan
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• 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 taking medicines that interact with Utrogestan including anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, bromocriptine (for menstrual problems).

How should Utrogestan be taken?

You should take your Utrogestan capsules 100mg swallowed whole with a glass of water without food once a day preferably at bedtime, in addition to your usual oestrogen tablets.  You should take your Utrogestan capsules 100mg for the last 12 days of a 28-day cycle and continue taking your Utrogestan 100mg capsules for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Utrogestan?

You should continue taking your Utrogestan capsules 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Utrogestan

If you miss a dose of Utrogestan 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 Utrogestan be stored?

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