Progesterone Product Selector
Select your preferences to see the best progesterone option for your needs.
TL;DR:
- Prometrium is a bioidentical oral micronized progesterone capsule; it mimics natural hormone patterns.
- Vaginal gels (e.g., Crinone) offer higher local absorption with fewer systemic side effects.
- Synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) are cheaper but carry higher cardiovascular risk.
- Topical creams provide convenience but suffer from inconsistent dosing.
- Choosing the right product depends on route, purpose (menopause, luteal support, infertility), cost, and personal tolerance.
What is Prometrium?
Prometrium is a bioidentical oral micronized progesterone manufactured by Theravance. It is approved for hormone‑replacement therapy (HRT) in post‑menopausal women, for luteal‑phase support in assisted reproduction, and for managing abnormal uterine bleeding. The product contains 100mg of micronized progesterone per capsule, designed to improve absorption compared with non‑micronized forms.
Because it is chemically identical to the progesterone your ovaries produce, Prometrium tends to produce fewer androgenic or estrogenic side‑effects than synthetic progestins.
How does Prometrium work in the body?
After swallowing, the micronized particles dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing a peak serum level within 2‑3hours. Its half‑life is roughly 12‑15hours, so a daily dose keeps progesterone levels steady throughout the night, which helps counterbalance estrogen‑driven endometrial growth.
Key pharmacokinetic attributes:
- Bioavailability: ~15‑20% (higher than standard oral progesterone).
- Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites.
- Excretion: Urine and feces.
Common alternatives to Prometrium
When doctors talk about “progesterone,” they could be referring to several distinct products. Below are the most frequently prescribed alternatives.
Crinone is a vaginal progesterone gel (8% progesterone in a bio‑adhesive base) approved for luteal‑phase support after embryo transfer. Its route bypasses hepatic first‑pass metabolism, giving higher uterine tissue concentrations with lower systemic peaks.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) is a synthetic progestin taken orally. It binds to progesterone receptors but also exhibits androgenic activity, making it a cheaper but less physiologic option.
Progesterone cream (various brands) is a topical preparation applied to skin. Dosing is highly variable because transdermal absorption depends on formulation, body site, and skin integrity.
Endometrin is a vaginal progesterone insert (capsule) containing 100mg of micronized progesterone. It offers a convenient, pre‑measured dose for both infertility cycles and HRT.
Natural progesterone suppositories (e.g., Utrogestan) are compounded oil‑based capsules inserted rectally or vaginally, providing flexible dosing for menopausal symptoms.
Side‑effect profiles across the board
All progesterone products share some common adverse effects-headache, breast tenderness, and mild dizziness. However, route‑specific nuances matter:
- Oral (Prometrium, Provera): Higher incidence of drowsiness and nausea; systemic exposure may affect lipid metabolism.
- Vaginal (Crinone, Endometrin): Local irritation or discharge, but lower systemic side‑effects.
- Topical (cream): Variable dosing can cause under‑ or over‑exposure, leading to mood swings or breakthrough bleeding.
Quick‑look comparison table
| Product | Route | Typical Dose | Bioavailability* | Main Indications | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prometrium | Oral | 100mg nightly | 15‑20% | Menopause HRT, luteal support | ≈$45 |
| Crinone | Vaginal gel | 90mg (1mL) nightly | ≈30‑40% (local) | Luteal‑phase support, IVF | ≈$70 |
| Provera | Oral | 5‑10mg daily | ≈70% (synthetic) | Endometrial hyperplasia, contraception | ≈$15 |
| Progesterone cream | Topical | 20‑40mg/day (varies) | Unpredictable | Menopausal symptoms, sleep aid | ≈$30 |
| Endometrin | Vaginal insert | 100mg nightly | ≈30‑40% (local) | IVF luteal support, HRT | ≈$65 |
*Bioavailability figures are approximations based on clinical pharmacology texts and US prescribing information.
Factors to weigh when picking a progesterone product
Not every woman needs the same formulation. Use the checklist below to match your clinical goals with product characteristics.
- Desired route of administration. If you dislike swallowing pills, vaginal or topical options may improve adherence.
- Therapeutic aim. Menopausal symptom relief usually tolerates oral doses; IVF cycles benefit from high uterine concentrations, making vaginal gels preferable.
- Side‑effect tolerance. Women prone to nausea often prefer vaginal or transdermal routes.
- Cost considerations. Insurance may cover prescription forms (Prometrium, Crinone) but not compounded creams.
- Drug interactions. Oral progesterone is metabolised by CYP3A4; avoid concurrent strong inducers (e.g., rifampin) or inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) without dose adjustment.
Practical tips for using Prometrium
- Take the capsule with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
- Schedule the dose before bedtime; progesterone’s sedative effect can improve sleep.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose-then skip and continue normally.
- Monitor blood pressure and lipid profile periodically; oral progesterone can modestly raise HDL and lower LDL.
- Discuss any mood changes with your clinician; while bioidentical progesterone is generally mood‑neutral, individual response varies.
Related concepts you might explore next
Understanding progesterone fits into a broader hormone‑balance puzzle. Here are adjacent topics worth reading about:
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) - how plant‑derived hormones mirror natural endocrine patterns.
- Estrogen therapy - why pairing estrogen with progesterone is crucial for women with an intact uterus.
- Luteal‑phase support - the role of progesterone in IVF success rates.
- Menopausal vasomotor symptoms - how progesterone interacts with hot flashes and night sweats.
- Synthetic progestins - differences in receptor binding and cardiovascular risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prometrium safe for long‑term menopause therapy?
Yes, when used at the recommended 100mg nightly dose, Prometrium has been shown in several 5‑year studies to maintain endometrial safety and improve sleep quality. Regular follow‑up with your clinician to check blood pressure and lipid panels is advisable.
How does vaginal Crinone compare to oral Prometrium for IVF?
Clinical trials indicate that vaginal Crinone delivers higher progesterone concentrations to the uterine lining while producing fewer systemic side‑effects. For IVF cycles, many reproductive specialists prefer Crinone or Endometrin because the local delivery aligns with the embryo implantation window.
Can I switch from Provera to a bioidentical option?
Switching is possible, but you’ll need a taper plan. Because Provera’s synthetic progestin has a longer half‑life, a gradual reduction over 1‑2weeks helps avoid breakthrough bleeding. Your doctor can then introduce a bioidentical dose of Prometrium or vaginal gel.
Why do some women experience mood changes with oral progesterone?
Progesterone modulates GABA receptors in the brain, which can have calming or, in some individuals, depressive effects. The variability often depends on baseline hormone levels, CYP3A4 activity, and personal sensitivity. If mood swings appear, discuss dosage timing or route change with your provider.
Are over‑the‑counter progesterone creams reliable?
Most OTC creams lack standardised dosing; absorption varies widely across skin types. They may provide mild symptom relief but are not a substitute for prescription‑grade progesterone when precise hormonal control is required.
1 Comments
When diving into the world of progesterone, it's essential to remember that the molecule itself is ancient, yet our formulations are modern marvels. 🧬 The oral micronized capsule, Prometrium, offers a bioidentical profile that mirrors what the ovary naturally secretes, which can translate to fewer androgenic side‑effects compared with synthetic progestins. 📚 Its pharmacokinetics, with a peak serum level at 2‑3 hours and a half‑life of roughly 12‑15 hours, make nightly dosing logical for sleep‑related symptom control. 🛏️ Oral bioavailability sits around 15‑20 percent, a modest figure that nonetheless provides sufficient systemic exposure for menopause hormone therapy and luteal‑phase support. 🩺 The hepatic first‑pass metabolism means you should take the capsule with food to blunt gastrointestinal upset and improve absorption. 🍽️ Compared with vaginal gels like Crinone, the systemic exposure is higher, which may be advantageous for patients needing broader hormonal coverage but less ideal for those seeking localized uterine effects with minimal systemic impact. 🌐 Cost considerations are also noteworthy: at roughly $45 per month, Prometrium occupies a middle ground between cheap synthetic options like Provera and pricier vaginal preparations. 💸 Long‑term safety data spanning five years suggest stable endometrial protection and a neutral effect on lipid panels, although periodic monitoring of blood pressure and lipids remains prudent. 📈 For patients who experience mood fluctuations on oral progesterone, adjusting the timing to before bedtime can harness the sedative properties of the hormone, potentially improving both mood and sleep quality. 🌙 Finally, clinicians should be aware of drug‑drug interactions; strong CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors can alter plasma levels, necessitating dose adjustments or alternative routes. 🧪 In summary, Prometrium stands as a reliable, bioidentical option that balances efficacy, safety, and convenience for many women navigating menopause or assisted reproduction. 😊