Utrogestan – Natural micronized progesterone for women's hormonal health.
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What is Utrogestan?
Utrogestan is a natural micronized progesterone that provides body-identical hormone replacement for various women’s health conditions. Its natural formulation offers advantages over synthetic progestogens, particularly for HRT and fertility support, while maintaining the essential protective effects on the uterus.
Book an online consultation if you’re experiencing menopause symptoms, irregular periods, fertility issues, or need hormone replacement therapy assessment. Our GPs can evaluate your hormonal health needs and determine if Utrogestan or other hormone treatments are appropriate for your specific situation.
What is Utrogestan used for?
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with oestrogen
- Luteal phase support in fertility treatment
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Threatened or recurrent miscarriage
- Amenorrhoea (absent periods)
- Endometrial protection in HRT
- Perimenopause symptom management
How does Utrogestan work?
A natural, body-identical progesterone that mimics the hormone produced by the ovaries, balancing oestrogen effects, supporting the uterine lining, and maintaining hormonal equilibrium.
Dosage and Administration
Adults
HRT: 100-200mg daily for 12-14 days per cycle. Fertility support: 200-400mg daily. Take at bedtime due to sedating effects.
Children
Not used in children—adult women only.
Important Notes
- Take at bedtime as it can cause drowsiness.
- Can be taken orally or inserted vaginally as directed.
- With HRT: take for part of cycle only (sequential therapy).
- Swallow capsules whole with water.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Irregular bleeding (initially)
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Blood clots (thromboembolism)
- Stroke (rare)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe depression
- Liver problems
- Breast cancer (long-term HRT use)
Important Warnings
- Tell your GP if you have a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or liver disease.
- May increase risk of blood clots—report leg pain, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness.
- Not suitable during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed for threatened miscarriage.
- Regular monitoring required for long-term HRT use.
- May initially cause irregular bleeding—this usually settles.
Drug Interactions
Tell your GP if you're taking any of the following medications:
- Carbamazepine and phenytoin—may reduce progesterone effectiveness.
- St John's Wort—may reduce progesterone levels.
- Rifampicin—may reduce progesterone effectiveness.
- Generally fewer interactions than synthetic progestogens.
- Alcohol may increase sedative effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Utrogestan different from synthetic progestogens?
Utrogestan contains natural, body-identical progesterone that's chemically identical to what your body produces, generally causing fewer side effects than synthetic alternatives.
Why do I need to take progesterone with oestrogen in HRT?
Progesterone protects the uterine lining from overstimulation by oestrogen, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. It's essential if you still have your uterus.
Can I take Utrogestan during pregnancy?
Utrogestan is sometimes prescribed to support early pregnancy in cases of threatened miscarriage or during fertility treatment, but only under specialist supervision.
Why does Utrogestan make me drowsy?
Progesterone has natural sedating properties and can be metabolized to compounds that enhance GABA, promoting relaxation and sleep. Taking it at bedtime helps minimize this effect.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: 2025-01-14