Progesterone in perimenopause and menopause

Progesterone is made after ovulation and prepares the uterine lining each cycle. Because ovulation becomes irregular in perimenopause, progesterone often falls earlier than estrogen. In menopause hormone therapy, progesterone or another progestogen is added to estrogen for women with a uterus to lower the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

Why it matters in perimenopause

Cycles without ovulation produce little progesterone. Without it, the uterine lining can build up under estrogen, which is one reason bleeding may become heavier or irregular.

Progesterone vs progestins

Micronized progesterone is chemically identical to the hormone the body makes. Progestins are synthetic compounds with similar effects on the uterus. Both are used in hormone therapy; the choice is made with a clinician.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, relationships or daily life.
• You want to know whether a treatment fits your personal and family health history.
• You use estrogen and have a uterus, and want to understand endometrial protection.

When to get prompt care

• Any vaginal bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period) should be checked by a clinician.
• Soaking a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, or bleeding with dizziness or faintness, needs prompt care.

How Dot can help

Dot's cycle and symptom logs help you notice patterns in bleeding and sleep to discuss with a clinician. Dot doesn't recommend hormones.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Micronized progesterone
• Estrogen
• Menopausal hormone therapy
• Heavy periods
• Irregular periods

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Progesterone: Drug Information.
2. The Menopause Society. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022;29(7):767–794 (2022).
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Perimenopausal Bleeding and Bleeding After Menopause (patient FAQ).

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.