Micronized progesterone: FDA-approved uses and warnings

Oral micronized progesterone is a prescription progestogen. In menopause care it is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women with a uterus who take estrogen. It is also approved for secondary amenorrhea. The capsules contain peanut oil, and labeling advises taking them at bedtime because they can cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Key label points

This summary reflects FDA-approved prescribing information. It is not a complete list of uses, warnings or side effects — read the current label and the Medication Guide or patient information from your pharmacist.

• Carries the boxed warning for estrogens plus progestins, including increased risks of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots and probable dementia reported in the Women's Health Initiative (women 65 and older for dementia).
• Should not be used by people allergic to peanuts, with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer, active or past blood clots or stroke, or liver disease.
• Can cause drowsiness or dizziness; use caution driving or operating machinery.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• Before starting, stopping or changing any medicine — only a prescriber can decide this with you.
• If you notice a side effect, or take other medicines or supplements that might interact.

When to get prompt care

• Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, sudden severe headache, vision changes or weakness on one side — call emergency services.

How Dot can help

Dot lets you note how you sleep and feel while on a treatment your clinician prescribed, to discuss at follow-up. Dot does not recommend medicines.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Progesterone
• Menopausal hormone therapy
• Estradiol (medication)
• Estrogen

Sources

1. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Progesterone capsules — FDA prescribing information.
2. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Progesterone: Drug Information.
3. The Menopause Society. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022;29(7):767–794 (2022).

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