hormonePrescription only (US)
ProgesteroneBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Prometrium
Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryonic development. Research on Progesterone focuses on fertility, healthy aging, and menopause symptoms. It is typically taken in the evening. The reported plasma half-life is about 16 hours, which shapes dosing frequency.
How much Progesterone do people take?
300 mg at bedtime was the amount tested in both vasomotor-symptom trials. Route reported: Oral (micronized capsules). Frequency reported: Once daily at bedtime in those trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Progesterone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Strong — 2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Evidence strengthStrong · 4/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Plasma half-life
~16 h
Typical timing
in the evening
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
Reported for Progesterone in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Progesterone entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Oral micronized progesterone for vasomotor symptoms--a placebo-controlled randomized trial in healthy postmenopausal womenHitchcock CL, Prior JC · Menopause · 2012 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 22453200
- [2]Oral micronized progesterone for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes a Phase III Canada-wide randomized placebo-controlled 4 month trialPrior JC, Cameron A, Fung M, et al. · Scientific Reports · 2023 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 37277418
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Progesterone dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]U.S. National Library of Medicine View source
- [2]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Progesterone studied for?
What is Progesterone?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryonic development. Primarily produced in the ovaries after ovulation, the adrenal glands, and, during pregnancy, by the placenta, it prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and helps maintain pregnancy. Beyond reproduction, progesterone also affects brain function, bone health, and the immune system. Synthetic versions or bioidentical progesterone are used therapeutically for various conditions, including menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, and as part of assisted reproductive technologies. It is available in several forms, including oral capsules, topical creams, vaginal suppositories, and intramuscular injections, though the injectable form is not covered in this context. (Source: NIH National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus)
What does the research say about Progesterone?
Tap a section to expand.
Progesterone exerts its effects by binding to specific progesterone receptors (PRs) located in target cells throughout the body. These receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors. Upon binding, the progesterone-receptor complex translocates into the cell nucleus, where it interacts with specific DNA sequences known as progesterone response elements (PREs). This interaction modulates the transcription of various genes, leading to changes in protein synthesis and cellular function. In the female reproductive system, progesterone is critical for endometrial differentiation, suppressing uterine contractions, and supporting the early stages of pregnancy. It also plays a role in mammary gland development. In the central nervous system, progesterone and its metabolites can act on GABA-A receptors, contributing to sedative and anxiolytic effects. (Source: PubChem, DrugBank)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Progesterone work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Progesterone offers several established therapeutic benefits, primarily in reproductive health:
* **Menstrual Cycle Regulation:** It is often used to regulate irregular menstrual cycles, especially in cases of anovulatory bleeding or amenorrhea, by inducing a withdrawal bleed. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
* **Endometrial Protection:** In hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, progesterone is essential when estrogen is also administered. Estrogen alone can stimulate endometrial growth, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Progesterone counteracts this effect by inducing secretory changes in the endometrium and promoting shedding. (Source: NIH ODS)
* **Support in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):** Progesterone supplementation is crucial in fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation and to support early pregnancy. It is also used in cases of recurrent miscarriage. (Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists practice guidelines)
* **Management of Menopausal Symptoms:** While estrogen primarily addresses hot flashes, progesterone can contribute to symptom management and is critical for endometrial safety when estrogen is used. (Source: MedlinePlus)
* **Nervous System Effects:** Some research suggests progesterone or its metabolites may have neuroprotective effects and influence mood and sleep, although these areas are still under active investigation regarding therapeutic applications. (Source: PubChem)
The use of progesterone in reproductive medicine and hormone therapy is supported by a substantial body of evidence. For instance, a Cochrane review on progestogens for preventing miscarriage found evidence supporting its use in women with recurrent miscarriage and possibly in threatened miscarriage. The efficacy of progesterone in protecting the endometrium during estrogen therapy in menopause is well-established and forms a cornerstone of modern hormone replacement therapy guidelines. Clinical trials and observational studies consistently demonstrate that combined estrogen-progestin therapy significantly reduces the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer compared to estrogen monotherapy in women with an intact uterus. In assisted reproductive technologies, numerous studies attest to the critical role of progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support. For example, a meta-analysis published in *Fertility and Sterility* reinforced the benefit of progesterone in improving pregnancy rates in IVF cycles. While the primary evidence is robust, ongoing research continues to refine optimal dosing strategies, delivery methods, and explore new therapeutic applications, such as for specific neurological conditions. (Source: Cochrane Library, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, DrugBank)
As with any hormone, progesterone can cause side effects. Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. Some individuals may experience mood changes, such as irritability or depression. Vaginal administration can sometimes lead to local irritation or discharge. More rarely, allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling) can occur. It's important to differentiate between expected hormonal effects and adverse reactions. The incidence and severity of side effects can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual sensitivity. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for What are the side effects of Progesterone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Individuals with certain medical conditions should use progesterone with caution or avoid it entirely. These include a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), liver disease, breast cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Progesterone may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. Blood glucose levels may be affected in individuals with diabetes. Regular medical monitoring, including gynecological examinations and mammography, may be recommended, particularly during prolonged use. Always consult a healthcare professional to assess individual risks and benefits. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for Who should avoid Progesterone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Progesterone is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the compound or any of its excipients. It should generally not be used in cases of undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer, other estrogen- or progesterone-dependent neoplasia, active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or a history of these conditions. Acute liver disease or a history of liver tumors are also contraindications. Pregnancy is a contraindication if the intent is contraception, however, it is specifically indicated for pregnancy support in certain scenarios. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for When should Progesterone not be taken?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Certain medications can interact with progesterone, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example, drugs that induce liver enzymes (such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John's wort) can accelerate the metabolism of progesterone, potentially reducing its efficacy. Conversely, drugs that inhibit liver enzymes (such as ketoconazole) may increase progesterone levels. Concomitant use with other hormones should be carefully managed by a clinician. Discuss all prescription, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements with your healthcare provider before starting progesterone to ensure there are no unsafe interactions. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for What should you not mix with Progesterone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The typical timing for progesterone administration largely depends on the specific therapeutic indication. For menstrual cycle regulation or in hormone replacement therapy, it is often taken in a cyclical manner, such as for 10-14 days of a month or continuously with estrogen. When used for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technologies, administration usually begins after oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer and continues into early pregnancy. Oral formulations of progesterone (e.g., Prometrium) are commonly studied at doses for a specific duration, often taken at bedtime due to the potential for drowsiness. It can be taken with or without food. Individual needs vary — talk to a licensed clinician for specific guidance on timing and duration.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Progesterone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Progesterone is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Progesterone?
Frequently asked questions about Progesterone
Progesterone is the naturally occurring hormone. Progestins are synthetic compounds that mimic the actions of natural progesterone and are often used in medications. While they have similar effects, their chemical structures and metabolic pathways can differ, leading to variations in efficacy and side effect profiles. Natural progesterone is sometimes referred to as 'bioidentical' when it has the same chemical structure as the hormone produced by the body. (Source: NIH MedlinePlus).
Yes, progesterone can influence mood. Some individuals report experiencing mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression when taking progesterone. Conversely, it can also have calming or sedative effects due to its metabolites interacting with brain receptors. The exact effect can vary significantly from person to person. (Source: PubChem).
While the primary roles of progesterone are in female reproductive health, men also produce progesterone (mainly in the adrenal glands and testes), where it serves as a precursor to other steroid hormones like testosterone and estrogens. However, therapeutic use of progesterone in men is less common and is typically explored in specific contexts, such as prostate health research or as part of broader steroid hormone balance considerations, rather than as a routine hormone therapy. (Source: DrugBank).
The half-life of progesterone is approximately 16 hours, meaning it takes about that long for half of the dose to be eliminated from your body. However, the effects can linger longer, and detectable levels may remain for several days, depending on the dose, individual metabolism, and route of administration. (Source: DrugBank).
As a hormone, Progesterone can overlap with other supplements, prescription medicines, hormones and peptides. Because Progesterone is usually taken in the evening, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. With a reported plasma half-life near 16 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Progesterone with no sign-up.
Progesterone is typically taken in the evening. The reported plasma half-life is about 16 hours, which is what drives how often it is redosed. Amounts for this hormone vary by protocol, formulation and individual response, so follow the dose your clinician or the product label specifies.
Whether Progesterone fits alongside testosterone replacement therapy depends on the protocol — dose, ester and ancillaries such as HCG or anastrozole — and on current bloodwork. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
"Peptides" is not one category — healing peptides, GLP-1 agonists, growth-hormone secretagogues and melanocortins each behave differently next to Progesterone. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
With a plasma half-life near 16 hours, once-daily dosing is the usual pattern for Progesterone. It is typically taken in the evening. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
With a plasma half-life near 16 hours, a single missed dose of Progesterone usually has a smaller effect on overall exposure than an irregular pattern of missed doses does. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Progesterone the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
300 mg at bedtime was the amount tested in both vasomotor-symptom trials. Route reported: Oral (micronized capsules). Frequency reported: Once daily at bedtime in those trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Progesterone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Progesterone?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis: A Systematic Review(opens PubMed in a new tab)Dermatitis · 2022 · PMID 34405830 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34405830/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- MedlinePlus(opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604017.html
- PubChem CID 5994(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5994
Verify at
Publisher search links for Progesterone. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- Clinical practice guidelines (PubMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Progesterone?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryonic development. Research on Progesterone focuses on fertility, healthy aging, and menopause symptoms. It is typically taken in the evening. The reported plasma half-life is about 16 hours, which shapes dosing frequency.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/progesterone
Progesterone cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Hormone
Progesterone
Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryonic development.
Evidence
Strong
2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Studied range
300 mg at bedtime was the amount tested in both vasomotor-symptom trials
Route
Oral (micronized capsules)
Frequency studied
Once daily at bedtime in those trials
Half-life
~16 h
Timing
in the evening
Storage
Room temperature, dry
Prescription only (US)FertilityLongevityMenopauseWomens Longevity
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/progesterone
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Progesterone — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/progesterone
What compounds are similar to Progesterone?
Others in the hormone category or studied for the same goals.
Which goals is Progesterone used for?
Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Progesterone.
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