Progestogel

Progestogel is a topical gel medication that contains the active ingredient progesterone, a naturally occurring female sex hormone. It is used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of menopause in women, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Progestogel is also used to treat certain menstrual disorders and to support pregnancy in women with progesterone deficiency.

Composition

Progestogel contains 1% of progesterone in a gel base. The gel is clear, colorless, and odorless. It is packaged in a tube, and each tube contains 80 grams of gel.

Indications

Progestogel is indicated for the treatment of:

• Menopausal symptoms in women undergoing HRT
• Certain menstrual disorders
• Support of pregnancy in women with progesterone deficiency

Usage

Progestogel is applied topically to the skin. The recommended dose is 2.5 grams of gel (containing 25 mg of progesterone) once daily. The gel should be applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen, upper thighs, or buttocks. It should not be applied to the breasts or genital area.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Progestogel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some common side effects include:

• Skin reactions at the application site
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mood changes

Precautions

Before using Progestogel, tell your doctor if you have:

• A history of breast cancer or other hormone-dependent cancers
• Liver disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Interactions

Progestogel may interact with other medicines, including:

• Other hormone replacement therapies
• Certain anticonvulsants
• Certain antibiotics

References

Chemical structure of progesterone, the active ingredient in Progestogel. Image from Wikimedia Commons.