The image shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual appearance of your specific compounded medication.
Progesterone
Progesterone is an endogenous hormone primarily produced in the ovaries and, to a lesser extent, in the adrenal glands. It is crucial for supporting normal menstrual cycle, function is involved in normal physiological processes during pregnancy, and works alongside estrogen in the body's hormonal processes.
Micronized Progesterone
- Peanut-free compounded product
- Bioidentical hormone
Progesterone Capsule
Dosing should be determined based on labs and clinical use. Capsules are typically taken at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.
Progesterone Cream
Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or inner thighs once daily, usually in the morning. Avoid applying to areas where clothes will rub.
Progesterone Troches
Place one troche in the buccal cavity (between the gum and cheek) and let it dissolve completely. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage.
*Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS
This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy. Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription from a prescribing healthcare practitioner and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. Compounded drugs are intended for patients whose prescriber has determined their medical needs are not met by an available FDA-approved drug. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This compounded preparation:
- Has not been approved by the FDA
- Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order
- Individual outcomes may vary
Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.
This compounded medication is only available when the commercially available product is unavailable or when a prescriber determines that there is a clinically significant difference for the patient.
Medicine Information
- Support for the menstrual cycle3
- Address menopause related concerns 2,3
- Support for uterine health1,3
- Support for a healthy immune response3
- Support for the pregnancy journey1,3
Potential Side Effects
- Drowsiness or fatigue (especially with oral formulations)
- Headache
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings or irritability
- Acne or oily skin (rare, more common in high doses)
- Commercial progesterone capsules often contain peanut oil, which may pose a concern for patients with known allergies. Compounded progesterone can be prepared without peanut oil and may be an option for patients with documented sensitivities, as prescribed by a provider. Be sure to document any allergies on the prescription to ensure the appropriate formulation is dispensed.
Progesterone exerts its effects by binding to intracellular progesterone receptors, which then act as transcription factors to regulate gene expression in target tissues like the uterus, brain, and breast. 1,3These interactions are associated in published literature with physiological processes including endometrial changes, uterine muscle activity, and mood and immune related pathways.1,3
Oral progesterone is absorbed through the gut and metabolized by the liver, producing neuroactive metabolites including allopregnanolone.3 These metabolites cross the blood-brain barrier and act on GABA-A receptors, which are associated with relaxation and sleep-related physiological pathways.2,3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS
This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy. Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription from a prescribing healthcare practitioner and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. Compounded drugs are intended for patients whose prescriber has determined their medical needs are not met by an available FDA-approved drug. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This compounded preparation:
- Has not been approved by the FDA
- Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order
- Individual outcomes may vary
Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.
Disclaimer:
Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Contact your healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References
- Progesterone. (2025). In Lexi-Drugs. UpToDate Lexidrug. UpToDate Inc. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://online.lexi.com
- Spark MJ, Willis J. Systematic review of progesterone use by midlife and menopausal women. Maturitas. 2012 Jul;72(3):192-202. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.03.015. Epub 2012 Apr 25. PMID: 22541358.
- Nagy B, Szekeres-Barthó J, Kovács GL, Sulyok E, Farkas B, Várnagy Á, Vértes V, Kovács K, Bódis J. Key to Life: Physiological Role and Clinical Implications of Progesterone. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Oct 13;22(20):11039. doi: 10.3390/ijms222011039. PMID: 34681696; PMCID: PMC8538505.
Q: Who can take progesterone?
A: Men and women can take progesterone as part of their hormone replacement regimen. Despite being traditionally viewed as a female hormone, progesterone at lower doses in males serves several important functions.
Q: Why is progesterone used in HRT?
A: Compounded progesterone is sometimes prescribed alongside estrogen as part of a hormone support regimen to support uterine health.1,3 It may also be included in a care plan to support sleep-related concerns, as determined by a prescribing provider.1,2
Q: What is the difference between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins?
A: Bioidentical progesterone (micronized progesterone) is chemically identical to what your body produces and is believed to be well tolerated. Synthetic progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate differ in chemical structure. The two have distinct pharmacological profiles; a prescribing provider can help determine which option may be appropriate for an individual patient's needs.1,3
Q: What is the best time to take progesterone - day or night?
A: Oral progesterone capsules are often taken at night to help promote sleep.
