Prometrium (Progesterone) for Endometriosis

Overview
Prometrium is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and secondary amenorrhea. Prometrium is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Prometrium may be referred to by its drug name, progesterone.

Prometrium should not be taken by women who are or may be pregnant. Prometrium is not appropriate for women who have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Do not take Prometrium if you have or suspect you may have breast cancer. Prometrium contains peanut oil and must not be taken by anyone allergic to peanuts. Prometrium should be used with caution in people with a history of obesity, lupus, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or those who smoke.

Prometrium is a steroid hormone involved in regulating menstruation and pregnancy. In cases of endometriosis, Prometrium is believed to work by changing hormone levels and controlling the growth of the uterine lining.

How do I take it?
Prometrium is taken orally once a day, usually in the evening. Your doctor may direct you to take Prometrium on a rotating schedule. For instance, you may take Prometrium daily for 10 to 12 days, and then go 16 to 18 days without taking it before beginning again.

Consult your doctor before you stop taking Prometrium.

Prometrium can make you dizzy or drowsy when you first start taking it. Avoid driving or operating machinery until these side effects fade, or you are sure you understand how Prometrium affects you.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Prometrium.

Side effects
Prometrium may raise your risk of stroke, heart attack, dangerous blood clots, dementia, and cancers of the breasts, endometrium, and ovaries.

Common side effects of Prometrium include hot flashes, weight changes, dizziness, spinning sensation, stomach upset, cramps, trouble sleeping, nausea, bloating, joint or muscle pain, acne, abnormal hair growth, and swollen or painful breasts. Many of these side effects fade after several weeks of taking Prometrium.

Some women with depression may notice that it becomes worse while taking Prometrium.

Notify your doctor if side effects worsen. Call your doctor if you experience vision changes, breast lumps, weakness on one side, pain in your chest, jaw, or left arm, swelling in your extremities, rapid, pounding heartbeat, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), or sudden, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion while taking Prometrium.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Prometrium — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/prometrium-drug.htm

Prometrium — GoodRx
https://www.goodrx.com/prometrium/what-is