Prometrium: What It Is, How to Use It Safely

Prometrium is a brand-name oral micronized progesterone prescribed for menstrual support, hormone replacement therapy, and certain infertility treatments. It’s progesterone in a form your body recognizes, unlike some synthetic progestins, so many people tolerate it better. Doctors commonly use it to protect the uterine lining when estrogen is given, to treat abnormal bleeding, and as part of fertility care. If someone told you it’s just “another pill,” know it works differently than synthetic options and has its own side-effect profile.

How you take Prometrium depends on why your doctor prescribed it. Typical doses range from 100 mg to 200 mg taken once or twice daily, often at bedtime because it can make you sleepy. For luteal support in fertility cycles, your clinic will give specific timing linked to ovulation or embryo transfer. Follow your prescriber’s directions exactly; don’t double doses or stop abruptly unless instructed.

Practical safety tips

Take Prometrium with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Expect common effects like drowsiness, dizziness, breast tenderness, bloating, and mood changes—if these are mild they often ease after a few days. Avoid alcohol and heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you notice sudden calf pain, shortness of breath, severe chest pain, yellowing skin, or very heavy vaginal bleeding, contact medical help immediately; those can be signs of serious complications.

Tell your clinician about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and sedatives. Also mention a history of blood clots, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers, because Prometrium may not be safe in those situations. Pregnant people should only use it under direct medical advice; some uses involve supporting early pregnancy under a doctor’s care, but unsupervised use is risky.

Buying, storing, and common questions

Only get Prometrium through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Be cautious with online vendors that don’t require a prescription or have poor reviews. Store tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and keep them out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s near the time for your next dose—then skip the missed one and resume your schedule.

Many people ask if Prometrium causes weight gain or long-term mood changes. Short-term changes in appetite or mood can happen, but lasting weight gain is more likely linked to overall lifestyle and other treatments. If mood shifts are strong or depressive symptoms appear, call your provider—there are safer alternatives and strategies to manage those effects. If you want help deciding between Prometrium and synthetic progestins, ask for a comparison that covers side effects and the effects on your specific health goals.

Keep a short daily log of side effects, bleeding patterns, and mood so you can report specifics at follow-up. If oral Prometrium causes too much sleepiness or nausea, ask your clinician about vaginal progesterone or lower-dose schedules. Regular follow-up lets your provider adjust therapy safely and reach your treatment goals.