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Natural Progestrone Side Effects

In 2002, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute announced that it had stopped its study of hormone replacement therapy combination of estrogen and progestin early, due to its findings of increased breast cancer risks in women taking such therapy. Since then, women who are still taking, or considering taking, this combination are naturally concerned about the role and risks of each hormone. Many women have inquired about "natural" versions, such as natural progesterone, and wish to know about associated side effects.

  1. How Progesterone Works in Women

    • Progesterone is produced in a woman's body by her ovaries and is directly involved in preparing the body for reproduction. After ovulation, it helps the body prepare for possible pregnancy by preventing the uterus from contracting and also preparing the endometrium. When no pregnancy occurs, the progesterone level drops, which then starts the normal menstrual cycle of shedding the lining that has built up.

    Progesterone's Role in Hormone Replacement Therapy

    • Hormone replacement therapy is often used by women who are suffering from the effects of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings and difficulty sleeping. Estrogen is one part of this therapy and progesterone is also included for women who still have their ovaries. Progesterone is prescribed along with estrogen to ensure the uterus lining sloughs off each month, as it does during normal menstruation. If the lining is not shed, an estrogen only dosage can cause the uterine cells to overgrow, a condition known as endometriosis, which increases the risk of uterine cancer.

    Natural vs. Synthetic Progesterone

    • Progesterone is available in different forms. Natural, also called "bioidentical", progesterone is made by processing soy beans and wild yams. Synthetic progesterone is actually called "progestin" as its chemical structure is close to, but not exactly the same as, what is produced in the body. Both types of progesterone treatments can produce their respective side effects.

    Side Effects of Natural Progesterone

    • Allergic reactions to natural progesterone include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a sense of throat or chest tightness. Some women may develop a rash, hives or itchy skin accompanied by swelling. Symptoms classified as "side effects" are fatigue, edema (swelling), constipation, diarrhea or stomach upset. Infections of the upper respiratory tract are another reported side effect.

    Natural Progesterone and the FDA

    • Natural progesterone products are available in many forms such as creams and aerosol sprays. Some pharmacists, called "compounding pharmacists", produce customized, individualized doses. The FDA has not approved natural progesterone, which means it does not supervise the manufacture process nor vouch for the purity, dose or safety of the products. However, combination bioidentical products are available that are FDA approved. These contain both estrogen and progesterone and can be found under the names of Estrace, Climara, the Vivelle-Dot patch, and Prometrium.

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