Why Is There a Warning Label on Some Progesterone Cream Products?

Progesterone is a hormone that decreases greatly in production once a woman's menstrual cycle slows down or stops. Progesterone cream is a prescription drug women can use on their skin to increase progesterone levels. Warning labels notify women of potential side effects and dangers of using this drug.

Common Side Effects

• Common side effects observed by those using progesterone creams include breast pain or tenderness, headaches, drowsiness or irritability. In addition, this type of medication can cause stomach and digestion issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.

Rare Side Effects

• In rare cases, the use of progesterone cream can stop or cause changes in a woman's menstrual cycle. Other rare side effects include seizures, jaundice, depression and excessive hair growth. Unusual skin problems, such as acne, dryness and rashes, are also possible while using progesterone cream.

Reactions

• Progesterone may cause deadly reactions when combined with drugs designed to increase estrogen. The combination of these two drugs carries an increased risk of pulmonary embolisms and cerebral embolisms, as well as cerebral thrombosis. Combining progesterone and estrogen may also cause eye problems and an increase in blood pressure.