Effects of Progestin on the Body

Progesterone is a hormone produced in men and women, but is one of two primary sex hormones in women. In the 1950s, progestin was synthesized as a replacement for progesterone. Indications for progestin include contraception, menstrual cycle regulation and endometriosis. It is commonly prescribed to help abate symptoms related to menopause. Progestin is also used in the treatment of breast, kidney and uterine cancers. In order to understand the effects of progestin, progesterone must be understood.

Progesterone Functions

• Progesterone is produced in the ovaries. It helps to regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also prepares the body for pregnancy and helps create favorable conditions within the uterus to maintain a pregnancy. Progesterone also helps maintain the sex drive and acts as a natural diuretic.

Progesterone Effects

• Normally, a premenopausal woman produces 20 to 25 milligrams of progesterone per day. This amount soars when a woman becomes pregnant: She produces 300 to 400 milligrams of progesterone per day. After menopause, a woman typically produces less than 1 milligram per day. Symptoms of low progesterone in premenopausal women include difficulty conceiving, insomnia, sore breasts and weight gain. Menopausal women may experience weight gain, painful breasts and decreased libido due to the decline in progesterone levels.

Progesterone Alternatives

• For women who are deficient in progesterone, a doctor may suggest hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. A progesterone cream that is made from Mexican wild yams is a holistic alternative to the progestin pill or injection. Progestin-containing pills are prescribed under brand names including Provera, Megace and Loestrin. Depo-Provera is the injectible form of progestin. Progestin is also used in the intrauterine device Mirena.

Progestin Treatments

• Progestin may be prescribed to correct progesterone deficiency and as treatment for endometriosis. As a hormone replacement, progestin acts to reverse the effects of low progesterone levels. In endometriosis, progestin is thought to slow the overgrowth of endometrial tissue. Upon initiation of progestin treatment, premenopausal women may experience a change in menstrual flow. This may manifest as either a lighter or heavier menstrual period. There may be some spotting, as well. In some cases, depending on the type used, menstruation may stop for a prolonged period of time.

Progestin Side Effects

• Progestin does have side effects that are reversed by stopping the therapy. Women may experience increased breast tenderness, fluid retention, acne, headaches and mood changes. There may also be some nausea and vomiting, which may be reduced if the pill form is taken at night. In long-term use, there is the risk of loss of bone mass, leading to development of osteoporosis. It is recommended that women on long-term progestin therapy take supplemental calcium and vitamin D for bone health.