What is Utrogestan and what is it used for?

Utrogestan is a medication containing the hormone progesterone, It’s safe to be used in combination with oestrogen for use as hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy can provide relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

This medication is suitable for women with an intact uterus when taken with an oestrogen-based drug such as Zumenon or Elleste Solo or patches such as Evorel and Estradot, but it is not a form of contraception.

An alternative to the 100mg soft capsules is Utrogestan 200mg vaginal capsules.

How does Utrogestan work?

The body’s natural oestrogen and progesterone production decline as menopause approaches in females. HRT raises these hormones’ levels, which relieves associated symptoms.

When taking oestrogen alone it causes the cells of the lining of the womb to thicken, which can lead to some women developing cancer of the uterus. Taking Utrogestan blocks this process, causing the womb lining to shed every month, just like during a menstrual bleed, lowering the risk of developing cancer.

Can Utrogestan be taken with food?

Take Utrogestan on an empty stomach — taking it with food can cause drowsiness.

What is the advantage of taking Utrogestan over other HRT?

Women often suffer fewer adverse effects from Utrogestan than from other forms of progestogens because Utrogestan includes a form of progesterone that is identical to that created by the body prior to menopause.

Older progestogen formulations have also been linked to a somewhat increased risk of heart disease and blood clots. According to studies, this is not the case for Utrogestan users.

How to take Utrogestan 100mg

Utrogestan 100mg capsules are for oral use and are only suitable for use by women who are going through menopause.

You may be instructed to take Utrogestan in one of two ways:

Take 2 capsules per month from days 15 to 26 of your 28-day monthly cycle if you haven’t missed a period in the past six to twelve months. This plan will induce aN artificial monthly bleed.
Take 1 capsule without a break every evening if you haven’t had a period in over a year.

Utrogestan 100mg ingredients

Progesterone is the active ingredient in each Utrogestan capsule.

The following inactive components are also present in each capsule of Utrogestan: sunflower oil, soya lecithin, gelatin, glycerol, titanium dioxide, and purified water.

Utrogestan side effects

While not everyone may experience side effects, they are a possibility with all medications. The following side effects have been mentioned by Utrogestan users:

You should consult a doctor or pharmacist for guidance if you have any concerns about any adverse effects. Read the Patient Information Leaflet for more details regarding possible side effects.

Utrogestan 100mg warnings

Before using Utrogestan, carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet for all the information about risks and warnings.

Your chance of experiencing specific health conditions rises if you use HRT. Before determining if HRT is the best option for you, you should take some time to think about its risks. Consult your doctor or a specialist if you have any questions or concerns.

If you experience any of the following, before or while using Utrogestan, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately:

You have endometrial hyperplasia or any type of unexplained vaginal bleeding.
You currently have a clotting problem or have had a venous blood clot.
You’ve experienced a stroke, a heart attack, or angina
You suspect or develop endometrial, breast, or genital tract cancer

If you’ve ever experienced any of the following, consult your doctor before starting Utrogestan — especially if your symptoms worsen during treatment:

Hypothyroidism
Endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
Kidney, liver, or heart disorders
Diabetes, SLE, epilepsy, or asthma
Utrogestan and cancer
Uterine fibroids
You’ve recently stopped taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed (including herbal) medication.
High blood pressure or high levels of fat in your blood
Migraines
Hereditary angioedema
Gallstones

According to research on the use of HRT, consuming progesterone alone or in combination with oestrogen can raise your chance of developing breast cancer. This risk rises the longer you use HRT, but after five years, this risk returns to normal pre-HRT levels.

To control your symptoms, it is advised that you should use the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest time possible. Additionally, you must routinely inspect your breasts for any changes, such as lumps and dimples. Visit a doctor as soon as you can if you discover any anomalies.

Utrogestan and blood clots

Any type of HRT, including Utrogestan, increases the risk of blood clots by one to three times, and the risk of a stroke by five times. Call NHS 111 or 999 if you believe you are experiencing blood clot symptoms at any moment, or if you believe you are suffering a stroke.

Utrogestan during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Utrogestan is not a means of contraception and should only be used by postmenopausal women. If you’ve had a period within the past year or you’re under the age of 50, you should discuss contraception options with your GP before taking any form of HRT.

Stop using Utrogestan immediately if you become pregnant while taking it, and contact your doctor. Utrogestan shouldn’t be taken when nursing a baby.

Utrogestan Capsules (100mg)