Progesterone is an important part of hormone replacement therapy for some, but not all women. For women who still have a uterus, it is important to take a progestogen. You take a progestogen to stop the lining of the womb building up (caused by taking oestrogen) – which can increase your risk of cancer. The progestogen stops the lining building up, and so lowers the risk of cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not need to take a progestogen – as the lining of the womb can not be built up. Also, women who have a Mirena coil do not need a progestogen prescription. After 5 years on body identical progestogens there is a small increased risk of getting breast cancer. Importantly this is lower than the risk for a woman taking synthetic progestogen.
How effective have progesterone tablets been for relieving your symptoms?
Please share your review with the Caria community:
This poll ran on the Caria community site and is now closed. The final results are below.
- Very effective45.63%47 votes
- Somewhat effective38.83%40 votes
- Not effective15.53%16 votes
103 responses in total.
Community comments
10Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Rr6 years ago
My gynaecologist has just fitted me with Mirena coil as I was getting such bad side effects from the tablets. Fingers crossed although apprehensive as such mixed reviews about the coil.
Karen6 years ago
I’m thinking that I’ll ask my consultant if I can have a Mirena, I’m taking micronised progesterone for two out of four weeks but have horrible mood swings and sadness while I’m taking it. Has anyone else had this?
Meredithreplying to Karen5 years ago
My doctor just informed me 4 days ago that prog only pills (that I was on for the last 5 yrs) causes depression!!! I have been complaining about terrible hormonal depression to her every year!! But finally she has listened and in just the 4 days since I stopped the pills I feel better. Unfortunately it’s also the point in my cycle where I would usually expect to feel somewhat better compared to PMS, but I feel like I’m also noticing less hair on my face and stuff too. I’m going in two weeks to have my hormone levels tested to know for sure what is going on, but I’m never going back on those progesterone pills!
Val6 years ago
Cerazette did nothing except make me paranoid & sad on top of all the other symptoms I was experienced of perimenopause. However Norethisterone has made a real difference. I feel able to cope & more like my old self. The down side is that I’ve been told I can’t take it for too long. I had a mirena coil fitted 3 months ago but when I have a week off the Norethisterone all the heavy bleeding comes back. I’ve been told the coil can take up to 6 months to be affective, but I can only take Norethisterone for another month. Feeling quite apprehensive about what will happen when I finish taking it.
Jolange6 years ago
These have really helped with hot flashes but I still feel too hot a lot, nobody wants to work in same room as me as I always have windows open?? Peaceful for me. I don’t feel they have helped with mood swings or dryness or any other symptoms.
Anna5 years ago
Still getting hot sweats occasionally but not as much. Problem I find is my period cycle is still all over the place and lengthwise so it’s difficult for me to figure out when is my days 15 to 26
Ailisha5 years ago
Anna - me too. I find it hard to ascertain when day 15 to 26 is .
Lisa5 years ago
I am taking Norethisterone to regulate my period as I had been bleeding for nearly 6 months. I was prescribed Norethisterone after I collapsed in A&E from a very heavy bleed. I take it for 3 weeks then have a week off. I bleed heavily during my week off and have to take Tranexemic acid to control the bleeding. Since I have been taking the Norethisterone my other symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety etc are getting worse. My GP is not very helpful and says it’s my age (I’m 50). Any advice would be gratefully received.
Sìne5 years ago
I’ve been taking progesterone to “manage my hormones” for a few years now. I’ve only recently realised my symptoms are most likely peri menopause. Haven’t been diagnosed but with COVID, and my symptoms under control, it’s not a priority. Anyway, progesterone has reduced anxiety and mood swings and I’ve not had a period in...I can't recall how long. I'm very pleased with it
Sam2 years ago
What about still taking progesterone for it’s other benefits? This seems like outdated info to me