Prometrium vs Progesterone – Choosing the Right Option for Hormonal Balance
Understanding the differences between medications can be crucial when making informed healthcare decisions.
People with Progesterone deficiency may be familiar with two names, Prometrium and Progesterone.
These two medications are generally prescribed for Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) and menstrual irregularities.
As per the National Institute of Health, 14% to 25% of women face menstrual irregularities in childbearing age.
Both are used in various other medical scenarios as well, but what sets them apart?
In this article, we’ll learn about Prometrium vs Progesterone, exploring their similarities and differences.
A quick review: Prometrium vs Progesterone
| Progesterone | Prometrium | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Medication | Hormone | Hormone |
| Generic Name | Progesterone | Progesterone |
| Brand Names | Crinone, Endometrin, etc. | Prometrium |
| Formulations | capsules, creams, gels, and injections | Oral capsules |
| Uses | Supplemental or replacement therapy for progesterone deficiency Treatment of menstrual irregularities HRT | Treatment of menstrual irregularities HRT |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, drowsiness, headache, mood changes | Headache, breast pain, nausea, bloating, mood changes |
| Method of Administration | Oral, vaginal, or injection, depending on the formulation | Oral |
| Dosage | Varies depending on the specific condition being treated. Typically ranges from 100 mg to 400 mg per day | Varies as per the condition being treated. Typical dosages range from 100 mg to 200 mg per day |
| Price | $18.30 for 30 capsules (Prices may vary) | $430.91 for 30 capsules (Prices may vary) |
What is Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body and helps in various functions.
It is involved in pregnancies and is mainly produced in the ovaries.
Progesterone is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands of males and females.
The levels of Progesterone can also affect menstrual periods and menopausal symptoms.
It is also used to stop overgrowth in the uterus lining in postmenopausal women having estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
What is Prometrium
Prometrium is a brand-name medication for a type of Progesterone called micronized Progesterone.
This is available in capsule form and was FDA-approved for the treatment of Endometrial Hyperplasia in the year 1998.
It is also used to treat irregular period cycles and prevents the uterus lining from getting too thick.
This can happen if you take Estrogen after menopause.
Uses of Prometrium and Progesterone
The uses of both Prometrium and Progesterone are similar as they contain Progesterone.
If your body stops producing enough Progesterone that it needs, then Prometrium is prescribed.
Your doctor can also suggest Progesterone if you have had no periods for several months (Amenorrhea).
Low body weight and a hormonal imbalance can cause low levels of this hormone.
Both medicines can help restore normal Progesterone levels and restart your regular periods.
Your doctor may prescribe these if you went through menopause and are taking Estrogen to treat hot flashes.
Estrogen can also increase the risk of Uterine cancer if taken alone.
Adding Progesterone to your hormonal therapy can help take your cancer risk to normal.
How to use
Progesterone capsules must be taken orally and as your doctor prescribes.
You can also follow the given instructions to increase the effectiveness:
- Take medicine once daily in the evening or at bedtime
- You will probably take medicine for 10 to 12 days during your monthly menstrual cycle
- To help you remember, you can take this medicine at the same time daily
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor carefully
- Do not take less or more dosage than prescribed by your doctor
Keep the medicines in a cool and dry place between 15 to 30 degrees.
Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from sunlight.
Effectiveness
Both Prometrium and Progesterone have the same synthetic hormone Progestin.
These medicines work on a similar mechanism, increasing the levels of Progesterone in the body.
As per Drugs.com, Prometrium has 58% positive reviews among 34 ratings, and 19% reported adverse effects.
For generic Progesterone, 48% reported positive effect mong 73 reviews, and 25% reported negative effects of the medicine.
Side effects of Prometrium and Progesterone
Prometrium and Progesterone have similar side effects as they act the same on the body.
Some side effects that you may report to your doctor as soon as possible are as follows:
- Blood clot: Swelling, pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and warmth in the leg
- Allergic reactions: Itching, skin rash, swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Breast tissue changes: New lumps, pain, redness, or discharge from the nipple
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the body, loss of balance, and severe headache
- Sudden change in vision, such as blurry vision and eye pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
Side effects that do not need any medical attention are as follows:
- Headache
- Breast pain
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Swellings of ankles, hands, and feet
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between Prometrium and Progesterone helps individuals seek hormone therapy.
Both medications contain the hormone Progesterone, Prometrium is the brand name for a synthetic hormone, and Progesterone refers to the hormone itself.
The choice between the two depends on cost, availability, and individual preference.
Prometrium comes in its oral form, while Progesterone comes in various forms, including oral, vaginal, and injections.
Consulting a healthcare professional is important to determine the best medicine for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prometrium and Progesterone the same thing?
Prometrium is a brand name given to the synthetic Progesterone. Whereas, Progesterone is a hormone present in the body. This helps with ovulation, fertility, menstruation, menopause, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Why is Progesterone Prometrium prescribed?
Prometrium Progesterone is prescribed to treat irregular periods and to prevent the uterus lining from becoming too thick. When taken together with Estrogen containing medications, it helps in protecting the uterus from damage by Estrogen.
Is Prometrium Synthetic or Bioidentical Progesterone?
Prometrium is used as a replacement for Progesterone. It is synthesized to make it chemically identical to Progesterone made in the human ovary. So, it is considered to be bio-identical.
What are the risks of Prometrium?
Some risks while taking Prometrium are nausea, bloating, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Talk to your doctor as soon as you face these side effects.
