What is Prometrium
Prometrium is a form of natural progesterone. It is only available by
prescription. Prometrium is the only type of progesterone that can be
taken by mouth. It was made available in 1998 and is considered an oral
micronized progesterone (OMP). Because the progesterone is "chopped up"
or micronized the body can absorb and effectively use this progesterone.
Prometrium, long used in Europe, received official approval from the
United States Food and Drug Administration. Prometrium Capsules are an
oral micronized progesterone used with estrogen therapy. This drug is
used to prevent cell overgrowth in the uterine lining in perimenopausal
and postmenopausal women who still have an intact uterus.
Prometrium is a good progesterone product for women who do not do well on
another class of progesterone's called progestins. The most common form
of progestin is Provera.
What does it do?
Progesterone and/or progestins are important for women to take when they
are
taking an estrogen product. The role of progesterone and progestins is
to maintain the integrity of the uterine lining, to prevent cellular
overgrowth. Through this action progesterone and progestins prevent
uterine cancer for women who are taking estrogen. In fact, by taking
progesterone and /or progestins with estrogen a woman does not have any
greater risk of developing uterine cancer than a woman who does not take
estrogen.
Prometrium Capsules is a progesterone made from yams that is structurally
identical to natural occurring progesterone found in a woman's body.
Micronized means the progesterone is "chopped up" which makes it easier
for the body to absorb. The suggested dose for Prometrium Capsules for
use in HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is 200 milligrams taken orally
once a day, in the evening, for 12 in a row days, every menstrual cycle.
Laura E. Corio, M.D., is a board-certified ob/gyn whose thriving New York
City practice attracts women from across the country because of her
unique blend of no-nonsense medical advice, extensive knowledge of
alternative approaches, and close collaboration with patients. According
to Dr. Corio in her book The Change Before the Change the benefits of
progesterones like Prometrium are:
Relieves PMS symptoms
Relieves painful periods
Controls abnormal bleeding
Relieves insomnia
Relieves depression
Relieves anxiety
Builds bone
Does not negate the positive cardiovascular effects of estrogen
Controls endometriosis
Dosage & Side Effects
Prometrium comes in an oiled based capsule (if you have a peanut allergy
you can't take Prometrium because the oil in the capsule is peanut oil)
in doses of 100 milligrams per capsule and 200 milligrams per capsule.
Also, women who have liver disease, or who have known or suspected breast
cancer, or pregnancy shouldn't take Prometrium Capsules. Some common
side effects of this medication are breast tenderness, dizziness,
abdominal bloating, and vaginal discharge.
