Utrogestan: Usage & Precautions

Utrogestan can be used to treat conditions such as irregular menstruation, low fertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as easing menopausal symptoms such as mood imbalances, insomnia, night sweats and irregular periods.

You should not use Utrogestan if you have the following conditions:

• Severe liver disease

• Previous or current breast cancer

• Porphyria

• Soya allergy

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (not due to menstrual periods)

• Allergy to progesterone or any other component of Utrogestan

• Cancer of the sex organs like ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, or external genitalia

• Stroke, blood clots, or bleeding from the brain

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you take Utrogestan if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• A heart condition or high blood pressure

• Photo-sensitive skin

• Liver or kidney disease

• Migraine

• Asthma

If you are unsure about taking Utrogestan, get advice from a healthcare professional first.

Utrogestan Capsules

Utrogestan capsules are usually used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, irregular periods, and heavy bleeding. Swallow Utrogestan capsules whole with a drink of water on an empty stomach. You should always follow the advice given by your doctor, but in general, Utrogestan capsules can be taken in two ways, both of which counteract the effects of estrogen on the lining of the uterus:

• Two Utrogestan 100mg capsules at night-time for 12 days in the second half of the menstrual cycle that is from day 15 to 26. You will then usually have a withdrawal bleed (like a period) the next week.

• One Utrogestan 100mg capsule at bedtime from day 1 to 25. With this regime, you probably won’t get as much withdrawal bleeding.

Utrogestan Tablets

Utrogestan vaginal tablets are most often used by women with fertility issues. The tablets are placed into the vagina with the applicator provided. Instructions for using this applicator are usually supplied with the Utrogestan packaging. For correct dosage, read these instructions carefully.

Common side effects experienced with Utrogestan include:

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Depression

• High temperature

• Changes to the menstrual cycle other than the withdrawal bleed

• Changes to the vaginal discharge

• Symptoms of premenstrual tension: back pain, abdominal pain, irritability

• Swollen ankles

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Breast tenderness

• Skin issues, e.g. acne or rash

• Changes to sexual function and desire

• Increased hair growth or hair loss

If you experience the following symptoms while taking Utrogestan, make an appointment to speak with your doctor as soon as possible:

• The development of blood clots (thrombi) in the veins of the legs or pelvis

• Changes in the breasts like dimpling of the skin, lumps, or issues with the nipples

If you develop headaches, eye problems, or the signs of jaundice (yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes), stop taking Utrogestan right away and seek immediate medical help.

You should never take Utrogestan if you have, or have ever had breast cancer. You should know with its high quantities of progesterone, Utrogestan increases the risk of breast cancer in women who have not had it previously. The risk is greater for women who have had a late menopause.

For all types of HRT, the chances of developing breast cancer become greater if you take the medication loner. Taking the drugs for 5 years or more will significantly increase your risk. However, after women have been off HRT for longer than 5 years, their risk returns to that of women who have never received the drugs.

Other risk factors for breast cancer include:

• A close relative (i.e. mother, sister, or grandmother) who has had the disease

• Obesity

If you are concerned or confused about your chances of developing breast cancer, it is always best to speak with your doctor.