Some mild side effects have been reported. These may include:
- Breast tenderness
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Breakthrough bleeding, spotting, changes in menstrual flow, painful periods
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Headache (including migraine)
- Blurred vision
- Mood disturbances, and irritability.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if any of these affects you severely.
Sometimes, more serious side effects have been reported. In such a case, stop taking the medication and talk immediately with a healthcare professional. The side effects are:
- Nausea and vomiting that doesn’t stop
- mood changes, depression, or memory loss
- breast lumps
- unusual vaginal bleeding such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or recurrent bleeding
- increased or new vaginal irritation, itching, odor or discharge
- severe stomach or abdominal pain
- yellowing around the eyes or on the skin
- dark urine
- swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- increased thirst
- increased and more frequent urination
- excessive tiredness.
There have been some cases of severe allergic reactions to this product. If symptoms like itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat), a rash, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness appear, seek medical help immediately.
Prometrium can be prescribed for women who aren’t pregnant and are not going through menopause but whose menstrual periods have stopped for several months (amenorrhea). It can restore the normal cycle.
Progesterone is also used in combination with estrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, discomfort during sex, and feelings of loss of self.
Progesterone is added to estrogen in hormone replacement therapy in order to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus.