Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 7/3/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of progesterone can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of progesterone use include:

• Nausea/ upset stomach
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  
• Mood changes
  
• Vaginal discharge
  
• Menstrual cycle changes
  
• Breast tenderness or pain
  
• Weight changes
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Bloating
  
• Joint pain
  
• Runny nose
  
• Sneezing
  
• Cough
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Unexplained breast lumps
  
• Unusual or unexplained vaginal bleeding
  
• Heart attack
  
• Stroke
  
• Blood clot
  
• Pain during urination
  
• Migraine headaches
  
• Loss of vision or blurred vision
  
• Drowsiness or dizziness
  
• Confusion
  
• Fast heartbeat
  
• Chest pain
  
• Wheezing or hoarseness
  
• Coughing up blood
  
• Seizures
  
• Uncontrollable shaking
  
• Depression symptoms
  
• Hives
  
• Skin rash
  
• Itching
  
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs
  
• Leg pain
  
• Light colored stool
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking progesterone, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with progesterone. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with progesterone.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Antiarrhythmics
  
• Antifungals
  
• H2 receptor antagonists
  
• Macrolide antibiotics
  
• Immunosuppressants
  
• Androgen hormones
  
• HIV medications
  
• Calcium channel blockers
  
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  
• HIV protease inhibitors
  
• Antituberculosis agents
  
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  
• Nitroimidazole antibiotics
  
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  
• Oral contraceptives
  
• Antiplatelets
  
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  
• A history of miscarriages
  
• Breast cancer
  
• Cancer of the female reproductive tract
  
• Blood clots
  
• Stroke
  
• Heart attack
  
• Peanut allergy
  
• Migraines
  
• Asthma
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Liver problems or liver disease
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
• A history of depression
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using progesterone with your healthcare provider.

Take progesterone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Progesterone can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.

In case of a progesterone overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.