This information is not intended to take the place of your physicians guidance. For information specifically related to your own hormonal needs, which may be different than the suggestion in this article, refer to your health-care provider, OBGYN, M.D. or nurse practitioner.  No matter if you are on high dose prometrium because of previous miscarriages, or low dose to prevent pregnancy, or in treatment for fertility support, consult your physician as needed.

 

Off -label use of Prometrium for Post-Menopausal Women

April 2011

Terra Wise

terrawise.net

Many post-menopause women cycle with 200 mg prometrium to protect their uterus. Depending on the dosage of estrogen in the cycle, the need for progesterone will vary from as infrequently as once every 2nd (or even 3rd month) to much more if the estrogen levels are higher. The need for progesterone (and its withdrawal effect after 12-14-days) is what causes a shedding of the uterine lining, if there is enough of a blood build-up.

Women have various responses to prometrium cycling, however, almost everyone notices the sleepiness it causes, and that is why it is prescribed to be taken at bed-time. Many women enjoy the benefit of the deep sleep that results from Prometrium, however, there are numerous reports regarding the side-effect of nightmares, something that is quite disturbing for many women and can cause them to avoid cycling with it.

Nightmares

Nightmares occur when oral soft-gel Prometrium tablets are swallowed.. The solution, proven to work by many, many women is to insert the tablets vaginally, where they slowly melt through the night, absorbed by the blood. This method allows for the uterine benefit of the progesterone, without the side-effect of the nightmares! In addition, this method also seems to reduce a few other uncomfortable side-effects that can be experienced by (some) women when taking high doses of progesterone.

 

Summery:

Progesterone is one of the naturally occurring female sex hormones. It is used in combination with postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy to prevent the estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus. The shedding of the lining (which builds up with estrogen) is used to protect and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Prometrium is used for women who have a uterus. The vaginal use of Prometrium (instead of oral) will eliminate the nightmares that often accompany oral ingestion.