A collection of medications that resemble the hormone progesterone, encompassing both natural progesterone and its synthetic variants.
Progestogen medications are employed in various forms of birth control. They can be used alone in options like the progestogen-only pill, contraceptive implants, and injectable contraceptives. They can also be combined with estrogen-based drugs in multi-hormonal birth control pills. These drugs function by thickening cervical mucus to block sperm entry, inhibiting the release of gonadotrophin hormones to potentially prevent egg maturation in the ovaries, and modifying the uterine lining to deter the attachment of fertilized eggs. Additionally, they slow down the egg’s passage through the fallopian tube, which could increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Progestogens also have a role in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When combined with an estrogen medication, progestogens help to lower the risk of uterine cancer that could develop if estrogen is taken by itself for an extended period. When administered cyclically, usually for the final 10-13 days of the menstrual cycle, progestogens trigger the monthly shedding of the uterine lining.
Progestogen medications are additionally used to address a range of menstrual issues. They are prescribed for conditions like premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis, where pieces of the uterine lining occur outside the uterus within the pelvic area. In some cases, these drugs are also utilized for their anti-cancer properties.
Potential side effects of using progestogen medications include weight gain, fluid retention in body tissues, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, irregular menstrual cycles, and breast soreness. Ovarian cysts are a less frequent but possible adverse effect.