Finasteride
medicationA prescription pill that slows male-pattern hair loss by lowering DHT.
9 providers
No. 058hormone
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that is FDA-approved, prescription only.
Also known as Prometrium, micronized progesterone, Crinone, bioidentical progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone the ovaries make after ovulation. Oral micronized progesterone (Prometrium) is prescribed to women with a uterus who take estrogen for menopause, to protect against endometrial overgrowth, and for missed periods. Vaginal progesterone supports pregnancy during IVF and other fertility treatment.
Is Progesterone FDA-approved?
Approved by the FDA. A licensed clinician has to decide it is right for you and prescribe it. FDA-approved, prescription only. Prometrium is approved to prevent endometrial hyperplasia with estrogen therapy and to treat secondary amenorrhea; Crinone vaginal gel is approved for fertility treatment. Generic capsules exist. Compounded "bioidentical" creams are not FDA-approved.
As of October 7, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Oral micronized progesterone (Prometrium) is FDA-approved to protect the uterine lining in women taking estrogen, and to treat missed periods.
- Vaginal progesterone (Crinone) is approved to support pregnancy during fertility treatment.
- It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and Prometrium capsules contain peanut oil.
- Compounded "bioidentical" progesterone creams are not FDA-approved, and the National Academies found little evidence for them.
How does Progesterone work?
Estrogen makes the lining of the uterus grow. Progesterone, made naturally after ovulation, matures that lining and stops it overgrowing. That is why women with a uterus who take estrogen for menopause are usually prescribed a progestogen too.
Micronized progesterone is chemically identical to the body's own hormone. Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) is a synthetic progestin with a similar job on the uterus but a different chemical structure and label.
Is progesterone the same as a progestin?
No. Prometrium contains progesterone itself, approved to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women with a uterus taking estrogen, and to treat secondary amenorrhea. DailyMed: Prometrium (progesterone) prescribing information
Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin approved for similar uses on the uterine lining and for abnormal uterine bleeding from hormonal imbalance. DailyMed: Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) prescribing information
In February 2026 FDA approved updated labeling for Prometrium as part of its menopausal hormone therapy label changes. FDA (Feb 12, 2026): FDA approves labeling changes for menopausal hormone therapy products
What does the evidence say about Progesterone?
Strong human evidenceRandomized trials support its approved uses: protecting the uterine lining during estrogen therapy and luteal support in assisted reproduction. Evidence for compounded creams is weak.
What do clinicians say about Progesterone?
Clinicians prescribe progesterone mainly as a partner to estrogen in women with a uterus, and as luteal support in fertility care, while steering patients toward FDA-approved products.
The Prometrium label lists peanut allergy as a contraindication because the capsules contain peanut oil, along with unexplained genital bleeding, breast cancer, past blood clots and liver disease.
DailyMed: Prometrium (progesterone) prescribing informationIn the label's three-year trial, breast tenderness, dizziness, bloating, depression and vaginal discharge were more common with Prometrium plus estrogen than with placebo.
DailyMed: Prometrium (progesterone) prescribing informationThe Crinone label lists progesterone supplementation or replacement as part of assisted reproductive technology for infertile women with progesterone deficiency.
DailyMed: Crinone (progesterone gel) prescribing informationThe National Academies recommended limiting compounded bioidentical hormones to patients who cannot use an FDA-approved product, citing risks of too much or too little hormone.
National Academies (2020): Restrict non-FDA-approved compounded bioidentical hormones
Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
Is Progesterone right for you, and who should avoid it?
Often considered for
- Women with a uterus who take estrogen for menopause
- Women with missed periods (secondary amenorrhea) after a clinician has found the cause
- Women in IVF or other assisted reproduction who need luteal support (vaginal forms)
Not a fit, or needs extra care
- People with a peanut allergy (Prometrium capsules)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Known or suspected breast cancer
- A current or past blood clot, stroke or heart attack, or liver disease
Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.
What are the risks and side effects of Progesterone?
- Oral capsules can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which is why the label directs bedtime use; take care driving.
- Prometrium capsules contain peanut oil, so people with a peanut allergy should not take them.
- Side effects in the label trial included breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, bloating, mood changes and vaginal discharge.
- Not for people with unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, past blood clots or liver disease.
What should you ask a clinician about Progesterone?
- Do I need a progestogen with my estrogen, and is micronized progesterone right for me?
- Could my peanut allergy or sleep and mood history matter?
- Is an FDA-approved product available, or is there a reason I would need a compounded one?
These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.
How do people get Progesterone through telehealth?
Progesterone is usually prescribed together with estrogen by a menopause clinician, or by a fertility clinic as part of treatment.
Online menopause services take a history and prescribe both when appropriate.
Generic progesterone capsules are filled at most pharmacies and are commonly covered by insurance.
What programs often include
- Clinician review and prescription
- Follow-up on bleeding patterns and side effects
How some providers do it
- HersMenopause care where a provider can prescribe a progesterone pill alongside estradiol.
- LifeMDWomen's health program listing micronized progesterone.
- AgelessRxProgesterone capsules priced per medication on top of a monthly membership.
- Amazon PharmacyFills generic progesterone capsules (generic Prometrium) from your own prescriber.
From each provider’s own site, checked October 7, 2026. Programs change, so confirm the details before you sign up.
Where can I get Progesterone?
12 providers list Progesterone on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.
MuselyThe Progesterone Pill (compounded micronized progesterone)
Compounded, not FDA-approvedLowest listed priceClinician consult required
$20/molisted price†
Start at Musely $43/molisted price†
Start at AgelessRx $49/mo + membershiplisted price†
Start at Hone Health $52/mo for memberslisted price†
Start at Healthspan Henry MedsWomen's HRT with progesterone (compounded or FDA-approved)
Compounded, not FDA-approvedClinician consult required
$149/monthlisted price†
Start at Henry Meds see site
Start at Amazon Pharmacy see site
Start at Nurx † Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.
How much does Progesterone cost?
Listed prices run from $20 to $52 a month across 4 providers, as checked October 7, 2026.
Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change. Membership or consult fees may be separate; see each provider.
Progesterone: questions, answered
What are the side effects of progesterone?
In the Prometrium label trial, breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, bloating, mood changes and vaginal discharge were among the most reported side effects, several more often than with placebo. It can cause brief drowsiness or dizziness, which is why the label directs bedtime use and advises care with driving. Vaginal forms can cause cramping and irritation.
Why do I need progesterone with estrogen?
Estrogen alone makes the lining of the uterus grow, which raises the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Adding a progestogen, such as micronized progesterone, protects that lining. Women who have had a hysterectomy usually do not need it. Your clinician will choose the type and how it fits with your estrogen.
Is progesterone FDA-approved?
Yes. Oral micronized progesterone (Prometrium and generics) is FDA-approved to protect the uterine lining during estrogen therapy and to treat secondary amenorrhea. Crinone vaginal gel is approved for fertility treatment. Compounded progesterone creams sold as "bioidentical" are not FDA-approved, and the National Academies found insufficient evidence for compounded hormone therapy.
Does progesterone help with sleep?
Sleep is not an approved use. The Prometrium label notes it can cause drowsiness and directs bedtime use for that reason. Some women find this helpful, but drowsiness is listed as a side effect, not a benefit. If sleep is your main problem, ask your clinician about its causes and treatments studied for insomnia.
Can men take progesterone?
There is no FDA-approved use of progesterone for men. Its labeled uses are protecting the uterine lining during estrogen therapy, treating missed periods and supporting fertility treatment in women. Products marketed to men as "progesterone balance" creams are not FDA-reviewed, so a man with hormone concerns should get a proper evaluation first.
Important safety information
Key risks
- Oral capsules can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which is why the label directs bedtime use; take care driving.
- Prometrium capsules contain peanut oil, so people with a peanut allergy should not take them.
- Side effects in the label trial included breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, bloating, mood changes and vaginal discharge.
- Not for people with unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, past blood clots or liver disease.
Talk to a clinician first, or avoid it, if
- People with a peanut allergy (Prometrium capsules)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Known or suspected breast cancer
- A current or past blood clot, stroke or heart attack, or liver disease
This is not a complete list of risks. Read the full prescribing information and any Medication Guide, and talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sources
- DailyMed: Prometrium (progesterone) prescribing information
- DailyMed: Crinone (progesterone gel) prescribing information
- National Academies (2020): Restrict non-FDA-approved compounded bioidentical hormones
- FDA (Feb 12, 2026): FDA approves labeling changes for menopausal hormone therapy products
Also checked for this guide
- DailyMed: Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) prescribing information
- The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society
- FDA: NASEM study on the clinical utility of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy
Guide reviewed October 7, 2026.
Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.
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