What is Utrogestan Used For?

Utrogestan 100mg is a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to treat symptoms of menopause. It contains the active ingredient progesterone, which replaces your naturally declining progesterone levels, reducing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, and night sweats.

Utrogestan contains the active ingredient progesterone, which is made from plants. The medication has become popular over recent years as it’s identical to the human body’s progesterone. Because of this, Utrogestan is often well-tolerated.

Utrogestan is usually prescribed alongside another HRT containing oestrogen. Below, we look at what Utrogestan 100mg is used for.

What Utrogestan is Used For?

Utrogestan is a form of HRT that can reduce postmenopausal symptoms. It is prescription only and needs to be taken alongside oestrogen. This is because:

• Taking oestrogen on its own can cause the lining of your womb to build up, which may increase the risk of womb cancer.
• Using Utrogestan alongside an oestrogen will make you shed the lining of your womb, to protect against womb cancer.

Utrogestan should only be used if you still have a womb. It is not a contraceptive, so you should still use another form of contraception if you want to protect against pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action - How Utrogestan is Used in HRT?

As you go through menopause, your levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease naturally. This slows down your period and eventually stops it altogether. With a change in hormone levels comes symptoms, such as anxiety, low mood, changes in skin, and difficulty sleeping.

To counteract this, HRT like Utrogestan is used to replace declining hormones and reduce symptoms so you can live your life again.

Taking Utrogestan is beneficial because it:

• can reduce the risks associated with taking oestrogen on its own, such as a build-up in the lining of your womb
• replaces progesterone levels, which can make you feel better
• contains progesterone which is identical to the body’s hormone, unlike some HRTs that use man-made hormones - this means you may be less likely to get side effects

How Utrogestan is Administered?

Always take Utrogestan as prescribed. You will usually start on the lowest dose but you should let your doctor know if your dose feels too strong or is not managing your symptoms.

The recommended dose of Utrogestan 100mg capsules is:

• 2 capsules (200mg) once daily before bed, taken from day 15 to day 26 of your HRT cycle
• 1 capsule (100mg) once daily before bed, taken from day 1 to day 25 of your HRT cycle

Each HRT cycle will mimic a 28-day menstrual cycle. When you stop taking Utrogestan, you will usually have a withdrawal bleed, which is like a period.

Take Utrogestan together with your oestrogen HRT by swallowing it whole, with a glass of water. It should only be taken at bedtime. Do not take Utrogestan with food.

Other Utrogestan Uses

Utrogestan uses are mainly for HRT, but it can also be used to:

• Improve the chances of pregnancy for women using IVF
• Prevent a preterm birth

Conclusion

Utrogestan 100mg is used for treating menopausal symptoms that impact your daily life. It’s prescribed alongside oestrogen, to alleviate symptoms and prevent the risk of womb cancer. If you are going through menopause, speak to your doctor or one of our prescribers to get a tailored HRT treatments plan, which may include Utrogestan.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 11/09/2023 Reviewed on: 29/11/2023