How And When To Take Utrogestan

NHS medicines information on dosage for Utrogestan (micronised progesterone), how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

It's important to take Utrogestan as your doctor tells you. Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage

The usual dose of Utrogestan is 2 capsules (200mg) taken once a day, on days 15 to 26 of your 28-day HRT cycle.

You'll usually have vaginal bleeding for a few days each cycle after you stop taking Utrogestan. This is normal.

If you have not had a period for 6 to 12 months or more, your doctor may recommend that you take 1 capsule (100mg) once a day, on days 1 to 25 of your 28-day HRT cycle.

Sometimes, your doctor might advise you to take it every day, if they think it's OK for you not to have a period.

You may have less bleeding, or none at all, if you take Utrogestan on days 1 to 25 of your cycle. If you take it every day you will not usually have any bleeding once your body gets used to the medicine.

How to take it

Take Utrogestan at bedtime, at least 2 hours after food.

Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water.

You'll also be prescribed an HRT medicine containing oestrogen.

How long to take it for

It's common to take HRT for 2 to 5 years to treat menopause symptoms, but sometimes you may need to take it for longer.

If you have premature menopause (where your periods stop before the age of 40) or early menopause (where your periods stop before the age of 45), you'll usually be advised to take HRT at least until you're 51 years old, which is the average age of menopause.

How long you take HRT for depends on the benefits and risks to you. Ask your doctor for advice.

If you have a hysterectomy to remove your womb, you'll need to stop taking Utrogestan.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your Utrogestan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

It may help to write on the packet or use a calendar to help you remember which days to take Utrogestan.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of Utrogestan is unlikely to harm you. You may feel drowsy, dizzy, sleepy or tired.

If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Stopping Utrogestan

Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping taking HRT. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help prevent your menopause symptoms coming back.

If you're having problems with side effects, your doctor might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.

Important

It's important to keep taking Utrogestan or another type of progestogen if you're taking oestrogen. Taking oestrogen on its own could cause problems with the lining of your womb, such as womb cancer.

Find out more about when to take HRT and stopping taking it

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.