Progesterone and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

Progesterone for Progesterone Insufficiency "I am 46. I am estrogen dominant and have low progesterone. I also have PCOS. I take 100 mg after menstrual bleeding, 200 mg upon ovulation, and none when bleeding starts. My periods were abnormal (cycle 25-36). I take it by mouth at night and go straight to bed as it makes me extremely drowsy. If I try to stay up, I have lucid dreams. Some tiny stomach cramps but not bad. Breast tenderness has drastically decreased. Some left shoulder pain. Not sure if that has anything to do with the medication. Since starting break-through spotting during ovulation and a short window between ovulation and period. Cycle is currently now at 20 days. I have read this can happen but can’t find a lot of reviews on it. Not sure if that is normal and will be following up. Facial hair growth appears to have decreased."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2012

Progesterone for Amenorrhea "I am currently taking this medication for a missed cycle. I was told to take it at night due to the drowsiness it may cause. So far, I have not noticed much of a problem with that. I have been on the pill for 5 days, and the side effects are almost unbearable. I have breast tenderness, but also the muscles around my chest/back area are aching to the point of being painful. I called my doctor about this side effect and was told that the medication has not been known to cause achiness. After reading this website, I see it is very possible. I have had some dizziness, sweating, and irritability as well. Either way, the medication seems to be helping, but I really cannot wait to quit it!"

• Jin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2022

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "First, I tried oral Prometrium and had an awful experience. Very drowsy the next day, extremely vivid dreams, and within two weeks, I was depressed. Switched to vaginal Prometrium, and at first, everything was fine. Then I started having panic attacks and high anxiety. I had labs drawn after I missed a few periods, my FSH was suppressed and my progesterone too high. Needless to say, I must talk to my Dr. about the dose. I never thought progesterone could make you anxious, but it has been awful for me. My progesterone levels were fine for my age in peri-menopause-now I have the progesterone levels of a woman trying to conceive! If you do need to take it, take it vaginally, not orally! The metabolites can make you feel awful, foggy, and out of it, but vaginally, no issue. Except in my case with the problems of anxiety and suppression of FSH and periods."

• Cup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2020

For Endometriosis "Took this medication, progesterone, post-hysterectomy for endometriosis. Made me very drowsy, so was forced to take it at night. Also caused extreme depression and fatigue, with a groggy feeling in the morning. Felt like I wasn't getting enough sleep. Completely got rid of my sex drive, couldn't even get turned on. Stopped taking it after a month and feel much better without it."

• Cup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2020

For Endometriosis "Took this medication, progesterone, post-hysterectomy for endometriosis. Made me very drowsy, so was forced to take it at night. Also caused extreme depression and fatigue, with a groggy feeling in the morning. Felt like I wasn't getting enough sleep. Completely got rid of my sex drive, couldn't even get turned on. Stopped taking it after a month and feel much better without it."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2009

For Progesterone Insufficiency "I am taking progesterone suppositories to help sustain my pregnancy after a miscarriage due to insufficient progesterone levels. I began taking it at 4 weeks pregnant and am now 9 weeks along. My side effects have included drowsiness, cramping, bloating, and upset stomach. A rather unfortunate side effect has also been vaginal itching and dryness that leads to major discomfort for the hour or two after I have inserted the medication. These are little issues that feel big, but in the grand scheme of things, if this medication helps me to have a healthy pregnancy and baby, it will be well worth it."

• sav...
• July 9, 2016

For Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis "I take this med because I use Vivelle estrogen patch and need progesterone every 3 months to prevent uterine lining buildup. I take 200 intravaginally, every other day for 12 days - 6 doses total - every 3 months. At first dose, I was slammed with drowsiness, lower back pain, hot flashes at night, restless sleep, and weakness in legs. I had cramps, but did not get a period. By the last dose, the side effects were better, but still, it was no picnic. It's a small price to pay, however, for being able to take Vivelle dot and get estrogen, and as far as I understand, the easiest way to take progesterone as I don't want a uterine implant."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2012

For Progesterone Insufficiency "I am using this in my FET cycle for IVF. I am 4 weeks, 4 days pregnant. I was taking 2 vaginal inserts (100 mg) each per day, but after blood tests came back showing a very low progesterone level, my Dr. is having me take an additional 600 mg per day in pill form (200 mg, 3x per day). My Dr. warned me that I would be very tired and possibly dizzy. I have been on the pills for 3 days now and have noticed that my breasts are very tender and swollen, which they weren't before, and it does make me a little drowsy, but not bad, it's manageable. I go back on Tuesday to check my levels."