Utrogestan is a type of medication called a progestogen. It should only be taken with oestrogen to relieve menopause symptoms. Utrogestan contains the hormone progesterone, which decreases naturally after menopause. Progesterone is needed for women who still have a womb to prevent any problems whilst taking oestrogen. 

HRT replaces the hormones that decrease after menopause, which reduces the symptoms caused by this. Utrogestan works by replacing the natural hormone progesterone and can be used with oestrogen patches, such as Estradot. Oestrogen can cause the lining of your womb to get thicker, which can cause health problems and increase your risk of cancer. Progesterone is used as it can protect the lining of your womb from these changes.

What type of medication is Utrogestan?

Utrogestan is a type of medication called a progestogen which is used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It contains the active ingredient progesterone, which is a female hormone that decreases naturally after menopause.

Common menopause symptoms and how Utrogestan treats them

HRT is prescribed to help women with menopause symptoms that affect their daily life. These include:

• night sweats
• hot flushes
• vaginal discomfort or dryness
• mood changes
• trouble sleeping

Utrogestan on its own cannot treat symptoms but combined with Estradot patches that contain oestrogen, it can help to relieve these common menopause symptoms.

Utrogestan dosages

Utrogestan comes in 2 different doses, either 100mg or 200mg daily. This can either be taken for 12 days in a monthly cycle for women who need cyclical or sequential HRT, or you can also use 100mg daily, every day, for women who need continuous HRT. Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable dose for you, which you should always take as prescribed.

Utrogestan 100mg

You should also take one Utrogestan capsule every night continuously.

Utrogestan 200mg

You should also take 2 Utrogestan capsules (200mg) 12 days per month at night. Remember to take these on the same 12 day period every month.

How does Utrogestan work with Estradot?

Utrogestan works with Estradot to relieve menopausal symptoms. Women who have a womb must take progesterone with oestrogen, to prevent the lining of the womb from becoming too thick.

How long does it take for Utrogestan to work?

Like any HRT, it can take a few months for your body to get used to the medication. Your symptoms should start to improve after a few weeks, but it can take around 3 months to start feeling the full effects ofUtrogestan.

How effective is Utrogestan?

Utrogestan is effective in helping to relieve menopause symptoms when used with oestrogen. Combined HRT has been proven to help with menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes, as well as improving the quality of life for postmenopausal women.

Utrogestan is taken as a pill at different times depending on your dosage. Your doctor will discuss with you the appropriate dosage for you and you must take it as prescribed. Utrogestan should be used in combination with an oestrogen.

How to take Utrogestan

Utrogestan should be taken at the same time each night, at bedtime. The capsule should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water. You should take Utrogestan with food. We only offer Utrogestan with Estradot patches.

How often should I use Utrogestan?

How often you take Utrogestan will depend on your dosage. If you’re taking 100mg, we will recommend one capsule every night continuously. If you are taking 200mg, we will recommend taking 2 capsules 12 days per month at night. You should never take a double dose of Utrogestan.

How long do I use Utrogestan for?

Utrogestan can be used for as long as you need it. Your doctor will prescribe you the lowest dose you need to control your menopause symptoms. If you want to stop using Utrogestan, speak to your doctor first. If you have a womb and are taking oestrogen, you should take Utrogestan until you stop taking oestrogen.

Utrogestan can be bought through Superdrug Online Doctor, where it can be prescribed to you. It cannot be purchased over the counter. Utrogestan may be available through the NHS but you must see your GP first.

Can I buy Utrogestan online?

Yes, Superdrug Online Doctor prescribe and sell Utrogestan capsules with Estradot patches. To get yours, complete a short, medical questionnaire on our website. Our doctors will review this to see if Utrogestan is the right treatment for you. If it is, we can deliver to your home or you can choose to collect from your local Superdrug pharmacy.

Can I get Utrogestan over the counter?

No, Utrogestan needs to be prescribed to you so cannot be bought over the counter.

Can I get Utrogestan on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Utrogestan on the NHS, prescribed by your GP. You may be prescribed with Utrogestan or an alternative medication that works in the same way.

Utrogestan may cause some side effects, but these should go away once your body gets used to the treatment. You will also be taking Estradot with Utrogestan, so it is important to look at the side effects for both medications, as these can be different. Utrogestan may cause some side effects, which can include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• stomach pain
• headache
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• dizziness
• vaginal bleeding
• pruritus, intense itching
• depression
• tender breasts
• joint pains
• urinary problems
• hot flushes
• bloating of the stomach
• weight changes

Utrogestan and weight changes

Utrogestan does report weight changes as one of its side effects. There is not enough evidence to show whether Utrogestan causes weight changes, or if this is due to menopause. Many women who do not take HRT still get weight changes, as your hormone levels are changing, which can cause other changes in your body. If you get unexplained weight changes that worry you whilst taking Utrogestan, speak to your doctor.

Utrogestan bleeding

When you take a break from Utrogestan, you will get bleeding, like a period. This is normal as Utrogestan can cause irregular vaginal bleeding. This should get better once your body is used to the medication. This can last around 6 months. If you still have irregular bleeding after 6 months, speak to your doctor.

What to do if you get Utrogestan side effects

If you get Utrogestan side effects, see if they go away once your body is used to the treatment. If they do not, or they become too difficult to manage, speak to your doctor. If you get any serious side effects, or an allergic reaction, go to A&E straight away.

Utrogestan is not right for everyone, some medications and conditions can interact with Utrogestan. This can make it less effective, or potentially unsafe. When using Superdrug Online Doctor to order Utrogestan, our doctors will make sure it is safe for you before prescribing.

Contraindications

Utrogestan is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, or for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also not take Utrogestan if you have:

• an allergy to progesterone
• or ever had breast cancer, or other oestrogen sensitive cancers
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• bleeding on the brain
• a rare blood disorder called porphyria
• liver disease, or have ever had it
• a blood clot, or have ever had one
• a blood clotting disorder
• recently had a heart attack or stroke
• angina

Some conditions can get worse when taking Utrogestan. Speak to your doctor before using Utrogestan if you have:

• asthma
• sensitivity to light
• depression
• epilepsy
• fibroids (growths) in your womb
• endometriosis, a growth of womb lining outside of your womb
• increased risk of cancer
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• gallstones
• severe headaches or migraines
• SLE, or systemic lupus erythematosus
• increased risk of blood clots
• liver problems
• otosclerosis, a disease which affects your eardrums and hearing

Medications that interact with Utrogestan

Some medications can stop Utrogestan working properly and Utrogestan can interact with how some medications work. This could cause irregular bleeding. You should speak to your doctor if you take any medications, especially:

• diazepam
• tizanidine, for multiple sclerosis
• diabetic medicines
• emergency contraceptives
• epilepsy medicines
• tuberculosis medicines
• HIV treatment
• any herbal remedies containing St John’s wort
• Bromocriptine, for Parkinson’s Disease
• Ciclosporin, to suppress the immune system
• medicines to prevent blood clots
• antisteroids
• antibiotics
• water tablets, or diuretics
• medicines for fungal infections

Utrogestan and alcohol

Alcohol does not affect HRT medication, but it can increase the risk of some side effects, such as blood clots. You should avoid alcohol or drink less alcohol, if you can.

Utrogestan is not suitable for everyone. If you cannot use Utrogestan and Estradot patches, you may be prescribed a similar treatment for your menopause symptoms. Combined continuous HRT tablets may be prescribed, which should be taken all the time and are only for women who have not had a natural period in over a year. If you do not have a womb, you will only need oestrogen HRT. Superdrug offer many HRT treatments, such as:

• Elleste Duet (Conti) and Femoston Conti tablets, which are a combined continuous HRT tablet containing both oestrogen and progestogen
• Estriol and Vagifem, which are topical treatments applied directly into the vagina and can help with vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Evorel Conti, which is a combined continuous HRT patch
• Evorel Sequi, which are 2 different patches used in the same way as Utrogestan capsules and Estradot patches

Is Utrogestan the same as Elleste Duet Conti?

Elleste Duet Conti tablets are not the same as Utrogestan. Elleste Duet Conti contain both oestrogen and progestogen, which is like progesterone. It is taken continuously and should be used for women who have not had a period in over a year. Utrogestan contains only progesterone and must be used alongside oestrogen for HRT treatment.