O que é Utrogestan?
Utrogestan is a receita médica medicamento containing micronised progesterone — a form of the female sex hormone progesterone that is chemically identical to the progesterone naturally produced by the ovaries. “Micronised” refers to the manufacturing process in which progesterone particles are reduced to a very fine size to improve absorption.
Utrogestan is approved by the Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA) primarily as the progestogen component of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women who have an intact uterus. It is also used clinically for period delay, luteal phase support in fertility tratamento, and certain gynaecological indications.
Como funciona Utrogestan work?
Progesterone is a sex hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle, and by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays critical roles in:
- Endometrial protection: In the context of HRT, progesterone counteracts the proliferative effect of oestrogen on the uterine lining, reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
- Menstrual cycle regulation: Elevated progesterone in the luteal phase maintains the uterine lining; a fall in progesterone triggers menstruation
- Period delay: By maintaining progesterone levels artificially, Utrogestan can delay the hormonal drop that initiates menstruation
- Neurosteroid activity: Oral progesterone is partially metabolised to neurosteroids (including allopregnanolone) that modulate GABA-A receptors, producing mild sedating and anxiolytic effects
Unlike synthetic progestogens such as norethisterone, micronised progesterone does not appear to have the same androgenic (testosterone-like) effects, which may be relevant to certain efeito secundário profiles such as acne.
Para quem é Utrogestan for?
Utrogestan is clinically appropriate for several groups:
Postmenopausal women on HRT: Women who have not had a hysterectomy (i.e. who still have a uterus) taking oestrogen HRT require a progestogen to protect the endometrium. Utrogestan is an EMA-approved option for this purpose.
Women seeking period delay: Utrogestan may be prescribed by a médico for short-term period postponement in appropriate candidates.
Women undergoing fertility tratamento: Utrogestan (particularly via the vaginal route) is widely used to support the luteal phase in IVF and other assisted reproduction cycles.
Utrogestan is not appropriate for:
- Women with known or suspected breast cancer
- Women with known or suspected progesterone-sensitive tumours
- Women with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Women with severe liver disease
- Women with a history of thrombotic conditions (discuss risk with your médico)
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (except under specialist supervision in specific fertility indications)
Dosagem
Utrogestan dosing varies considerably by indication:
| Indication | Typical Dose | Route | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRT (cyclical) | 200 mg daily | Oral or vaginal | 12–14 days per month |
| HRT (continuous) | 100 mg daily | Oral or vaginal | Daily |
| Period delay | 200–400 mg daily | Oral or vaginal | Days before expected period; per médico guidance |
| Luteal phase support (IVF) | 200–600 mg daily | Vaginal | As directed by fertility specialist |
For the oral route, Utrogestan is typically taken at bedtime to minimise the impact of drowsiness on daytime activities. The vaginal route bypasses first-pass liver metabolism, resulting in lower systemic levels and reduced sedation, while maintaining high local (endometrial) concentrations.
Efeitos secundários
Efeitos secundários comuns (oral route)
- Drowsiness and somnolence: Due to neurosteroid conversion; taking at bedtime is recommended
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
Efeitos secundários comuns (vaginal route)
- Local irritation or discharge
- Fewer systemic effects than oral route
Serious risks
- Thromboembolic events: Evidence suggests a lower VTE risk with micronised progesterone compared to some synthetic progestogens, though all hormone use carries some degree of cardiovascular consideration. Individual risk assessment is essential.
- Breast effects: Long-term progestogen use in HRT carries consideration for breast health; the comparative breast safety of micronised progesterone versus synthetic progestogens is under ongoing research.
- Mood effects: While some women report improved mood on progesterone (possibly related to the neurosteroid sedating properties), others may experience mood changes.
Utrogestan vs Norethisterone
| Feature | Utrogestan (Progesterone) | Norethisterone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bioidentical (natural) | Synthetic progestogen |
| Androgenic activity | Minimal | Some androgenic activity |
| Sedating effect | More pronounced (oral) | Less pronounced |
| VTE risk data | Potentially lower | Class effect risk |
| Route options | Oral or vaginal | Oral only |
| Primary HRT use | Yes (EMA approved) | Used off-label for HRT in some countries |
The choice between Utrogestan and norethisterone for period delay or HRT should be made with a médico, taking into account individual medical history, preferences, and risk factors.
Como aceder a Utrogestan online na Europa
Utrogestan is a medicamento sujeito a receita médica across estados-membros da UE. A valid receita médica from a qualified medical professional is required for dispensing.
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary, connecting pacientes with independent EU-registered médicos for online health assessments. We do not prescribe medicamentos, employ médicos, or sell medicamentos directly. If an independent médico determines that Utrogestan is clinically appropriate following your assessment, they may issue a receita médica, which is fulfilled by a licensed EU farmácia partner.
Important: A Prescrivia não garante that a receita médica will be issued. All clinical decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals.
Informação de segurança importante
Informe o seu médico if you:
- Have or have had breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancer
- Have a history of blood clots, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Are taking other hormone-containing medicamentos
- Are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant (outside of supervised fertility indications)
Driving: Do not drive or operate machinery after taking oral Utrogestan until you know how it affects your alertness.
Fontes
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA). Utrogestan — Summary of Product Characteristics. ema.europa.eu
- Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHO). Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use — 5th edition. who.int
- Stanczyk FZ, et al. Progestogens used in postmenopausal hormone therapy: differences in their pharmacological properties, intracellular actions, and clinical effects. Endocr Rev. 2013;34(2):171-208.
This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- O que é Utrogestan utilizado para?
- Utrogestan contains micronised progesterone — a naturally identical form of the female hormone progesterone. It is used as the progestogen component of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus, to protect the uterine lining from the effects of oestrogen. It is also utilizado para period delay and luteal phase support in assisted reproduction.
- What makes Utrogestan different from synthetic progestogens?
- Utrogestan contains bioidentical progesterone — chemically identical to the progesterone produced naturally by the human body — whereas medicamentos like norethisterone contain synthetic progestogens that mimic progesterone's effects. Some evidence suggests that micronised progesterone may have a more favourable cardiovascular and breast safety profile compared to older synthetic progestogens, though research is ongoing and individual circumstances vary.
- Can Utrogestan delay my period?
- Yes. Utrogestan can be used off-label to delay menstruation, in a similar manner to norethisterone. By maintaining elevated progesterone levels, it prevents the hormonal drop that triggers menstruation. A médico will determine whether Utrogestan or norethisterone is more appropriate for your individual circumstances.
- Does Utrogestan cause drowsiness?
- Yes, drowsiness is a commonly reported efeito secundário of oral Utrogestan. This is thought to be related to progesterone's mild sedating properties, mediated through its conversion to neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone, which have GABA-A receptor activity. Taking Utrogestan at bedtime is often recommended to reduce the impact of this efeito secundário on daily activities.
- Como é Utrogestan taken?
- Utrogestan cápsulas can be taken orally (swallowed) or used vaginally (as a vaginal suppository). The vaginal route avoids first-pass liver metabolism and reduces the sedating effects associated with the oral route. For HRT use, Utrogestan 200 mg is typically taken orally or vaginally for 12–14 days per month in a cyclical regimen. Your médico will prescribe the appropriate route, dose, and schedule for your specific use.
Tratamentos
A Prescrivia é apenas uma plataforma intermediária. Não prestamos serviços médicos, não prescrevemos tratamentos nem dispensamos medicamentos. Todas as decisões médicas são tomadas por médicos independentes registados na UE. Todos os medicamentos são dispensados por farmácias licenciadas na UE. Esta plataforma facilita a ligação entre pacientes e prestadores de cuidados de saúde.