Progesterone cream is often prescribed to women who are going through menopause, due to its ability to mimic many of the hormones lost during this period of time. While progesterone cream can be very effective, it can also have numerous side effects. Some of the most common examples of progesterone cream side effects include sleepiness, progesterone overload, and adrenal malfunction. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent long term damage.
One of the most common progesterone cream side effects is sleepiness. Typically, the high amounts of sleepiness associated with progesterone use occur as a result of over-supplementation of the cream, as opposed to it building up in the system of the person using it. For this reason, individuals who are prescribed progesterone cream are typically provided with a detailed explanation of the application methods in order to prevent excessive use. Those who have been prescribed progesterone cream and experience sudden increases in sleepiness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.
Another common progesterone cream side effect is associated with a progesterone overload. Typically, women who start using progesterone creams do so because of a decrease in their body's production of progesterone. This typically leads to symptoms such as fatigue, sore breasts, bloating, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Many women who start using progesterone cream, however, believe that if some progesterone is good, then a lot must be even better. While this belief may seem like a good idea, in reality it can lead to excessive levels of progesterone.
Surprisingly, the symptoms of high progesterone are nearly identical to those of low progesterone. Because of this, women with high progesterone may use even more cream, and further exacerbate the problem. The only way for patients who are using progesterone cream to know if the cream is working properly is to have their hormone levels checked. Typically, most patients receiving treatment for low progesterone levels will have this hormone level monitored on a very regular basis.
Adrenal problems are also common progesterone cream side effects. The adrenal glands are located slightly above the kidneys, and are responsible for producing the hormones that signal "flight or fight" responses. Too much progesterone can significantly disrupt the ability of these hormones to do their job properly. This can lead to further feelings of fatigue, weakness, and general malaise, and should be addressed as soon as possible.