Prometrium Question

doremi · #1 January 6th, 2012, 12:06 AM

I'm currently on 100 mg oral prometrium. The purpose of me being on it was to try to lengthen my luteal phase slightly since I only have a 24 day cycle. It has done it's job... I now have a 12-14 day luteal phase instead of 10-12. BUT... I feel like it is putting my body through the ringer. I get pretty bad vertigo directly after taking the meds, so I have to take them right before bed. The entire two weeks I am on them, I have the equivalent of morning sickness (waves of nausea but no vomiting, ongoing throughout the day), bloating, breast tenderness, occasional headaches, and extreme fatigue. My AF's are much heavier too. That is all manageable, although not fun. What is really worrying me is how I feel the 48 hours after stopping the meds. I have never had any issues with depression. But for that 48 hours, it feels like I am walking around with a dark cloud over my head, and I feel really really down. Since I've never been one to have these kinds of "episodes", it kind of freaks me out. I was just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences on this medication? Those that have tried oral AND suppositories, did you notice any difference in the side effects between the two? I'm really to a point where I'm wondering if it is worth it to stay on it, especially after reading a lot of conflicting data as to it's success for m/c prevention. But, if I were to get pregnant while not on it and lose the baby, I would never forgive myself for not staying on it. I'm planning to talk with my OB after this next cycle (last cycle before I need to do a refill of the meds) to fill her in on what I've been experiencing and see what she has to say, but I was hoping for some input from the rest of you too.

L-SBB · #2 January 6th, 2012, 06:16 AM

i'm in the midst of my first cycle on prometrium myself...i'm on 200mg suppositories. I've had some vertigo from it (so i take it at bed too), skin breakouts already (grrr) and some nausea but not as bad as what you're describing. I take mine for a shorter timeframe though (8 days) so i don't know if that makes a difference, or because i've only taken 3 so far perhaps the effects build up and I'll feel progressively worse?

I'll let you know if I hit some low moods when I come off of it next Wed (or before if AF starts before then). I definitely think you should talk with your OB if the side effects are worrying you or begining to impact your normal day. HUGS

martilynne · #3 January 6th, 2012, 07:28 AM

I've taken prometrium both orally and vaginally. I was taking 100mg orally 1 DPO until 10 weeks pregnant or after a BFN when AF was late. I ended up getting a BFP and was suffering from morning sickness pretty bad so my OB told me to start taking it as a vaginally so I wouldn't throw it up. I felt the same symptoms taking it both ways.

BeckyBozeman · #4 January 6th, 2012, 09:20 PM

I'm interested in hearing more experiences on this as well. My doc gave me the choice and I decided to go with the suppositories twice daily. Part of my reasoning for that was that maybe smaller doses twice a day would make the side effects less severe, along with absorbing more each day...

doremi · #5 January 6th, 2012, 11:11 PM

One thing that worries me about the suppositories is that it seems like a lot of the ladies online (other forums) have trouble with vaginal infection from them. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and I'd love to hear from any of the rest of you who have used this medication. It sure does a number on you! Lara, the only symptom I see getting progressively stronger is the depression when I come off of the meds. It isn't bad enough that I am worried for my overall well-being... I still know in my head that it is totally the meds, and can be rational about how I am feeling. It is just a yucky feeling though, when you are usually a super stable person!

L-SBB · #6 January 7th, 2012, 05:53 AM

so add to my list of symptoms a splitting headache....it's taken me a couple of days to realize that it's being caused by the progesterone (i now wake up with the headache, so lightbulb finally went off that since i take meds at night, waking up with headache makes sense)

doremi - when i looked up the side effects for progresterone this morning to see if headache was on the list (it is) i noticed that one of the severe side effects (rarer but listed) was changes in mood & depression.

doremi · #7 January 7th, 2012, 12:07 PM

I know the depression is listed as one of the severe side effects. That is why I'm thinking I need to talk to my OB after this next cycle. And I get the splitting headache too! On and off throughout the time I am taking it.

BeckyBozeman · #8 January 7th, 2012, 01:11 PM

Wow... you guys aren't making me really excited to take this stuff!

EJsMommy · #9 January 7th, 2012, 02:10 PM

I am on prometrium (progesterone) pills that I take vaginally twice a day. I have no side effects other than some of it slipping out in the morning. Other than that nothing. I heard that taking in orally will make you severally nausaus plus other side effects. Perhaps something in the pills that make you ladies react so severly to it.

L-SBB · #10 January 7th, 2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeckyBozeman

Wow... you guys aren't making me really excited to take this stuff!

it's not quite what i was expecting...truly the headache for me at least is by far the worst side effect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJsMommy

I am on prometrium (progesterone) pills that I take vaginally twice a day. I have no side effects other than some of it slipping out in the morning. Other than that nothing. I heard that taking in orally will make you severally nausaus plus other side effects. Perhaps something in the pills that make you ladies react so severly to it.

I'm on the suppository too...i think my issue is that mine is a single dose at twice the strength. I'm considering asking my RE if I can switch to a 100mg dose and do it twice a day...not really convenient, but better than this constant headache.

doremi · #11 January 8th, 2012, 01:54 PM

I'm going to discuss the pros and cons of the suppositories with my OB when I speak to her next. If I get pregnant this cycle, I may just push my way through with my current meds since my worst symptom is when I come OFF it. If I'm not pregnant, I will definitely be looking for other options. Does anyone know what the smallest suppository dosage is? Would I be able to take 50mg twice daily instead of the 100mg in one dose? Maybe that would help my symptoms some...

EJsMommy · #12 January 8th, 2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doremi

I'm going to discuss the pros and cons of the suppositories with my OB when I speak to her next. If I get pregnant this cycle, I may just push my way through with my current meds since my worst symptom is when I come OFF it. If I'm not pregnant, I will definitely be looking for other options. Does anyone know what the smallest suppository dosage is? Would I be able to take 50mg twice daily instead of the 100mg in one dose? Maybe that would help my symptoms some...

It is worth talking to your OB about the smallest dosage. From what I understand the prometrium is suppose to help thicken the lining of the uterus. This is also to make sure the blood flow is better to support the growth (if pregnant).

.:Shortcake:. · #13 January 8th, 2012, 03:47 PM

I took both and had horrible side effects with both. The depression feeling your having is from your hormones fluctuating so much. I would talk to your doctor about it. Maybe taking a lesser dosage would help.