What are the formulations of progesterone (a steroid hormone)?

From the Guidelines

Progesterone formulations include natural micronized progesterone (MP), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), dydrogesterone, and norethisterone acetate (NA).

Key Formulations

• Natural Micronized Progesterone (MP): available in oral and vaginal formulations, with oral doses ranging from 100-200 mg daily for 12-14 days every 28 days 1
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA): available in oral formulations, with doses of 5-10 mg daily for 12-14 days every 28 days 1
• Dydrogesterone: a synthetic progesterone with enhanced oral bioavailability, listed as a suggested progestin by the ESHRE consensus guidelines 1
• Norethisterone Acetate (NA): available in oral formulations, with doses of 5 mg daily for 12-14 days every 28 days 1

Administration Routes

• Oral: MP, MPA, and NA are available in oral formulations
• Vaginal: MP is available in vaginal gel formulations, which do not contain peanut oil and can be used in patients with peanut allergies 1
• Transdermal: combined patches of 17βE and progestogens are available for either continuous or sequential administration in some countries 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Progesterone Capsules contain micronized progesterone for oral administration. Progesterone capsules are available in multiple strengths to afford dosage flexibility for optimum management. Progesterone capsules contain 100 mg or 200 mg micronized progesterone

The formulations of progesterone are oral capsules containing micronized progesterone in strengths of 100 mg or 200 mg 2 2.

• The inactive ingredients in the 100 mg capsules include: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, peanut oil, and titanium dioxide.
• The inactive ingredients in the 200 mg capsules include: D&C Yellow No. 10, gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, peanut oil, and titanium dioxide.

From the Research

Progesterone Formulations

The formulations of progesterone, a steroid hormone, can be categorized into several types, including:

• Synthetic progestins, such as Provera, PremPro, and Cycrin, which are widely used but may produce significant side effects 3
• Natural progesterones, which are reported to have milder adverse effects, depending on the route of administration 3
• Micronized natural progesterone, which is available for oral administration, has better bioavailability and fewer side effects than natural progesterone, and is convenient to administer 3

Routes of Administration

Progesterone can be administered through various routes, including:

• Oral administration, which is convenient but may have first-pass effects 4, 5
• Intramuscular administration, which is commonly used for synthetic progestins 3, 4
• Intravaginal administration, which can increase bioavailability and compliance 5
• Transdermal administration, which can provide a steady release of progesterone 3
• Rectal administration, which is less common but can be used for certain formulations 4

Types of Progesterone Preparations

There are several types of progesterone preparations, including:

• Oral preparations, such as micronized natural progesterone, which can increase bioavailability and compliance 5
• Vaginal preparations, such as gels and rings, which can provide a steady release of progesterone 5
• Micro delivery systems, which can increase bioavailability and compliance 5