Food and Medication Interactions with Progesterone Pills
There are no specific foods or medications that require absolute avoidance when taking progesterone pills, but you should never take progesterone if you have a peanut allergy, as progesterone capsules contain peanut oil. 1
Critical Contraindications (Absolute Avoidance)
Peanut allergy is an absolute contraindication - progesterone capsules contain peanut oil and should never be used by patients allergic to peanuts. 1
Timing and Administration Considerations
Take progesterone capsules as a single daily dose at bedtime to minimize side effects like extreme dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and difficulty walking that can occur during initial therapy. 1
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness, as these symptoms may impair your ability to safely perform these activities. 1
- These neurological side effects occur because progesterone metabolites (particularly those reduced at the 5-alpha position) can cause significant central nervous system effects when taken orally. 2
No Specific Food Restrictions
Unlike some medications, progesterone pills do not require you to avoid specific foods or beverages. 3, 2
- Oral progesterone absorption is not significantly affected by food intake. 2
- However, be aware that oral progesterone undergoes greater than 90% first-pass hepatic metabolism, which is why timing and consistent daily use matter more than food interactions. 2
Medication Considerations
No specific medication interactions require absolute avoidance, but certain clinical situations warrant caution:
- If you are on anticoagulation therapy (like warfarin), progesterone may affect anticoagulation control, requiring closer monitoring. 4
- Progesterone should not be used if you have active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thromboembolic disease (stroke, heart attack), or a history of these conditions. 1
Important Safety Monitoring
Watch for warning signs that require immediate medical attention 1:
- Changes in vision or speech
- Sudden new severe headaches
- Severe chest or leg pains with or without shortness of breath
- Dizziness and faintness
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Common but Less Serious Side Effects
Expect these potential side effects that do not require medication avoidance but should be monitored 1:
- Headaches, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and vomiting
- Fluid retention and vaginal yeast infections
- Hair loss
Micronized natural progesterone formulations have milder adverse effects and better tolerability compared to synthetic progestins, which is why they are increasingly preferred for clinical use. 3, 5