What is the dose of progesterone (a steroid hormone) to stop menstruation?

From the Guidelines

To stop or delay a period, progesterone can be used in doses of 100-200 mg daily for 12-14 days, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The dose of progesterone to stop or delay a period is typically in the range of 100-200 mg daily, administered orally for 12-14 days every 28 days, as recommended in the study published in Blood Reviews 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The study suggests that medroxyprogesterone (MP) is the first choice due to its physiological and safe profile 1.
• Alternative options include medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 5-10 mg daily or norethindrone 5 mg daily, administered for 12-14 days every 28 days 1.
• Progestins can also be administered transdermally, as in some countries combined patches of 17βE and progestogens are available for either continuous or sequential administration 1.
• It is essential to note that the dose of progestogen is based on the concurrent dose of estrogen administered, and clinicians should choose between a sequential and continuous regimen of administration 1.
• The safety profile of different progestins, such as dydrogesterone and norethisterone acetate, has been evaluated in studies, but further supporting evidence is needed to determine their effectiveness in hormone replacement therapy 1.

Important Considerations

• Individuals with a history of blood clots, liver disease, breast cancer, or unexplained vaginal bleeding should avoid progesterone therapy.
• A healthcare provider should be consulted before starting any hormonal treatment to ensure it's appropriate for the specific situation.
• The approach should only be used occasionally, not as a regular method of period management, and side effects may include breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, and mood changes.

From the FDA Drug Label

How should I take Progesterone Capsules? 2. Secondary Amenorrhea: Progesterone capsules may be given as a single daily dose of 400 mg at bedtime for 10 days.

The dose of progesterone to stop period (secondary amenorrhea) is 400 mg at bedtime for 10 days 2.

From the Research

Dose of Progesterone to Stop Period

• The dose of progesterone to stop period is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but they discuss the use of micronized progesterone for various therapeutic indications, including secondary amenorrhea and premenopausal bleeding disorders 3, 4.
• A study published in 1996 found that a single oral dose of micronized progesterone 300 mg resulted in maximum serum concentrations ranging from 15.72-625.98 ng/ml in healthy postmenopausal women 5.
• Another study published in 1999 discussed the potential use of oral micronized progesterone for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, premenopausal bleeding disorders, and luteal phase dysfunction, but did not specify a particular dose for stopping periods 3.
• A 2020 systematic review found that progestin-only treatment, including oral micronized progesterone 300 mg, may be effective for managing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, but the optimal dose and route of administration have not been established 6.

Therapeutic Indications

• Micronized progesterone has been used for various therapeutic indications, including secondary amenorrhea, premenopausal bleeding disorders, and hormone replacement therapy 3, 4.
• The use of micronized progesterone for these indications is supported by its ability to produce luteal phase serum concentrations and provoke an end-organ response without detrimental effects on the lipoprotein profile 5.

Dosage and Administration

• The dosage and administration of micronized progesterone vary depending on the specific therapeutic indication and study 5, 3, 4, 6.
• Oral micronized progesterone has been administered in doses ranging from 200 mg to 300 mg, while transdermal progesterone has been used in doses ranging from 5 mg to 60 mg 6.