Brand Names of Progesterone
The most commonly used brand names for progesterone formulations include Prometrium (micronized natural progesterone), Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate oral), and Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable). 1, 2
Natural Progesterone Formulations
Prometrium is the primary brand name for oral micronized natural progesterone, typically available in 100-200 mg capsules. 3, 4 This formulation has improved bioavailability compared to non-micronized natural progesterone and is associated with fewer side effects than synthetic progestins. 4, 5
Additional natural progesterone products include:
- Endometrin - vaginal progesterone tablets for luteal phase support 6
- Utrogestan - micronized progesterone for vaginal administration, approved in European countries 6
- Vaginal progesterone gel (90 mg) - FDA-approved for assisted reproductive technology 3, 6
- Vaginal progesterone suppositories (200 mg) - used for hormone replacement and preterm birth prevention 3
Synthetic Progestin Formulations
Provera is the brand name for oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), typically prescribed in doses of 5-10 mg daily. 7, 4 This synthetic progestin is widely used but may produce more side effects than natural progesterone, including fatigue, fluid retention, lipid alterations, and dysphoria. 4
Depo-Provera is the injectable form of medroxyprogesterone acetate, administered intramuscularly at 150 mg every 3 months for contraception, or at 400 mg/mL for other indications. 2 A subcutaneous formulation (DMPA-SC) is also available and can be self-administered. 3
Other synthetic progestin brand names mentioned include:
- PremPro - combination estrogen and synthetic progestin 4
- Cycrin - another medroxyprogesterone acetate formulation 4
Clinical Considerations for Selection
Natural micronized progesterone (Prometrium) is increasingly preferred over synthetic progestins for hormone replacement therapy due to superior cardiovascular and metabolic safety profiles. 1, 5 Natural progesterone shows neutral or beneficial effects on blood pressure, minimizes thrombotic risk, and avoids the unfavorable effects on lipid profiles and carbohydrate metabolism associated with synthetic progestins like Provera. 1
For contraception specifically, Depo-Provera remains highly effective with typical use failure rates of 6% and perfect use failure rates of 0.2%. 1, 8 The CDC recommends that both provider-administered and self-administered subcutaneous formulations should be available as options. 8
For preterm birth prevention in women with prior spontaneous preterm birth, compounded 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) at 250 mg IM weekly is the recommended formulation, though this is a different progesterone preparation than those listed above. 3