Many women are prescribed progesterone suppositories when they find it increasingly difficult to conceive. While these medications increase the chances of a successful egg implantation, they also carry health risks. Find out about the various progesterone suppositories side effects through this article…
Many women find it hard to conceive, or have experienced miscarriages, because they had low levels of baby friendly hormones. However, now more and more women are becoming aware of this inherent drawback, which fortunately can be rectified through artificial induction of the progesterone hormone into the body. This hormone is produced within the body by the corpus luteum, and its basic function is to increase the blood supplied to the endometrium or the uterine lining. A thick lining increases the chances of implantation once the egg has been fertilized. When the hormones secretion during the luteal phase is far below the necessary requirement, it hampers the chances of pregnancy and sometimes increases the risk of miscarriage.
Progesterone suppositories are medication pills which are not meant to be taken orally and are instead to be inserted into the vaginal tract. These pills are prescribed by doctors for women who have been trying to conceive but have are facing difficulties. This medication is based around the reproductive hormone present within women. It needs to be introduced externally into the body when the levels of corpus luteum or hormone progesterone are insufficient or not existing.
Corpus luteum is created when the egg is released by the ovaries or when the egg does not get fertilized. Therefore the suppositories help provide this hormone into a woman’s body so that it can assist in the implantation of the egg after its fertilization. Unfortunately, this medicine has a bad reputation for causing side effects. Let us learn more about progesterone suppositories side effects in women.
Side Effects of Progesterone Suppositories
The tablet has a cream based filling which needs to be inserted into the vaginal tract or through the anal cavity. The anal cavity is used only in cases where the woman is suffering from a vaginal infection. It is supposed to be inserted twice a day for 17 days continuously, before the onset of the menstrual cycle. The uterus tends to absorb the hormone, which in turn activates itself in case an egg is released, after which it helps in the implantation of the egg. If the implantation does not go accordingly, the woman will experience her regular menstrual cycle.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Experiencing nausea and vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Vaginal bleeding from the uterus
- Hot flashes and discomfort
- Fluid retention
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- It is also believed to increase the chances of developing heart conditions
- Can cause chest ache and breathlessness.
- Women may even experience numbness in some parts of the body
Progesterone Suppositories During Pregnancy
Progesterone helps sustain pregnancy in women who have low levels of this crucial hormone or those who do not have it at all. A deficiency can increase chances of preterm labor as well as miscarriage. The suppositories for this medication help introduce this hormone externally into the woman’s uterus. The end goal of progesterone suppositories during pregnancy is helping in developing the internal endometrial lining within the uterus. This lining, if well existent, helps to ensure that there is proper fetal implantation and resultant pregnancy.
The side effects last only as long as the course prescribed, after which it reduces substantially. Nonetheless, most women believe that they do not mind the discomfort or the usual side effects, such as vomiting and headaches, as compared to the option of having a successful pregnancy and delivery. The side effects are almost similar to the ones experienced during morning sickness.
Another side effect of these suppositories is that they are bound with fatty acids, therefore when inserted these tablets tend to melt and leak. The safest option would be to insert them as deep as you can into the vaginal tract. You may also need to wear a small thin pad or a cloth lining so as to absorb some of the liquid discharge caused by the suppositories. The deeper you insert, the higher the chances of increased absorption by the uterine lining, which is the main objective.
The suppositories of this hormone are a safer bet as compared to the oral alternative, which is known to cause severe side effects and can have long term repercussions on the woman’s health. It is also believed that oral prescription increase the chances of developing heart problems, asthma, and liver conditions. The liver finds the medication too strong for processing and may get damaged due to prolonged usage and thus must be used sparingly.