Timing Prometrium in Absence of Menses
Question
Hi there!
I just was reading on your site and found this question and answer section. I was looking around, but haven’t found the answer I’m looking for
Here’s the question:
I am only 23, but I have known for a long time (7 years) that I had PCOS. I’ve tried a lot of drugs (medoxyprogesterone, glucophage, birth control) over the years, but haven’t had any of them in about 3 years. In the last year, my husband and I have started practicing NFP. We go to a practitioner and talk with her often over the phone, and she is very sweet and helpful. However, she is not a doctor, so I went to an OB/GYN as well, who does not practice NFP, nor does she really understand it. I had to explain to her what NFP was, etc, and also that I was not willing to take anything that was not a natural hormone. After much difficulty, as she couldn’t really understand why I was being difficult, she prescribed Prometrium for me. Her instructions were to take it for days 1-12 each month. I’ve never had a spontaneous period, and I don’t know when I’m even supposed to ovulate. I haven’t had any period in about 2 or 3 years. So I asked my practitioner and she told it should be taken later in the cycle, and on every other day. I’m so confused, and I don’t know when I am or am not supposed to be taking this. Are there are hard and fast rules on which days you should take Prometrium?
Thanks so much for your help…
Answer
Last Updated: June 14, 2013
In women not having menses, progesterone is given for 10 days, and usually the menstrual period will begin a few days after the last dose. Then, the progesterone can be timed to be given on days 18 – 27. When ovulation begins to occur, and a Peak Day is observed, the progesterone is given in cooperation with the cycle at Peak + 3 to Peak + 12. Prometrium by mouth will sometimes cause nausea and fatigue, and not as much will be absorbed compared to injections or vaginal suppositories of progesterone. However, the Prometrium can be used vaginally like a suppository, and inserted at bedtime on the appropriate days.
In addition to the progesterone, it is important to increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Medications like glucophage can be very helpful, and exercise is extremely important.
I hope this is helpful to you. Keep up the good work of spreading the news about NFP!
Dr. Keenan
Answered By:
