Each Utrogestan capsule contains micronised progesterone suspended in peanut (arachis) oil. The capsule shell contains gelatin, which is animal-derived. Other inactive ingredients include soya lecithin. Utrogestan must not be used by anyone with a peanut allergy, whether taken orally or vaginally — a non-peanut progesterone alternative should be used instead. If you have a soya allergy, discuss this with your pharmacist before use. The 100mg and 200mg capsules contain the same formulation at different strengths.

No, Utrogestan is not suitable for strict vegans. The capsule shell contains gelatin, which is animal-derived, and the oil inside may also be animal-derived. If you follow a vegan diet and require a progestogen, discuss alternatives with your clinician.

There is no clinical evidence that Utrogestan causes weight gain. Weight changes during the menopause transition are common and are related to the hormonal changes of menopause itself. If you notice unexpected weight changes after starting Utrogestan, it may be worth tracking your symptoms and discussing them with your clinician to identify the cause.

This depends on your regimen and menopausal status. On a cyclical regimen (perimenopausal), a withdrawal bleed typically occurs after stopping the capsules at the end of each cycle, this may feel like a period but is a normal hormonal response. On a continuous regimen (postmenopausal), monthly bleeding should not occur, though some spotting is common in the first few months. If you experience unexpected or prolonged bleeding, speak to your clinician.

Yes, many women find that Utrogestan improves sleep quality. Progesterone has a natural sedative effect, which is why it is recommended at bedtime. If you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep during menopause, the timing of Utrogestan may provide an additional benefit alongside your oestrogen treatment.d.

Food can increase the absorption of progesterone, which may lead to stronger effects or side effects such as drowsiness. It is recommended to take Utrogestan at least two hours after eating. However, if this is not always possible, it is safe to take at any time, just be aware that taking it with food may intensify drowsiness.

Cyclical use is prescribed for perimenopausal women still having periods. Utrogestan is taken for 12–14 days each month, leading to a withdrawal bleed. Continuous use is prescribed for postmenopausal women. Utrogestan is taken every day without a break, providing constant womb protection and preventing monthly bleeding. Your clinician will advise which regimen is right for you based on your menopausal status.

Utrogestan is typically prescribed alongside oestrogen as part of combined HRT. Progesterone alone does not treat the systemic symptoms of menopause, oestrogen is primarily responsible for managing hot flushes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. In some specific circumstances, progesterone alone may be considered for conditions such as heavy or irregular bleeding, but this should always be guided by your clinician.

Yes, if Utrogestan does not suit you, there are other progestogen options available. Your clinician can guide any changes. Other progestogens used in HRT include synthetic alternatives such as norethisterone (used in Evorel Conti and Evorel Sequi), dydrogesterone (Femoston), levonorgestrel (Mirena coil), and drospirenone (Slynd). Note that synthetic progestogens are not body identical and may have a different side effect profile.

Utrogestan and Gepretix are clinically equivalent, both contain micronised progesterone and are used in the same way. The main difference is cost and manufacturer. Both differ significantly from synthetic progestogens such as norethisterone or dydrogesterone, which have a chemically modified structure. Evidence suggests micronised progesterone has a more favourable profile on breast tissue than synthetic alternatives, it does not appear to increase breast cell proliferation in the way that medroxyprogesterone acetate does.