Like all medicines, Utrogestan can cause side effects. But it's common to have no side effects or only minor ones.
Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
Some side effects may be caused by the oestrogen you'll also be taking. Check the leaflets that come with both your medicines.
Common side effects
There are things you can do to help cope with these common side effects of Utrogestan:
Headaches
Headaches usually only last for a few days after you start taking Utrogestan as your body gets used to the medicine. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
Talk to your GP if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
Breast pain or tenderness
This usually improves after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your GP if it bothers you or does not go away.
If you notice a lump or changes in your breasts after a few months of taking HRT, contact your GP for advice.
Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
It's normal to have withdrawal bleeding at the end of each course of Utrogestan.
Irregular bleeding is common for the first few months after starting Utrogestan. If you get heavy bleeding or unexpected bleeding after you've been taking it for 6 months, talk to your GP.
Feeling sick (nausea)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods. This side effect should wear off after a few days as your body gets used to the medicine.
If it lasts more than a week, talk to your GP. You may need to change your dose or switch to a different type of HRT.
Mood changes, including low mood or depression
This may last for the first few months as your body gets used to the medicine.
If it lasts longer than this or becomes too difficult to cope with, talk to your GP. You may need to change your dose or switch to a different type of HRT.
Mild rash or itching
This will usually only last for about a week as your body gets used to the medicine.
It may help to take an antihistamine. You can buy this from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.
If it does not go away after about a week, talk to your GP. You may need to change your dose or switch to a different type of HRT.
Acne
Wash with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Talk to a pharmacist for advice about treating acne.
Stomach pain
Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
Weight gain or loss
HRT can cause weight changes (up or down). But it's also common to put on or lose weight around the time of the menopause and as you get older. This means it might not be your medicine that's causing it.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise will help you keep to a healthy weight.
Bloating
Try to avoid any foods that may make your symptoms worse like lentils, peas, beans and onions.
It might also help to:
- eat smaller and more frequent meals
- eat and drink slowly
- exercise regularly
Some pharmacy remedies help wind. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Talk to a pharmacist or GP if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you.
Driving or riding a bike
Utrogestan will not usually affect your ability to drive or ride a bike. But it can sometimes make you feel dizzy or sleepy. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from HRT are rare.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to the nearest emergency department (ED) now if you have:
- pain in your chest and breathlessness - this could be a sign of a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or heart problems
- difficulty speaking or moving your arm or leg, or a change in vision - this could be a sign of a stroke
Do not drive to the ED. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring all the medicines you take with you.
Urgent advice: Call your GP or call 112 or 999 for advice now if you have:
- pain, redness or swelling in one of your legs, usually in your calf - this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- yellowing in the whites of your eyes or skin (this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin) - this could be a sign of liver problems
- headache, tiredness or dizziness which may be a sign of a big rise in your blood pressure
- a migraine-like headache for the first time
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have:
- a lump or changes in your breasts or nipples - this could be a sign of breast cancer
- any changes in vaginal bleeding after you have been taking oestrogen for more than a few months - this could be a sign of womb cancer
It's important to attend your breast screening appointments while you're taking HRT.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to Utrogestan.
Urgent advice: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest ED if:
- you get a rash that is itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling
- you are wheezing
- you get tightness in your chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to the emergency department.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of Utrogestan. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Report side effects
You can report any suspected side effects to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA): report an issue - hpra.ie